[The Baerveldt implant in refractory glaucoma: clinial results]

25 Baerveldt glaucoma implants were placed in 22 patients, between 1992 and 1997. The indications were: 14 cases of neovascular glaucoma, 4 congenital glaucomas, 3 glaucomas due to intraocular silicone oil and 4 various glaucomas. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 46 mmHg (26-77) on a mean of 2.1 glaucoma medications. The postoperative mean intraocular pressure was 17 mmHg (5-50) on a mean of 0.5 glaucoma medications with a mean follow-up of 16 months (1 week-48 months). The final intraocular pressure was less than or equal to 20 mmHg in 20 of the 25 eyes. The final visual acuity improved or remained the same in 10 of the 25 cases and worsened in 11 cases (4 cases undetermined). The most frequently observed complications were: hyphema, choroidal effusion and corneal edema. Our results, in terms of intraocular pressure control, with the Baerveldt implant in patients with complicated glaucomas appear to be satisfactory. The use of this implant could be extended.