Primary outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants with a modified technique to control intraocular pressure in...

To describe the outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants implanted via a modified technique with regard to early intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in cases of uncontrolled glaucoma.

The medical records of patients who had Baerveldt glaucoma implants of 350 or 250 mm² implanted via a modified technique and were followed up for a period of at least 6 months were reviewed. The primary outcome measures were the mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications at each visit. We evaluated complete success rates at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month, defined as IOP values [Formula: see text] 5 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg prior to ligature rupture.

A total of 42 eyes had Baerveldt glaucoma implants and met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.2 ± 11.2 mmHg. The postoperative mean IOP values were 15.1 mmHg ± 8.8 (p < 0.05), 17.7 ± 7.1 mmHg (p < 0.05), 12.3 ± 4.0 mm Hg (p < 0.05) at 1 day, 1 month, and 6 months, respectively. The rate of complete success on the first day was 78%, at the first month was 69%, and at 6 months was 95.2%. The number of glaucoma medications used was significantly lower at 6 months (P =  < 0.001).

The modified surgical technique using Baerveldt implants enables a safe, effective, and reliable IOP control in early postoperative patients with uncontrolled glaucomas.