Glaucoma Drainage Implant

Traditional glaucoma surgeries are used when eye drops, pills, or lasers fail to control intraocular pressure. These surgeries are more invasive and involved than our minimally invasive glaucoma surgery techniques, so they are reserved for patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma who are at high risk of vision loss from glaucoma. Because these surgeries are more involved, a longer recovery should be expected. These surgeries are highly effective at reducing intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma Drainage Implant

Glaucoma drainage implants are small prosthetic devices placed under the conjunctiva to help lower the intraocular pressure by creating an alternate pathway for fluid outflow.

There are two types of drainage implants: valved and non-valved implants. Valved implants include the Ahmed drainage device. Examples of non-valved implants include the Ahmed ClearPath, the Baerveld drainage implant, and the Molteno implant. After discussing the risks, benefits, and alternatives, your surgeon will choose the right implant for you.