Frequent outcomes after glaucoma drainage implants

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.