[The Molteno implant]

The authors describe their experience with Molteno implants in 21 patients. The most frequent types of glaucoma were congenital glaucoma--5 times--and glaucoma associated with pseudophakia--5 times. Before the implant as many as four operations of one eye were performed, in the whole group with Molteno implants 28 operations had preceded, mostly trabeculectomies and cyclocryocoagulations. As to postoperative complications, expulsive haemorrhage on the first night after operation was most serious. The follow-up period is 1-15 months, on average 7.7 months. The intraocular pressure before operation was on average 35.8 mm Hg, on discharge 9.7 mm Hg and during the last check-up examination (19 eyes) 19.1 mm Hg. It was under 21 mm Hg in 10 eyes, i.e. 52.6%, during the last check-up examination. Re-operations were made five times (26.3%). As compared with values before surgery, vision deteriorated in three eyes, incl. two because of complications of diabetes. The Molteno implant is an effective procedure in the treatment of complicated and refractory cases of glaucoma in high-risk eyes.