Combined Operation Assosciated with Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate surgical results after combined operation associated with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 71 eyes of 67 patients who underwent combined operation associated with AGV implantation from June 2003 to August 2012. RESULTS: Pars plana vitrectomy or phacoemulsification combined with AGV implantation were performed for 16 eyes and AGV implantation alone was performed in 55 eyes. Mean IOP (mm Hg) and the number of antigluacoma agents for both the combined and single groups showed a statistically significant decrease (combined/single; p = 0.008/0.000, 0.002/ 0.000). Visual acuity (log MAR) was improved, but these differences were not statistically significant (combined/single; p = 0.309/0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Combined vitrectomy or phacoemulsification and AGV implantation for intractable glaucoma with vitreoretinal disease or cataract is considered to be the primary procedure because of its equivalent efficacy in lowering IOP, improving visual acuity and decreasing the number of glaucoma agents.