Prognostic factors for successful Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery for refractory glaucoma after multiple surgeries

To determine the prognostic factors for success 3 years after Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery.

Single-center retrospective clinical study.

We analyzed 27 eyes (24 patients) treated with BGI surgery between 2012 and 2016 at Osaka University Hospital. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years postoperatively. We analyzed the success rates and risk factors. Failure was defined as the need for additional surgery for IOP reduction, loss of light perception, and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≧22 mmHg (definition 1) or ≧17 mmHg (definition 2) at two consecutive follow-up visits.

The mean number of previous eye surgeries was 4.1 ± 3.3. The success rates were 81.5% and 77.8%, respectively, 1 year and 3 years after surgery based on definition 1 and 51.9% and 48.2%, respectively, based on definition 2. The early and late surgical complication rates, respectively, were 29.6% and 22.2%. An IOP 2 months after BGI surgery of ≧17 mmHg and the number of previous eye surgeries were significant risk factors for failure based on definition 2.

The long-term results and complication rates after BGI surgery for refractory glaucoma in our hospital were similar to previous reports, and the IOP 2 months after BGI surgery and the number of previous eye surgeries were associated with the prognosis.