Angle-Closure Glaucoma after Piggyback Intraocular Lens Implantation

Abstract

Purpose

To report a case of angle closure glaucoma after piggyback intraocular lens implantation and its treatment.

Methods

The authors present the case of a 75-year-old woman who was seen in the emergency department with angle closure glaucoma. Two years before she had undergone piggyback intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in order to correct a refractive error after cataract surgery. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a closed angle with synechiae in 360° as well as the presence of two IOLs: one in the capsular bag and the other in the ciliary sulcus. Extraction of the anterior IOL was precluded due to the poor endothelial count. Peripheral iridotomy and trabeculectomy were ineffective to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP); the authors decided to implant with an Ahmed valve and to place the valve's tube between the two IOLs to protect the endothelium.

Results

After Ahmed valve implantation, IOP maintains stable around 10–12 mmHg without medical treatment.

Conclusions

Ahmed valve implantation is a good option in angle closure glaucoma due to piggyback. The placement of the valve's tube between the two IOLs is a good option to protect corneal endothelium.