Safety and efficacy of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory glaucoma: A prospective study

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative complications following a non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery in refractory glaucoma. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study conducted on patients with glaucoma refractory to maximal medications or failed surgical treatment who underwent Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI; Aurolabs, India) surgery. Primary outcome measures were IOP control, postoperative complications, and reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM). RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes were analyzed and the mean follow-up was 16.06 ± 5.63 months. The preoperative median (Q1, Q3) IOP was 31 mmHg (28, 36.5) which decreased to 12 mmHg (12, 14) at 6 months postoperatively. The median (Q1, Q3) number of AGMs decreased from 3 (3, 4) to 0 (0, 1). Significant complications like implant extrusion and tube exposure were noted in two eyes. The total success and failure rates at 6 months were 91.1% and 8.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: AADI is effective in achieving target IOP and significantly reduces the use of AGMs with good safety in the short term. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess long-term IOP control and cost-effectiveness.