Long-term comparative study of the Schocket and Joseph glaucoma tube shunts in monkeys

Schocket and Joseph tube shunts were implanted in normal cynomolgus monkey eyes in order to compare the tissue response to the shunts as well as the pathways of aqueous flow associated with each. Following periods ranging from 5 to 10 months after implantation horseradish-peroxidase and/or fluorescein-labelled latex microspheres were inserted into the anterior chamber. The monkeys were then killed and the eyes studied by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. In general, tissue responses to, and routes of aqueous flow associated with both shunts were similar: fibrous encapsulation of the drainage tubes and encircling bands, with aqueous flow through these fibrous capsules.