Analysis of long-term outcomes for combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt surgery in eyes with advanced glaucoma

Purpose To analyze 12- and 24-month visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications associated with combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt placement in eyes with glaucoma. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with advanced glaucoma who underwent combined PPV and tube shunt surgery from 2006 to 2010. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was required for their inclusion in the study. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, complications, and number of glaucoma medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were analyzed. Results Twenty-eight eyes met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 14/28 eyes (50.0%) and 20/40 or better in 2/28 eyes (7.1%). Visual acuity remained 20/200 or worse in 50.0% ( P =0.921) and 44.4% ( P =0.973) of eyes after 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. At baseline, the mean intraocular pressure was 30.4 mm Hg. There was significant improvement in mean IOP at 1 year (14.7 mm Hg, P =0.001) and at 2 years (15.2 mm Hg, P =0.001) postoperatively. Baseline number of glaucoma medications averaged 3.0±1.09 (SD), and improved to 1.8±1.28 (SD) at 1 year ( P =0.0002) and to 1.4±1.33 at 2 years ( P