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Aqueous shunts for intractable glaucoma in infants.
Mary Lucy M Pereira1, Silvana V Araujo, Richard P Wilson
1William and Anna Goldberg Glaucoma Service and Research Laboratory Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers
|February 1, 2002
Summary
Aqueous shunts offer a viable treatment for infantile glaucoma unresponsive to standard therapies. This study shows shunts provide effective long-term intraocular pressure control in infants with refractory glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Glaucoma Management
- Surgical Interventions
Background:
- Infantile glaucoma presents a significant challenge, often requiring advanced treatment strategies.
- Conventional therapies may be insufficient for managing complex pediatric glaucoma cases.
- Aqueous shunts represent a surgical option for refractory glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term efficacy of aqueous shunts in treating infantile glaucoma.
- To evaluate outcomes in pediatric patients whose glaucoma did not respond to conventional treatments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients aged 3 years or younger treated with aqueous shunts.
- Study included 10 eyes from 6 patients managed between November 1990 and November 1996.
- Data analysis focused on intraocular pressure (IOP) control and need for reintervention.
Main Results:
- Preoperative mean IOP was 29.75 mmHg without medication.
- Postoperative mean IOP decreased to 18.25 mmHg at an average follow-up of 50 months.
- Successful control was achieved in 6 eyes; 2 required revision, and 2 failed.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous shunts demonstrated relative effectiveness in managing recalcitrant infantile glaucoma.
- Surgical intervention with aqueous shunts can provide long-term IOP control in challenging pediatric cases.