Ahmed valve implantation in childhood glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome: our experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ahmed valve implantation in childhood glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent primary Ahmed valve implantation in childhood glaucoma associated with SWS. The outcome measures were success rate (Intraocular pressure (IOP) >5 and <21 mm Hg without additional surgical maneuver), and operative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-four eyes of 18 patients were analyzed. Mean IOP (26.21 ± 3.52 to 12.27 ± 1.27 mm Hg) and mean number of anti-glaucoma medicines (3.92 ± 0.28 to 1.5 ± 1) reduced significantly after the surgery at the mean follow-up of 2.12 ± 0.87 years (P = < 0.05). The cumulative probability of success rate was 75% (Confidence Interval 95%, 60 to 100%) by Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis. Failed eyes [6 (25%)], hyphema [4 (16.67%)], hypotony [3 (12.5%)], choroidal detachment [3 (12.5%)], tube-cornea touch [2 (8.33%), and visually significant cataract [4 (16.67%)] were the complications observed in post-operative period.

CONCLUSION

Primary Ahmed valve implantation may provide a safe and effective option in the management of childhood glaucoma associated with SWS.