Hypertensive-phase after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, prevalence, duration and treatment, our experience in royal medical services

Abstract EN

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, duration, and treatment of hypertensive phase as an early complication after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation.

Methods: This is a retrospective file review study including one hundred glaucoma patients who underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in Royal Medical Services over the period of May 2017 and May 2018.

The study group included 100 patients (47female,53male) who had been followed up for 12 weeks.

Over these weeks, serial intra ocular pressure (IOP) measurements were documented from different visits.

Post- operative follow up visits were scheduled after (one day, one week, 3weeks, 5weeks, 2months, and 3months).

Hypertensive phase (HP) defined as IOP more than 21 mmHg.

While resolution of hypertensive phase is an IOP less than or equal 21mmHg.

Results: The prevalence of HP was 43% (43 out of 100).

The peak of occurrence was 3 weeks (range 1-12 weeks) with an average IOP 28 mmHg(range 22-34).

Of those who had HP only 35% resolved and IOP returned to normal after 5weeks of treatment with ocular massage and anti-glaucoma eye drops.

IOP readings that proceeded the HP were almost similar between the resolved and the non resolved HP.

Conclusion: The HP is a common complication after AGV surgery and portends a poor prognosis for IOP control.

The majority of glaucoma patients who had HP continue to use anti-glaucoma medications after AGV surgery.

IOP readings in the early post operative period could not predict the resolved from the non resolved HP.