Uveitis glaucoma hyphema syndrome as a result of glaucoma implant: A case report

Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness. The Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is a glaucoma drainage implant device that is used in glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP. A possible complication after any ocular surgery however is hyphema, which can itself progress to uveitis glaucoma hyphema (UGH) syndrome on rare occasions. UGH syndrome has not yet been reported as a complication of AGV implantation.

Here, we have reported a case of a 55-year-old female who developed both hyphema and pigmentation as a result of AGV implantation. We confirmed UGH syndrome secondary to AGV implantation after the patient underwent another surgery to shorten and reposition the AGV tube. After the second surgery, the patient's IOP was reduced, and she had a clear cornea and no signs of hyphema.

This first report of UGH syndrome as a complication of AGV implantation reminds clinicians that frequent follow-up is paramount.