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Glaucoma device may be helpful for high-risk patients
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Implanting a small glaucoma drainage device under a scleral flap is “safe and effective with few complications,” even in a high-risk patient group, according to a study.
Elie Dahan, MD, and Trevor R. Carmichael, MD, PhD, reported on their experience with the Ex-Press mini-shunt device from Optonol in 24 eyes of 23 patients with severe open-angle glaucoma. In two-thirds of cases the eyes had previously failed filtering surgery, and the other eight eyes were considered at high risk for failure.
The implant is inserted into the anterior chamber under a scleral flap at the limbus, and the scleral flap is sutured back in place.
In the study, IOP was significantly reduced from a mean 27.2 mm Hg at baseline to a mean 14.5 mm Hg at 12 months and 14.2 mm Hg at 24 months. After implantation of the device, two patients required medication to keep IOP below 21 mm Hg.
The study is published in the April issue of Journal of Glaucoma.