ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To determine the safety and efficacy of the use of lamellar donor cornea to cover the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant tube.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-one cases of AGV implantation surgery performed between August 2004 and March 2007 which is followed for at least 16 months were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 28 patients in whom lamellar donor cornea was used to cover the subconjuctival portion of the AGV tube and Group B consisted of 23 patients in whom scleral flap was used. Groups A and B were compared for intraocular pressure control and complications related to the surgical procedure.

Results:

The patients were examined at regular intervals postoperatively, and clinical findings, intraocular pressures and complications were noted. In Group A, no clinical findings of conjunctival, scleral or intraocular inflammation were observed. Lamellar donor cornea was tolerated well in all patients. No tube exposure was observed in both groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of intraocular pressure control and complications.

Conclusion:

Lamellar donor corneas could be safely used in AGV implantation surgery to cover the subconjunctival part of the implant.