Incidence and management of encapsulated cysts following Ahmed glaucoma valve insertion.
OBJECTIVE
Encapsulated cysts have been inconsistently reported to occur following Ahmed glaucoma valve implant insertion. We are unaware of previous reports reviewing their management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and management of encapsulated cyst formation following Ahmed glaucoma valve implant insertion.


METHODS
Consecutive glaucoma patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implant insertion were studied retrospectively. Inclusion criteria included a minimum of 12 months of follow-up.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. Following Ahmed glaucoma valve implant insertion, 13 patients (23%) developed an encapsulated cyst. After failing medical therapy and needling with 5-fluorouracil, 11 of these patients underwent surgical excision to control intraocular pressure. Eight of the eleven patients achieved adequate control of intraocular pressure with a mean follow-up time post excision of 330 +/- 120 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Encapsulated cysts associated with elevated intraocular pressure were commonly seen after Ahmed glaucoma valve implant insertion. Failing medical therapy, surgical excision of the cyst is effective in lowering intraocular pressure.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA. mayae@umich.edu
Maya
M
Eibschitz-Tsimhoni
Robert M
RM
Schertzer
David C
DC
Musch
Sayoko E
SE
Moroi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003560:Cysts / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015355:Glaucoma, Neovascular / Q000601:surgery; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular