Glaucoma drainage devices

Glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) occupy an important place in the surgical management of glaucoma that is not responding to medications and trabeculectomy operations. In certain conditions, such as neovascular glaucoma, pediatric glaucoma, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, penetrating keratoplasty with glaucoma, glaucoma following retinal detachment surgery, it has become the preferred operation. GDD create an alternate aqueous pathway from anterior chamber by channeling aqueous out of the eye through a tube to subconjunctival space. Glaucoma drainage implants that have been used extensively include the non-restrictive and restrictive drainage devices. This article outlines history of implants, types of implant, surgical technique of implantation, various complications following GDD insertion and their management.