Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is usually implanted at the superotemporal area of eyes. Corneal endothelial cells cannot regenerate, so the repair of the endothelial cells mainly depend on the extension and progradation of the healthy cells in other area. Therefore, changes of density and shape are observed in the corneal endothelial cells after AGV implantation.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of density and morphology of corneal endothelial cells after AGV implantation.
METHODS: Ahmed glaucoma valves were implanted in 34 eyes of 34 patients with refractory glaucoma. Density and morphology of corneal endothelial cells were evaluated in the superotemporal, superonasal, infratemporal, infranasal, and central corneal areas to calculate mean value of total cornea before and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Percentage of hexagonal cells was statistically summarized. 　
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Mean density of corneal endothelial cells was statistically decreased following AGV implantation (P < 0.05), In particular, the decrease was obvious in the superotemporal area. Density of corneal endothelial cells was not changed in central area before and after AGV implantation. Morphological changes demonstrated that hexagonal cells were increased, but polygon cells were increased (P < 0.05). Density of corneal endothelial cells was gradually decreased, and morphology was also changed at 6 months after AGV implantation, suggesting that more care should be taken during intra-operation in order to minimize damage to the endothelium and prolong monitoring time of corneal endothelial cells following AGV implantation.