The results of glaucoma surgery in aniridia
R. E. Wiggins Jr and K. F. Tomey
Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aniridia is an uncommon disorder that may be associated with glaucoma that
is usually refractory to conventional medical and surgical therapy. In this
study, we report our experience with the surgical management of glaucoma in
aniridia in 17 eyes of 10 patients. A total of 45 surgical procedures were
performed. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 38 mm Hg. The
intraocular pressure was ultimately controlled successfully in 11 eyes
(intraocular pressure range, 8 to 20 mm Hg) with a mean of 2.8 surgical
procedures required in successful cases. Trabeculectomy controlled the
intraocular pressure in one eye, but it was successful in only 9% of cases
in which it was performed. Cyclocryotherapy was successful in five eyes
(25% of cases in which it was performed), although complications of
phthisis bulbi and progressive cataract occurred. We detail our experience
with the Molteno implant, which was successful in five eyes (83% of cases
in which it was performed). We have found this type of drainage device to
be effective in controlling intraocular pressure in aniridic eyes when
previous attempts at control have failed.
