To investigate the effects of phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes with a functioning Ahmed glaucoma valve insertion.

This retrospective analysis followed 28 eyes from 26 patients with a functioning Ahmed glaucoma valve who had clear corneal phacoemulsification from December 1999 to February 2006. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of glaucoma medications and additional glaucoma surgeries were measured.

The mean IOP before phacoemulsification was 17.4 mmHg±5.8 (SD). Postoperative IOP was 13.6±4.4 mmHg, 13.7±4.0 mmHg, 14.1±4.0 mmHg and 15.4±3.8 mmHg at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The change in the number of glaucoma medications significantly changed at 1 month (p<0.05), but did not change at 2, 6 and 12 months (p>0.05) postoperatively. The IOP significantly changed at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months (p<0.05), but did not significantly change at 12 months (p>0.05) postoperatively. No eyes required additional surgery. BCVA improved in 23 eyes; the mean improvement was 3.7±2.9 Snellen lines at 2 months postoperatively.

Phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes with a functioning Ahmed glaucoma valve improved BCVA and maintained control of IOP.