Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Jordan: Indications and Complications

Asem A Alqudah, Ahmed G Obaidi, Mohammad Al Zoubi, Abdelwahab Aleshawi Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Special Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, JordanCorrespondence: Asem A Alqudah, Ophthalmology Service, Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan, Tel +962795458496, Fax +962-27095010, Email [email protected]: The main indications for Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) include neovascular glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma and patients with failed previous trabeculectomy. This article aims to investigate the complications of AGV in Jordanian glaucoma patients and to justify the main risk factors.Methods: Retrospectively, we report 87 eyes of 83 patients who underwent AGV implantation for different indications. The database included demographic data, past ocular and medical history, the indication for surgery, the perioperative outcome parameters at different follow-up visits, and the developed complications at each post-operative visit.Results: More than half of the patients (54%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 47.4 years. Neovascular glaucoma was the most common indication for AGV implantation. Valve encapsulation was the most encountered complication. About one quarter of the eyes at one time underwent valve revision. Younger patients, neovascular glaucoma and congenital glaucoma were associated significantly with AGV failure and for the need for revision surgery.Conclusion: AGV is the predominant glaucoma surgery performed in Jordan. Valve encapsulation is the most common complication for AGV implant in Jordanian patients which may be related to racial and genetic factors. Neovascular glaucoma has a high burden in Jordan and secondary causes should be controlled adequately.Keywords: glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, encapsulation