The visual outcome in cases of neovascular glaucoma

The visual outcome of cases of neovascular glaucoma treated by draining implants has improved from 12% to 32% of eyes achieving a vision of 6/60 or better. The main factor responsible for this improvement has been the recognition that, in neovascular glaucoma, the retinal blood vessels are not capable of autoregulation of calibre in response to changes in intraocular pressure and ophthalmic artery perfusion pressure. The consequences of this situation are discussed and the importance of early treatment of neovascular glaucoma by a combination of photocoagulation, insertion of a draining implant and medical measures to improve the circulation where possible is emphasized.