Faculty Collaboration Database

Retinal complications after aqueous shunt surgical procedures for glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol 1996 Dec;114(12):1473-80

Date

12/01/1996

Pubmed ID

8953978

DOI

10.1001/archopht.1996.01100140671004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0029951316 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   81 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess retinal complications and to identify risk factors for retinal complications following aqueous shunt procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 38 consecutive aqueous shunt procedures that were performed on 36 patients at the Eye Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, from June 1993 to March 1995 (minimum follow-up, 6 months) were reviewed. The mean +/- SD follow-up was 11.4 +/- 5.2 months (median, 10.5 months).

RESULTS: Twelve patients (32%) had the following retinal complications: 4 serous choroidal effusions (10%) that required drainage, 3 suprachoroidal hemorrhages (8%), 2 vitreous hemorrhages (5%), 1 rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (3%), 1 endophthalmitis (3%), and 1 scleral buckling extrusion (3%). Surgical procedures for retinal complications were required in 8 (67%) of these 12 patients. Visual acuity decreased 2 lines or more in 9 (75%) of these 12 patients. The median onset of a postoperative retinal complication was 12.5 days, with 10 patients (83%) experiencing complications within 35 days. Serous choroidal effusions developed in 10 other patients (26%), and these effusions resolved spontaneously. Visual acuity decreased 2 lines or more in 2 (20%) of these additional 10 patients. Patients who experienced serious retinal complications were significantly older, had a higher rate of hypertension, and postoperative ocular hypotony. Serious retinal complications were distributed evenly among patients with Krupin valves with discs and 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.

Author List

Law SK, Kalenak JW, Connor TB Jr, Pulido JS, Han DP, Mieler WF

Author

Thomas B. Connor MD Professor in the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aqueous Humor
Drainage
Female
Glaucoma
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Molteno Implants
Postoperative Complications
Prostheses and Implants
Retinal Diseases
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Visual Acuity