The Outcome of Molteno Implant Surgery

Abstract

Surgical therapy for glaucoma has been established for a number of years with advocates of full thickness and partial thickness approaches. The results of filtration have been similar in the long term although some evidence exists suggesting that a full thickness procedure gives lower pressure [3]. Despite excellent results (85%–94%) [9] a significant number of patients persist with unsatisfactory intraocular pressures despite repeated attempts with these methods. Risk factors such as youth, previous surgical procedures, race, and chronic inflammation have been thought to affect surgical outcome. It is this problem which has stimulated the development of a number of drainage devices.