K 513
Epithelial ingrowth after Molteno Implant
A. Vogel, O. Schwenn
Background: The Molteno Implant is an aqueous drainage device which is used to control intraocular pressure in eyes with refractory glaucoma. Postoperative complications are common.
Case Report: A 43 years old male with secondary glaucoma caused by chronic iritis received a Molteno Implant to control intraocular pressure after having multiple zyclodestructive procedures and goniotrepanations, a cataract operation without lens and a secondary lens implant. After 5 years of controlled intraocular pressure corneal decompensation occured and a penetrating keratoplasty was necessary. Histological result was an epithelial ingrowth. After the keratoplasty the epithelium regrowth deriving from the hosts cornea. Finally, after 7 years, the Molteno Implant had to be removed because of conjunctival dehiscence with fistulation and risk of infection.
Conclusion: In the present case epithelial ingrowth seemed to be caused by Molteno Implant. This, finally, led to endothelial decompensation.
University Eye Clinic, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany