Objective:

Determine the results of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in patients with pediatric refractory glaucoma.

Methods:

A case-series study was conducted of 15 patients (17 eyes) with pediatric refractory glaucoma attending the pediatric ophthalmology service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from January 2011 to January 2016. These patients underwent Ahmed valve implantation and were followed up for a period of three years. Evaluation was performed of visual acuity, pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure, complete success, qualified success, complications and reinterventions.

Results:

Mean age of patients was 4.0 years, with a predominance of the male sex (58.8 %). Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 37.3 mmHg, significantly decreasing to 19.4 mmHg (p= 0.000) in the postoperative period. Overall survival analysis revealed a cumulative probability of complete success of 94.1 % at 1.5 months, 70.6 % at 12 months, 58.8 % at 18 months and 47.1 % at 24 and 36 months. Cumulative probability of qualified success was 94.1 % at 12 months, 82.4 % at 18 months and 76.5 % at 24 and 36 months. The rate of complications and reinterventions was 29.4 % and 23.5 %, respectively.

Conclusions:

Indication of Ahmed valve implantation in pediatric refractory glaucoma is aimed at reducing intraocular pressure.

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