Ahmed Valve Implantation

Reduce Eye Pressure with a Glaucoma Implant

During various types of glaucoma surgery, such as Lumenis® Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, it may be beneficial to have a glaucoma drainage device implanted;this will keep the drainage opening from resealing. Glaucoma implants or shunts help to keep eye pressure down by promoting fluid drainage. These may also be used in patients for whom the traditional glaucoma surgery methods were unsuccessful.

At South Texas Eye Consultants, our doctors use the Ahmed™ Glaucoma Valve Implantation technique. A smallplate/tube device is implanted into the eye to bypass the clogged or damaged drainage canals, thereby creating an alternate passageway for fluid to leave the eye. The valve consistently adjusts itself to control the amount of fluid that is allowed to leave the eye, so a proper amount of pressure is maintained.The implant is positioned outside of the eye, but it cannot be seen or felt.

Risks of Glaucoma Implants

As with any type of surgery, there are risks with glaucoma implants, including:

• Inflammation
• Inconsistent eye pressure
• Clogging of the implant
• Corneal injury
• Foreign Body Sensation

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma in Corpus Christi, TX or are experiencing changes in your vision, contact us today to schedule an eye exam and learn about the different methods to control glaucoma.