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A clinical study of the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant in advanced glaucoma

R S Ayyala1, D Zurakowski, J A Smith

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.

Ophthalmology
|October 27, 1998
PubMed

Insights

The Ahmed glaucoma valve implant shows a 77% success rate at 12 months, with most patients experiencing a temporary hypertensive phase (HP) post-surgery. Management of HP often requires medication or further intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Glaucoma Surgery
  • Medical Device Research

Background:

  • Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
  • The Ahmed glaucoma valve implant is a surgical option for managing intractable glaucoma.
  • Postoperative intraocular pressure fluctuations, including hypertensive phase, are common challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.
  • To determine the incidence and management strategies for postoperative hypertensive phase (HP).
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of the Ahmed valve in glaucoma patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of 85 patients with intractable glaucoma.
  • Ahmed glaucoma valve insertion was performed.
  • Follow-up for a minimum of 6 months, assessing intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and complications.

Main Results:

  • The 12-month cumulative success rate was 77%.
  • 82% of patients experienced a hypertensive phase (IOP > 21 mmHg), peaking at 1 month and stabilizing by 6 months.
  • 48% of HP cases required additional medications, 20% needed needling with 5-fluorouracil, and 28% required secondary surgery.

Conclusions:

  • The Ahmed glaucoma valve demonstrates comparable success rates to other implants.
  • Hypertensive phase is common but manageable, with most cases stabilizing within 6 months.
  • Postoperative hypotony and shallow anterior chambers are infrequent complications.
Abstract

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