Comparison between Ahmed glaucoma valve implant and Keiki Mehta body pressure glaucoma implant in neovascular glaucoma: 24-month results

To compare the 24-month clinical results of the Keiki Mehta body pressure (BP) glaucoma implants (KMI) versus the Ahmed glaucoma valve implants (AGVI; FP-7Model) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Patients with NVG and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) exceeding 21 mm Hg despite maximum-tolerated antiglaucoma medications were included in this retrospective study and treated with either KMI, or AGVI. Preoperative and postoperative IOP (at the 1d, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24mo), number of glaucoma medications needed, success rate, postoperative complications, and visual acuity were evaluated.

The study enrolled 41 patients, comprising 19 (11 males) in the KMI group (mean age: 58.8±10.6y) and 22 (11 males) in the AGVI group (mean age: 60.2±16.8y). Preoperative IOP was similar between the groups (P=0.077). Postoperative IOP at the 1^st day and 1^st month were lower in the KMI group compared to the AGVI group (P=0.003 and P=0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found between the groups at other time points. In both groups, 1^st day and 24^th month values were lower than baseline values (all P<0.001). At the end of 24mo, the number of antiglaucoma agents required, the success rate and total complications rate were similar between the groups (P=0.444, P=0.843, P=0.233, respectively).

KMI may be an alternative to AGVI in the management of NVG. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to compare the results of AGVI versus KMI for the treatment of NVG.