Needle Revision and Digital Ocular Massage for Treatment of Ocular Hypertension Phase after Ahmed Valve Implantation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects and safety of needle revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) subconjunctival injection and digital ocular massage for the treatment of ocular hypertension phase following Ahmed valve implantation (AVI).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent needle revision with 5-FU subconjunctival injection and digital ocular massage for treatment of ocular hypertension phase. Changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of anti-glaucoma medications before and after the procedure were compared. The cumulative success rate of the procedure was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Success was categorized as complete when the IOP was 6-21 mmHg without medication and qualified when it was 6-21 mmHg with medication.Results: In total, 53 eyes of 53 patients were included in this study. The average time interval between AVI and the first procedure was 25 days, and 2.1 ± 0.8 procedures were performed per patient. The mean IOP before and at 48 weeks after the procedure was 24.4 ± 2.9 and 16.9 ± 3.5 mmHg, respectively. At each follow-up visit, the IOP was significantly lower than that before the procedure. At 48 weeks after the procedure, the complete and qualified success rates were 22.6%, and 81.1%, respectively.Conclusions: Needle revision with 5-FU subconjunctival injection and digital ocular massage are effective and safe for the treatment of ocular hypertension phase following AVI.