Outcome of capsule excision for bleb encapsulation after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

ABSTRACT

To assess the outcome of surgical intervention for bleb encapsulation after Ahmed implant. We reviewed the records of 9 patients who developed bleb encapsulation after Ahmed implant and who underwent bleb revision because of uncontrolled glaucoma despite medical treatment. After a mean follow-up of 36 months [range 2 to 84], the mean intraocular pressure [IOP] after bleb revision [16.6 +/- 4.3] was significantly lower than the mean preoperative IOP [28.7 +/- 5.3] [P value <0.05]. Successful outcome was defined as a final IOP between 6 and 22 mmHg with the same or less medication than pre-operatively; this was achieved in seven eyes [77.80%]. Capsular excision after failure of an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve caused by fibrous encapsulation is a useful approach for re-establishing function and lowering the IOP