A study presented by researchers from Oregon Health and Science University and Mayo Clinic Florida highlights the effectiveness of the Ahmed ClearPath (New World Medical) glaucoma drainage device in treating refractory primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 36-month period.

The study retrospectively analyzed 12 eyes from 11 patients with severe POAG, showing a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and reliance on antiglaucoma medications (AGMs). The mean baseline IOP dropped from 27.7 mmHg to 10.6 mmHg, a reduction of 68%, while the number of AGMs decreased by 71%. Patients, who had an average age of 72.3 years, exhibited a favorable safety profile with only mild, transient hyphema observed as a short-term complication in 6 eyes. No long-term adverse effects were reported during the 3-year follow-up. The data were presented in a poster at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in May.

The study represents the first long-term evaluation of the Ahmed ClearPath device, reinforcing its role as a viable option for managing difficult-to-treat glaucoma.