Corneal endothelial cell density changes after Preserflo MicroShunt implantation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Corneal Health

Background:

• Preserflo MicroShunt (PMS) is a device used in glaucoma surgery.
• Corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) is crucial for corneal transparency and function.
• Understanding the impact of glaucoma devices on CECD is important for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of Preserflo MicroShunt (PMS) implantation on corneal endothelial cell density (CECD).
• To identify factors associated with CECD loss after PMS implantation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 104 eyes undergoing PMS implantation (alone or with cataract surgery).
• CECD measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
• Linear and logistic regression used to analyze CECD change and associated factors.

Main Results:

• Annual CECD loss was estimated at 7.3% for PMS alone and 8.0% for combined surgery.
• A narrower tube-cornea angle (TCA) was significantly associated with greater CECD loss (p=0.01).
• Higher preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was also a significant predictor of CECD loss (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Preserflo MicroShunt implantation is associated with a reduction in CECD over 12 months.
• Narrower TCA and higher preoperative IOP are significant predictors of CECD loss following PMS implantation.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering pre-existing ocular conditions when evaluating patients for PMS implantation.