The STARflo glaucoma implant: preliminary 12 months results.

PURPOSE: The STARflo glaucoma implant is a drainage-free system designed for the operative treatment of refractory open-angle glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of the STARflo implant. The results of 12 months follow-up are presented in patients with open-angle glaucoma, PEX-glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma.

METHODS: A prospective study with a total of over 29 patients (36 eyes), in which the suprachoroidal implantation of the STARflo was indicated for long-term intraocular pressure reduction, is still in process and evaluation.

RESULTS: The reduction of intraocular pressure was satisfying after 12 months with an average intraocular pressure of 15.0 (± 2.5) mmHg in comparison to 21.08 (± 7.29) mmHg preoperatively. There was a significant 66.7% reduction in local glaucoma drops 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Twenty-five percent of the eyes needed further surgery to regulate the intraocular pressure. No intraoperative complications have been reported after the implantation of STARflo. Postoperative complications include hyphema and fibrin formation in the anterior chamber, which were completely resorbed after the first postoperative month. A postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was the most common complication after the first 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS: The STARflo implant appears to be a safe and effective alternative treatment method for patients with refractory open-angle glaucoma compared to conventional glaucoma surgery.