Long-Term Results of Molteno Implants

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed 76 Molteno implants in 72 eyes, with a minimum of 18 months' follow up. Double-plate implants were used initially in 64 of these eyes. After a mean follow up of 33.27 months, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.0 mm Hg, as compared with 35.31 mm Hg preoperatively. With success defined as an IOP greater than 5 mm Hg but no greater than 21 mm Hg at the last visit, the success rate was 74%. If the four cases of chronic hypotony without loss of best-corrected vision are included, the success rate was 79%. The most frequent complications included corneal graft failure, filtration tube blockage, choroidal effusion, and hyphema/vitreous hemorrhage.