Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in children with primary congenital glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of intraocular pressure reduction and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in children with primary congenital glaucoma.

METHODS: The medical records of patients with primary congenital glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was cumulative probability of success, defined as intraocular pressure greater than 5 mm Hg and less than 23 mm Hg and at least a 15% reduction from the preoperative intraocular pressure, without serious complications, additional glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception.

RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 19 children with primary congenital glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were reviewed. The children had a mean (SD) age of 1.8 (2.6) years, a mean (SD) preoperative intraocular pressure of 28.4 (6.7) mm Hg, and a mean (SD) follow-up time of 57.6 (48.0) months. The cumulative probability of success was 63% in 1 year and 33% in 5 years. After a second AGV implantation, the cumulative probability of success was 86% in 1 and 2 years and 69% in 5 years. Hispanic ethnicity (P = .02) and being female (P = .005) were associated with increased risk of failure.

CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-three percent of AGV implantations in children with primary congenital glaucoma were successful after 5 years of follow-up. With the implantation of a second AGV, the 5-year success rate increased to 69%.