The surgical management of chronic hypotony due to uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate surgery in chronic hypotony secondary to uveitis.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of six patients operated for chronic hypotony (< or =5 mmHg) of at least 1 month's duration. Surgery involved removal of all traction and membranes on the ciliary processes. Use of oil was limited to patients with atrophic ciliary processes.


RESULTS
The average postoperative follow-up was 24 months (12-43). The average pressure increase was 7 mmHg at 6 months. Four of six uveitis patients had significantly increased vision.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved vision, and a sustained pressure rise are possible in hypotonous uveitis. The presence of ciliary processes is necessary. However, they do not need to be intact.
de Smet
M D
MD
Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands. m.d.desmet@amc.uva.nl
Gunning
F
F
Feenstra
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015814:Ocular Hypotension / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012160:Retina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology