Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery in the management of refractory uveitic glaucoma: Long-term follow up Implante de válvula de Ahmed para el manejo del glaucoma uveítico refractario: seguimiento a largo plazo

Abstract

© 2018 Objective: To examine the long-term efficacy, safety and complications of Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery in patients with refractory uveitic glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive cases of patients with refractory uveitic glaucoma who underwent Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery between 2004-2014. Demographic characteristics of the study population, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications and operative and postoperative complications were recorded. Complete success was defined as IOP ≥ 5 and ≤ 18 mmHg without any medication, as qualified success if IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with one or more medications. Patients with less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Results: 21 patients (26 eyes) were included. The mean postoperative follow-up was 53.5 ± 31 months. Eight eyes (30%) had at least one previously failed glaucoma surgery. IOP was reduced from a mean of 30.0 mmHg to 14.0 mmHg at the last follow-up visit (P <.001).