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Published on: December 11, 2017
Factors Associated with Conjunctival Erosions after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation
Di Zhou1, Xiao Yi Zhou1, Alma Michelle Mas-Ramirez1
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
Insights
Conjunctival erosions occurred in 7.52% of patients after Ahmed valve implantation. Risk factors included aphakia, uveitic glaucoma, and prolonged topical steroid use, highlighting areas for improved surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Surgery
- Medical Device Implantation
Background:
- Ahmed valve implantation is a common procedure for glaucoma management.
- Conjunctival erosion is a potential complication following glaucoma drainage device implantation.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for preventing and managing this complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of conjunctival erosions after Ahmed valve implantation.
- To identify risk factors associated with conjunctival erosions in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study of 306 eyes (277 patients) undergoing Ahmed valve implantation.
- Analysis of conjunctival erosion rates and associated factors using univariate, bivariate, and Cox-proportional hazard models.
Main Results:
- The overall rate of conjunctival erosions was 7.52% (23 of 306 eyes).
- Aphakia, uveitic glaucoma, and longer post-operative topical steroid use were significantly associated with increased erosion risk.
- No erosions were observed with the modified scleral tunnel technique.
Conclusions:
- The conjunctival erosion rate following Ahmed valve implantation is 7.52%.
- Aphakia, uveitic glaucoma, and extended topical steroid use are significant risk factors for conjunctival erosions.
- The modified scleral tunnel method may reduce the risk of erosion.
Purpose:
To investigate the frequency of conjunctival erosions in a series of patients who underwent Ahmed valve implantation in a tertiary referral center and to study risk factors associated with the conjunctival erosions.
Methods:
This is a single-center, retrospective case-control study of all patients who underwent Ahmed valve implantation between October 2006 and July 2016 at the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan. The series consisted of 306 eyes (277 patients) that underwent Ahmed valve implantation. The rate of conjunctival erosions was determined. Univariate, bivariate, and Cox-proportional hazard analyses were performed to identify factors associated with conjunctival erosions.
Results:
During the study period, 23 erosions occurred in 306 eyes (7.52%). Aphakia was significantly more common in eyes with erosions (P < 0.05). Aphakia (P = 0.02), uveitic glaucoma (P = 0.03), and longer post-operative use of topical steroids (P < 0.04) significantly increased the risk of erosions based on the Cox model. There were similar rates of erosions with each type of patch graft. No conjunctival erosion was observed after using the modified scleral tunnel method (n = 10).
Conclusions:
The overall erosion rate was 7.52% in our series. Uveitic glaucoma, aphakia, and longer post-operative use of topical steroids were significantly associated with conjunctival erosions.
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