Long-term clinical outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and complications of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SUBJECTS: The study involved 302 refractory glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months between March 1995 and December 2013. METHODS: An operation was defined as successful when (1) the postoperative IOP remained between 5 and 21 mmHg and was reduced 30% compared to the baseline IOP with or without medication, (2) there was no loss of light perception or vision-threatening severe complications, and (3) no additional filtering or aqueous drainage surgery was required. Clinical records were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IOP, anti-glaucoma medications, and complications RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 62.25 months (range, 6 to 190 months). The cumulative probability of success was 89% at 6 months, 81% at 1 year, 66% at 3 years, 44% at 10 years, and 26% at 15 years. IOP was reduced from a mean of 32.2 ± 10.5 mmHg to 18.6 ± 9.1 mmHg at 1 month, 15.2 ± 7.0 mmHg at 6 months, and 14.2 ± 3.5 mmHg at 15 years. Surgical failures were significantly increased when preoperative IOP was high, and when severe complications occurred after AGV implantation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AGV implantation was successful for IOP control in patients with refractive glaucoma in the long term. However, the success rate of surgery decreased over time. Preoperative high IOP and severe complications related to the operation were significant risk factors for failure.