SUMMARY
Purpose:
To describe our early clinical surgical experience with the combined procedure of penetrating keratoplasty and aqueous humor dra inage device in the treatment of refractory glaucoma associated with corneal disease.
Methods:
Fifteen eyes from 15 patients with refracto ry glaucoma associated with corneal opacities were submitted to combined surgery, penetrating keratoplasty and Molteno implant. We evaluated best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), tonometry and biomicroscopy, correlating them to treatment effectiveness and corneal transparency of the donor tissue during the observation period.
Results:
Effective TOP lowe ring was present in 14 (93.3 %) treated eyes. BCVA improved in 12 (80 %) patients, remained the sarne in 2 (13.3 %) patients and worsened in 1 (6.6%). Thirtteen (86. 6%) of the donor corneas remained clear until th e end of the follow-up. Main complications were high IOP (1 case), retrocorneal membrane (1 case) and endothelial touch (2 cases).
Conclusion:
Combined penetrating keratoplasty and Molteno implant is an effective alternative in the treatment of patients with refractory glaucoma and associated corneal disease.
Keywords:
Aqueous drainage device; Molteno implant; Glaucoma; Corneal transplant