Comparison of Short-term Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implant between 96 mm2 and 184 mm2 of the Surface Area

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implant with a surface area between 96 mm2 and 184 mm2. METHODS: The outcomes of thirteen eyes of 13 patients with refractory glaucoma who had undergone 96 mm2-sized Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation were compared with those of 13 eyes of 13 patients with 184 mm2-sized Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. RESULTS: Average age and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) were statistically indistinguishable between the two groups (p=0.54 and 0.40, respectively). Average follow-up period and final IOP were also statistically similar (p=0.15 and 1.00, respectively). Comparing the overall IOPs and the numbers of antiglaucoma medications, the IOP of postoperative day 1 with the 184 mm2-group was only relatively lower (p=0.07). The 2-year success rates were 18.0% for the 96 mm2-group and 69.2% for the 184 mm2-group (Ed-there is no respective comparison here) with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p=0.0018). The rates of complications and re-operation were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The average postoperative IOPs were not statistically different between the two groups. However, the success rate was better in the 184 mm2-group than in the 96 mm2-group.

Descemet's Membrane Detachment Associated with Inadvertent Viscoelastic Injection in Viscocanalostomy

We report a case of Descemet's membrane detachment, a rare complication of viscocanalostomy. During the operation, the injection cannula was directed slightly oblique to the Schlemm's canal rather than parallel to it. Localized corneal whitening developed adjacent to the injection site during viscoelastic injection. One week postoperatively, corneal edema decreased and Descemet's membrane detachment was noted. Nine months after surgery, the cornea was clear while the Descemet's membrane detachment remained. And IOP was 19 mmHg without any medications. We think that improper cannula positioning during viscoelastic injection may cause Descemet's membrane detachment, a rare complication of viscocanalostomy.

Visual function and quality of life in Korean patients with glaucoma

The relationship between visual acuity, the level of visual field impairment, visual functioning, and the quality of life was evaluated in Korean patients with glaucoma. Forty-three consecutive glaucoma patients from the glaucoma service at Severance Eye and Ear Hospital were included in this study. Each subject underwent a vision-specific functional status questionnaire (VF-14), a modified VF-14 (VF'-14) and general quality-of-life questionnaires of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The visual acuity and visual field measurements with a Humphrey automated perimeter were taken within one month of the initial visit. The mean age of the subjects was 57.9 +/- 17.8. Among these patients, there were 23 males and 20 females. The mean deviation (MD) and the corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) by the automated perimeter in the eye with the better visual acuity were -5.87 +/- 5.16 dB and 3.92 +/- 2.74 dB respectively. The VF-14 and SF-36 scores were 41.28 +/- 14.56 and 52.39 +/- 6.61 respectively. There were significant correlations between the VF-14, VF'-14, and the MD of the better eye (p < 0.05). In Korean patients with glaucoma, the VF-14 and VF'-14 have significant relationship with the MD of the better eye in the visual field.