THE USE OF PTFE MEMBRANES WITH AHMED GLAUCOMA VALVE FOR TREATMENT REFRACTIVE GLAUCOMA

Abstract

Puspose: to develop a method for the prevention of scarring of filter pads in patients with glaucoma using Ahmed Glaucoma Valve. patients and methods: We developed modification of the techniques Ahmed drainage implantation using a PTFE membrane. We covered Ahmed drainage with PTFE membrane and implanted it according to standard method, recommended by manufacturer. There were 149 patients with the different forms of refractive glaucoma in the study (93 (59%) — men, 64 (41%) — women. Average age was 64 years (from 22 to 88 years old). Patients were divided in two groups. 54 patents (59 eyes) were in the first group, 95 (98 eyes) in the second. Ahmed drainage with PTFE membrane was implanted according to proposed method in the first group; traditional method was used in the control group. Results and discussion: visual acuity was higher and intraocular pressure was lower during all follow-up period in patients received modificated surgical treatment. 3 patients (5%) from the main group and 11 (11%) from the control group were operated repeatedly. Conclusion: Offered method of Ahmed drainage’s implantation using a PTFE membrane is more effective than standard method and reduces complications associated with excessive scarring of the filter pads, that requires the repeated of the surgical treatment. The results of the study allow to recommend this method for ophthalmological practice.

Keywords

• refractive glaucoma
• glaucoma surgery
• ahmed drainage
• scarring
• polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe)