Partial thickness corneal tissue as a patch graft material for prevention of glaucoma drainage device exposure

To protect from erosion of the tube in glaucoma drainage device (GDD), the tube is covered by a biologic tissue which is roofed by the conjunctiva. Sclera, pericardium, dura mater and cornea are available as a patch graft. Drawbacks of some of these materials may include high cost and poor appearance. The purpose of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of partial thickness corneal grafts to cover the tube and prevent its exposure, in GDD surgeries.

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The tube was covered by a 300-micron partial thickness corneal graft taken either from a previous Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty procedure or cut from a whole corneal graft button unsuitable for keratoplasty.

Forty-four patients (45 eyes, mean follow-up of 27.6 ± 11.4 months) were enrolled. The partial thickness corneal grafts maintained clarity throughout follow-up with satisfactory cosmetic results. Mild conjunctival retraction occurred in 4 eyes (8.9%) between 1 and 12 months after the surgery. Corneal graft melting occurred in 3 (6.7%) eyes. Tube exposure and additional surgery to re-patch or suture the conjunctiva over the tube was needed in 1 (2.2%) eye. None of the patients had graft infection or immunologic rejection.

Partial thickness corneal grafts have favorable long-term outcome as a patch for GDD tubes with low rates of tube exposure and other complications.