to evaluate the surgical results of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in pediatric glaucoma in early and intermediate follow-up period.

this study is a retrospective chart review of 101 eyes of 80 consecutive patients diagnosed with pediatric glaucoma who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure less than 21 mmHg with and without medication. Subgroup analysis was performed in three groups. Group 1 included phakic eyes with primary congenital glaucoma (60.4%); group 2 included eyes with glaucoma after cataract surgery (31.7%); group 3 included eyes with other (7.9%) diagnosis.

mean age at implantation was 94.7 ± 77.8 months. cumulative probabilities of success by Kaplan-Meier analysis at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months was, 79%, 69.4%, 62.5%, 56.8% and 52.4% for group 1, 79.9%, 75.9%, 71.5%, 71.5% and 71.5% for group 2. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis did not reveal any difference in survival profiles related to specific diagnosis of glaucoma. Severe surgical complication occurred in 19.8% of cases. Tube-related complications were the most common complication but difference was not significant statistically. Reoperation was necessary for 21 eyes (20.8%).

Ahmed glaucoma implantation is an effective procedure in the management of pediatric glaucoma, however tube related complications or reoperation for persistent elevated IOP is needed in a considerable number of cases .