[Ahmed glaucoma valve via pars plana access. Long-term results of implantation for therapy refractive glaucoma].
BACKGROUND
Aim of this study is the presentation of long-term results regarding the effectiveness and safety of the implantation of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) devices using a pars plana approach after vitrectomy in the treatment of therapy refractive glaucoma.


METHODS
The implantation of AGV devices using a pars plana approach after vitrectomy was performed in 27 eyes of 22 patients with neovascular glaucoma (n = 7 patients), uveitis (n = 6), complex juvenile secondary glaucoma (n = 4), primary open angle glaucoma (n = 3), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n = 1) and nanophthalmus (n = 1). Intraocular pressure, visual acuity and subsequent complications were documented. The mean follow-up period was 23.6 months.


RESULTS
Intraocular pressure was significantly reduced from 30.2 mmHg preoperatively to 13 mmHg after a follow-up of 36 months. The mean visual acuity did not change significantly, five eyes required a subsequent explantation of which three were due to AGV-related complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The implantation of AGV devices using a pars plana approach permits an effective and permanent reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) even in severe therapy refractive secondary glaucoma; however, the risk of serious sight-threatening complications has to be taken into account.
Universitätsaugenklinik Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Germany. bmazinani@gmx.de
B
B
Mazinani
H
H
Schwarzer
A
A
Willkomm
A
A
Weinberger
N
N
Plange
P
P
Walter
G
G
Rössler
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*