Clinical experience with the Baerveldt 250-mm2 Glaucoma Implant.

PURPOSE:

To report the intermediate-term results of the Baerveldt 250-mm2 Glaucoma Implant for treatment of adult glaucoma.

DESIGN:

Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS:

One hundred eight adult patients (108 eyes) with glaucoma who received a Baerveldt 250-mm2 Glaucoma Implant.

INTERVENTION:

Implantation of the Baerveldt 250-mm2 Glaucoma Implant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of glaucoma medications, and surgical complications. Success was defined as IOP > or = 6 mmHg and < or = 21 mmHg (with or without antiglaucoma medications), without further glaucoma surgery, devastating complication, or loss of light perception attributable to drainage implantation.

RESULTS:

Mean age was 63.8+/-16.5 years. Mean postoperative follow-up was 22.8 months (range, 0.2-84.9; interquartile range, 3.9-36.3). Mean preoperative IOP was 36.3+/-13.0 mmHg, on 2.9+/-1.1 antiglaucoma medications. The mean postoperative IOP at final visit was 15.8+/-7.6 mmHg (P<0.0001, paired t test), on 0.8+/-1.0 antiglaucoma medications (P<0.0001, Wilcoxon test). Kaplan-Meier success rates were 0.92 (6 months, n = 81), 0.88 (12 months, n = 75), 0.84 (18 months, n = 68), and 0.79 (24 months, n = 61).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Baerveldt 250-mm2 Glaucoma Implant provides good intermediate-term success for the treatment of adult refractory glaucoma.