AIM: To compare the short-term and long-term curative effect between two implantation methods for treating refractory glaucoma.

METHODS:A total of 150 patients with refractory glaucoma(150 eyes)were divided into Group A(treated by implantation with Ex-press glaucoma drainage device)and Group B(treated by implantation with Ahmed glaucoma valve)according to different implantation methods. Changes of intraocular pressure and anti-glaucoma drugs at different time points, the success rate of surgery, improvement of visual acuity and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: The intraocular pressure of two groups at 1d, 1wk, 3, 6 and 12mo after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery(P<0.05). The intraocular pressure of Group A at 3, 6 and 12mo after surgery was significantly lower than that of Group B, while anti-glaucoma drugs at 6 and 12mo after surgery were significantly fewer than those in Group B at the same time point(P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in 12-month success rate of operation, improvement rate of visual acuity and incidence of postoperative complications(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:The effects of implantation with Ex-press glaucoma drainage device are similar to those of implantation with Ahmed glaucoma valve in the treatment of refractory glaucoma. However, the intraocular pressure control effect of the former is better than the latter, and used anti-glaucoma drugs are fewer.