The Ahmed™ Glaucoma Valve

glaucomaThe Ahmed™ glaucoma valve is a medical device used in the treatment of glaucoma for those patients not responding to medication or surgical intervention. Used to regulate ocular pressure levels, the Ahmed glaucoma valve is a tube system that drains excess fluid from the eye. The fluid flows through the valve and out of the eye into a reservoir where it can be safely absorbed by surrounding tissue. It is implanted on the outer surface of the eye, but covered by conjunctival tissue so it is not visible to others or felt by the patient.

Proven for both consistency and long-term effectiveness, the Ahmed glaucoma valve self-adjusts depending on the level of fluid in the eye. It is designed to ensure that no excessive drainage of fluid can take place. Once the valve has been implanted, most patients can reduce or stop taking their glaucoma medications, according to their physician’s instructions.

The Ahmed glaucoma valve is implanted during an outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic. The surgery takes approximately one hour. To promote healing, patients will be given a prescription for eye drops to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling in the eye. Follow-up appointments are essential to measure ocular pressure and determine whether any minor adjustments to the glaucoma valve are necessary.