Ann Optom Contact Lens.  2022 Mar;21(1):21-25. 10.52725/aocl.2022.21.1.21.

Change of Peripapillary Vessel Density after Ahmed Valve Implantation

• Lee MH
• Cho KJ
• Park Y

• KMID: 2532506
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52725/aocl.2022.21.1.21

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the changes of peripapillary vessel density after Ahmed valve implantation.
Methods
This is a retrospective review of 42 glaucomatous eyes that Ahmed valve implantation. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, peripapillary vessel density were analyzed.
Results
The mean IOP was 37.49 ± 12.85 mmHg preoperatively, 13.72 ± 4.39 mmHg at 1 month postoperatively, and 12.48 ± 3.54 mmHg at postoperative 6 months which were significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.001). Peripapillary RNFL thickness and peripapillary vessel density increased significantly at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.013, p = 0.002, respectively). The improvement in peripapillary vessel density was associated with a greater reduction in the IOP (p < 0.001), and the lower preoperative peripapillary vessel density value (p = 0.001).
Conclusions
The improvement in peripapillary vessel density was associated with a greater reduction in the IOP after Ahmed valve implantation. Measurement of peripapillary vessel density may be useful to monitor the progression of glaucoma after Ahmed valve implantation.

Keyword

Ahmed valve implantation; Optical coherence tomography angiography; Peripapillary vessel density