Abstract:
Introduction. Glaucoma represents a group of diseases defined by optic neuropathy, determined
by structural change and functional deficit. It is a significant public health problem, being the
leading cause of irreversible visual loss, affecting subjects older than 40 years. By the year 2020
it is estimated that there will be almost 80 million affected people in the world. The treatment
strategy is influenced by patient's life expectancy, disease status, progression rate and visual
function. When conventional therapies and classic surgery have failed or it is expected to be no
success, the latest solution is the implantation of artificial implants. There is a multitude of
drainage devices. Drainage implants have surgical and postoperative complications similar to
trabeculectomy, but there are other unique complications associated with their use.
