Outcomes and Complications of Ahmed Tube Implantation in Asian Eyes

PURPOSE:There is a lack of long-term Asian studies on the efficacy and safety of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. This study seeks to determine the outcomes and complications of AGV implantation in Asians. METHODS:Retrospective review of AGV surgeries performed at a single centre in Singapore was conducted. 76 patients with primary and secondary glaucoma who underwent their first AGV surgery from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012 were considered for our study. Primary outcomes evaluated werefailure, intra-ocular pressure, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of IOP-lowering medications and complications. Failure was defined byIOP >21▒mm Hg on two consecutive visits after 3 months, IOP ≤5▒mm Hg on two consecutive visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma, removal of implant or loss of light perception vision. RESULTS:Mean follow-up duration was 33.2±6.9 months. There was significant reduction in IOP (mean reduction 25.9%, P