Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
05:05
Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma
Published on: January 26, 2018
12.0K
Simultaneous placement of 2 glaucoma drainage devices for uncontrolled glaucoma
Anna C Momont1, Joshua D Stein1, Paul P Lee1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Summary
Simultaneous implantation of two glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) significantly lowers high intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduces medication needs in advanced glaucoma patients. This dual-device approach offers a viable surgical option for refractory cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Surgery
Background:
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary risk factor for glaucoma progression.
- Medical therapy is often insufficient for controlling IOP in advanced glaucoma cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous implantation of two different glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) in eyes with severe, medically uncontrolled IOP.
- To assess the impact on IOP, medication usage, and visual acuity.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 12 eyes from 12 patients who underwent simultaneous implantation of a Baerveldt 350 GDD and an Ahmed S3 GDD.
- Data collected included baseline characteristics, preoperative and postoperative IOP, medication count, visual acuity, and complications.
Main Results:
- Mean follow-up was 28.6 months.
- Simultaneous GDD implantation significantly reduced mean IOP from 38.8 mmHg to 15.1 mmHg (p ≤ 0.0001).
- The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased significantly from 3.2 to 1.4 (p = 0.001), with no significant change in visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous implantation of two GDDs is an effective strategy for reducing IOP in the short and long term.
- This dual-device surgical approach may be beneficial for patients with advanced glaucoma and significantly elevated IOP unresponsive to maximal medical therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.6K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.6K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
283
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
283