Long-term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve in association with intravitreal bevacizumab in neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the long-term results of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in association with bevacizumab (Avastin) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective institutional study reviewed 39 eyes of 34 patients with NVG who underwent AGV implantation. The intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) group included 19 eyes that received an injection of IVB 7 days preoperatively, whereas the no-IVB group included 20 eyes that did not receive any antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Findings such as intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and surgical outcomes were reviewed over a period of 5 years.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the preoperative characteristics between the 2 groups. At last follow-up visit, IOP was 16.37±5.72 mm Hg in the IVB group and 20.05±9.75 mm Hg in the no-IVB group (P=0.16). The number of postoperative antiglaucoma medications was significantly lower in the IVB group (P=0.02). Last visit's mean BCVA was 2.34±1.00 logMAR in the IVB group and 2.66±1.04 logMAR in the control group (P=0.33). Hyphema was significantly less observed in the IVB group (P=0.02). The probability of success was 63.2% in the IVB group and 70.0% in the control group (P=0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative IVB before AGV was not associated with a better surgical success, IOP control, or BCVA. Its administration significantly decreased postoperative hyphema and number of last visit's antiglaucoma medications.