Change of Peripapillary Vessel Density after Ahmed Valve Implantation

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.