Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for refractory glaucoma. Methods Twenty seven cases (27 eyes) of refractory glaucoma underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, including 11 cases of neovascular glaucoma, 3 cases of uvetic glaucoma,7 cases of aphakic glaucoma, 6 cases of traumatic glaucoma. Results The follow-up period was 1-3 years. The preoperative intraocular pressure was 36-70mmHg with the average of 41.12±10.04 mmHg. After the operation ,the average level of the intraocular pressure was 20.04±9.15 mmHg, and there was statistical difference(P0.01). The intraocular pressure was under 21mmHg without administering any drug in 15 eyes, and the intraocular pressure was under 21mmHg with administering only proper eye drops in 7 eyes. The total effective rate was 81.48%. The visual acuity was improved in 9 eyes at different levels with the best of 0.2. Conclusion Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation is a safe and effective method for the management of refractory glaucoma.