A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Modified Baerveldt Drainage Implants versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valves After 1 Year of Follow-Up

Kristin L Davis; Quinton H Christensen; Joel A VandeLune; Danielle R Pellack; Patrick J Donegan; Matthew D Meyer; Ronak S Singh; Hend M Al-Kaylani; Erin A Boese; Andrew E Pouw

doi:10.2147/OPTH.S588163

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A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Modified Baerveldt Drainage Implants versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valves After 1 Year of Follow-Up

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A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Modified Baerveldt Drainage Implants versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valves After 1 Year of Follow-Up

Kristin L Davis, Quinton H Christensen, Joel A VandeLune, Danielle R Pellack, Patrick J Donegan, Matthew D Meyer, Ronak S Singh, Hend M Al-Kaylani, Erin A Boese and Andrew E Pouw

Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), Vol.20, 588163

07/2026

DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S588163

PMCID: PMC13356841

PMID: 42438751

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Abstract

Purpose: A modification to the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant allows for earlier postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this modification (vsBGI) compared to the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) out to 1 year of follow-up. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 124 eyes from patients aged ≥ 18 years with glaucoma who underwent implantation of vsBGIs or AGVs. Longitudinal outcomes were analyzed using adjusted linear mixed-effects models to account for baseline differences. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare surgical success. The primary outcomes were IOP and number of medications. Results: A total of 124 eyes were included (62 AGV and 62 vsBGI). Preoperative IOP was found to be significantly higher in the AGV group prior to surgery. At 1 year, median IOP reduction was similar between groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant between-group difference under the liberal (≤ 21 mmHg), conservative (≤ 14 mmHg), or individualized target-IOP criteria, whereas the vsBGI group showed higher survival probability at the intermediate threshold criterion (≤ 17 mmHg). The vsBGI group required significantly fewer medications on Day 1. No statistically significant differences in postoperative complication frequency or type were observed between groups. Conclusion: The vsBGI showed broadly comparable 1-year efficacy and safety to the AGV, with similar IOP reduction and surgical survival, fewer early postoperative medications, and comparable visual acuity and adverse event rates.

glaucoma

Ahmed glaucoma valve

Baerveldt glaucoma implant

ventilating mattress suture

tube shunt

glaucoma surgery

Details

Title: Subtitle: A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Modified Baerveldt Drainage Implants versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valves After 1 Year of Follow-Up
Creators: Kristin L Davis - University of Iowa
Quinton H Christensen - University of Iowa
Joel A VandeLune - University of Iowa
Danielle R Pellack - University of Iowa
Patrick J Donegan - University of Iowa
Matthew D Meyer - University of Iowa
Ronak S Singh - University of Iowa
Hend M Al-Kaylani - University of Iowa
Erin A Boese - University of Iowa
Andrew E Pouw - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), Vol.20, 588163
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S588163
PMID: 42438751
PMCID: PMC13356841
NLM abbreviation: Clin Ophthalmol
ISSN: 1177-5483
eISSN: 1177-5483
Publisher: Dove Medical Press
Number of pages: 15
Language: English
Date published: 07/2026
Academic Unit: Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Record Identifier: 9985180786802771

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