Severe Hypotony-induced Intraocular Inflammation after Removal of Ripcord Suture from a Glaucoma Drainage Device in Uveitis Patient

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report a case of exuberant anterior chamber inflammation post partial removal of supramid® stent.

Methods

Case report.

Results

The sudden intraocular pressure drop induced by partial removal of ripcord suture from a glaucoma drainage device can result in blood-retinal and blood-aqueous barrier breakdown, inducing uveitis.

Conclusions

Intensive inflammatory prophylaxis prior to maneuvers to reduce intraocular pressure may reduce the risk of severe intraocular inflammation in patients with a previous history of uveitis as a consequence of sudden hypotony.

KEYWORDS:

• Uveitis
• intraocular inflammation
• intraocular pressure
• ripcord suture removal
• glaucoma drainage device
• inflammatory prophylaxis

Authors’ contributions

IT performed data collection and contributed to literature review and preparation of the manuscript. CP, PA and WN provided the concept and design, intellectual content and critical review of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership, or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Availability of data and materials

All the data pertaining to the case are available with the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre based at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.