Use of glaucoma drainage devices in the management of glaucoma associated with aniridia

To describe intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity outcomes after glaucoma drainage device placement in eyes with glaucoma associated with aniridia.

Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive, interventional case series.

The medical records of all patients who underwent glaucoma drainage device placement for the management of glaucoma associated with aniridia at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1999, were reviewed.

The study included eight eyes of five patients with a median age at the time of glaucoma drainage device placement of 92 months (range, 10- 495 months) and a median follow-up of 19 months (range, 11- 33 months). Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 35 mm Hg using a mean of one antiglaucoma medication. Postoperatively, the mean IOP was reduced to 14.9 mm Hg and no patient was using antiglaucoma medication. Final visual acuity was improved compared with preoperatively in five of eight eyes (63%) and remained unchanged in two eyes (25%). Loss of light perception occurred in one eye owing to retinal detachment. Success rates using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were 100% at 6 months and 88% at 1 year.

Glaucoma drainage device placement for glaucoma associated with aniridia achieves IOP control and vision preservation in most patients.