Molteno3^® Glaucoma Surgery

The Molteno3^® glaucoma drainage device consists of a small plate and a tube. The tube creates a new drainage channel through which the eye’s fluid can flow from the front chamber of the eye to a filtering area called a bleb. The device is placed outside the eye but is covered by the skin of the eye and thus it cannot be seen or felt.

During surgery, your surgeon will make an incision in the eye and the small Molteno3^® glaucoma drainage device will be implanted under general anesthesia. The total procedure time is approximately 60 – 90 minutes. 

No. During the surgery your eye will be anesthetized. Post-surgery your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation and to prevent pain.

It is necessary to first undergo an ophthalmic examination to determine whether you are suitable for Molteno3^® surgery. Glaucoma drainage devices are generally used in more complicated glaucoma cases, or in eyes where there is a high likelihood of failure of standard glaucoma treatment¹, including glaucoma types resulting from inflammation, trauma, or complication of diabetes (‘neovascular glaucoma’).

Full recovery from the Molteno3^® surgery can take up to 6 – 10 weeks. You should be able to resume some normal day-to-day activities after the first 2 – 3 weeks. The eye will feel sore and bruised for a few days after the surgery, but the discomfort usually settles within the first few days. Regular follow-up exams will track the pressure changes in your eye and ensure that the Molteno3^® glaucoma drainage device is working successfully.

Although the Molteno3^® glaucoma drainage device has a relatively low rate of long-term complications, there is still the potential for side effects. Common complications and side effects include:

• Double vision
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Cataract