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This abstract is assigned to session AOB Free Papers 2

Presentation type	Oral presentation
Title	Expanding horizons: a novel and promising role for glaucoma drainage devices in the management of recurring iris cysts

Purpose	Epithelial inclusion cysts of the iris are a rare complication following ocular surgery or trauma and typically exhibit a more aggressive course than primary iris cysts. Their management remains challenging due to their tendency for rapid growth, which can lead to obscuration of the visual axis, elevated intraocular pressure, corneal decompensation, and secondary glaucoma or uveitis. Particularly in pediatric and young adult patients, the high proliferative capacity of epithelial cells increases the risk of recurrence. Current treatment modalities, including Nd:YAG laser cyst disruption, sclerosing agent irrigation, and complete surgical excision, are associated with high recurrence rates.
Methods	In this case series, we describe two patients with a posttraumatic recurrent iris cysts emerged in childhood, successfully managed with glaucoma drainage devices (Baerveldt tube and Paul tube) to provide continuous cyst fluid drainage.
Results	In both cases, placement of the drainage device successfully controlled cystic growth and maintained the cyst outside of the visual axis. One patient experienced transient diplopia, which resolved spontaneously. The second case was complicated by scleral perforation at the surgical site following additional mechanical trauma but demonstrated a favorable outcome after surgical repair.
Conclusion	These cases illustrate the potential role of glaucoma drainage devices as an alternative treatment strategy for recurrent iris cysts, particularly when conventional therapies hav
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Initials	T
Last name	Collignon
Department	KU Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Initials	I
Last name	Stalmans
Department	University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
City	Leuven

Authors 3

Initials	H
Last name	Delbeke
Department	University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
City	Leuven

Authors 4

Initials	I
Last name	Saelens
Department	University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
City	Leuven

Authors 5

Initials	C
Last name	Cassiman
Department	University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
City	Leuven