Efficacy and Safety of an Adjustable Glaucoma Drainage Device (eyeWatch System) for Refractory Glaucoma: A 2-Year Prospective Study

J Glaucoma. 2024 Feb 1;33(2):132-138. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002334. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Prcis: In this study, we report a 2-year follow-up after implantation of an adjustable glaucoma drainage device combined with a novel orbital filtering plate. The IOP was efficiently controlled postoperatively with limited complications and an excellent safety profile.

Purpose: To report the clinical results at 2 years after implantation of an eyeWatch (eW) system, which comprises an adjustable glaucoma drainage device (eW implant) combined with a novel orbital filtering plate (eyePlate), in refractory glaucoma.

Patients and methods: Monocentric, prospective, noncomparative clinical trial. Patients suffering from refractory glaucoma after several failed surgeries were operated using the eW system. The primary outcome was the success rate, defined as an IOP ≤18 mm Hg and reduction of more than 20% from baseline, IOP ≥6 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP, visual acuity, the number of antiglaucoma medications, and the number and type of complications.

Results: Forty-two eyes from 42 patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 22.0±4.0 months. The mean baseline IOP decreased from 23.2±7.2 mm Hg before surgery to 11.9±4.4 mm Hg at 12 months ( P <0.001) and 11.5±3.0 at 24 months. The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 2.9±0.9 before surgery to 0.7±0.9 at 12 months ( P <0.001) and 1.0±0.9 at 24 months. The qualified success rate was 93% at 12 months and 90% at 24 months whereas the complete success rate was 46% and 40% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Complications occurred in 7 patients.

Conclusions: Implantation of the eW system effectively lowered IOP and reduced glaucoma medications for a 2-year period in patients who had previously failed glaucoma surgery. Persistent hypotony was not observed and the number of complications was low.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02554214.

MeSH terms

  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants* / adverse effects
  • Glaucoma* / complications
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02554214