Comparison of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Alone Versus Combined with Phacoemulsification in Chinese Primary...

To compare the surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation and combined AGVwith phacoemulsification (Phaco-AGV) in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

A total of 43 eyes followed up for 2 years were enrolled. The primary outcome was the success rate. The success rate was defined as an IOP of 5-21 mmHg (success rate 1) or 5-18 mmHg (success rate 2), and an IOP reduction of more than 20% with (qualified) or without (complete) glaucoma medications. The secondary outcomes included IOP, glaucoma medications, and complications.

Eighteen eyes underwent AGV and 25 eyes underwent phaco-AGV. There were no differences in the preoperative IOP (25.7 ± 10.7 mmHg vs 26.3 ± 6.2 mmHg, P<0.05) and medications (2.1 ± 1.4 vs 1.6 ± 0.8, P<0.05) between the two groups. The complete success rate 1 in the Phaco-AGV group was higher than that in the AGV group at the 2-year (60.0% vs 22.2%, P<0.05) follow-up. The qualified and complete success rates 2 in the Phaco-AGV group were both higher than those in the AGV group at the 2-year follow-up (all P < 0.05). Patients in the Phaco-AGV group showed significantly lower postoperative IOP at 3 months (P<0.05), used fewer glaucoma medications at month-3, month-6 and year-2 visits, experienced less encapsulated blebs than those in the AGV group (P<0.05).

The surgical outcomes of phaco-AGV showed higher success rates and fewer complications than those of AGV in this 2-year study.