Modified Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation For The Treatment Of Refractory Glaucoma

Modified Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for the treatment of refractory glaucomaObjective:Over the last two decades, glaucoma drainage implants have become a useful alternative in treating refractor glaucomas.To evaluate the effectiveness of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for the treatment of refractory glaucoma.Methods: An retrospective study was underwent to describe Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation the of 43 cases of refractory glaucoma.Among them ,37 eyes underwent AGV-S3 and 6 eyes underwent AGV-S2. After surgery,the follow-up periods lasted for 7 to 16 months .Results:We defined surgical success as 5 mmHg less than intraocular pressure less than 22 mmHg without additional glaucoma surgery and without loss of light perception.The intraocular pressure was controled in 29 eyes, the total success rate was 67.44%, the iris neovascularization disappeared in 17 patients. Visual acuities remained the same or improved in 34 patients. The postoperative complication included hyphema ,early hypotony ,obstruction of the tube tip and exposition of the plate.Conclusion:Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for refractory glaucoma is an effective and safe mothod. Combined tube-shunt implantation and pars plana vitrectomy may successfully control intraocular pressure and maintain preoperative visual in refractory glaucoma associated with vitroretinal disorders.