Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy versus Trabeculectomy in Primary Congenital Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with a collagen implant versus trabeculectomy in primary congenital glaucoma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective interventional comparative non-randomized clinical study that included 80 eyes of 80 children presenting with primary congenital glaucoma under the age of 3 years. Forty eyes have undergone non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and the other 40 eyes have undergone penetrating trabeculectomy. The main outcome measure was the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients with complete and qualified success, need for topical antiglaucoma medications, rate of complications, and need for further interventions. Complete success of the surgical outcome was considered an IOP ≤16 mmHg with no antiglaucoma medications. Qualified success was considered an IOP ≤16 mmHg using antiglaucoma medications.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative IOP was 27.4 ± 6.9 and 28.5 ± 6.6 mmHg in NPDS and trabeculectomy groups, respectively (p = 0.175). At the end of the follow-up period, the mean IOP was 11.2 ± 4.5 and 11.1 ± 3.4 mmHg with a mean reduction of 16.2 and 17.4 mmHg in NPDS and trabeculectomy groups, respectively. At the end of the follow-up period, ie at 36 months postoperative, the complete success rate was 60% (24 eyes) versus 57.5% (23 eyes), the qualified success rate was 25% (10 eyes) versus 25% (10 eyes), the overall success rate was 85% (34 eyes) versus 82.5% (33 eyes), and the rate of failure was 15% (6 eyes) versus 17.5% (7 eyes) in NPDS and trabeculectomy groups, respectively (p = 0.952). Eight cases (20%) of the trabeculectomy group had shallow anterior chamber. None of the NPDS group cases suffered from shallow anterior chamber.

CONCLUSION

Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy appears to be an efficient and safe surgical alternative to penetrating trabeculectomy in treatment of primary congenital glaucoma. Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy has fewer postoperative complications in comparison to penetrating trabeculectomy with a comparative postoperative reduction in the intraocular pressure and overall success rates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered on 11/01/2020 with number PACTR202002874953456 (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za).

Primary baerveldt versus trabeculectomy study after 5 years of follow-up

PURPOSE

Although the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) initially was reserved for refractory glaucoma, its role in the surgical management of glaucoma has shifted towards a primary treatment choice. We performed a randomized prospective study to compare BGI surgery and trabeculectomy (TE) in patients without previous ocular surgery.

METHODS

We included 119 glaucoma patients without previous ocular surgery. One eye of each subject was randomized to either a BGI or TE. Follow-up visits were at 1 day, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years postoperatively. Primary outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) and failure rate. Secondary outcomes were medication, anterior chamber laser flare value and complications.

RESULTS

After 5 years, an IOP of 12.7 ± 3.9 mmHg (mean ± SD) was achieved in the TE group and 12.9 ± 3.9 mmHg in the BGI group. We found no statistically significant difference in failure rate between the groups (p = 0.72). More BGI patients needed additional medication to control their IOP (85%; 1.9 ± 1.2 types of glaucoma medication) compared to the TE patients (57%; 0.5 ± 0.9 types of glaucoma medication). Diplopia was significantly more present in the BGI group than in the TE group (27% versus 4%; p < 0.001). The self-limiting complication rate was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that, in the long term, the final IOP and failure rate are similar after TE and BGI surgery. However, the need for additional medication after BGI surgery is higher than after TE. Also, the increased risk of developing diplopia after BGI surgery must be taken into consideration.

Learning from the past: Mitomycin C use in trabeculectomy and its application in bleb-forming minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Trabeculectomy has been performed since the mid-1960s and remains the gold standard for glaucoma surgery. Newer surgical options have evolved, collectively referred to as minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. Despite producing large intraocular pressure decreases, full-thickness procedures into the subconjunctival space may be limited by fibrosis. Mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil have been in use with trabeculectomy with good evidence of significantly increased success at the cost, however, of an increased risk of complications. Off-label MMC application can be found in almost all clinical trials, including in combination with minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. We explore current evidence for MMC use in trabeculectomy and how this may differ for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices and analyze the range of agents and doses that are used. Although we found that most studies could not show any correlation between MMC dosage and the surgical outcome, the success rates with the Xen® microshunt seemed to be higher when using 20 mcg of MMC than when using 10 mcg. Certain important methodological considerations make this hard to confirm definitively, and other factors such as placement of the device may play a more substantial role. For the PreserFlo® microshunt, preliminary data suggest higher success rates with higher MMC dosage at the cost of higher device-related adverse events and reoperations. Although the ideal dose still needs to be established, it seems very likely that MMC provides significant improvement in outcomes in bleb-forming minimally invasive glaucoma procedures.

Leftover mitomycin-c sponge causing blebitis

Trabeculectomy is the commonest surgical intervention performed worldwide for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. However, the use of antimetabolites during trabeculectomy has been associated with various bleb related complications. We report this interesting case to highlight unique clinical presentation and management of a leftover mitomycin-C sponge causing blebitis.

Secondary ocular hypertension post intravitreal dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX) managed by pars plana implant removal along with trabeculectomy in a young patient

We report a case of refractory secondary ocular hypertension after insertion of dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX) for posterior uveitis in a young patient, which necessitated removal of the implant through pars plana vitrectomy along with a trabeculectomy. A young male developed secondary ocular hypertension following dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX) injection for control of posterior uveitis. As the implant was still present in the vitreous cavity, we successfully performed a pars plana removal of the implant along with trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. Early intervention is essential to prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy in young uveitic patients receiving OZURDEX implant.

Pentacam changes in primary angle-closure glaucoma after different lines of treatment

AIM

To assess the changes in the anterior chamber parameters using Pentacam following four different lines of treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

METHODS

A retrospective comparative study included 126 patients (126 eye) presented within 24-48h after acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (68 eyes) with controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, which included subgroup A1 (34 eyes) with clear lens underwent Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and subgroup A2 (34 eyes) with cataract underwent standard phacoemulsification; and group B (58 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP, which included subgroup B1 (30 eyes) with clear lens underwent trabeculectomy and subgroup B2 (28 eyes) with cataract underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. Patients were followed up for at least 3mo. Primary outcomes were Pentacam anterior segment measurements [anterior chamber angle (ACA) and depth (ACD)]. Secondary outcomes were changes in IOP, visual acuity (VA) and recorded complications.

RESULTS

At the 3rd month, there was significant increase in the ACA values in all studied groups compared to preoperative values (P<0.001). The highest percent of increase in ACA was recorded in phacotrabeculectomy group B2 (128.40%). There was significant increase in ACD values at 3rd month compared with baseline values (P<0.001) for groups A1, A2, and B2; without change in B1 trabeculectomy group. The maximum deepening of ACD was noticed in group B2 with 94.27% increase. Significant decrease in postoperative IOP in groups A2, B1 and B2 (P<0.001, P=0.014, and P<0.001 respectively). In group A1 there was significant increase in 3rd month postoperative IOP from baseline values (P<0.001). The maximum decrease in IOP was noticed in group B2 with 59.54% decrease. VA improvement in 3rd month postoperative was recorded in all studied groups, maximum VA improvement was observed in group B2 up to 0.2 logMAR.

CONCLUSION

Pentacam can be a helpful tool in studying and comparing the effect of the different lines of management of PACG on the anterior chamber measures. Phacotrabeculectomy was proved to be an effective line for managing PACG with resultant significant increase in the anterior chamber parameters, IOP reduction as well as maximum VA improvement. LPI has only temporary effect on IOP with significant changes in ACA and ACD. Phacoemuslification alone can be an option in treating PACG. Trabeculectomy resulted in temporary increase in the anterior chamber parameter which subsequently returned to baseline values.

[Glaucomatous visual field loss in eyes undergoing first trabeculectomy in Iceland]

INTRODUCTION

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease in the optic nerve with associated visual field defects (VFD). Trabeculectomy is the most common glaucoma surgery. Surgery is indicated if glaucomatous optic neuropathy progresses despite tolerated medical treatment or in patients with severe VFD. The purpose of this paper is to describe the severity of visual field damage in patients undergoing their first trabeculectomy in Iceland.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of all patients with open angle glaucoma that underwent first trabeculectomy at Landspítali University Hospital, from June 2013 to March 2016. Visual fields were examined by Octopus automated perimetry and the severity of glaucoma damage was staged according to the mean defect (MD).

RESULTS

86 eyes were included in the study, mean age 75 ± 11 years, 57% men. Patients used on average three IOP lowering medications. Mean MD at referral to surgery was 13.4 ± 7.7dB (min 0.8dB, max 26.2 dB), 21% had early glaucomatous damage (MD <6dB), 23% moderate (MD 6-12 dB) and 56% severe (MD > 12).

CONCLUSION

VFD at referral to surgery varied from mild VFD to severe damage. Like clinical guidelines recommend, treatment seems to be individualized and the most common indication for surgery was increased VFD despite medical treatment. Mean MD at referral to surgery was high compared to other studies. Eyes with severe VFD had on average lower IOP and thinner cornea. This might indicate that great emphasis is placed on high IOP and perhaps too little emphasis on VFD and cornea thickness.

Intraoperative injection versus sponge-applied mitomycin C during trabeculectomy: One-year study

Purpose

To determine the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) injection versus sponge during trabeculectomy.

Methods

It is a prospective analysis of patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC and followed up for 1 year, divided into two groups, namely, group 1- injection (n = 21), group 2-> sponge (n = 21). The same concentration of MMC was used for both groups. Inclusion criteria were trabeculectomies with MMC for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in eyes with glaucoma (primary + secondary) with a follow-up of 1 year.

Results

Mean preoperative IOP in group 1 was 29.00 ± 11.92 mmHg and group 2 was 25.87 ± 11.09 mmHg, which reduced to 12.19 ± 4.03 and 15.56 ± 10.72 mmHg at final visit with P value of 0.0002 and 0.001, respectively. Mean preoperative number of antiglaucoma medications was 2.4 ± 0.87 in group 1 and 2.3 ± 0.96 in group 2, which reduced to 0.38 ± 0.5 and 0.91 ± 0.85 with P value of 0.001 and 0.0003, respectively. The complete success rate was 52.4% in the injection group and 26.1% in the sponge group at end of 1 year. Overall, success rate (complete + qualified) was 90.5% and 87% in group 1 and group 2 at final visit. All major complications were encountered in sponge group. 1 (11.1%) patient developed choroidal detachment and one had malignant glaucoma which got resolved by medical management. 33.3% cases had encapsulated bleb which received bleb needling. 44.4% cases underwent Argon laser suture lysis postoperatively.

Conclusion

The MMC injection may be as safe and as effective as conventional sponge application with comparable estimated complete treatment success.

Short term efficacy of EX-PRESS filtration shunt implantation for open angle glaucoma

OBJECTIVES

To observe the short-term efficacy of EX-PRESS filtration shunt implantation in the treatment of open angle glaucoma, and to analyze the safety and effectiveness of the surgical method.

METHODS

From April 2017 to January 2018, a total of 28 eyes of 17 open angle glaucoma patients in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were screened. Among them, 16 eyes in the experimental group were treated with EX-PRESS filtration shunt (P200)implantation, and 12 eyes in the control group underwent trabeculectomy. Related examinations were performed in 1 day before operation, 1 day after operation, 1 week after operation, 1 month after operation and 3 months after operation, which included intraocular pressure (IOP), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central anterior chamber depth (ACD), trabecular iris angle (TIA), the long axis of drainage nail and corneal endothelium angle (ACA), intraoperative and postoperative complications. Visual-related quality of life questionnaire was conducted and scored in 3 months after operation.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the IOP in 1 day after operation, 1 week after operation and 1 month after operation was decreased significantly compared with that in 1 day before operation (all P<0.05), but the IOP in 3 months after operation was not significantly decreased compared with that in 1 day before operation (P>0.05). In the control group, the IOP in 1 week after operation, 1 month and 3 months after operation was decreased significantly with that of pre-operation (all P<0.05), but the IOP in 1 day after operation was not significantly decreased compared with that in 1 day before operation (P>0.05).The BCVA between the 2 groups was significantly different in 1 week after operation, 1 month and 3 months after operation compared with that in 1 day before operation (P>0.05). The ACD in 1 day after operation, 1 week after operation, 1 month after operation and 3 months after operation was not significantly different compared with that in 1 day before operation (all P>0.05). However, the ACD in 1 week after operation and 1 month after operation was significantly different in the control group compared with that in 1 day before operation (both P<0.05). There was no significant change in the TIA in the 2 group compared with that in 1 day before operation (all P>0.05). At different observed time after operation, there was no significant difference in the ACA (all P>0.05). The correlation analysis of Pearson showed that there was a weak correlation between the ACA and the IOP (r=0.286, P<0.05). According to the standard of surgical success defined in this study, the success rate of experimental group was 81.25%, and the control group was 83.33%. There was no significant difference in the visual-related quality of life score between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05), but the mean value in the former was higher.

CONCLUSIONS

As a new type of anti-glaucoma surgery, the success rate of EX-PRESS filtration shunt implantation for 3-month follow-up is equivalent to that of classic trabeculectomy. The operation process is simple, and there is no significant change in the ACD before and after the operation in the period of 3-month follow-up. The stability of the anterior chamber is better. There is no significant correlation between the relative position of the shunt in the anterior chamber and the IOP. Compared with trabeculectomy, there is no significant difference in the visual-related quality of life.

Outcomes of 1.8-3.0 mm incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract

AIM

To compare efficacy of coaxial microincisions (1.8 mm, 2.2 mm) and small incisions (3.0 mm) on phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with cataract.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients (96 eyes) with PACG and cataract were recruited and randomly divided into three groups between January 2015 and June 2017. Group A (3.0 mm incision), B (2.2 mm incision), and C (1.8 mm incision) comprised 30, 34 and 32 eyes respectively. All cases were treated with clear corneal incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy. Data including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, corneal endothelial cell counts (CECC), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were collected before the operation, and at postoperative 1d, 1 and 3mo.

RESULTS

All the patients were successfully treated with surgery. The BCVA of groups B and C were significantly improved as compared to group A at postoperative 1d, 1 and 3mo (all P<0.05), but there was no difference between groups B and C at each time interval (all P>0.05). The corneal astigmatism of group A was statistically higher than that of group B (P=0.026); corneal astigmatism of group B was statistically higher than that of group C at postoperative 1d (P=0.006). The corneal astigmatism of group A at postoperative 3mo was significantly higher than that before operation (P=0.003). At postoperative 1 and 3mo, corneal astigmatism of groups B and C were significantly lower than that of group A (all P<0.05). The CECC in group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P=0.020), and CECC in group C was significantly higher than that of group B (P=0.034) at postoperative 1d. At postoperative 1 and 3mo, CECC of groups B and C were significantly higher than that of group A (all P<0.05). In each group, postoperative mean IOP at each time interval was significantly lower than preoperative IOP (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Coaxial microincision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for PACG with cataract has better curative efficacy in reducing postoperative corneal astigmatism and corneal endothelial cell injury than traditional small incision combined surgery, and the 1.8 mm microincision has better curative efficacy than 2.2 mm microincision in the early postoperative period.

Effectiveness of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for glaucomatous eyes with low intraocular pressure on treatment eye drops

PURPOSE

To examine the efficacy and safety of current trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in Japan for glaucomatous eyes with low intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

Two hundred ninety-four eyes of 294 patients with IOP ≤21 mmHg before surgery were studied; all patients were participants in the Collaborative Bleb-related Infection Incidence and Treatment Study (CBIITS), a multicentre, prospective, cohort study conducted at 34 ophthalmological institutions throughout Japan. All eyes had an intraocular pressure ≤ 21 mmHg and had undergone trabeculectomy alone or phacotrabeculectomy. Two success criteria were used: Criterion A comprised 20% reduction of baseline IOP and Criterion B comprised 30% reduction of baseline IOP. The primary outcome was the success rate for each of these criteria.

RESULTS

The qualified success rates were 87.3% for Criterion A and 42.0% for Criterion B at 5 years. Mean IOP was significantly reduced, from 16.7 ± 2.7 to 11.6 ± 4.0 mmHg at 5 years after trabeculectomy (p < 0.0001); the number of anti-glaucoma medications significantly decreased from 2.7 ± 1.1 to 1.0 ± 1.2 (p < 0.0001) at 5 years after the surgery. Three or more trabeculectomies, and needling were related to increased risk of failure. Incidences of postoperative hyphema, infection, shallow anterior chamber and bleb leakage were 2.4%, 2.4%, 2.0% and 3.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that trabeculectomy with mitomycin C is an effective procedure with few surgical complications for reducing IOP in patients, even if preoperative IOP was within the normal range.

A standardized protocol of laser suture lysis in postoperative management in trabeculectomy with mitomycin C: One-year study

AIM

To analyse the efficacy and safety of a standardized laser suture lysis protocol following trabeculectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective interventional study conducted at a tertiary centre, between June 2016 and July 2017. Consecutive patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL) for open angle glaucoma were enrolled. According to study protocol, a first laser suture lysis was performed routinely when intraocular pressure was greater than 10 mmHg, starting at postoperative day 8, and a second laser suture lysis was done whenever the intraocular pressure was newly greater than 10 mmHg, with a minimum interval of 1 week after the first laser suture lysis. Primary outcome was intraocular pressure (mean value, and mean difference from baseline in percentage). Safety parameters were also analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three eyes of 28 patients (13 males) were enrolled with a mean age of 69.6 ± 15.1 years. Pre-operative intraocular pressure was 24.9 ± 8.6 mmHg. All eyes underwent a laser suture lysis before the 12th postoperative week, with a mean intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of 42.4% (p < 0.01). A second laser suture lysis procedure, when performed (n = 14), had an additional intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of 26.7% (p = 0.02). Mean intraocular pressure at 1-month follow-up was 12.9 ± 8.2 mmHg, and during this period, two cases of self-limited choroidal detachments were noticed. Ten patients needed additional bleb needling. Mean intraocular pressure at 1-year follow-up was 13.8 ± 8.0 mmHg under an average of 0.4 topical intraocular pressure-lowering drugs (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In our study, laser suture lysis was an effective tool to lower intraocular pressure during the early postoperative period, with an acceptable safety profile.

Evaluating glaucoma surgeries in the MIGS context

The challenges of glaucoma management are many: the disease is chronic, progressive, often asymptomatic, and very often, the quality of life and costs of treatment is unacceptable to the patient. This is true for both medical therapy and conventional glaucoma surgery. The choice of therapy, especially the transition from the former to the latter, is now being bridged by Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS). Choosing from the several options now available in the surgical armamentarium requires a deeper understanding of the available modalities. This review aims to provide an overview of the decision-making process, keeping in mind age, type of glaucoma, life expectancy, socioeconomic status, patient expectations, and coexisting cataract.

Late Choroidal Effusion after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Previous Trabeculectomy

AIM

To present 5 cases of late choroidal detachment occurring spontaneously in pseudophakic glaucomatous eyes with previous trabeculectomy before cataract surgery. We discuss the causes, risk factors, frequency, diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the presented 5 cases the choroidal effusion is proved by ophthalmoscopy and echography. Late choroidal detachment occurs after phacoemulsification 6 months at the earliest and 9 years at the latest (mean period 2.5 years) in glaucomatous eyes with previous trabeculectomy. To prove choroidal detachment we accomplished routine ophthalmological examination including medical history, visual acuity, tonometry, examination of anterior segment (AS) and fundus. We have done B-scan echography using А/В Ocular Ultrasound Aviso Quantel Medical.

RESULTS

One of the patients had hemorrhagic detachment confirmed by B-scan echography, the other four patients had serous detachment. The examined patients had the glaucomatous disease for 10.4±6.11 years (mean±SD). Mean age at the time of choroidal effusion diagnosis was 76.8±7.6 years (68-87 years). The period between the trabeculectomy and the following phacoemulsification was 6±3.08 years (from 1 to 9 years). All patients received anti-glaucomatous topical therapy, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, before the occurrence of the effusion. In all cases conservative treatment with corticosteroids and cycloplegics was enough to overcome the detachment and restore visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Late choroidal effusion after phacoemulsification in eyes with previous trabeculectomy is associated with an application of unjustified powerful hypotensive topical medications after cataract surgery associated with an additional reduction of intraocular pressure in most cases.

The Effects of Trabeculectomy on Ocular Pulse Amplitude in Patients with Glaucoma

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate whether trabeculectomy and its intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect have an effect on ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in glaucoma patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive patients with glaucoma (70 eyes) who had undergone unilateral first-time trabeculectomy between April and November 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients with intraoperative or postoperative complications were excluded from this study. The eye that underwent trabeculectomy was considered the study eye; the fellow eye was used as the control eye. OPA and IOP were measured by Pascal dynamic contour tonometry (DCT), IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and one month after trabeculectomy. The change in the pre- and postoperative values was compared between the two eyes.

RESULTS

The study sample included 17 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of 60.83±13.46 years. The mean preoperative GAT, DCT and OPA values in the study eyes were 24.97±8.26, 31.23±10.55 and 4.22±1.77 mmHg, respectively. One month after trabeculectomy, the GAT, DCT and OPA values were 12.83±4.35, 20.28±7.34 and 2.96±1.66 mmHg, respectively. There was a significant decrease in OPA after filtration surgery in the study eyes (p<0.001), but not in the control eyes (p>0.05). Changes in OPA were positively correlated with changes in IOP (p<0.05), and a significant association was found between OPA and IOP, and as measured by DCT (Regression coefficient = 0.093 [0.041-0.145]) and GAT (Regression coefficient = 0.093 [0.013-0.173]).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant decrease in OPA in the eyes that underwent trabeculectomy, and the change in OPA after surgery was significantly different in the study eyes in comparison to the change in OPA in the control eyes. The OPA changes were strongly correlated with the IOP changes in the study eyes.

Effects of Regorafenib, a Multi-Kinase Inhibitor, on Conjunctival Scarring in a Canine Filtration Surgery Model in Comparison with Mitomycin-C

Regorafenib eye drops were developed for treating age-related macular degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of this multi-kinase inhibitor on intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb formation, and conjunctival changes in a canine filtration surgery model. Glaucoma filtration surgery models were created in 24 eyes of 24 beagles. In experiment 1 (Ex 1), regorafenib eye drops (regorafenib group: n = 6) or a vehicle (control group, n = 6) were instilled twice daily for 4 weeks postoperatively. In experiment 2 (Ex 2), regorafenib eye drops were instilled as in Ex 1 (regorafenib group: n = 6) for 12 weeks while conventional intraoperative mitomycin-C (MMC) was utilized (MMC group: n = 6), In Ex 1, only the regorafenib group showed significant IOP reduction with a significantly higher bleb score. Subconjunctival area, collagen density, vessels, and cells showing proliferation and differentiation were lower in subconjunctival tissue in the regorafenib group. In Ex 2, no significant difference was found in IOP reduction and bleb formation between the regorafenib and MMC groups; bleb walls were significantly thicker and collagen density and vessels were higher in the regorafenib group; and no differences were observed in the above-mentioned cells. Thus, regorafenib might be a better alternative to MMC for creating thicker and less ischemic blebs in glaucoma filtration surgery.

Comparison of Ex-PRESS P-200 mini-shunt implantation and standard trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma: four-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety in 4-year follow-up of Ex-PRESS P-200 mini-shunt implantation versus standard trabeculectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study on patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma with failed medical treatment and who underwent Ex-PRESS device implantation or standard trabeculectomy was conducted. Seventy-three eyes were included in the analysis, 33 with Ex-PRESS P-200 implantation and 40 with standard trabeculectomy.

RESULTS

Significant decreases in the intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed after surgery and at all follow-ups in both groups (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.40). No significant differences with regard to post-operative medications were observed (p > 0.10). Excepting the 3-year follow-up, when just a borderline significant difference regarding the visual acuity between the Ex-PRESS and standard trabeculectomy group was observed (p = 0.0504), the Ex-PRESS groups showed significantly better visual acuity at 6 weeks (p = 0.0324), 1 year (p = 0.0168), 2 years (p = 0.0162), and 4 years (p = 0.0111). Hypotony occurred more frequently among the Ex-PRESS group, while cataract occurred more frequently among those with standard trabeculectomy, without significant differences between groups (p > 0.09). No difference in hazard of failure was observed between interventions (HR = 0.72, p = 0.523).

CONCLUSIONS

Both procedures provided good control of IOP and decreased the number of postoperative medications. The advantage of the Ex-PRESS shunt is the better visual acuity, but its main limitation is the cost.

Attaining Intraocular Pressure of ≤10 mm Hg: Comparison of Tube and Trabeculectomy Surgery in Pseudophakic Primary Glaucoma Eyes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether trabeculectomy with antimetabolites or glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery is more likely to achieve an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤10 mm Hg.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, cohort study of pseudophakic, primary glaucoma patients.

METHODS

53 pseudophakic patients underwent trabeculectomy and 65 received GDD at the University of Florida by one surgeon between 1993 and 2015. The main outcome measures were mean IOP and percentage of patients obtaining an IOP ≤10 mm Hg for up to 5 years postoperatively. A subgroup undergoing a first time glaucoma surgery was also analyzed because there were more redo glaucoma procedures in the GDD group.

RESULTS

Over 5 years, the mean annual IOP for the trabeculectomy eyes was between 6.9 and 7.8 mm Hg on an average of 0.2 medications, and that for GDD eyes was between 11.4 and 12.1 mm Hg on a mean of 1.6 to 1.9 medications (P < 0.002). A significantly higher percentage of trabeculectomy eyes than GDD eyes achieved a pressure of ≤10 mm Hg, for years 1 to 4 (P < 0.05). Visual acuity (VA) change was not statistically different between the groups, both for mean logMAR acuity and percentage of patients that lost ≥2 Snellen lines. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Postoperative VA change was similar for eyes achieving low IOP ≤5 mm Hg and those eyes with an IOP ≥10 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy provided significantly lower IOP for 5 years postoperatively in pseudophakic primary glaucoma patients, and was more likely to achieve an IOP ≤10 mm Hg.

Postoperative adjunctive bevacizumab versus placebo in primary trabeculectomy surgery for glaucoma

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of postoperative adjunctive use of subconjunctival bevacizumab in altering the outcome of primary trabeculectomy in terms of sustained lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction of postoperative bleb vascularization and fibrosis.

METHODS

A prospective, one center, randomized, placebo-control study. Fifty-nine patients (59 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP under maximal tolerated medical treatment (MTMT) were recruited. A primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) was done and the patients were randomized to either postoperative subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) or balanced salt solution (BSS). Forty-seven patients (47 eyes) completed at least one year of follow up and were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the IOP, and secondary outcome measures include bleb morphology, vascularization, and fibrosis, as well as the need for glaucoma medications and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling.

RESULTS

At 1-year follow up, there was no significant difference between groups for IOP (P=0.65), bleb morphology (P=0.65), and the need for glaucoma medications (P=0.65) or 5-FU needling requirements (P=0.11). However, the bevacizumab group had a higher rate of success results, lower use of glaucoma medications after surgery, and optimal bleb aspect in more patients, but more 5-FU needling procedures required.

CONCLUSION

A bigger sample size is needed in order to determine whether the differences found in the bevacizumab group are statistically significant.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparing Phacoemulsification Combined with goniosynechialysis to other mainstream procedures in treating patients with angle-closure glaucoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification (Phaco) with goniosynechialysis (GSL) to either Phaco or to Phaco combined with trabeculectomy or trabeculectomy alone in patients with angle closure glaucoma (ACG).

METHODS

Five main electronic databases were searched for the eligible studies. Intraocular pressure (IOP) decrease was set as the primary outcome, while anti-glaucomatous medication decrease, changes of anterior chamber depth (ACD), range of peripheral anterior synechia (PAS), and complication occurrence were the secondary outcomes. Standard mean difference (SMD) and relative risk (RR) were the size effects for continuous and binomial data, respectively. Either fixed-effects model or random-effects model was chosen to pool the data based on the heterogeneities.

RESULTS

A total of 7 eligible studies were included. The combined data showed the IOP decreased more significantly after Phaco-GSL than that after Phaco alone (SMD = -0.42,95%CI: -0.70 - 0.14, I = 17.6%, Z = 2.90, P = .004). However, there were no distinct differences regarding medication decrease (SMD =  -0.25,95%CI: -0.70 - 0.21, I = 0%, Z = 1.06, P = 0.29), ACD, the range of PAS and complication occurrence rate when compared Phaco-GSL to Phaco. Moreover, Phaco-GSL was comparable to Phaco-trabeculectomy/trabeculectomy in decreasing IOP (SMD =  -0.08, 95%CI = -0.32 - 0.15, I = 0%, Z = 0.70, P = .49).

CONCLUSIONS

Phaco-GSL might be an optimal procedure to treat ACG with concomitant cataract due to its bleb-less nature, and its capacity for lowering IOP seems superior to Phaco alone and comparable to Phaco-trabeculectomy/trabeculectomy.

A rare case of endophthalmitis after bleb needle revision for glaucoma Xen® gel stent

PURPOSE

To describe the first case of endophthalmitis caused by Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, a glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative rod, in a patient previously implanted with a Xen^® gel stent.

CASE REPORT DESCRIPTION

An 83-year-old patient, affected by open-angle glaucoma and with a previous surgery of combined cataract extraction and Xen gel stent implantation, developed endophthalmitis 1 month after bleb needle revision with 5-fluorouracil injection. At presentation, best corrected visual acuity was hand movement, hypopyon was evident into the anterior chamber and a flat bleb with no sign of leakage was present over the Xen gel implant.

OUTCOME

Immediate pars plana vitrectomy was performed, with intravitreal antibiotic administration and silicon oil tamponade. S. spiritivorum was isolated from vitreous bacterial culture. According to the antibiogram, patient was treated with topical fortified ceftazidime eyedrops and appropriate systemic antibiotics (intravenous meropenem, 500 mg every 8 h for 7 days, followed by oral cotrimoxazole, 160 + 800 mg, twice a day for 10 days). After 2 weeks of treatment, ocular inflammation was resolved, best corrected visual acuity was 0.1 (Snellen chart) and intraocular pressure was 18 mm Hg without topical hypotensive therapy.

CONCLUSION

S. spiritivorum was isolated for the first time as a causative agent of endophthalmitis in humans. Bleb needle revision in patients with Xen gel implant is not free of complications, and an attentive follow-up is required.

Suprachoroideal haemorrhage in postoperative period of antiglaucoma surgery, case report

Suprachoroidal haemorrhage (SCH) is a serious complication of intraocular procedures. Physiologically there is only a minimal amount of fluid in the suprachoroid space, pathologically the fluid volume increases, which causes ablation of the choroid. SCH could be divided into different cathegories, according to the character of the fluid into serous and haemorrhagic; by the time of occurrence in relation to the surgery into peroperative and postoperative. Diagnosis is based on biomicroscopic and ultrasound examinations. The ocular risk factors for SCH are glaucoma, myopia and aphakia; systemic risk factors include vascular fragility, arterial hypertension and blood coagulation disorders. In the pathogenesis hypotonia of the eye, that causes rupture of the ciliary vessels, plays a very important role. SCH can be treated both conservatively and surgically. As to pharmacotherapy we use gabapentin to suppress neuropathic pain and prednisone, topical mydriatics and anti-inflammatory agents. The type of surgical treatment differs according to time of occurrence, if SCH occurs during the operation, the intervention consists mainly in the wound closure and the repositioning of the weakening tissues; in postoperative forms, we choose drainage procedures, possibly vitreoretinal procedures. Our patient, an 80-year-old myop and chronic glaucomatic treated intensively both topically and systematically underwent trabeculectomy on his left eye due to unsatisfactory intraocular pressure (IOP) and significant glaucoma progression. The surgical intervention went without any complications. In the early post-operative period, there was persisting elevation of IOP, therefore sclera lap was discontinued and 5-fluorouracil was applied under the filter blister. Subsequent hypotonia caused a hemorrhagic SCH with intraocular hypertension, which was resolved by draining the blood with sclerotomias and thus releasing intraocular hypertension. The visual acuity of the left eye gradually improved to almost original values. Intraocular pressure, however, is not well compensated despite many following antiglaucoma surgeries. Therefore, even with the patients maximum therapy, glaucoma continues to progress. In our case, we confirm that it is possible to solve even the relatively most complicated cases of SCH. We stress the necessity to consider the presence of risk factors of the occurrence of SCH before indicating intraocular procedures and also recommend thinking carefully about other less invasive surgical techniques. In glaucoma, it is appropriate taking in account the prediction of life compared to the expected rate of progression of vision loss.

Midterm outcome of mitomycin C augmented trabeculectomy in open angle glaucoma versus angle closure glaucoma

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C in Open angle glaucoma versus Angle closure glaucoma.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C were reviewed and followed for three years, divided into two groups: group 1: Open Angle Glaucoma (n = 41) and group 2: Angle Closure Glaucoma (n = 67). Success criterion was measured as Intraocular Pressure ≤21 mmHg with (qualified) or without (complete) use of Antiglaucoma medications.

Results

A total number of 108 eyes of 137 patients were undertaken. Mean preoperative Intraocular pressure in group 1 was 31.4 ± 10.5 mmHg and in group 2 was 33.1 ± 9.4, which reduced to 10.5 ± 3.4, 10.5 ± 2.6, 11.6 ± 3.6, 11.0 ± 2.7, 11.0 ± 2.7 in group 1 and 10.9 ± 2.8, 12.0 ± 3.8, 12.8 ± 4.9, 12.4 ± 3.9, 12.4 ± 3.7 in group 2 with P value = 0.566, 0.032, 0.168, 0.049, 0.049 at three, six months, one, two, three years, respectively, with P < 0.001 at each visit. The number of Antiglaucoma medications was reduced from 0.75 ± 0.89 to 0.43 ± 0.55 at 3 yrs (P = 0.002). At 36 months follow-up, overall, 50.0% and 48.2% of eyes achieved complete and qualified success, respectively. Sub-group analysis showed that the success rate was higher in group 1 (68.3%) compared to group 2 (55.2%). Overall, complications such as hypotony (1.8%), choroidal detachment (2.8%), encapsulated bleb (2.8%), and bleb leakage (1.8%) were encountered.

Conclusion

Primary Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C is a safe and effective means of controlling Intraocular Pressure in both groups with good success and low rates of sight-threatening complications.

Comparison of anterior chamber flare among different glaucoma surgeries

Purpose

To compare postsurgical anterior chamber flare (ACF) among conventional (trabeculectomy, LEC) and novel (EX-PRESS Shunt, EXP) filtration surgeries and microhook ab interno trabeculotomy (μLOT), a novel minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Subjects and methods

This retrospective study included 125 primary open angle glaucoma eyes (89 consecutive subjects) treated with μLOT (n=38), LEC (n=12), or EXP (n=75). The intraocular pressure (IOP), numbers of antiglaucoma medication, and ACF at preoperatively and 2 weeks; 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively were compared among the surgical groups using a mixed-effects regression model.

Results

The postoperative IOP (p<0.0001) and medication use were significantly (p<0.0001) lower in the LEC and EXP groups than with μLOT for up to 6 months postoperatively. The ACF differed significantly (p=0.0004) among groups; the ACF was significantly higher (p=0.0097, post-hoc Student’s t-test) with μLOT (33.6±52.8 pc/msec) than the EXP (15.7±19.9 pc/msec) at 2 weeks and was significantly (p=0.0111, post-hoc t-test) lower with μLOT (7.9±2.0 pc/msec) than LEC (12.0±6.1 pc/msec) at 6 months.

Conclusion

Considering our observation, although its clinical significance is unclear, not all MIGS are minimally invasive regarding early postsurgical inflammation.