Primary outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants with a modified technique to control intraocular pressure in different cases of glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION

To describe the outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants implanted via a modified technique with regard to early intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in cases of uncontrolled glaucoma.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who had Baerveldt glaucoma implants of 350 or 250 mm implanted via a modified technique and were followed up for a period of at least 6 months were reviewed. The primary outcome measures were the mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications at each visit. We evaluated complete success rates at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month, defined as IOP values [Formula: see text] 5 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg prior to ligature rupture.

RESULTS

A total of 42 eyes had Baerveldt glaucoma implants and met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.2 ± 11.2 mmHg. The postoperative mean IOP values were 15.1 mmHg ± 8.8 (p < 0.05), 17.7 ± 7.1 mmHg (p < 0.05), 12.3 ± 4.0 mm Hg (p < 0.05) at 1 day, 1 month, and 6 months, respectively. The rate of complete success on the first day was 78%, at the first month was 69%, and at 6 months was 95.2%. The number of glaucoma medications used was significantly lower at 6 months (P =  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The modified surgical technique using Baerveldt implants enables a safe, effective, and reliable IOP control in early postoperative patients with uncontrolled glaucomas.