Retinal complications following glaucoma aqueous-shunt surgery

S. K. Law, J. K. Kalenak, T. B. Connor, J. S. Pulido, D. P. Han, W. F. Mieler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose. To assess and identify risk factors for retinal complications following aqueous-shunt procedures. Methods. Records of 40 consecutive aqueous-shunt procedures on 37 patients performed 6/93 - 4/95 were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 9±5.4 months with a median of 7 months. Results. Twelve patients (30%) had retinal complications which included 4(10%) serous choroidal effusions requiring drainage, 3(7.5%) subrachoroidal hemorrhages, 2(5%) vitreous hemorrhages, 1(2.5%) rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 1(2.5%) endophthalmitis, and 1(2.52) scleral buckle extrusion. Surgical repair for retinal complication was required in 8(66.7%) of these 12 patients. Visual acuity decreased 2 lines or more in 9(75%) of these 12 patients. Median onset of postoperative retinal complication was 12.5 days with 10 patients (83%) developing complications within 35 days. Ten other patients (25%) developed serous choroidal effusions that resolved spontaneously. Visual acuity decreased 2 lines or more in 3(30%) of these additional 10 patients. Patients who developed serious retinal complications were significantly older, had higher rate of hypertension, and postoperative hypotony. Serious retinal complications were distributed evenly among Krupin-valve with disc, Molteno, and Baerveldt devices. Experience with the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant was limited. Conclusion. Aqueous-shunt procedures may be associated with significant retinal complications and subsequent visual loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S257
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume37
Issue number3
StatePublished - Feb 15 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Retinal complications following glaucoma aqueous-shunt surgery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this