Improved Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation For Neovascular Glaucoma

[Objective] To evaluate the effectiveness and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV) implantation via two different pathways for neovascular glaucoma (NVG).[Methods] Twenty cases(20eyes) with NVG having undergone AGV implantations were divided into two groups at random. Ten cases(10eyes) were included in the group with scleral flaps implantation(SF group), other10cases(10eyes) were in the group with scleral tunnels implantation(ST group). Observe the vision, intraocular pressure(IOP) and slit lamp examination in the3days,7days,1months,3months,6months, and12months postoperatively.[Results] The follow-up ranged from1to29months(mean11.6months). In the SF group, while mean IOP was (49.7±8.33)mmHg preoperatively, it was (17.0±8.97) mmHg at the end of follow-up. Statistical significant difference(P<0.0005) was found between the two levels of IOP. And postoperative IOP of the ST group was (18.5±7.78)mmHg, while it was (46.2±7.04)mmHg preoperatively. Statistical significant difference(P<0.0005) existed also. But no statistical difference(P>0.05) was found of the postoperative IOP between the two groups. The incidence of shallow anterior chamber with low tension of the ST group was lower than the SF group, statistical significant difference (P<0.05) was found., while which was not found (P>0.05) between the incidence of other complications, such as hyphema and hypertension.[Conclusion] No influence on surgical effectiveness was found between the two different pathways of AGV implantations for NVG. However, the ones via scleral tunnels were more simpler, convenient, economical and have lower incidence of shallow anterior chamber with low tension.