The Evolution of Glaucoma Drainage Implants

The modern glaucoma drainage implant era was initiated with implantation of a plate posterior to the limbus connected to the anterior chamber by a long silicone tube. Non-restrictive (Molteno and Baerveldt implants) and flow-restrictive (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve) implants were developed. With increased clinical experience, variables influencing success and failure of glaucoma drainage implant surgery were better understood. In an iterative process, complications were reduced and indications for drainage implant surgery were broadened. Growth of utilization of glaucoma drainage implants has dramatically increased in recent years. Glaucoma drainage implants have improved the prognosis for surgical success for refractory glaucoma, and have a well-established role in the surgical treatment of glaucoma.