The surgical management of chronic hypotony due to uveitis

PURPOSE: Evaluate surgery in chronic hypotony secondary to uveitis. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of six patients operated for chronic hypotony (< or =5 mmHg) of at least 1 month's duration. Surgery involved removal of all traction and membranes on the ciliary processes. Use of oil was limited to patients with atrophic ciliary processes. RESULTS: The average postoperative follow-up was 24 months (12-43). The average pressure increase was 7 mmHg at 6 months. Four of six uveitis patients had significantly increased vision. CONCLUSION: Improved vision, and a sustained pressure rise are possible in hypotonous uveitis. The presence of ciliary processes is necessary. However, they do not need to be intact.