Underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Research Articles

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and risk factors for graft failure in eyes with Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in eyes with Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and glaucoma and evaluate the risk factors for failure. Retrospective interventional study included 27 eyes (27 subjects) that underwent AGV implantation following DSEK. The main outcome measure was AGV success, defined as IOP between 6 and 21mmHg with or without topical antiglaucoma medications (AGMs). Secondary outcome measure was graft survival. Graft failure was defined as corneal edema for ≥ 1month or irreversible graft opacity requiring intervention. Eighteen eyes (66.7%) had anterior chamber tube and 9 eyes (33.3%) had sulcus tube placement. Median follow-up was 1.2years (interquartile range, IQR, 0.5-2.5years). Following AGV implantation, the median IOP decreased significantly (p < 0.0001), median number of AGMs reduced significantly (p < 0.001) and median visual acuity was maintained (p = 0.76). Cumulative success probability of AGV was 75.8 ± 10.6% at 1year, and 75.8 ± 10.6% at 2years. For 24 clear grafts before AGV, estimates of success post-AGV were 100% at 1year, 77.8 ± 10% at 2years and 51.9 ± 16.4% at 3years. Postoperative tube intervention was a borderline significant risk factor for graft failure (p = 0.05) with hazards ratio of 7.2; however, tube location was not associated with failure. AGV can be considered an effective surgical option for IOP control in eyes with DSEK and glaucoma. However, high risk of long-term graft failure in these eyes needs to be considered specially those eyes needing tube intervention.

Long-term vision outcomes and breed differences of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation in 132 eyes of 122 dogs.

To evaluate the long-term vision outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in dogs. The medical records of dogs that underwent AGV implantation from January 2010 to December 2019 were reviewed to assess the duration of post-surgical vision preservation (PVP). The relationship between PVP and the underlying cause of glaucoma, implant placement, and preoperative intraocular pressure was evaluated. One hundred and thirty-two eyes of 122 dogs (mean age, 8.3±2.6years) were included. The mean±standard error of PVP for all eyes was 57.5±3.9months. PVP in the dogs with primary acute glaucoma and prior history of cataract surgery was 56.4±4.7 and 59.3±5.9months, respectively (p=.712). The PVP of the Shiba Inu, American Cocker Spaniel, and other breeds was 63.1±5.5, 33.7±5.3, and 59.1±6.3months, respectively (p<.05). The PVP in dogs with medial implantation was 61.9±4.7months, and in those with lateral implantation was 45.4±6.4months (p=.034). Among the 132 eyes investigated, 48 (36.4%) lost vision by the last follow-up, and 18 eyes retained vision for more than 5years. Two of the total number of eyes retained their vision for more than 8years. The vision outcomes regarding the use of AGV for the management of canine glaucoma were favorable in dogs.

Outcome of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Refractory Glaucoma – Our Population Analysis

Purpose: To find out the outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in a tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; Study Design: Retrospective case series.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Shifa International Hospital Islamabad from January 2018 to July 2020.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective case series of 19 eyes of 17 patients with refractory glaucoma included patients who underwent AGV implantation with a follow-up period of 6 months to 01 year. AGV was done as a primary procedure in 3 patients and secondary procedure in 17 patients after a previously failed trabeculectomy. All patients underwent complete eye examination, before surgery and then at 1 month, 2months, 6 months and 1 year. Goldman tonometer was used to check IOP. Complications, interventions and the number of anti-glaucoma medications (in post-operative period) needed to achieve the target pressure were noted. Success was defined as an IOP of less than 18 mm Hg, with or without a single anti-glaucoma medication.&#x0D; Results: Complete success was achieved in 57.9% and conditional success in 42.2%. The most common complication was encapsulated cyst formation in 31.6% and post-operative interventions were bleb deroofing in 10.5%, tube readjustment and tube wash in 10.5% and YAG vitreolysis in 5.3%.&#x0D; Conclusion: AGV is an effective and relatively safe procedure in refractory glaucoma irrespective of initial diagnosis and age of the patient. Encapsulated bleb was the commonest complication.&#x0D; Key Words: Ahmad Glaucoma valve, Glaucoma, Intra Ocular Pressure.

Surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation with plate fixation using vicryl sutures or no plate fixation.

To summarize the surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation with plate fixation with vicryl absorbable sutures or no plate suturing. This study was a retrospective case series that included all glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation surgery with vicryl absorbable sutures for plate fixation or without plate fixation by a single surgeon between 2014 and 2019. We reviewed their medical records and retrieved clinical data on intra- and postoperative complications, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of IOP-lowering medications. Twenty out of 29 eyes (29 patients, mean age 61.04 ± 27.1 years, 17 men) underwent AGV implantation without plate fixation and nine had AGV implantation with fixation with vicryl sutures. Complications were observed in 15 cases (51.7%). Nine of these were defined as failure due to the need for removal or repositioning of the AGV or for further surgery for uncontrolled IOP, of which five were no-fixation cases (5/20, 25%) and four were vicryl-fixation cases (4/9, 44.4%). Six of all surgical failures were related to AGV migration (6/9, 66.6%). There were three cases of extrusion and one case of plate migration in the no-fixation group, and two cases of plate migration and one case of extrusion in the vicryl-fixation group. AGV implantation without suture plate fixation or with vicryl suture fixation had a high complication and failure rate, often necessitating reoperation and AGV removal. The high rate of tube-related complications observed after both techniques does not favor either of them. The use of non-absorbable sutures for suturing of the AGV plate is recommended.

Autologous Scleral Pocket Technique for Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation with Pars Plana Tube Insertion for Neovascular Glaucoma

Specific postoperative complications, such as tube exposure and conjunctival erosion, have occurred despite the favorable surgical outcomes of tube shunt surgeries for refractory glaucoma. The new autologous scleral pocket technique is performed by inserting the tube into the vitreous cavity without using a donor scleral patch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical results of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation using this technique for neovascular glaucoma (NVG), which is one of the representative refractory types of glaucoma. This observational retrospective case series included 15 consecutive eyes of 15 patients with NVG who had undergone AGV implantation at Kobe University between January 2018 and December 2019. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 37.2 ± 13.8 mmHg and the glaucoma drug score was 4.2 ± 2.2. The mean IOP and glaucoma drug score at 1 year postoperatively decreased to 15.0 ± 4.6 mmHg and 1.3 ± 2.0, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant change in the corneal endothelial cell density following surgery was observed (p = 0.09); however, one patient required an additional trabeculectomy at 7 months postoperatively. No cases of tube exposure or conjunctival erosion were observed at 1 year postoperatively. These results indicated the effectiveness and safety of this technique in patients with NVG.

Ahmed valve for secondary glaucoma in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR-FAP) who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with a diagnosis of TTR-FAP secondary glaucoma, who underwent AGV implantation in our department, between November 2010 and July 2019. The cumulative probability of treatment success was measured with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The primary outcome was success, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 6 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg with or without medication, with no need for further glaucoma surgery and without loss of light perception at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were postoperative IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, and rates of complications. The study included 114 eyes of 87 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 3.81 ± 2.11 years (y) [range, 1.00-8.28 y]. Compared to the preoperative values, the mean IOP was reduced from 28.20 ± 7.01 to 12.87 ± 3.76 mmHg at the final visit (p < 0.001), with a reduction in the number of medications from 3.89 ± 0.66 to 1.86 ± 1.43 (p < 0.001). Early and late postoperative complications occurred in 20 (17.09%) and 9 (7.89%) eyes, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated probabilities of success of 0.98 at 1 y, 0.97 at 2 y, 0.95 at 3 y, 0.89 at 4 y, 0.77 at 5 y and 0.72 at 6 y. The linear correlation analysis showed a correlation between some characteristics of the natural history of TTR-FAP patients and AGV implantation success. Although glaucoma in TTR-FAP patients is very difficult to manage, AGV implantation is an effective and relatively safe procedure.

Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Without Plate Sutures: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation without plate fixation resulted in high rates of complications related to plate or tube movement. Scleral suturing of the plate of AGV is associated with technical difficulty and potential complications. This study summarizes the surgical outcomes of 10 years of experience with AGV implantation without suture plate fixation. The medical records of all glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation surgery without plate fixation between 2009 and 2019 at the Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data on intraoperative and postoperative complications, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications were retrieved. Included were 95 eyes of 95 patients (53 men, 42 women; mean age, 54.9±17.5 y). The mean follow-up was 687±673 days. In total, 37 patients (37/95, 38.%) had AGV-related complications, of whom 28 (29.5%) required additional intervention. Women had a significantly higher rate of complications than men (21/42, 50% vs. 16/53, 30.2%, respectively, P=0.049). The 2 most common complications were AGV migration in 13 eyes (13.7%) and tube exposure/AGV extrusion in 9 eyes (9.5%). AGV was removed in 10 cases. In this cohort, omitting suture AGV plate fixation resulted in high rates of complications related to plate or tube movement, the need for further intervention, and AGV removal. Therefore, we cannot recommend this surgical technique.

Tenon Cyst Patch Graft for Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Tube Exposure: Case Series Report.

To report our experience using a Tenon cyst autograft in the management of tube exposure post Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. This is a retrospective case series. Four patients who underwent tube exposure repair using Tenon cyst autograft were identified in our tertiary care center. The duration between initial AGV implantation and tube exposure ranged between 3 and 36 months with a mean of 16 months (±14.35 mo). All patients were followed postoperatively for a range of 4 to 24 months with a mean of 11.75 months (±9.03 o) and all remain exposure free at last follow-up. The use of a Tenon cyst autograft for the surgical repair of a tube exposure is valuable, as it involves using autologous scar tissue that is available in eyes that have undergone AGV implantation. The patch autograft is technically easy to harvest, and represents a significantly lower cost when compared with other available options.

Long-term Outcome of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Eyes With Intractably Raised Intraocular Pressure Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation led to a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and in antiglaucoma medications in vitrectomized eyes in previously nonglaucomatous eyes. The most common indication for vitrectomy was ocular trauma-related complications. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcomes of AGV implantation in patients of uncontrolled IOP after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Medical records of patients (age 18 y and above) who underwent AGV implantation between January 2006 and December 2017 for uncontrolled IOP following PPV with ≥2 years follow-up were reviewed. The underlying etiology for PPV, IOP, best-corrected visual acuity, and number of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs) were recorded at baseline. The main outcomes measures were IOP, number of AGM, best-corrected visual acuity, and postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were classified as early (≤3 mo)/intermediate (>3 mo to ≤1 y), or late (>1 y). In all, 78 eyes of 78 patients with a mean age of 38.06±17.83 years were included. The mean follow-up was 70.46±36.96 (range: 24 to 180) months. The main underlying etiology for PPV was trauma (38.4%) followed by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (28.2%). The mean preoperative IOP was 29.33±9.84 mm Hg with an average of 4.07±1.2 AGM. The mean IOP and number of AGM was significantly reduced in all follow-up visits (P<0.0001) following AGV implantation. The cumulative probability of success was 92.3%, 80.7%, and 74% at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Thirty-one complications were observed in 25 (32%) eyes and reoperation (23 procedures) was performed in 22 (28.2%) eyes. AGV implantation had good outcome in patients with intractably elevated IOP following PPV. Trauma-related pathologies were a major contributor to the indications for PPV and had more chances of failure following AGV implantation.

The role of Ahmed glaucoma valve in the management of refractory glaucoma: Long-term outcomes and complications.

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and long-term complications of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in refractory glaucoma. Seventy-eight eyes with glaucoma refractory to conventional surgical procedures (filtration surgery and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation) underwent AGV implantation between May 2006 and August 2018. The criteria for success were defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 18 mmHg and a decrease of at least 20% from the preoperative IOP. The criteria for failure were an IOP greater than 18 mmHg or less than 5 mmHg, an increase in medical treatment, a decrease of less than 20% of the initial IOP, the need for another glaucoma surgery, or a decrease in visual acuity attributable to the valve. IOP decreased from 31.0 ± 9.0 mmHg to 17.2 ± 7.2 mmHg (mean follow-up 32.5 months), for a mean IOP lowering of 44.5% (p < 0.001). Medical treatment was significantly reduced from 5.3 ± 1.5 to 2.8 ± 1.9 (p < 0.0001). The cumulative success rates were 59.4% at 3 years and 45.1% at 5 years. Encapsulation of the filtration bleb was the most common short-term complication (32.1%). Relevant long-term complications were bleb fibrosis with elevated IOP (12.8%) and corneal decompensation (10.2%). The AGV is an effective procedure in the long-term for controlling IOP in refractory glaucoma, with limited incidence of complications. These results suggest that the AGV might be considered earlier in the surgical strategy for glaucoma not controlled after one well-performed conventional filtration surgery.

Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Drainage Implant in Eyes With Glaucoma Secondary to Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome.

To evaluate the success of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in patients with glaucoma secondary to iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. This retrospective study included 18 eyes of 18 patients with ICE syndrome and glaucoma who had undergone AGV implantation at our institute between January 2008 and April 2019. The primary outcome was the success of AGV, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 and ≤21 mm Hg with or without topical antiglaucoma medication (AGM). Failure was defined as IOP <6 or >21 mm Hg/need for oral AGM/need for additional glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception because of a surgical complication. Corneal clarity and graft survival in these eyes post-AGV were the secondary outcome measure. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was at 20.61 (3.9 to 57) months. Of the 18 eyes, 14 (77.8%) had adequate IOP control with or without AGMs. Postoperatively, the mean (±standard deviation) IOP significantly reduced from 29.7(±10) mm Hg to 16(±3.8) mm Hg and the number of AGMs reduced significantly from a mean of 3.6 (±1) to 1.7 (±0.9). The probability of AGV success was 92.3±7.4%, 66.1±11.0%, and 50.5%±17.3% at 1, 3, and 4 years, respectively. All 4 failures were because of uncontrolled IOP and needed either oral AGM or additional surgery for IOP control. At the last follow-up visit, 16 eyes had clear cornea and 2 eyes had pre-existing corneal scar (eccentric) that persisted after AGV implantation. AGV implant was reasonably successful for IOP control in glaucoma secondary to ICE syndrome with a few common but manageable corneal complications.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve FP8 versus FP7 in adult secondary glaucoma.

To compare the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) pediatric FP8 versus the large-sized adult FP7 implants in an adult secondary glaucoma. Patients who underwent AGV implantation from January 2011 to December 2016 for adult secondary glaucoma (due to causes other than post-vitreoretinal/buckle surgery glaucoma) with a follow-up of 6months were included for this retrospective study. Success was defined as IOP > 6mm Hg and < 21mm Hg without any loss of vision, with or without the need of anti-glaucoma medications or additional procedures for control of IOP. Hypertensive phase was defined as IOP > 21mmHg at any visit in the first 6months of postoperative follow-up period, while failure was defined as IOP > 21mm Hg even after medications or additional procedures, need of removal of implant or loss of light perception. Cumulative survival rates and intraoperative or postoperative complications along with IOP profiles were compared between the implants. Of 43 patients, 19 patients underwent FP7 and 24 patients underwent FP8 Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation. The IOP significantly reduced in both groups from baseline (31 ± 8.2mm Hg in FP7 eyes and 37 ± 13.1mm Hg in FP8 eyes) by a mean of 64 ± 23.5% in FP8 and 64 ± 21.5% in FP7 group, respectively, p = 0.8 with comparable final IOP of 16.5mm Hg and 16.9mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.9. Both groups had 75% qualified success rates at 20months after surgery with similar rates of need for postoperative medications or incidence of hypertensive phase. The FP8 eyes had more frequent conjunctiva-related complications in eyes with prior surgeries and preoperative conjunctival scarring while the other complications were similar in the two groups. Surgical outcomes of adult FP7 and pediatric FP8 AGV in adult secondary glaucoma seem to achieve similar IOP control and success rates. This suggests that smaller-sized FP8 can be used in adult glaucoma with good surgical outcomes albeit with careful case selection in eyes with extensive preoperative scarring to avoid conjunctival thinning-related complications postoperatively.

Comparison the clinical efficacy between FP7 and FP8 Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between FP7 and FP8 Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in the treatment of adult refractory glaucoma. Methods The data of 40 cases of adult refractory glaucoma from May 2015 to Feb. 2019 were retrospectively analysed. All cases were divided into two groups randomly. Group A, 25 eyes of 25 patients, underwent FP7 AGV implantation, and group B, 15 eye of 15 patients, underwent FP8 AGV implantations. The fallow-up time was 12 months. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity, success rate, complications and postoperative medication before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results The average intraocular pressure at each time point after surgery were significantly lower in the two groups than those before surgery (P 0.05). The number of anti-glaucoma drugs in both groups was significantly reduced after surgery compared with that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the success rate, visual acuity improvement rate and complication rate at 12 months after surgery (P>0.05). Conclusion There is no significant difference in reducing intraocular pressure, protecting vision, complications, drug dependence of glaucoma, and the success rate between FP7 and FP8 AGV implantation. Application of FP8 AGV in adult eyes with insufficient subconjunctival space is a safe and effective choice. Key words: Glaucoma, refractory, adult; Valve, glaucoma, Ahmed; Efficacy

Long-term outcome of low-cost glaucoma drainage device (Aurolab aqueous drainage implant) compared with Ahmed glaucoma valve

PurposeTo compare the long-term outcome of Aurolab aqueous drainage device (AADI) and Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV).MethodRetrospective analysis of patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV (AGV-FP7) and AADI (AADI Model...

Efficacy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation on Neovascular Glaucoma.

To evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in treating neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and analyze the factors influencing the surgical success rate, a retrospective investigation of 59 NVG patients (66 eyes) who underwent AGV implantation was conducted at Jiangsu Province Hospital, China, from January 2014 to June 2018. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, surgical success rates, medications, and complications were monitored at post-operative 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Surgical success criteria were defined as 6 mm Hg < IOP < 21 mmHg with or without additional medications. Results showed average IOP was statistically significant between pre-operative visit and each follow-up visit (all P<0.05). At 12 months, the success rate was 66.7%. Multiple stepwise regression analysis suggested that age, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), complications and hyphema were significant factors influencing the surgical success rate (all P<0.05). Thus, we conclude that AGV implantation is effective and safe for treatment of NVG. Surgical success is dependent on age, PRP, complications, and hyphema.

Outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma. Between 2007 and 2015, 76 eyes of 64 children aged 16 years or younger underwent AGV implantation. We included 65 eyes of 53 children with follow up ≥6 months; 24 eyes had primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and 41 eyes had secondary pediatric glaucoma (SPG). Success was defined as IOP>5 and ≤21 mm Hg with or without topical antiglaucoma medications; considered failure, when repeat glaucoma surgery was need or loss of light perception. Primary outcome measure was success of AGV in refractory pediatric glaucomas and secondary outcome measure was comparison of outcomes in PCG and SPG. The median age at AGV implantation was 3 years (interquartile range, 2, 12), and median follow up was 27 months (15, 39). The overall cumulative success probability was 88% [95% confidence interval (CI), 76%-94%] at 1 year and was maintained up to 4 years. The success probability in PCG was 91% (80.8%-100%), and SPG was 83% (72%-96%) at 1 year and 4 years (P=0.49). Among the preoperative factors, number of previous intraocular surgeries (hazard ratio of 2.24; 95% CI, 1.14-4.37, was significantly associated with failure; P=0.01). Tube-related complications (16%) were similar in both the groups. One eye in each group had sight-threatening complication. AGV implantation had good success rate in refractory pediatric glaucoma. The success rates were similar in PCG and SPG as were the complications. Number of prior intraocular surgeries was a risk factor for failure.

Graft Survival after Penetrating Keratoplasty in Cases of Trabeculectomy versus Ahmed Valve Implant.

Purpose To compare the corneal graft survival rates after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in cases of post-PKP glaucoma managed by either trabeculectomy with mitomycin C or Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV). Methods This study was a retrospective interventional comparative study that included 40 eyes of 40 patients. The included patients had undergone previous PKP for anterior segment reconstruction after microbial or fungal keratitis, chemical burns, trauma, or perforated corneal ulcer. Post-PKP glaucoma was managed surgically by either trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (group 1) or Ahmed glaucoma valve (group 2). Results The first group (n=20) had undergone trabeculectomy with MMC, and the second group (n=20) had undergone AGV implantation. Regarding BCVA, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Mean IOP was significantly lower in the AGV group at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months (p=0.001). Mean IOP at 24 months dropped significantly from preglaucoma surgery levels in both groups (p=0.001). Rejection episodes occurred in 2 eyes (10%) of the trabeculectomy group versus 8 eyes (40%) in the AGV group (p=0.028). In the trabeculectomy group, corneal graft failure occurred in 1 (5%), 3 (15%), and 6 (30%) eyes at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively. In the AGV group, corneal graft failure occurred in 2 (10%), 5 (25%), and 10 (50%) eyes at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively. The mean time to failure in the trabeculectomy group was 12.33 ± 5.60 months versus 11.90 ± 5.70 months in the AGV group (p=0.027). Conclusion Managing postpenetrating keratoplasty glaucoma could be bothersome especially in complex cases. Ahmed glaucoma valve implant controls the intraocular pressure more effectively than trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. However, Ahmed glaucoma valve can result in higher rates of corneal graft failure in a shorter duration of time. This trial is registered with PACTR201712002861391 on 21 Dec 2017.

Long-term outcomes of uveitic glaucoma treated with Ahmed valve implant in a series of Chinese patients.

To report long-term outcomes of secondary glaucoma due to uveitis treated with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in a series of Chinese patients. The retrospective study included 67 eyes from 56 patients with uveitic glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation. Success of the treatment was defined as patients achieving intraocular pressure (IOP) levels between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without additional anti-glaucoma medications and/or a minimum of 20% reduction from baseline IOP. The main outcome measurements included IOP, the number of glaucoma medications at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo after surgery, surgical complications, final best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The mean follow-up was 53.3±8.5 (range 48 to 60)mo. The cumulative probability of success rate was 98.5%, 95.5%, 89.6%, 83.6%, 76.1%, 70.1%, 65.7% and 61.2% at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo, respectively. IOP was reduced from a baseline of 30.8±6.8 to 9.9±4.1, 10.1±4.2, 10.9±3.7, 12.9±4.6, 13.8±3.9, 13.2±4.6, 12.3±3.5 and 13.1±3.7 mm Hg at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo, respectively (P<0.01). The number of postoperative glaucoma medications was significantly decreased compared with baseline at all time points during the study period (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative BCVA. Remarkable surgical complications were not found after surgery. The VF and RNFL of the patients were stable after the surgery. AGV implantation is safe and effect in terms of reducing IOP, decreasing the number of glaucoma medications, and preserving vision for patients with uveitic glaucoma.

Long-term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Egyptian population.

To evaluate the long-term results and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in a cohort of Egyptian patients. A retrospective study of 124 eyes of 99 patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 5y was performed. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement before surgery and at 1d, weekly for the 1st month, 3, 6mo, and 1y after surgery and yearly afterward for 5y. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and/or Tono-Pen. Complications and the number of anti-glaucoma medications needed were recorded. Success was defined as IOP less than 21 mm Hg with or without anti-glaucoma medication and without additional glaucoma surgery. Mean age was 23.1±19.9y. All eyes had at least one prior glaucoma surgery. IOP was reduced from a mean of 37.2±6.8 to 19.2±5.2 mm Hg after 5y follow-up with a reduced number of medications from 2.64±0.59 to 1.81±0.4. Complete and qualified success rates were 31.5% and 46.0% respectively at the end of follow-up. The most common complications were encapsulated cyst formation in 51 eyes (41.1%), complicated cataract in 9 eyes (7.25%), recessed tube in 8 eyes (6.45%), tube exposure in 6 eyes (4.8%) and corneal touch in 6 eyes (4.8%). Other complications included extruded AGV, endophthalmitis and persistent hypotony. Each of them was recorded in only 2 eyes (1.6%). Although refractory glaucoma is a difficult problem to manage, AGV is effective and relatively safe procedure in treating refractory glaucoma in Egyptian patients with long-term follow-up. Encapsulated cyst formation was the most common complication, which limits successful IOP control after AGV implantation. However, effective complications management can improve the rate of success.

Influence of Vitrectomy-related Factors on the Outcome of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation.

PurposeTo evaluate the outcome of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in eyes with refractory secondary glaucoma following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and the associated prognostic factors.MethodsA total of 146 eyes in 146 patients who underwent AGV implantation after PPV (followed up for ≥1 year) were included. AGV implantation was considered successful when the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 6 to 21 mmHg regardless of using IOP-lowering medication. The hazard ratios (HRs) associated with surgical failure were determined with Cox proportional analysis.ResultsThe most common cause for PPV was complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (50%). The mean and peak IOPs between PPV and AGV implantation were 26.9 ± 6.6 and 35.9 ± 10.2 mmHg, respectively. AGV implantation was performed on average 18.7 months after PPV, and its overall success rate was 80.1% during a mean follow-up period of 43.6 months. In multivariate analyses, rubeosis observed before AGV implantation (HR, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.57 to 10.6; p = 0.004) and higher peak IOP before AGV (HR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.07; p = 0.034) were predictive of failure. However, no PPV-related factors were associated with the surgical outcome of AGV implantation.ConclusionsThe outcome of AGV implantation is good in refractory glaucoma following PPV. Rubeosis after PPV and higher peak IOP before AGV are risk factors for poor outcomes. Patients who undergo PPV should be followed for the development of rubeosis and IOP control.