Beyoglu Eye Journal (Aug 2019)
Ciliary Sulcus Implantation of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Patients with Corneal Decompensation Risk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION[|]The goal of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of ciliary sulcus implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV; New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA) in patients with a risk of corneal decompensation.[¤]METHODS[|]Patients with a corneal decompensation risk who underwent AGV implantation at a single institution were included in this retrospective study. The patients' preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the number of anti-glaucomatous eye drop medications used was compared with postoperative values. The success criteria were defined as a postoperative IOP of 5 to 21 mmHg and no loss of light perception.[¤]RESULTS[|]Twenty-three eyes of 23 (16 male, 7 female) patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.6+-14.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 15.8+-8.3 months. The preoperative mean IOP was reduced from 33.6+-9.1 mmHg to 16.9+-5.1 mmHg at the last follow-up (p=0.000). The mean preoperative number of anti-glaucomatous eye drop medications used was 3.5+-1.3. Postoperatively the mean was 1.7+-1.4 at the last follow-up (p=0.000). The rate of total success was determined to be 78%. The postoperative mean BCVA did not change significantly. One patient lost light perception. A decrease in corneal clarity was observed in only 1 patient (4.3%). The postoperative complications observed were: bleb encapsulation (43%), hyphema (39%), tube occlusion (13%), choroidal detachment (8.7%), decompression retinopathy (8.7%), and corneal decompensation (4.3%).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Ciliary sulcus implantation of an AGV was effective, both in terms of IOP and the decrease in anti-glaucomatous drug use in the short term. This technique may be a good choice in patients with a corneal decompensation risk due to the posterior chamber implantation.[¤]
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