The Optimed implant is a unique glaucoma drainage device. The implant has a 5-mm polymethylmethacrylate tube inserted into a silicone base with the dimensions of 1×2×3 mm. The base contains 180 to 200 microtubules through which aqueous percolates through to the subconjunctival space (J. Ruiz, oral communication, February 1996). This internal resistance allows for a pressure of 3.9mm Hg at a flow of 2 mL/min.1 This, theoretically, would prevent postoperative hypotony. The base, however, has a top surface area of 18 mm. Thus, failure due to scarring is more likely. We report another unique complication with the Optimed implant.
Report of a Case.
A 72-year-old white woman with a history of primary open-angle glaucoma in the right eye with 1 failed trabeculectomy with antimetabolite and 1 failed combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy was seen for evaluation. Her visual acuity was 20/100 OD. The patient's cup-disc ratio was 0.99. Her