One-year outcomes of the PAUL glaucoma implant versus ahmed glaucoma valve for the treatment of glaucoma following cataract surgery
摘要
This study evaluated and compared the 1-year outcomes of the PAUL Glaucoma Implant (PGI) and the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) in the management of aphakic glaucoma.
MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 30 eyes of 28 patients with aphakic glaucoma who underwent implantation of PGI (n = 10) or AGV (n = 20). Primary outcomes included surgical failure and success (complete or qualified). Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), medication use, and postoperative complications. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was applied, with failure defined as IOP > 21 mmHg on two consecutive visits, implant removal, additional glaucoma surgery, or vision loss.
ResultsAt 12 months, surgical success was achieved in 90% of PGI eyes and 75% of AGV eyes (p = 0.766). Complete success occurred in 30% (PGI) and 25% (AGV), while failure occurred in one PGI eye and five AGV eyes. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed comparable cumulative success rates (p = 0.475). Mean IOP at 12 months was similar between groups (16.0 vs. 16.4 mmHg; p = 0.854), with significant reductions from baseline (PGI: p = 0.002; AGV: p < 0.001). Both groups showed reduced medication burden (p < 0.001), with PGI requiring fewer agents at 1–2 months (p = 0.024). BCVA remained stable. One complication was recorded, a case of choroidal haemorrhage in the AGV group; the hypotony episode was not classified as a complication as it resolved without visual loss or further surgical intervention.).
ConclusionsPGI and AGV both effectively managed aphakic glaucoma. PGI demonstrated a trend toward higher success rates and fewer complications; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that PGI may be a favourable alternative, although larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this potential advantage.