Complications following ex-press glaucoma shunt implantation

Abstract

Purpose: To report post-operative course and complications in patients who underwent Ex-Press glaucoma shunt placement.

Design: Small case series.

Methods: Four patients were referred for management following Ex-Press shunt implantation. Patients underwent complete ophthalmologic evaluation and were appropriately managed.

Results: Of the four patients, two had inadequate control of intraocular pressure related to bleb failure caused by subconjunctival scar tissue formation. One patient experienced suprachoroidal hemorrhage 5 days after shunt placement followed a year later with conjunctival erosion and shunt rim exposure. Endophthalmitis from conjunctival erosion over the Ex-Press shunt rim was observed in one patient.

Conclusion: Patients with subconjunctival implantation of the Ex-Press shunt should be monitored closely for possible conjunctival erosion that can lead to endophthalmitis and failure from fibrosis.