Ex-PRESS shunt combined with ab-interno peripheral iridectomy: A new surgical procedure for iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.

PURPOSE

Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome may cause refractory glaucoma due to progressive synechial closure or membrane formation at the anterior chamber angle. Filtration surgeries are often required but are associated with a higher rate of surgical failure or complications than other types of glaucoma. Herein, we report a new and effective surgical procedure for glaucoma secondary to ICE syndrome: Ex-PRESS shunt combined with ab-interno peripheral iridectomy using a small-gauge vitreous cutter.

METHODS

Three patients with ICE syndrome who underwent surgery were included. Intraoperatively, an ab-interno peripheral iridectomy was performed using a small-gauge vitreous cutter through a corneal incision in the superior-nasal or superior-temporal quadrants to create space for the insertion of Ex-PRESS shunt free from the iris tissue. The shunt was inserted under the scleral flap. The first patient underwent combined cataract surgery, whereas patients 2 (pseudophakia) and 3 (phakia) underwent Ex-PRESS alone.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications were observed. The intraocular pressure remained stable until the final postoperative visits at approximately 7, 4, and 1 year in Cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Case 2, with mild preoperative corneal edema due to graft failure in Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), underwent reDSAEK 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Ex-PRESS shunt combined with ab-interno peripheral iridectomy using a small-gauge vitreous cutter may be a safe and effective surgical procedure in patients with ICE syndrome, regardless of the lens status.