Outcomes of small-incision cataract surgery in eyes with preexisting Ahmed Glaucoma Valves

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate outcomes of phacoemulsification in eyes with functioning Ahmed Glaucoma Valves (AGVs).

Design: Observational case series.

Methods: We reviewed records of 19 patients (23 eyes) who had a clear-cornea phacoemulsification >/=3 months after insertion of an AGV between 1997 and 2002. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) control, number of medications, complications, and further glaucoma surgery.

Results: The median interval between AGV surgery and phacoemulsification was 0.7 years with an average (+/-SD) follow-up time of 1.6 (+/-0.6) years (range: 0.9 to 3.0 years). Four eyes (17%) had an IOP increase >10 mm Hg on day one. The mean IOP or number of medications did not significantly change after phacoemulsification at one month or thereafter (P > .05). One eye (4%) required a second AGV.

Conclusions: Small-incision cataract surgery is consistent with maintenance of IOP control in eyes with functioning AGV. A minority of the eyes will require repeat glaucoma surgery.