Ahmed Glaucoma Valve

When eye drops and laser treatment do not lower eye pressure enough, glaucoma surgery is often the next course of action. An Ahmed Valve, a device that helps decrease intraocular pressure, is made of silicone and consists of a minuscule tube connected to a small reservoir. This tiny tube is inserted into the front part of the eye to allow aqueous fluid to flow from the inside of the eye and drain into the reservoir, which is located on the outside of the eye under the conjunctiva. The aqueous fluid is then absorbed by the neighboring tissue. The fluid draining out of the eye is not harmful and lowers the internal pressure. The device is not noticeable to the naked eye after surgery.