AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in neovascular glaucoma(NVG).

METHODS: This retrospective study collected a total of 28 eyes of 28 neovascular glaucoma patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2012. Change of intraocular pressure, the best corrected visual acuity, numbers of anti-glaucoma medication and postoperative complications were followed up at 1d, 1wk, 1, 3, 6mo, and every 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance for comparison of intraocular pressure between different time points, rank sum test for paired nonparametric numbers of medication, and rank sum test for visual acuity between pre-operation and the last following-up.

RESULTS: Compared with the pre-operation, the intraocular pressure was significant decreased after surgery at all time points(F=11.23, P<0.05). The numbers of anti-glaucoma medication were significant reduced from 4.12±0.23 of pre-operation to 0.56±0.11 of postoperative(Z=9.224, P<0.05). The visual acuity was not significant difference between pre-operation and the last following-up(Z=-1.922, P>0.05). At the last following-up, the complete success rate was 71%, and qualified success rate was 86%. The postoperative complications including encapsulated cystic blebs around the plate, shallow anterior chamber and low intraocular pressure were controlled with additional treatment.

CONCLUSION: Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation is safe and effective in the management of neovascular glaucoma.