What is a glaucoma drainage device?

What is a glaucoma drainage device?

• A. A tube shunt implanted to divert aqueous humor to an external reservoir or plate, lowering IOP
• B. A laser device used to increase outflow
• C. A diuretic implant
• D. A corneal graft

Answer: (D)

A glaucoma drainage device is a surgically implanted system that provides an alternate path for aqueous humor to leave the eye. It usually consists of a small silicone tube placed into the anterior chamber that connects to a plate or reservoir tucked under the conjunctiva. Fluid drains through the tube to the plate, reducing intraocular pressure. These devices are used when medications or laser treatments don’t adequately control pressure. They differ from laser approaches, which aim to increase outflow without an implanted shunt. They also aren’t about delivering diuretics inside the eye, and they have nothing to do with replacing corneal tissue, which is what a corneal graft does.

A glaucoma drainage device is a surgically implanted system that provides an alternate path for aqueous humor to leave the eye. It usually consists of a small silicone tube placed into the anterior chamber that connects to a plate or reservoir tucked under the conjunctiva. Fluid drains through the tube to the plate, reducing intraocular pressure.

These devices are used when medications or laser treatments don’t adequately control pressure. They differ from laser approaches, which aim to increase outflow without an implanted shunt. They also aren’t about delivering diuretics inside the eye, and they have nothing to do with replacing corneal tissue, which is what a corneal graft does.