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Molteno implant shows long-term efficacy in angle-closure glaucoma patients

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Implanting a Molteno drainage device can help effectively control IOP over the long term in complex cases of chronic angle-closure glaucoma, according to a study by researchers in New Zealand.

Sunil P. Deokule, FRANZCO, and colleagues reviewed outcomes for 21 eyes of 17 patients followed for an average of 5.7 years after being implanted with the device. All patients had chronic angle-closure glaucoma and additional risk factors, according to the study.

In all cases, the Molteno implant maintained IOP at 21 mm Hg or lower at 5 years follow-up. The average number of hypotensive medications used by patients also decreased, from 2.04 preoperatively to 1.4 at 1 year follow-up, 0.64 at 2 years and 0.66 at 5 years, the authors reported.

Visual acuity initially improved, from an average of 6/18 preoperatively to 6/12 at 1 year postop. However, vision declined to average 6/13.5 at both 2 years and 5 years follow-up, they said.

The study is published in the August issue of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.