Posters

The development of first glaucoma-drainage implants

Poster Details

First Author: K.Gerstmeyer GERMANY

Co Author(s):    S. Scholtz   F. Krogmann   G. Auffarth              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

A paradigm shift has been introduced by the encouraging results of the increased use of drainage implants in glaucoma surgery today. The idea of using artificial material to drain aqueous humor from the eye was already realised about 150 years ago. Unfortunately, many details of these developments have been forgotten.

Setting:

K. Gerstmeyer, Ophthalmologist, Minden, Germany S. Scholtz, International Vision Correction Research Centre (IVCRC), University Heidelberg F. Krogmann, International Vision Correction Research Centre (IVCRC), University Heidelberg, Julius-Hirschberg-Society G.U. Auffarth, University Eye Clinic Heidelberg.

Methods:

Selective literature research of books and articles in journals via PubMed, Google Scholar and Google, additionally analysis and summary of personal direct literature search.

Results:

According to many publications the history of implants for glaucoma surgery starts with the first effective shunt the so-called tube-plate-design (Molteno, Krupin). Initially these publications are limited to short, often similar and also erroneous statements of earlier surgical approaches, and lack of a detailed description and classification according to the historical context. Starting with von Graefes´ iridectomy and the following procedures of scleral incarceration of the iris not only a variety of implants without own lumen to prevent scarring and maintain patency but already capillary tubes for continuous drainage have been used around 1894.

Conclusions:

Even if critically useful results of sufficiently long-observed cases are not available, such more or less adventurous attempts reappeared as new thoughts of treatment in the following decades. The progress considered as unstoppable is always based on historical reflection.

Financial Disclosure:

None