Fuchs Heterochromic Iridocyclitis-Associated Glaucoma: A Retrospective Comparison of Primary Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation and Trabeculectomy with MMC

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of a primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (T) and an Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in patients with Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHIC) related glaucoma, a rare complication of an uncommon form of uveitis. Design: Retrospective comparative case series. Method: Twenty-six patients with uncontrolled FHIC-associated glaucoma received T (n=12) or an AGV (n=14). Primary outcome measures were the surgical success defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and decreased ≥ 20% from the baseline and no secondary glaucoma surgery. Secondary outcome measures were the number of glaucoma medications, complications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure. Results: The follow-up (mean±SD) was 34.0±17.7 in T and 33.4±18.6 months in AGV (p = 0.837). The cumulative probability of success rate at the final follow-up at three years was 41.7% for T and 85.7% for AGV. There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The mean preoperative IOP in T was 23.4±3.3 mmHg and 21.6±5.2 mmHg at the final visit (P= 0.041). In AGV, the preoperative IOP was 24±7.8 and 17.1±2.6 mmHg at the final visit (P= 0.003), respectively. AGV had a significantly lower average IOP at the final follow-up visit compared to T (P= 0.018). The number of glaucoma medications at baseline was 3.3±0.5 in T and 3±0.6 in AGV (P= 0.233). This decreased significantly to 2.4±1.0 and 1.7±0.6 at the final follow-up (P= 0.008 and 0.002, respectively). Patients in AGV needed fewer glaucoma medications (P= 0.041). BCVA was equal in both groups and did not change (p>0.05). Conclusion: Primary AGV had a higher success rate than T in the management of FHIC-associated glaucoma. The risk of cataract formation and progression was significantly higher following T in these patients