Suprachoroidal hemorrhage after molteno implantation

Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify the rate and the associated risk factors for suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) after Molteno drain implantation. Methods: Data from the Molteno pilot study and single versus double-plate Molteno study were reviewed retrospectively for the occurrence of SCH. Follow-up intervals, demographic variables, ocular data, and medical history were collected. Results: SCH occurred in 6% of the patients enrolled in the Molteno studies; all cases were delayed and none were intraoperative. Significantly associated factors in a multiple logistic regression for SCH were the extent of intraocular pressure (IOP) drop after surgery, the post-operative IOP, a diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma, and possibly the number of prior surgeries as well. Eyes with SCH did significantly less well in terms of visual acuity outcomes and were more likely to have inadequately controlled IOP. Conclusions: This study suggests that SCH occurs at the same frequency after Molteno implantation as after filtering surgery with antimetabolite use and that eyes with SCH do less well.