Pars plana implant and vitrectomy for treatment of neovascular glaucoma.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of pars plana implants in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.

Methods: Twenty-two consecutive pars plana implant procedures performed for neovascular glaucoma were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Preoperative intraocular pressures ranged from 22 to 80 mmHg (mean 46 mmHg) on a mean of three glaucoma medications. With a mean follow-up interval of 16 months, final postoperative intraocular pressures ranged 9-21 mmHg (mean 16) on a mean 0.7 medications. One patient required a second implant to achieve final intraocular pressure control. Visual acuity was stabilized or improved in 19 of 22 cases (86%). Complications included retinal detachment in two cases (9%). Macular pucker, vitreous hemorrhage, hyphema, choroidal hemorrhage, diplopia, and loss of light perception occurred in one case (5%) each. None developed phthisis bulbi.

Conclusions: Pars plana drainage tube implants are effective in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.