Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
05:22
Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing
Published on: May 5, 2022
Management of glaucoma implants occluded by vitreous incarceration
H R Desatnik1, R E Foster, E J Rockwood
1Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Glaucoma
|August 25, 2000
Summary
Pars plana vitrectomy effectively treats vitreous incarceration in glaucoma implant tubes, resolving high intraocular pressure and retinal detachment. This surgical approach offers good visual outcomes in aphakic or pseudophakic patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Surgery
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Vitreous incarceration in glaucoma implant drainage tubes can lead to complications such as elevated intraocular pressure and retinal detachment.
- Patients with aphakia or pseudophakia and an incomplete posterior capsule are at risk for this complication following glaucoma implant surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management of vitreous incarceration in glaucoma implant tubes in aphakic or pseudophakic patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser vitreolysis in treating this complication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of eight patients with vitreous incarceration in Baerveldt glaucoma implant drainage tubes.
- Analysis of clinical features, treatment strategies (pars plana vitrectomy, laser vitreolysis), and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Vitreous incarceration was diagnosed between 1 day and 49 weeks post-surgery.
- Pars plana vitrectomy was successful in six of seven treated patients, normalizing intraocular pressure and preserving visual acuity.
- Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser vitreolysis had limited success, with only one of four patients responding favorably.
Conclusions:
- Pars plana vitrectomy is an effective surgical intervention for managing vitreous incarceration in glaucoma implant tubes.
- Prior anterior vitrectomy does not preclude the occurrence of vitreous incarceration in the implant tube.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...