Pars plana implant and vitrectomy for treatment of neovascular glaucoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of pars plana implants in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.


METHODS
Twenty-two consecutive pars plana implant procedures performed for neovascular glaucoma were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Preoperative intraocular pressures ranged from 22 to 80 mmHg (mean 46 mmHg) on a mean of three glaucoma medications. With a mean follow-up interval of 16 months, final postoperative intraocular pressures ranged 9-21 mmHg (mean 16) on a mean 0.7 medications. One patient required a second implant to achieve final intraocular pressure control. Visual acuity was stabilized or improved in 19 of 22 cases (86%). Complications included retinal detachment in two cases (9%). Macular pucker, vitreous hemorrhage, hyphema, choroidal hemorrhage, diplopia, and loss of light perception occurred in one case (5%) each. None developed phthisis bulbi.


CONCLUSIONS
Pars plana drainage tube implants are effective in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.
Luttrull
J K
JK
University of California-Santa Barbara, USA.
Avery
R L
RL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D015355:Glaucoma, Neovascular / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018465:Molteno Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy