Primary implantation of glaucoma drainage device in secondary glaucoma: Comparison of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant versus Ahmed glaucoma valve.

Abstract

Glaucoma drainage devices are invaluable in the management of secondary/ refractory glaucomas. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) and the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) in filtration-surgery-naïve secondary glaucoma eyes. For this purpose, a retrospective, comparative review was conducted on patients with secondary glaucoma (open and closed) who underwent primary tube procedures, either AADI or AGV. The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP), and secondary measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), and complications. This study included 59 eyes in the AADI group with a mean follow-up of 20.3 ± 12.9 months and 61 eyes in the AGV group with a mean follow-up of 19.8 ± 11.8 months. Preoperative IOP, AGM use, and BCVA did not significantly differ between the groups. However, at the last visit, both IOP and AGM use were significantly lower in the AADI group (12.9 ± 3.7 mmHg and 0.6 ± 0.9 vs. 15.7 ± 2.7 and 1.8 ± 1.0 respectively, all p < .001). Moreover, the AADI group exhibited a significantly higher rate of complete success (57.6%) compared to the AGV group (14.7%, p < .001); corresponding qualified success was 91.5% and 80.3%. Serious complication rates were comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, toth AADI and AGV procedures effectively reduced IOP and the need for AGMs. However, the reductions were significantly greater in the AADI group, which also showed a higher rate of complete success. Considering its affordability, AADI could have a substantial positive impact, particularly in resource-constrained settings.