Pars plana Baerveldt tube insertion with vitrectomy in glaucomas associated with pseudophakia and aphakia

We reviewed the course of intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and complications in patients with shallow anterior chambers or vitreous prolapse who underwent insertion of glaucoma drainage tubes through the pars plana (after a complete posterior vitrectomy).

Thirteen patients (13 eyes) with uncontrolled glaucoma associated with shallow anterior chamber or vitreous prolapse and aphakia or pseudophakia underwent pars plana Baerveldt tube insertion after vitrectomy.

In 11 eyes the intraocular pressure was less than or equal to 15 mm Hg at a minimum follow-up of one year; the other two eyes underwent additional glaucoma surgery. Two of the 11 eyes with controlled intraocular pressure had limitation of ocular motility postoperatively. No retinal complications had occurred in any of the 13 eyes.

This technique of combined pars plana vitrectomy and pars plana insertion of a Baerveldt tube provides intraocular pressure control in eyes with shallow anterior chamber or vitreous prolapse and glaucoma associated with pseudophakia or aphakia.