Evaluation of Ahmed glaucoma valve versus Ex-PRESS shunt implantation with conbercept therapy in neovascular glaucoma.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a vision-threatening condition commonly associated with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation and Ex-PRESS shunt insertion are 2 frequently applied surgical techniques. This study aimed to compare the short-term and 1-year outcomes of these procedures when combined with intravitreal conbercept therapy. Forty-four patients diagnosed with NVG were randomly allocated to either the AGV group (n = 24) or the Ex-PRESS group (n = 20). All participants received adjunctive intravitreal conbercept injections. Postoperative assessments (including IOP, best-corrected visual acuity, iris neovascularization regression, use of antiglaucoma medication, and complication rates) were conducted on day 1, week 1, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. No significant difference in IOP reduction was observed between the 2 groups up to 6 months after surgery. At the 12-month follow-up, mean IOP was significantly lower in the AGV group (18.17 ± 4.41 mm Hg) compared with the Ex-PRESS group (21.60 ± 5.25 mm Hg; P = .02). Improvements in best-corrected visual acuity, regression of iris neovascularization, and surgical success rates were comparable between the 2 groups during the early postoperative period. Nevertheless, AGV implantation showed a sustained advantage in long-term IOP control. Both AGV and Ex-PRESS implantation combined with conbercept provide effective and safe short-term management for NVG. Over a 1-year period, AGV implantation demonstrated better IOP control, indicating its potential benefit for long-term outcomes in NVG treatment.