Combining Perfluorobutylpentane (F(4)H(5)) with Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation for Silicone Oil-Induced Glaucoma: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to perform a perfluorobutylpentane (F(4)H(5)) washout in conjunction with glaucoma drainage device (GDD) placement in patients with silicone oil (SO)-induced glaucoma. In this report we present our preliminary results concerning the effectiveness in clearing the SO and the safety of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients who previously underwent pars plana vitrectomy with SO tamponade due to retinal detachment were selected. Removal of SO was performed on average 10 months after initial surgery. All patients developed glaucoma with evidence of SO remnants in the anterior chamber (AC) and angle. Removal of the remaining SO with F(4)H(5) washout was performed in all cases with concomitant insertion of a GDD to treat the refractory glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP), SO remnants, endothelial cell count, and need for glaucoma medications were evaluated up to 12 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: All patients had uneventful surgery with no major complications 12 months postoperatively. A marked reduction of SO remnants in the AC and angle was observed in all cases after surgery. There was a 60.9% decrease in mean IOP 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05) and the need for glaucoma medication was lower in all patients (mean topical medicines: 4 preoperatively vs. 0.75±0.89 postoperatively; p<0.05). Endothelial cell density showed no significant change (mean 2012±129 cells/mm(2) preoperatively vs. 1985±134 cells/mm(2) postoperatively; p>0.05), and there were no signs of corneal edema. CONCLUSION: F(4)H(5) is an effective emulsifier for removing SO remnants and may be safely used in conjunction with GDD placement in order to control IOP in eyes with silicone oil-induced glaucoma.