Ahmed glaucoma valve in post-penetrating-keratoplasty glaucoma: a critically evaluated prospective clinical study.

AIM

The aim was to evaluate the outcome of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in post-penetrating-keratoplasty glaucoma (PKPG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 20 eyes of 20 adult patients with post-PKPG with intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg, on two or more antiglaucoma medications, underwent AG (model FP7) implantation and were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Absolute success was defined as 5 < IOP < 21 mmHg and qualified success as 5 < IOP < 21 mmHg with medications or minor procedures.

RESULTS

The mean IOP decreased from 42.95 ± 10.24 to 17.69 ± 3.64 mmHg (P < 0.001) and the use of medications dropped from 2.92 to 0.39 (P < 0.001) after AGV implantation. The absolute success was achieved in 11 eyes and qualified success in 9. There was no significant change in best corrected visual acuity, graft clarity, or graft thickness. Six device-related complications occurred after AGV implantations which were successfully managed with medical or minor surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Postkeratoplasty refractory glaucoma managed by AGV implantation revealed a satisfactory outcome up to 6 months of follow-up.