A clinical observation on implanting of Ahmed glaucoma valve for treatment of refractory glaucoma

To investigate the clinical effect of implanting of Ahmed glaucoma valve for treatment of refractory glaucoma. Methods 20 eyes of 20 refractory glaucoma patients were followed up after implanting of Ahmed glaucoma valve. The observed signs included IOP, visual acuity and complications. The follow-up duration was from 2 weeks to 32 months. Results The complete and partial success rate of implanting of Ahmed glaucoma valve is 70% ( 14/20) . Till last follow-up, mean IOP of post-operation (16.22±5. 17mmHg) dropped significantly from that of pre-operation ( 59. 61 ?9. 25mmHg) ( P 0. 01). Visual acuity continued in 12 eyes, improved in 4 eyes and decreased in 4 eyes. The complications that had been improved included hyphema, narrow anterior chamber, detachment of choroid, iris obstruction of tube, and narrow detachment of limited Retina, except for malignant glaucoma occurring in 1 eye. Conclusion The implanting of Ahmed glaucoma valve is an effective surgery for treatment of refractory glaucoma.