The results of glaucoma surgery in aniridia

Aniridia is an uncommon disorder that may be associated with glaucoma that is usually refractory to conventional medical and surgical therapy. In this study, we report our experience with the surgical management of glaucoma in aniridia in 17 eyes of 10 patients. A total of 45 surgical procedures were performed. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 38 mm Hg. The intraocular pressure was ultimately controlled successfully in 11 eyes (intraocular pressure range, 8 to 20 mm Hg) with a mean of 2.8 surgical procedures required in successful cases. Trabeculectomy controlled the intraocular pressure in one eye, but it was successful in only 9% of cases in which it was performed. Cyclocryotherapy was successful in five eyes (25% of cases in which it was performed), although complications of phthisis bulbi and progressive cataract occurred. We detail our experience with the Molteno implant, which was successful in five eyes (83% of cases in which it was performed). We have found this type of drainage device to be effective in controlling intraocular pressure in aniridic eyes when previous attempts at control have failed.