Aqueous Shunts with Extraocular Reservoir for Open-Angle Adult Glaucoma: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the recently published literature on the efficacy and safety of the use of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir for the management of adult open-angle glaucomas (OAGs). METHODS: A search of peer-reviewed literature was last conducted in April 2023 of the PubMed database and included only articles published since the last aqueous shunt Ophthalmic Technology Assessment, which assessed articles published before 2008. The abstracts of these 419 articles were examined, and 58 studies were selected for full-text analysis. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 28 articles were selected and assigned ratings by the panel methodologist according to the level of evidence. Twenty-five articles were rated level I and 3 articles were rated level II. There were no level III articles. RESULTS: Implantation of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by between one-third and one-half of baseline IOP, depending on whether it is undertaken as the primary or secondary glaucoma surgery. Success rates for aqueous shunts were found to be better than for trabeculectomies in eyes with prior incisional surgery. Conversely, in eyes without prior incisional surgery, implantation of aqueous shunts was found to have an overall lower success rate as the primary glaucoma procedure compared with trabeculectomy. Although both valved and nonvalved aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir were effective, the nonvalved device generally achieved slightly lower long-term IOPs with fewer glaucoma medications and less need for additional glaucoma surgery. Both devices slow the rates of visual field progression with efficacy comparable with that of trabeculectomy. Early aqueous humor suppression after aqueous shunt implantation is recommended for the management of the postoperative hypertensive phase and long-term IOP control. No strong evidence supports the routine use of mitomycin C with aqueous shunt implantation for OAG. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir, including valved or nonvalved devices, has been shown to be an effective strategy to lower IOP. Strong level I evidence supports the use of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir by clinicians for the management of adult OAG. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Ahmed's sub-flap mattress suture deep sclerectomy assessment with Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of adding Ahmed's sub-flap mattress suture to deep sclerectomy (DS). METHODS: Forty eyes with open angle glaucoma were assigned randomly into two groups: Group A: underwent DS with Ahmed's sub-flap mattress suture. Group B: underwent conventional DS. Patients were followed up closely for 6 months with serial IOP measurements and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to assess the surgical site functionally and anatomically at the first and sixth month. RESULTS: Adding Ahmed's sub-flap mattress suture improved the IOP lowering effect of DS significantly from 43% in group B to 53% in group A at 6-month (p = 0.027). IOP in group A was at 1 week, 1 month and 6-month visits (7.9 ± 1.3, 11.7 ± 2.2 and 13.3 ± 1.9 mmHg respectively) compared to group B (10.1 ± 4.6, 14.1 ± 5.2 and 16.8 ± 4.1 mmHg respectively) (p = 0.025, 0.041 and 0.001 respectively). UBM parameters were significantly larger in group A at 1 and 6 months. Strong statistically significant negative correlations were established between IOP and all the UBM parameters apart from intrascleral lake height at the first and sixth month (p < 0.01 in all of them). Finally, significant correlations were found between IOP at 6 months and whole bleb anteroposterior length and height at 1 month (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Adding Ahmed's sub-flap mattress suture to routine DS is an effective economical addition that will enhance the IOP lowering effect of DS. Also, assessment of the bleb by UBM is useful in predicting the success of deep sclerectomy surgery.

Evaluation of machine learning approach for surgical results of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Ahmed valve implantation demonstrated an increasing proportion in glaucoma surgery, but predicting the successful maintenance of target intraocular pressure remains a challenging task. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of machine learning (ML) in predicting surgical outcomes after Ahmed valve implantation and to assess potential risk factors associated with surgical failure to contribute to improving the success rate. METHODS: This study used preoperative data of patients who underwent Ahmed valve implantation from 2017 to 2021 at Ajou University Hospital. These datasets included demographic and ophthalmic parameters (dataset A), systemic medical records excluding psychiatric records (dataset B), and psychiatric medications (dataset C). Logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector machines were first evaluated using only dataset A. The algorithm with the best performance was selected based on the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Finally, three additional prediction models were developed using the best performance algorithm, incorporating combinations of multiple datasets to predict surgical outcomes at 1 year. RESULTS: Among 153 eyes of 133 patients, 131 (85.6%) and 22 (14.4%) eyes were categorized as the success and failure groups, respectively. The XGBoost was shown as the best-performance model with an AUROC value of 0.684, using only dataset A. The final three further prediction models were developed based on the combination of multiple datasets using the XGBoost model. All datasets combinations demonstrated the best performances in terms of AUROC (dataset A + B: 0.782; A + C: 0.773; A + B + C: 0.801). Furthermore, advancing age was a risk factor associated with a higher surgical failure incidence. CONCLUSIONS: ML provides some predictive value in predicting the outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation at 1 year. ML evaluation revealed advancing age as a common risk factor for surgical failure.

Failed Ahmed glaucoma valves: trabeculectomy versus repeat shunt surgery.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the outcomes of trabeculectomy (TRAB) versus repeat Ahmed glaucoma valve (re-AGV) implantation in eyes with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) failure. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study includes patients with failed AGV implants requiring additional surgical intervention between 2018 and 2022. Patients in the TRAB group underwent a fornix-based procedure with mitomycin C 0.01% injection (0.1 mL). Eyes in the re-AGV group underwent repeat shunt surgery. The choice of the procedure was based on conjunctival condition. The primary outcome measure was surgical success rate based on various intraocular pressure (IOP) targets and percentages of IOP reduction from baseline: IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and 20% reduction (conventional criteria), IOP ≤ 18 and > 20% reduction (criterion A), IOP ≤ 15 and > 25% reduction (criterion B), and IOP ≤ 12 and > 30% reduction (criterion C). RESULTS: Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients were operated and reported herein, consisting of 22 eyes of 22 patients undergoing TRAB and 26 eyes of 26 subjects undergoing re-AGV. No significant difference was observed between the study groups in terms of initial diagnoses, baseline IOP or the number of prior surgeries. The cumulative probability of survival at one year was significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group using the three stricter success definitions. In both study groups, IOP was significantly reduced from baseline at all postoperative visits, and was significantly lower in the TRAB group at all time points beyond one month. At 12 months, 5% of TRAB versus 48% of re-AGV eyes required glaucoma medications (P < 0.001). The rate of complications was comparable between the study groups (P = 0.76) but there was a trend toward a greater need for repeat surgery in the re-AGV group (4 eyes versus nil, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy can be considered a safe and effective surgical option in eyes with failed AGV leading to significantly lower IOP levels and more favorable success rates than re-AGV in selected patients.

Use of double short tandem scleral tunnels for repairing eroded ahmed glaucoma valve tubes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a method for repairing an eroded Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) tube using two short scleral tunnels made in tandem with a 22G needle instead of covering the eroded tube with another scleral graft. METHODS: From May 12, 2015, to July 27, 2019, we retrospectively reviewed eight patients at Ningbo Aier Eye Hospital who developed AGV tube erosion secondary to necrosis of their overlying conjunctiva and scleral grafts. This defect was repaired in all the patients using the double short tandem scleral tunnel technique, which involved the creation of double short tandem scleral tunnels made by a 22G needle. Two parallel-to-limbus scleral incisions were made 3 mm and 6 mm from the limbus first, then a curved 22G needle was inserted between the two scleral cuts to make one scleral tunnel, the other scleral tunnel was completed during the first surgery, inserted the tube into the two tunnels. The mean length of time between the AGV placement and the first erosion was 12.25 ± 6.36 months (3-24 months). The mean age of the patients was 65.50 ± 11.70 years (49-78 years). RESULTS: The surgical outcome was assessed in terms of the tectonic integrity of the conjunctiva over the follow-up period (12 months). There was no AGV tube erosion, scleral thinning, or ocular infection after a mean of 41.25 ± 26.54 months of follow-up in all eight patients. CONCLUSION: AGV tube erosion following shunt surgery can be successfully managed using the improved double short tandem scleral tunnel technique.

Troubling complaint: Addressing hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination through complaint mechanisms.

The need to grapple with hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination in Australian health-care settings has been recognised in public policy, and work is underway to address it. But how likely are people to raise a complaint when they experience stigma or discrimination? And how effective and accessible are complaints mechanisms? Given complaint procedures are considered important parts of the delivery of safe and ethical health care, these are important questions that have yet to be substantially explored. Drawing on interviews with people with lived experience of hepatitis C (n = 30), this article considers how affected people feel about complaints processes and the act of complaining. Alongside these perspectives, we discuss complaint mechanisms, and the views of stakeholders who work with hepatitis C-affected communities in policy, health, legal and advocacy roles (n = 30) on the institutional and cultural dynamics of complaint. We draw on Sara Ahmed's Complaint! and Fraser et al.'s work on drug-related stigma to analyse these concerns that have yet to be researched, and argue that the (unlikely) prospect of successful complaint is a key part of the network of forces that perpetuate stigma, discrimination and disadvantage among people who have (lived with) hepatitis C. Although people with lived experience are often powerful advocates and acutely aware of the deficiencies in the quality of their treatment, our interviews suggest that the obstacles they face to accessing health care are seen as commonplace, intractable and insurmountable; and, that mechanisms for addressing them-where they exist at all-treat complaints in narrowly individualising terms and expose complainants to dismissal. Following Ahmed, we call for a 'troubling' of complaints-responding to them not as individual problems but rather as collective, structural concerns, necessitating new approaches.

Comparison of visual outcomes between medical treatment alone and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). PROCEDURES: Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p < .001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p < .001). By the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p < .01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED. CONCLUSIONS: AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery.

Root canal morphology of anterior permanent teeth in Jordanian population using two classification systems: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate knowledge of root canal morphology and its variation is essential for success of root canal treatment and to overcome treatemnt failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular anterior teeth using 2 classification systems. METHODS: 3342 lower anteriors were evaluated from 557 CBCT scans. The images were examined in sagittal, axial and coronal views using a CS 3D imaging software (V3.10.4, Carestream Dental). Demographic data recorded, the number of roots and canal's morphology were described according to Vertucci and Ahmed classifications. RESULTS: Frequency of Type I configuration was significantly the highest in incisors and canines (76%, N = 2539), followed by Type III (20.6%, N = 687). Type II (1.1%, N = 37), IV (1.1%, N = 37), and V (0.3%, N = 11) were rarely encountered. 0.9% (N = 31) of the teeth could not be classified with the Vertucci System. The frequency of 2 roots (2MA in Ahmed classification) which has no correspondence in the Vertucci classification, was 1.1% (N = 38), it was significantly higher in canines and in females (35 canines and 3 laterals). A moderate correlation in root canal morpology was found between the left and right sides (V > 0.30). 80% (N = 2538) of the teeth did not exhibit any divergence/merging. The bifurcation level occurred mostly in the middle third of the root. CONCLUSIONS: One fourth of anterior teeth had variation from the simple type I canal configuration and therefore requires attention during treatment. The new classification system offers a more accurate and simplified presentation of canal morphology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence and mid root bifurcation of second canal in lower anteriors requires attention to ensure adequate quality root canal treatment without compromising the integrity of teeth.

Comparison of lacrimal gland dimensions and volume in unilateral Ahmed glaucoma valve versus trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic lacrimal gland (LG) volume and dimensions in Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV)- versus trabeculectomy-treated eyes and contralateral non-treated eyes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 1616 medical records acquired between 2010 and 2020 were examined. In AGV-treated (group 1) eyes, there were 19 patients with records sufficient for radiological LG evaluation, and in trabeculectomy-treated (group 2) eyes, there were 18. The hospital workstation software was used to assess high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans conducted under standard protocol using a 128 SL Optima CT 660 scanner. The software (Vitrea™) was used to perform semi-quantitative volumetric measurements. LG dimensions were obtained in the axial and reformatted coronal planes on each side, and four measures were generated using the widest LG tip-to-tip diameters in two planes: coronal length, coronal width (CW), axial length (AL), and axial width. RESULTS: The time interval between surgery and HRCT imaging was 50.97 ± 26.25 months. Group 1 had significantly lower LG volume than group 2 (594.11 ± 259.45 vs. 933.67 ± 294.09 mm3, P = 0.001). When compared to non-treated eyes, AGV-treated eyes had lower LG volume (P = 0.065) while trabeculectomy-treated eyes had higher LG volume (P = 0.031). Further, group 1 had decreased length and width in both the axial and coronal planes as compared to group 2, with AL and CW being significantly different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AGV and trabeculectomy had varied impacts on LG volume and dimensions despite being conducted in the same quadrant. HRCT appears to be effective in analysing AGV position, which may be related to LG volumetric and dimensional issues.

Clinical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG). METHODS: The patients who underwent AGV implantation for POAG and PEXG between January 2015 and December 2021 in a single tertiary center eye clinic were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-one eyes with the diagnosis of POAG constituted Group 1 and 40 eyes with the diagnosis of PEXG constituted Group 2. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after AGV implantation and surgical success at the last visit. We evaluated complete and qualified surgical success using the following three criteria: (1) IOP ≤ 21mmH g, (2) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, and (3) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, as well as the absence of any serious complications, such as light perception loss and phthisis bulbi, and additional de novo glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up times were 25.2 (± 21.4) months and 27.6 (± 19.8) months for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, the mean preoperative IOPs were 31.9 ± 9.4 mmHg and 32.3 ± 8.4 mmHg, respectively, which significantly reduced to 14.5 ± 0.7 mmHg and 11.6 ± 0.6 mmHg, respectively at the last postoperative visit (p < 0.001 for both). The mean IOP value at the last visit was statistically significantly lower in Group 2 (p = 0.006). At the last visit, the number of eyes with qualified success according to criteria 1, 2, and 3 was 26 (83.9%), 25 (80.6%), and 18 (58.1%), respectively, in Group 1 and 39 (97.5%), 39 (97.5%), and 32 (80%), respectively, in Group 2. The comparison of the qualified success rates showed statistically significantly higher rates in Group 2 for criterion 2 (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: AGV implantation had high success rates in both POAG and PEXG, but at the final visit, lower IOP levels were reached in the latter.

Comparison between primary Ahmed valve implantation and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with exfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of primary Ahmed valve implantation (AVI) and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with pseudophakic exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). METHODS: All enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the TRAB group, comprising patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC, and the AVI group, comprising patients who underwent AVI. Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD), endothelial cell density of cornea (ECD), and the number of topical anti-glaucoma agents used during study period were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success rates were compared between two groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Three levels of surgical success were defined as follows: (1) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20% without medication; (2) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 25% without medication; and (3) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20%, irrespective of medication. RESULTS: The TRAB and AVI groups comprised 40 and 36 patients, respectively. At 36 months postoperatively, IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg in the TRAB group and 16.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in the AVI group (p = 0.140). Surgical success rates in the TRAB group were 47.5, 37.5, and 77.5% and those in the AVI group were 41.6, 33.3, and 75.0% at 36 months for surgical criteria 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates between the two groups. However, regarding surgical criteria 2, the success rate of the AVI group at 1 year was significantly better than that of the TRAB group (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Primary AVI was not inferior to primary trabeculectomy with MMC in medically uncontrolled patients with XFG.

Ahmed to Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device exchange in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus and few reports as to the surgical management of encapsulated Ahmed glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) which no longer control intraocular pressure (IOP), especially within the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of exchanging the Ahmed GDD for a Baerveldt GDD in children with refractory glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective review of children (< 18yrs) who underwent removal of Ahmed FP7 and placement of Baerveldt 350 (2016-2021) with ≥ 3-month follow-up. Surgical success was defined as IOP 5-20 mmHg without additional IOP-lowering surgeries or visually devastating complications. Outcomes included change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients underwent superotemporal Ahmed FP7 to Baerveldt 350 GDD exchange at 8.8 ± 3.6 years. Time to Ahmed failure was 2.7 ± 1.9 years with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 83% with a 95% CI[48,95], 33% with a 95% CI[10, 59], and 8% with a 95% CI[0, 30]. At final follow-up (2.5 ± 1.8 years), success rate for Baerveldt 350 GDDs was 75% (9 of 12 eyes) with 1 and 3-yr survival rates of 100% and 71% with 95% CI[25,92], respectively. IOP (24.1 ± 2.9 vs. 14.9 ± 3.1 mmHg) and number of glaucoma medications (3.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.7 ± 1.1) were significantly decreased (p < 0.004). BCVA remained stable. Two eyes required cycloablation and 1 eye developed a retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Ahmed removal with Baerveldt placement can improve IOP control with fewer medications in cases of refractory pediatric glaucoma. However, more eyes with greater follow-up are required to determine long-term outcomes.

Comparison of Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant with Ahmed Glaucoma Valve for Refractory Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is a common surgical method for the treatment of refractory glaucoma.Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) is a novel surgical method which has been applied in clinical practice in recent years. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the AADI and the AGV for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. METHODS: We comprehensively searched four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, selecting the relevant studies. The continuous variables, namely, intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR) and a reduction in antiglaucoma medication (AGMR), were pooled by the weighted mean differences (WMDs), and the dichotomous outcomes, including success rates and complications, were pooled by the odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: A total of 825 eyes from 820 patients from six studies were included. The WMDs of the IOPR between the AADI and the AGV implant were 0.58 (95% CI: 0.07-1.09) at 3 months, 0.44 (95% CI: 0.11-0.77) at 6 months, 2.20 (95% CI: 0.63-3.77) at 12 months, and 3.24 (95% CI: 1.73-4.75) at follow-up endpoint. Significant difference was detected between the two groups at any point in time. The WMDs of the AGMR between the AADI and the AGV implant were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.61-1.13) at 6 months, 1.04 (95% CI: 0.66-1.42) at 12 months, and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.52-1.34) at the follow-up endpoint; the differences reached statistical significance at any point in time. The pooled ORs comparing the AADI with the AGV were 3.64 (95% CI: 2.44-5.45) for the complete success rate and 1.72 (95% CI: 1.24-2.39) for qualified success rate; significant difference was detected between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the AADI and the AGV implant on the rates of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The AADI is more effective in both its surgical success rate and reducing IOP and AGM. And the two implants may have comparable incidences of adverse events.

Vision outcomes in dogs with primary glaucoma surgically treated with lensectomy and endolaser cyclophotocoagulation after an Ahmed valve gonioimplantation failure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate vision outcomes of dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) that underwent Ahmed valve gonioimplantation (AVG) followed by lensectomy and endolaser cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) with or without bleb resection after AVG failure. PROCEDURE: Medical records from 2008 to April 2022 were reviewed. All patients selected had an AVG performed first. Following valve failure, lensectomy-ECP was performed in addition to bleb resection as indicated. Additional ECP and AVG replacement surgeries were performed as deemed medically necessary. Main outcomes evaluated included vision preservation, average IOP reduction, and the number of glaucoma medications (both oral and topical) at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: Fourteen eyes from 13 patients were included in the study. Females were predominant (n = 9) compared with males (n = 4). Mean age at initial glaucoma diagnosis was 6.82 years. Following AVG and lensectomy-ECP, vision was preserved in 93%, 84%, 60%, and 48% of eyes at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years respectively. Following lensectomy-ECP, there was a significant reduction in mean IOP of 9.64 mmHg (p = .015) and 9.71 mmHg (p = .016) at 2 and 6 months, respectively. There was a reduction in mean IOP of 2.45, 7.25, and 12.25 mmHg at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, which was not statistically significant. There was a significant decrease in the number of glaucoma medications at all evaluated time points except 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined AVG and lensectomy-ECP is successful in maintaining vision long term as well as decreasing IOP, and the number of glaucoma medications administered.

Reliability of Ahmed glaucoma valve surgical videos for educational purposes.

PURPOSE: The use of video-based social media platforms is increasing among trainee residents, fellows, and practicing ophthalmologists. In this study, we objectively evaluate the quality of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation videos on open access, video-based internet platforms. DESIGN: Internet-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 23 websites publishing medical surgery training video content were queried using the keyword "Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation". MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The descriptive statistics of video parameters were noted, and the videos were assessed using established scoring systems-Sandvik, Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HON code), mDISCERN, and Global Quality Score (GQS) scores. Video Quality Score (VQS) was determined based on the 14 steps per the AGV implantation rubric. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen videos were evaluated, and 35 were excluded. The total quality of all 84 videos according to their Sandvik, HON Code, GQS, DISCERN, and VQS scores was 11.79 ± 1.70 (excellent quality), 6.86 ± 0.75 (excellent quality), 3.97 ± 0.93 (good quality), 3.26 ± 0.66 (fair quality) and 11.45 ± 2.67 (good quality), respectively. No significant correlation was found between the descriptive parameters and video quality score. However, no significant correlation was found between the descriptive parameters and video quality score. CONCLUSIONS: The objective analysis showed that the video quality ranged from good to excellent. AGV implantation videos were sparse on exclusive ophthalmology surgical video portals. Therefore, more peer-reviewed videos following standardized rubric are needed on open-access surgical video platforms.

Factors associated with vision loss in Black or Hispanic patients 1 year after standalone or combined Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with vision loss 1 year after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in Black or Hispanic patients, who bear disproportionate glaucoma burdens yet have been underrepresented in pivotal trials. METHODS: This retrospective study included Black or Hispanic patients who received AGVs standalone or combined with phacoemulsification and/or cyclodestructive lasers. Univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations evaluated the effects of baseline, surgical, and postoperative factors on vision loss of two Snellen lines or more at the 1-year follow-up visit. The primary term was the hypertensive phase (HP), which signified an intraocular pressure (IOP) reading > 21 mmHg within the first 3 postoperative months after reduction below 22 in the first week, without other tube malfunction. RESULTS: Of 241 eyes from 186 patients, vision loss of ≥ 2 lines at the 1-year follow-up visit occurred in 21.6% (N = 52). Vision loss of ≥ 2 lines occurred in 52.5% of eyes at week 1, 36.9% of eyes at month 1, and 27.0% of eyes at month 3. Between 6 months and 1 year, vision loss frequencies stabilized. In the multivariate model, HP (OR = 4.71 (2.14, 10.38)), total quadrants with split fixation (1.47 (1.20, 1.81)), follow-up non-glaucomatous eye pathology (2.89 (1.44, 5.80)), and concurrent cataract surgery (0.42 (0.22, 0.82)) each met significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Post-AGV vision loss in the early follow-up period among Black or Hispanic patients was often transient. Hypertensive phase and split fixation each increased the odds of vision loss at 1 year, while concurrent cataract surgery decreased the odds.

Posterior segment complications of Ahmed valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: To assess the time, incidence, and outcome of posterior segment complications of Ahmed valve implantation (AVI). METHODS: 248 eyes that underwent AVI were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative posterior segment complications were assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of posterior segment complications of AVI was 31.4% (78/248). The mean follow-up period was 97.4 ± 53.5 months. The mean time to occur posterior segment complication was 1.5 months. The most common posterior segment complication was choroidal detachment (17.7%) and others included ocular decompression retinopathy (3.2%), hypotonic maculopathy (2.8%), vitreous hemorrhage (2.0%), retinal detachment (1.2%), endophthalmitis (1.2%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (1.2%), epiretinal membrane (0.8%), cystoid macular edema (0.8%), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (0.4%). Older age, hypertension, and postoperative hypotony had an increased risk of posterior segment complications of AVI. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of posterior segment complications of AVI was 31.4%. Older age, hypertension, and postoperative hypotony were significantly associated with posterior segment complications of AVI.

Long-term surgical outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation in refractory glaucoma according to the type of glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the long-term efficacy and surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma by glaucoma type. METHODS: In total, 135 eyes of 135 patients diagnosed with refractory glaucoma and underwent AGV implantation between 2002 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications were investigated at baseline and follow-up. The cumulative probability of qualified success according to the glaucoma type was evaluated at 12, 24, 36, and 60 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean IOP of all patients was 35.7 ± 11.7 mmHg, which was significantly reduced 12.7 ± 7.0 mmHg at 1 week, 16.2 ± 7.5 mmHg at 2 weeks, 17.6 ± 6.8 mmHg at 1 month, 17.5 ± 6.4 mmHg at 3 months, 16.1 ± 6.0 mmHg at 6 months, 16.7 ± 8.0 mmHg at 12 months, 16.4 ± 6.6 mmHg at 24 months, 15.6 ± 5.0 mmHg at 36 months, and 15.6 ± 5.6 mmHg at 60 months after surgery (p < 0.001, respectively). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 3.7 ± 1.3, which significantly decreased to 0.4 ± 0.9 at 1 week, 0.3 ± 0.8 at 2 weeks, 0.7 ± 0.9 at 1 month, 1.1 ± 1.1 at 3 months, 1.4 ± 1.0 at 6 months, 1.5 ± 1.1 at 12 months, 1.6 ± 1.2 at 24 months, 1.7 ± 1.2 at 36 months, and 1.8 ± 1.3 at 60 months after surgery (p < 0.001, respectively). The mean BCVA significantly improved from postoperative 2 weeks. Although 71 (52.6%) eyes had postoperative complications, the cumulative probability of surgical success was 72.6% at 12 months, 66.7% at 24 months, and 63.7% at 36 and 60 months. According to the glaucoma type, the success rate of AGV implantation was more than 50% even after 60 months follow-up, except subgroup of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). CONCLUSIONS: AGV implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma was, after long-term follow-up, successful overall. Therefore, AGV implantation can be an effective surgical option to reduce the IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications and to improve visual acuity for various glaucoma types.

Foreign body in the eye of a patient with developmental delay.

Foreign body in the eye is a relatively common emergency department (ED) chief complaint which does not usually lead to ophthalmologic intervention. We report a case of a 35-year-old male with a history of developmental delay who presented to our ED for evaluation of ocular foreign body. His reported foreign body was removed, and subsequently identified as an Ahmed Valve, a device used in the management of glaucoma. After removal in the ED, an exam under anesthesia was performed by ophthalmology the next morning with injection of antibiotics. Even patient presentations for seemingly simple, straightforward chief complaints deserve critical appraisal by emergency clinicians. When suspicions are raised or there is any doubt, specialty consultation should be obtained to ensure patients receive appropriate care and necessary follow up. This is especially true when history and exam are limited by other factors such as developmental delay, incomplete medical history, or altered mental status.

Long-term comparison of the outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve surgery between glaucoma surgeons and cornea trained surgeons.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term outcomes obtained by glaucoma surgeons versus cornea trained surgeons performing Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery. METHODS: Of the total 376 patients (3 month to 83 year) conducted in this retrospective study, 130 patients with refractory glaucoma were evaluated who had been followed up for at least six months during ten years period. The primary outcome measure was the surgical success of AGV surgery that was categorized in two groups: (A5 ≤ IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and at least 20% reduction in IOP without any glaucoma medications (complete success) and reduction by using one or more glaucoma medications (qualified success) (B) similar to previous criteria but the cutoff for higher IOP at 16 mmHg without vision loss and the need for medication or re-surgery. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 32.99 ± 24.20 years in the glaucoma surgeon group and 25.18 ± 24.33 years in the cornea trained surgeons group (P = 0.07). The overall success of both methods at the end of four years were 66.7% and 41.7% for the group of glaucoma surgeons and cornea trained surgeons, respectively (p = 0.661). The cumulative success according to criterion A and B was 66.7% in the glaucoma surgeon group and 47.1% in the others surgeon group (P = 0.661). Repeated glaucoma surgery was required in 33.3% and 52.9% of the patients in the glaucoma surgeon and cornea trained surgeons groups, respectively (P = 0.661). Although there was a significant difference for IOP among various follow-up periods (p = 0.004), this difference was not significant between the two groups (p = 0.374).Visual Acuity did not have a signifiant difference between various follow-up periods and surgeons groups (p = 0.419 and P = 0. 690, respectively). CONCLUSION: There were comparable outcomes with regard to complications and success rates between glaucoma surgeons and cornea trained surgeons performing AGV surgery.