Experience with the Baerveldt Implant in Young Patients with Complicated Glaucomas

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that glaucoma shunt implantation may be useful in the management of glaucoma in young patients in whom goniotomy and/or trabeculotomy have failed or are inappropriate. Herein, we describe our initial experience with Baerveldt implantation in young patients with complicated glaucomas. Methods: Charts of all patients with glaucoma who were under 21 years of age, and who underwent Baerveldt implantation between March 1, 1991 and March 1, 1993 with at least a 6-month follow-up (30 eyes of 30 patients) were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 2 months to 20 years (mean, 6.6 ± 6.4 years) with follow-up of 6-25 months (mean, 15.0 ± 6.3 months). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a preoperative range of 17-78 mm Hg (mean, 35.5 ± 13.1 mm Hg) to a range of 6-22 mm Hg (mean, 13.5 ± 4.2 mm Hg) postoperatively. Six- and 12-month life-table success rates (6 ⩽ IOP ⩽ 21 without additional glaucoma surgery or devastating complication) were 93% and 86%, respectively. Conclusion: Baerveldt implantation is a useful approach to the treatment of glaucoma in young patients with complicated glaucomas.