Long term clinical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implantation via the pars plana

PURPOSE: To present the long-term follow-up results of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) with a drainage tube from the pars plana in secondary glaucoma patients. METHODS: The subjects were patients with light perception and secondary glaucoma (> 21 mmHg) who had received more than 2 glaucoma operations: 11 were neovascular glaucoma patients and 5 angle-closure glaucoma patients with peripheral anterior synechia. After vitreous surgery, a BGI plate was fixed at the sclera in the superior temporal equator, and a drainage tube inserted from the pars plana into the vitreous cavity. The successful criteria needed to satisfy the 3 following conditions: 1) vision of more than light perception, 2) IOP > or = 5 mmHg and not higher than 22 mmHg, 3) no need for further glaucoma operations. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 82.5 months (from 5 to 172 months). Eight patients were judged a success, 4 patients a failure and 4 patients quit for personal reasons. The 10-year success rate was estimated at 72.8%. CONCLUSIONS: BGI via the pars plana is a useful method for long term IOP lowering effect in secondary glaucoma.