Proline-assisted Tube Insertion Through Sulcus in Ahmed Valve

To prevent corneal endothelial cell loss, ciliary sulcus tube insertion is preferred for the pseudophakic eye. However, we sometimes encounter technical difficulties when inserting the tube through the sulcus. Even in cases in which we are able to insert a 23G needle through the sulcus into the space between the iris and intraocular lens, the tube of Ahmed valve may stray into the vitreous cavity or under Elschnig pearls. To remedy such conditions, we developed a new tube insertion method using a 4-0 proline stent as a guide to insert the tube in the appropriate position.