Six-Month Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Using a Patch Graft-Free Scleral Tunnel Technique in Eyes with Refractory Glaucoma: A prospective, non-comparative interventional study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate early 6-month outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation using a patch graft-free scleral tunnel technique in eyes with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

This prospective, non-comparative interventional case series included 35 eyes of 35 patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent Ahmed FP7 valve implantation using a patch graft-free scleral tunnel technique at Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital from February 2025 to March 2026. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), number of glaucoma medications, and complications were assessed on postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6.

RESULTS

Mean IOP decreased from 33.54 ± 9.28 mmHg preoperatively to 16.33 ± 5.00 mmHg at 6 months (p < 0.001), corresponding to a mean IOP reduction of 49.3%. The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 3.80 ± 0.41 to 1.09 ± 1.09 (p < 0.001). The overall success rate was 91.4%, including 40.0% complete success and 51.4% qualified success. No tube exposure was observed.

CONCLUSION

Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation using a patch graft-free scleral tunnel technique provided adequate IOP control, a high 6-month success rate, and no tube exposure in this cohort. This technique may be a useful alternative when patch graft materials are unavailable.