Glaucoma drainage device implantation in glaucoma associated with aniridia

Introduction
Based on a retrospective analysis of the literature describing implantation of glaucoma drainage devices in patients with aniridia- related glaucoma, we review the results of glaucoma drainage device implantation in this group of patients. In addition, we present a case report of a 3-month-old infant with the WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, mental retardation) and congenital glaucoma associated with aniridia, in whom the glaucoma drainage device was implanted. In our case, in a 3 month-old infant in whom implan-tation of an Ahmed valve (model FP8) was performed in the right eye, intraocular pressure decreased from 37.0 mmHg to 17.3 mmHg. One year after the surgery, a surgical revision was performed and the proper function of the Ahmed valve was restored – intraocular pressure decreased from 29.0 mmHg to 15.0 mmHg. At the last visit, 21 months after the valve implantation, pharmacotherapy was introduced and intraocular pressure was 15.6 mmHg. Cataract was the only observed complication and was operated on successfully at 7 months of age. To date the research results indicate that glaucoma drainage device implantation is an effective method of treatment of aniridia-related glaucoma.

Conclusions
Early diagnosis and glaucoma drainage device implantation as well as close monitoring of patients give a chance for prolongation of functional vision.