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Sutureless valve implantation reduces IOP, use of glaucoma drops
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sutureless glaucoma drainage valve implantation significantly reduced IOP and medication use, according to a scientific poster presented here.
The poster, presented at the American Glaucoma Society meeting, detailed the safety and efficacy of sutureless valve implantation combined with cataract surgery and cyclophotocoagulation.
“Sutureless valve implantation is associated with a significant reduction in IOP percentage and medication use after the procedure,” Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, and colleagues wrote. “Sutureless valve implantation can shorten surgical and healing time as well as decrease inflammation associated with absorbable and non-absorbable sutures.”
The retrospective cohort study included 127 eyes of 103 patients who underwent sutureless implantation of an Ahmed glaucoma valve (New World Medical).
Of the 127 eyes, 26 underwent valve implantation only, 45 underwent valve implantation combined with cataract surgery/IOL placement, 34 underwent valve implantation combined with cyclophotocoagulation, and 22 underwent valve implantation combined with cataract surgery/IOL implantation and cyclophotocoagulation.
Average baseline IOP was 26.2 mm Hg; average IOP was similar among groups at all follow-up intervals.
Average baseline number of glaucoma drops was 2.45.
Average postoperative IOP was 13.32 mm Hg at 1 day, 12.95 mm Hg at 1 week, 16.89 at 1 month 16.32 mm Hg at 3 months and 15.82 mm Hg at 6 months. IOP reductions were statistically significant for all groups (P < .0001).
7 at 6 months; the reduction from baseline was significant for all subgroups (P < .0001).
No short-term complications involving conjunctival dehiscence or erosion were reported.
Repeat surgery was required in seven patients: two for uncontrolled IOP, one for hypotony, two for the iris clogging the tubes, one for encapsulation/dysesthesia and one for cornea-tube contact. – by Matt Hasson and Patricia Nale, ELS
Disclosure: Radcliffe reports he has financial relationships with Allergan, Endo Optiks, Glaukos, Iridex, Lumenis, New World Medical and Reichert Technologies.