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.