Intraocular pressure control and long-term visual field loss in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study

Reoperation Rates and Disease Costs for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients in the United States Treated with Incisional Glaucoma Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the claims-based 5-year economic and reintervention burden for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after incisional glaucoma surgery in the United States.

DESIGN

Retrospective Medicare claims analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand nine hundred forty-five Medicare fee-for-service patients with POAG treated with trabeculectomy, tube shunt, or EX-PRESS shunt procedures from 2010 through 2011.

METHODS

Patients with POAG treated with incisional glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, tube shunt, or EX-PRESS shunt) from 2010 through 2011 were identified in the Medicare 5% Standard Analytical Files. Ten years of claims data for each patient (2005-2016) were evaluated for prior incisional surgeries and downstream procedures in the treated eye within 5 years of index. Patients' characteristics, downstream procedures, and POAG-related costs were evaluated. Proportions of patients with downstream procedures in the index eye indicating failure of the index surgery, glaucoma reoperations, nonfailure complications, interventions, or cataract surgery were assessed over 5 years of follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative rates of index surgery failure and glaucoma reoperations over 5 years after incisional glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

Of 1945 patients, 223 underwent EX-PRESS shunt, 551 underwent tube shunt, and 1171 underwent trabeculectomy at index. Rates of failure, glaucoma reoperations, or nonfailure complications rose over 5 years after index for all patient subgroups. At 1 year, 15.1% of EX-PRESS shunt patients, 11.6% of tube shunt patients, and 8.8% of trabeculectomy patients had experienced failure based on postindex procedures. By 5 years follow-up, these rates were 31.5% of EX-PRESS shunt patients, 27.1% of tube shunt patients, and 23.5% of trabeculectomy patients. Five-year rates of glaucoma reoperations were 18.3%, 14.0%, and 15.1%, respectively. Among tube shunt and trabeculectomy patients with prior incisional surgery, the 5-year failure rates were 32.5% and 32.6%, and reoperations rates were 12.0% and 26.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one-fourth of patients with POAG treated with incisional surgery underwent additional procedures to address index surgery failure within 5 years. Of these, more than half underwent additional incisional glaucoma surgery. These outcomes from clinical practice settings demonstrate that patients with POAG who require incisional surgery continue to need additional safe and effective surgical treatment options to manage their glaucoma.

Impact of intraocular pressure fluctuations on progression of normal tension glaucoma

AIM

To investigate short- and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and further ocular and demographic parameters as predictors for normal tension glaucoma (NTG) progression.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study included 137 eyes of 75 patients with NTG, defined by glaucomatous optic disc or visual field defect with normal IOP (<21 mm Hg), independently from therapy regimen. IOP fluctuation, mean, and maximum were inspected with a mean follow-up of 38mo [standard deviation (SD) 18mo]. Inclusion criteria were the performance of minimum two 48-hour profiles including perimetry, Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) imaging, and optic disc photographs. The impact of IOP parameters, myopia, sex, cup-to-disc-ratio, and visual field results on progression of NTG were analyzed using Cox regression models. A sub-group analysis with results from optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed.

RESULTS

IOP fluctuations, average, and maximum were not risk factors for progression in NTG patients, although maximum IOP at the initial IOP profile was higher in eyes with progression than in eyes without progression (P=0.054). The 46/137 (33.5%) eyes progressed over the follow-up period. Overall progression (at least three progression confirmations) occurred in 28/137 eyes (20.4%). Most progressions were detected by perimetry (36/46). Long-term IOP mean over all pressure profiles was 12.8 mm Hg (SD 1.3 mm Hg); IOP fluctuation was 1.4 mm Hg (SD 0.8 mm Hg). The progression-free five-year rate was 58.2% (SD 6.5%).

CONCLUSION

Short- and long-term IOP fluctuations do not result in progression of NTG. As functional changes are most likely to happen, NTG should be monitored with visual field testing more often than with other devices.

Therapeutic Drugs and Devices for Tackling Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, and Need for Neuroprotection and Cytoprotective Therapies

Damage to the optic nerve and the death of associated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), also known as glaucoma, is responsible for visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide. The ocular hypertension (OHT) and the deleterious mechanical forces it exerts at the back of the eye, at the level of the optic nerve head/optic disc and lamina cribosa, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma that can be treated. The elevated IOP occurs due to the inability of accumulated aqueous humor (AQH) to egress from the anterior chamber of the eye due to occlusion of the major outflow pathway, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). Several different classes of pharmaceutical agents, surgical techniques and implantable devices have been developed to lower and control IOP. First-line drugs to promote AQH outflow via the uveoscleral outflow pathway include FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG) agonists (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost and tafluprost) and a novel non-PG EP2-receptor agonist (omidenepag isopropyl, Eybelis^®). TM/SC outflow enhancing drugs are also effective ocular hypotensive agents (e.g., rho kinase inhibitors like ripasudil and netarsudil; and latanoprostene bunod, a conjugate of a nitric oxide donor and latanoprost). One of the most effective anterior chamber AQH microshunt devices is the Preserflo^® microshunt which can lower IOP down to 10–13 mmHg. Other IOP-lowering drugs and devices on the horizon will be also discussed. Additionally, since elevated IOP is only one of many risk factors for development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a treatise of the role of inflammatory neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells and appropriate neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this disease will also be reviewed and discussed.

Long-term perimetric stabilization with a management algorithm of set target intraocular pressure in different severities of primary angle-closure glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate long-term perimetric stabilization at set Target (IOPs) in primary angle-closure glaucoma with visual field defects.

Methods

Two hundred forty-eight eyes, of 124 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients on medical treatment, and 124 eyes, of 95 patients after trabeculectomy performed at least 5 years prior were evaluated. One hundred eighty-five eyes had a follow-up of ≥10 years. Target IOPs for mild, moderate, and severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy were set at ≤18, ≤15, and ≤12 mmHg, respectively. Progression was evaluated by event-based changes on guided progression analysis. Primary outcome measure was therapy required to achieve individualized Target IOP. Secondary outcome measure was assessment of perimetric change over time.

Results

Mean baseline IOP was 23.34 ± 6.16 mmHg in medically treated and 36.08 ± 9.73 mmHg in surgically treated eyes (P = 0.0001). All eyes with a baseline IOP of <25 mmHg were on medications alone, 65.33%, of those with a baseline IOP of 25-30 mmHg were on medications, while 34.67% required trabeculectomy. In total, 91.4% of eyes with a baseline IOP of >30 mmHg underwent a trabeculectomy for achieving Target IOP. Perimetric stabilization was achieved in 98.17% of PACG eyes. "Target" IOP was achieved for mild, moderate, and severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy, medically in 90.2, 73.9, and 29.7%, and surgery was required in 9.8, 26.1, and 70.3%, respectively. Overall analysis found that percentage reduction in IOP was significantly more after trabeculectomy than medical treatment, 64.16 ± 14.91 and 43.61 ± 13.73%, P = 0.0001. Decrease in IOP was significantly greater 5-9 years after trabeculectomy, in comparison to ≥10 years, P = 0.001.

Conclusion

Medications controlled IOP to "Target" in PACG eyes with mild and moderate glaucoma for over ≥10 years, when the baseline IOP off treatment was <30 mmHg. Trabeculectomy was necessary in PACG eyes having severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy, or with a baseline IOP of >30 mmHg to achieve Target IOP. These appropriate initial therapeutic interventions and Target IOPs are therefore suggested as a clinically validated algorithm of care for different severities of PACG.

Suppression of Diurnal (9AM-4PM) IOP Fluctuations with Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: An Analysis of Data from the Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm GEMINI Study

PURPOSE

This study analyzes diurnal IOP data (9AM, 12PM, 4PM) from a prospective 12-month trial of the OMNI Surgical System in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients with the aim of evaluating effect of MIGS surgery on the amplitude of the diurnal IOP profile pre- and postoperatively.

SETTING

Fifteen ophthalmology practices and surgery centers located in 14 states in the United States.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, IRB approved study. Patients treated with canaloplasty (360°) and trabeculotomy (180°). Patients had cataract and mild-moderate OAG with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤33 mmHg on zero to four hypotensive medications.

METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of diurnal IOP data from the multicenter GEMINI study. Analysis includes comparison of IOP preoperatively and at month 12 for each of the diurnal time points, 9AM, 12PM, 4PM, change in magnitude of spread between the maximum IOP and minimum IOP for each patient and the proportions of patients preoperatively and at month 12 with IOPs at or below 25, 21, 18, and 15 mmHg, average variability (standard deviation of the 9AM, 12PM, and 4PM IOP) preoperatively and at month 12.

RESULTS

A total of 128 patients included in this analysis. IOP at each diurnal timepoint was significantly lower postoperatively (p<0.0001). The difference between highest and lowest IOP measurement for each patient averaged 2.8 mmHg preoperatively (SD 2.4, MAX 14, MIN 0) and 1.8 mmHg (SD 1.7, MAX 10, MIN 0) month 12 (P<0.00001). The proportion with IOP ≤ to 25, 21, 18, and 15 mmHg increased; 75%-97%, 27%-88%, 1%-79%, and <1%-56%, respectively. The average variability was greater at all time points preoperatively (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that eyes with OAG can benefit from an overall decreased IOP and degree of IOP fluctuations for as long as 12 months after surgical treatment with canaloplasty and trabeculotomy.

The Effect of Achieving Target Intraocular Pressure on Visual Field Worsening

PURPOSE

To estimate the effect of achieving target intraocular pressure (IOP) values on visual field (VF) worsening in a treated clinical population.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2852 eyes of 1688 patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses treated in a tertiary care practice. All included eyes had at least 5 reliable VF tests and 5 IOP measures on separate visits along with at least 1 target IOP defined by a clinician on the first or second visit.

METHODS

The primary dependent variable was the slope of the mean deviation (MD) over time (decibels [dB]/year). The primary independent variable was mean target difference (measured IOP - target IOP). We created simple linear regression models and mixed-effects linear models to study the relationship between MD slope and mean target difference for individual eyes. In the mixed-effects models, we included an interaction term to account for disease severity (mild/suspect, moderate, or advanced) and a spline term to account for the differing effects of achieving target IOP (target difference ≤0) and failing to achieve target IOP (target difference >0).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of change in MD slope (changes in dB/year) per 1 mmHg change in target difference at different stages of glaucoma severity.

RESULTS

Across all eyes, a simple linear regression model demonstrated that a 1 mmHg increase in target difference had a -0.018 dB/year (confidence interval [CI], -0.026 to -0.011; P < 0.05) effect on MD slope. The mixed-effects model shows that eyes with moderate disease that fail to achieve their target IOP experience the largest effects, with a 1 mmHg increase in target difference resulting in a -0.119 dB/year (CI, -0.168 to -0.070; P < 0.05) worse MD slope. The effects of missing target IOP on VF worsening were more pronounced than the effect of absolute level of IOP on VF worsening, where a 1 mmHg increase in IOP had a -0.004 dB/year (CI, -0.011 to 0.003; P > 0.05) effect on the MD slope.

CONCLUSIONS

In treated patients, failing to achieve target IOP was associated with more rapid VF worsening. Eyes with moderate glaucoma experienced the greatest VF worsening from failing to achieve target IOP.

Posture-induced Changes in Intraocular Pressure After Trabeculectomy in Patients With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

PRCIS

Trabeculectomy can effectively reduce posture-induced changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate posture-induced changes in IOP after trabeculectomy in patients with medically uncontrolled POAG.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, consecutive study.

METHODS

Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients with POAG were included. IOP was measured before trabeculectomy and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively with patients in the sitting position, supine position, and lateral decubitus position (LDP) sequentially using iCare IC200 rebound tonometry. In the LDP, the eye scheduled for trabeculectomy was in the dependent position, the contralateral unoperated eye was a control eye. The central corneal thickness, axial length, and anterior chamber depth were measured using partial coherence interferometry.

RESULTS

In the sitting, supine, and LDP, the IOP was significantly reduced at every time point during the follow-up. Although the posture-induced changes in IOP persisted during the follow-up, the range of IOP changes in the sitting and supine positions, sitting and LDP, and the supine and LDP were significantly reduced after than before trabeculectomy. The central corneal thickness did not change significantly after trabeculectomy.

CONCLUSION

Trabeculectomy can effectively reduce posture-induced changes in IOP in patients with POAG.

The Association Between Intraocular Pressure and Visual Field Worsening in Treated Glaucoma Patients

PRECIS

In treated eyes with mild/suspect glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) increments are associated with worsening mean deviation (MD) once IOP reaches the 20s. In moderate/advanced eyes, IOP increments are associated with worse visual field (VF) performance across the entire IOP range.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between mean treated IOP and VF worsening and understand how this relationship is affected by glaucoma severity and IOP range.

METHODS

A total of 1446 eyes of 869 treated glaucoma patients with at least 5 longitudinal reliable VF tests and IOP measures were included. Mixed-effects linear models were employed to understand the effect of eye-specific mean treated IOP on MD slope. Models included interaction terms to assess the differing relationships between MD slope and mean IOP by glaucoma severity (suspect/mild vs. moderate/advanced) and splines to account for the differing effects of mean IOP on MD slope at different IOP ranges (above or below 21 mm Hg).

RESULTS

In suspect/mild glaucoma, when treated IOP values were <21 mm Hg, a 1 mm Hg increment in IOP was not associated with an increase in the rate of VF worsening (P>0.05) but when treated IOP values rose >21 mm Hg, a 1 mm Hg increment in IOP was associated with faster VF worsening (-0.09 dB/y per 1 mm Hg increment, P<0.05). In moderate/advanced disease, a 1 mm Hg increment in treated IOP was associated with faster VF worsening both below and above 21 mm Hg, but the effect was much more pronounced in the higher range (-0.02 dB/y per mm Hg increment <21 mm Hg vs. -0.74 dB/y per mm Hg increment >21 mm Hg, P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSION

IOP remained associated with VF worsening in eyes with more advanced glaucoma throughout the IOP range but was only associated with VF worsening in eyes with less severe glaucoma at higher IOP.

Inhibitory and Agonistic Autoantibodies Directed Against the β2-Adrenergic Receptor in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Glaucoma

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS) and glaucoma (PEXG) are assumed to be caused by a generalized elastosis leading to the accumulation of PEX material in ocular as well as in extraocular tissues. The exact pathophysiology of PEXS is still elusive. PEXG, the most common type of secondary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), is characterized by large peaks of intraocular pressure (IOP) with a progressive loss of the visual field. Agonistic autoantibodies (agAAbs) against the β₂-adrenergic receptor (AR) have been shown to be present in sera of patients with primary and secondary OAG and ocular hypertension and are seemingly linked to IOP. In the present study, we investigated the autoantibodies directed against the β₂-AR in sera of patients with PEXS and PEXG. We recruited 15, 10, and 15 patients with PEXG, PEXS, and primary OAG, respectively. Ten healthy individuals served as controls. All patients underwent standard ophthalmological examination with Octopus G1 perimetry. agAAbs prepared from serum samples were analyzed in a rat cardiomyocyte-based bioassay for the presence of agAAbs. We identified the interacting loop of the β₂-AR and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses using synthetic peptides corresponding to the extracellular loops of the receptors and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. None of the controls were β₂-agAAb-positive (0.2 ± 0.5 U). No β₂-agAAbs (0.2 ± 0.4 U), but inhibitory β₂-AAbs were observed in 80% of the patients that partially blocked the drug-induced β₂-adrenergic stimulation; 5.8 ± 1.7 U vs. 11.1 ± 0.9 U for clenbuterol in the absence and the presence of sera from patients with PEXS, respectively. Epitope analyses identified the third extracellular loop of the β₂-AR as the target of the inhibitory β₂-AAbs, being of IgG3 subtype in PEXS patients. In contrast, patients with PEXG showed β₂-agAAbs (5.6 ± 0.9 U), but no inhibitory ones. The β₂-agAAbs levels of patients with PEXG and primary OAG patients (3.9 ± 2.8 U; p > 0.05) were at a similar level. In two cases of PEXG, the β₂-agAAbs exert synergistic effects with clenbuterol. The activity increased from 11.5 ± 0.3 (clenbuterol only) to 16.3 ± 0.9 U. As autoimmune mechanisms were reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, agonistic and inhibitory β₂-AAbs seem to be a part of this multifactorial interplay.

Monitoring the haemodynamic response to visual stimulation in glaucoma patients

In this paper, we used time-domain functional near infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) to evaluate the haemodynamic response function (HRF) in the occipital cortex following visual stimulation in glaucomatous eyes as compared to healthy eyes. A total of 98 subjects were enrolled in the study and clinically classified as healthy subjects, glaucoma patients (primary open-angle glaucoma) and mixed subjects (i.e. with a different classification for the two eyes). After quality check data were used from HRF of 73 healthy and 62 glaucomatous eyes. The amplitudes of the oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin concentrations, together with their latencies with respect to the stimulus onset, were estimated by fitting their time course with a canonical HRF. Statistical analysis showed that the amplitudes of both haemodynamic parameters show a significant association with the pathology and a significant discriminating ability, while no significant result was found for latencies. Overall, our findings together with the ease of use and noninvasiveness of TD-NIRS, make this technique a promising candidate as a supporting tool for a better evaluation of the glaucoma pathology.

Changes in intraocular pressures associated with inhalational and mixed anesthetic agents currently used in ophthalmic surgery

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to measure changes in intraocular pressures (IOPs) associated with inhalational and mixed anesthetic agents currently used for general anesthesia (GA) in ophthalmic surgery.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 48 eyes from 48 consecutive subjects that underwent ophthalmic surgery under GA were included. Mixed anesthetics were used in 26 eyes and sevoflurane in 22 eyes. IOPs of the nonsurgery eyes were recorded at T1 (5 min before induction of anesthesia), T2 (5 min after intubation), and T3 (at the conclusion of surgery before extudation) using ICare PRO and Perkins tonometers. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare differences in IOPs at various time points. Outcome measures were changes in IOP after induction of GA, intubation, and just before extubation and comparisons of decreases in IOPs induced by sevoflurane and mixed anesthetics.

Results:

Mean preanesthesia IOP for patients in this study (mean age ± standard deviation = 26.9 ± 18.3 years; range: 5–70 years) was 17.9 ± 4.9 (range: 10–30) mm Hg. There was a significant decrease in the mean IOP (standard error (SE) (in mm Hg) at T2 (Perkins: –4.65 (0.57); ICare PRO: –5.16 (0.56) and T3 (Perkins: –5.63; ICare PRO: –5.36) as compared to the IOP at T1 (P < 0.001). The decreases in IOPs at T2 and T3 were similar in both anesthetic groups (T2:P = 0.60; T3: P = 0.33).

Conclusion:

Significant decreases in IOPs after GA were observed and the differences were not significantly different between sevoflurane and mixed anesthetic agents. For management decisions in pediatric glaucoma, the IOP measurements under GA are crucial, the underestimation of IOP as noted with currently used anesthetic agents has to be accounted for and decisions are taken appropriately.

A multicenter, open-label study of netarsudil for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in a real-world setting

OBJECTIVE

Assess the real-world efficacy of netarsudil, either as monotherapy or concomitant therapy, in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) requiring modification of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment.

METHODS

Multicenter, prospective, interventional, open-label, Phase 4 study, clinical trial registration number: NCT03808688. Netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% was prescribed at the recommended once-daily dosage, with treatment regimens determined by the investigators. Netarsudil could be used alone or in combination with other IOP-lowering medications, consistent with standard clinical practice. Primary efficacy endpoint: percentage reduction from baseline IOP at week 12.

RESULTS

Among 261 enrolled patients, 242 received ≥1 netarsudil dose and had ≥1 follow-up IOP measurement (efficacy population). Mean IOP in patients who were treatment-naïve at baseline and using netarsudil as monotherapy (n = 24) decreased by 16.9%. Netarsudil monotherapy was comparable in efficacy to prior therapy across subgroups, and those who replaced prostaglandin analog (n = 57) monotherapy demonstrated reduction of 2.5% from prostaglandin analog-treated baseline values. Among patients who used netarsudil as concomitant therapy (n = 151), reductions in mean IOP (± standard deviation) to week 12 were seen across subgroups who added netarsudil to a single agent (4.3 ± 2.88 mmHg; 20.5%) or ≥2 classes of concomitant therapy (4.5 ± 4.08 mmHg; 20.9%) and who used netarsudil to replace ≥1 other drug classes (0.4 ± 2.47 mmHg; 1.7%). Of 260 netarsudil-treated patients, 41 (15.8%) discontinued, including 29 (11.2%) due to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In the real-world treatment of patients with OAG or OHT, netarsudil consistently maintained IOP control when it replaced previous IOP-lowering therapies and provided additional IOP-lowering efficacy when added to other treatments.

Comparison of intraocular pressure variability detected by day diurnal variation to that evoked by water drinking

Purpose

To determine correlation and agreement between intraocular pressure (IOP) peak and fluctuations detected by day diurnal variation (day DVT) to that after the water-drinking test (WDT).

Methods

Patients (18-80 years) with glaucoma, suspects, and ocular hypertension (OHT) were enrolled. IOP readings were taken on applanation tonometer, at 2-h intervals, from 8 AM to 3 PM (DVT). 3 PM IOP served as WDT baseline. Patients consumed water (10 mL/kg) in 5-15 min, at 3 PM, after they fluid fasted for 2 h. IOP was recorded every 15 min, from 3.30 to 4.30 PM.

Results

A total of 200 eyes (100 patients) were included. 58.5% were established glaucoma, 32% suspects, 9.5% OHT. Correlation between mean and peak IOP by WDT and day DVT was strong and significant (r = 0.89, P < 0.00; r = 0.73, P < 0.00) while it was weak for fluctuation (r = 0.12, P < 0.07). Agreement on Bland and Altman plots was limited for mean IOP and poor for peak and fluctuations.

Conclusion

An exaggerated WDT response may indicate a compromised outflow facility and warrant close patient monitoring but the WDT cannot substitute day DVT in our clinical practice.

Differences in the eyelid and buccal microbiome of glaucoma patients receiving long-term administration of prostaglandin analog drops

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in the eyelid and buccal microbiomes between patients receiving long-term prostaglandin analogs for open-angle glaucoma (PG-OAG) and naïve-OAG patients by using metagenomics.

METHODS

Eyelid and buccal samples were collected from 30 PG-OAG and 32 naïve-OAG patients. The taxonomic composition of the microbiome was obtained via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, operational taxonomic unit analysis, and diversity analysis. Differential gene expression analysis (DEG) and Bland-Altman (MA) plots were used to determine taxon differences between the microbiomes of PG-OAG and naïve-OAG patients.

RESULTS

The eyelid microbiome showed marginally significant differences, while the alpha-diversity of the buccal microbiome showed significant differences between PG-OAG and naïve-OAG patients. However, the beta-diversity of both eyelid and buccal microbiomes was higher in PG-OAG patients than in naïve-OAG patients. The MA plot showed cluster differences in the eyelid microbiome. DEG analysis of the eyelid microbiome revealed various taxa differences, including enrichment of Azomonas, Pseudomonas, and Granulicatella in PG-OAG patients over naïve-OAG patients, as well as significant depletion of Delftia and Rothia. In the buccal microbiome in PG-OAG patients, taxa such as Rikenella and Stenotrophomonas were significantly enriched.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the eyelid microbiome differs between PG-OAG and naïve-OAG patients, raising concerns regarding the eyelid environment in patients receiving these drugs. The overexpressed microbiome in the eyelid area suggests that microbiota may change after the administration of glaucoma medications in OAG.

Standalone XEN45 Gel Stent implantation versus combined XEN45-phacoemulsification in the treatment of open angle glaucoma-a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The XEN45 Gel Stent is currently the only FDA-approved sub-conjunctival minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. It has been used worldwide either as a standalone implantation procedure or in combination with phacoemulsification surgery. Concomitant phacoemulsification is understood to influence outcomes of traditional subconjunctival filtering surgery. However, the comparative efficacy between standalone XEN45 Gel Sent implantation ("Standalone XEN45") and combined XEN-phacoemulsification surgery ("XEN45-Phaco") remains unclear. This study aims to appraise current literature to compare the efficacy of Standalone XEN45 and XEN45-Phaco in open-angle glaucoma.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL databases was performed with the terms "Xen surgery" followed by selective vetting. Pilot, cohort, observational studies and randomised controlled trials that included at least 10 patients undergoing either Standalone XEN45 or XEN45-Phaco surgeries for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma were deemed eligible for inclusion after independent assessment by 2 authors. The search workflow was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data was pooled using random-effects model. A meta-analysis of continuous outcome and proportions was performed using the meta routine in R v3.2.1.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included. There was a statistically significant difference in IOP reduction favouring Standalone XEN45 at post-operative day 1, week 1, months 1, 3 and 6. There was a statistically significant difference in decrease in IOP-lowering medications favouring Standalone XEN45 at post-operative week 1 and month 1.

CONCLUSION

Standalone XEN45 has superior IOP-lowering outcomes compared to XEN45-Phaco in the early post-operative period, up to 6 months after surgery.

Comparing posture induced intraocular pressure variations in normal subjects and glaucoma patients

AIM

To compare the posture-induced variations in intraocular pressure (IOP) between the primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and non-glaucomatous eyes.

METHODS

A case-controlled age matched study was conducted in 55 successive newly diagnosed POAG and 56 non-glaucomatous patients seen in glaucoma clinic and general outpatient eye clinic in the Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The IOPs of eligible correspondents were measured with Perkin's hand-held tonometer in the sitting, supine flat and supine with pillow positions respectively. Measurement of IOP in each position was done after 15min of assuming such posture.

RESULTS

The IOP difference between the sitting and supine flat position was significantly higher in the POAG than non-glaucoma subjects (7.68±2.08 vs 4.03±0.13 mm Hg, P<0.001). The IOP difference between the sitting and supine with pillow positions was 2.61±1.49 mm Hg for POAG and 1.44±0.70 mm Hg in non-glaucoma (P<0.001), while difference between supine flat and supine with pillow positions was 5.07±2.24 mm Hg in POAG and 2.59±0.66 mm Hg in non-glaucomatous patients (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Greater variations in posture induced IOP occurred in POAG patients than non-glaucomatous. The posture induced IOP variation is lowest in the sitting position and highest in the supine flat position. Evaluation of posture induced IOP changes may be an important tool in the management of glaucoma.

Sympathetic context of the disease - a new era in glaucoma management

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial optic neuropathy, which progresses in a chronic manner. Several etiological factors are involved, including genetic factors, race, age, IOP or vascular, systemic factors. IOP has an established role in the initiation and evolution of glaucoma, but its interactions with additional risk factors are complex. We propose the notion of the Glaucoma Etiological Area (GEA), as a representation of all the elements acting in collaboration in the physiopathology of each glaucoma case. When combined in different proportions, these elements may trigger the typical glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). We know that the statistical values of IOP are valid for normal eyes, but the glaucoma eye is not a normal eye. The notion of GEA can open a new perspective to interpret IOP values and to assess the true value of IOP control as a treatment for glaucoma. Applying the GEA theory allows us to tune the role of IOP. Additional factors, such as ocular properties (RGCL status, CCT, IOP fluctuation curve), ocular comorbidities (PEX, PDS), systemic comorbidities (arterial hypertension, vasospastic diseases such as migraines or Reynaud’s syndrome) or patient’s attitude towards glaucoma management (treatment compliance, access to follow-up and treatment) may greatly influence the evolution of GON and should be viewed holistically when developing a management plan for each patient. Applying the notion of GEA in clinical practice allows a more realistic approach of the pathophysiology of the disease and for a glaucoma treatment that is tailored to each patient.

Abbreviations: AG = advanced glaucoma, BP = blood pressure, CCT = central corneal thickness, CIGTS = Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, CNTGS = Collaborative Normal-Tension Glaucoma Study, EMGT = Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial, GEA = glaucoma etiological area, GON = glaucomatous optic neuropathy, IOP = intraocular pressure, NTG = Normal Tension Glaucoma, OHTS = Ocular Hypertension Study, PDS = Pigmentary dispersion syndrome, PEX = Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, POAG - primary open-angle glaucoma, RGCL = retinal ganglion cell layer, VFL = visual field loss

Nocturnal Variability of Intraocular Pressure Monitored With Contact Lens Sensor Is Associated With Visual Field Loss in Glaucoma

PURPOSE

The aim was to determine whether 24-hour recording of intraocular pressure (IOP)-related ocular dimensional changes with a contact lens sensor (CLS, Triggerfish) is associated with the rate of visual field (VF) progression in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with POAG were included from the Glaucoma Clinic and Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study at the Hamilton Glaucoma Center at University of California, San Diego.

METHODS

A session of 24-hour CLS recording was acquired for 1 eye from each patient. The mean follow-up time was 9.9±4.0 years. The association between CLS variables and rate of change of mean deviation was determined by univariate and multivariate mixed linear regression models.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients, aged 69.8±13.6 years were included, 50% were female. An average of 11.6±5.6 standard automated perimetry examinations was available with a mean rate of mean deviation progression of -0.2±0.4 dB/year. Mean IOP was 17.8±4.2 mm Hg. The mean number of IOP-lowering medications were 1.2±1.0. Each 10-unit larger nocturnal variability of IOP-related ocular dimensional changes measured by CLS recording was significantly associated with -0.25±0.11 dB faster VF loss in POAG patients (P=0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four-hour CLS recording of IOP-related ocular dimensional change was associated with faster VF progression. Such CLS recordings are useful to assess the risk of in progression in POAG patients.

Active Pharmacovigilance in Peruvian Population: Surveillance of a Timolol/Brimonidine/Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Fixed Combination

Purpose

In this study active pharmacovigilance was used in an uncontrolled population to enrich the safety profile and canvass the Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of a fixed combination of 0.5% timolol + 0.2% brimonidine + 2.0% dorzolamide (TBD).

Methods

Active pharmacovigilance consisting of 3 follow-up calls within 60 days was used to monitor the product’s safety and identify new risks by searching for unexpected ADRs and increased incidence, tolerability, drug interactions and special population-related ADRs.

Results

Ninety-four ADRs were reported by a total of 246 patients (0.38 ADRs/patient); all of them were classified as “mild”. We found an increased risk of ADRs with a Relative Risk (RR) for simultaneous use of TBD + ophthalmic ciprofloxacin and TBD + oral atorvastatin; 2.0309 (95% CI, 1.2467–3.3083) and 1.8864 (95% CI, 1.0543–3.3754), respectively. Two unexpected ADRs were discovered, both of which presented belonged to the System Organ Class (SOC) of “infections and infestations” and the preferred term (PT) of “nasopharyngitis.”.

Conclusion

Three safety signals were identified, two of them corresponded to an increase in the incidence of ADRs and the last one is associated with 2 unexpected ADR. Nevertheless, we found a good tolerability profile for TBD in the study population.

Circumferential trabecular meshwork cell density in the human eye

The cells residing in the trabecular meshwork (TM) fulfill important roles in the maintenance of the tissue and the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Here we examine (i) TM cell distribution along the circumference of the human eye, (ii) differences in TM cell density between regions of high and low outflow, and (iii) whether TM cell distribution in eyes from donors with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) differs from that of normal eyes. Toward this end, the TM cell density from 12 radial segments around the circumference of the TM of human donor eyes (n = 6) with and without POAG was determined using histochemical methods. Areas of high, median, and low outflow were mapped in a different set of human donor eyes that were perfused in organ culture, and TM cell densities in these areas were determined in normal (n = 11) and POAG eyes (n = 6). Our analysis of 1380 tissue sections taken from the first set of six eyes shows that the average TM cell density of these six eyes ranges from 15.5 to 23.7 cells/100 μm and is negatively correlated to the maximum IOP recorded for each donor eye (R² = 0.91). Considerable differences in TM cell density exist among sections taken from the same segment of an individual eye (average standard deviation = 2.35 cells/100 μm). Less variability is observed among the segment averages across the eye's circumference (average standard deviation = 1.03 cells/100 μm). Variations in cell density are similar between normal and POAG eyes and are not correlated with the anatomic position of examined segments (p = 0.745). The analysis of the second set of eyes shows that TM regions of high outflow display a TM cell density similar to regions of median or low outflow in both normal and POAG eyes. Together these findings demonstrate that (i) statistically significant differences in TM cell density exist along the circumference of each eye (ii) TM cellularity is not correlated with segmental flow and (iii) eyes with POAG, while displaying reduced TM cellularity, do not exhibit higher TM cell variability than normal eyes. Finally, statistical analysis of sections and segments indicates that measurements from 12 sections taken from 2 segments provide a reliable and cost-effective estimate of a human eye's TM cell density.

Rates of Glaucomatous Structural and Functional Change From a Large Clinical Population: The Duke Glaucoma Registry Study

PURPOSE

To investigate rates of structural and functional change in a large clinical population of glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Twenty-nine thousand five hundred forty-eight spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 19,812 standard automated perimetry (SAP) tests from 6138 eyes of 3669 patients with ≥6 months of follow-up, 2 good quality spectral-domain OCT peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer scans, and 2 reliable SAP tests were included. Data were extracted from the Duke Glaucoma Registry, a large database of electronic health records of patients from the Duke Eye Center and satellite clinics. Rates of change for the 2 metrics were obtained using linear mixed models, categorized according to pre-established cutoffs, and analyzed according to the severity of the disease.

RESULTS

Average rates of change were -0.73 ± 0.80 μm per year for global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and -0.09 ± 0.36 dB per year for SAP mean deviation. More than one quarter (26.6%) of eyes were classified as having at least a moderate rate of change by spectral-domain OCT vs 9.1% by SAP (P < .001). In eyes with severe disease, 31.6% were classified as progressing at moderate or faster rates by SAP vs 26.5% by spectral-domain OCT (P = .055). Most eyes classified as fast by spectral-domain OCT were classified as slow by SAP and vice versa.

CONCLUSION

Although most patients under routine care had slow rates of progression, a substantial proportion had rates that could potentially result in major losses if sustained over time. Both structural and functional tests should be used to monitor glaucoma, and spectral-domain OCT still has a relevant role in detecting fast progressors in advanced disease.

The Relationship Between Corneal Hysteresis and Progression of Glaucoma After Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of corneal hysteresis (CH) measured with Ocular Response Analyzer on the progression of glaucoma after trabeculectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four eyes of 19 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent trabeculectomy. A series of visual fields (Humphery Field Analyzer 24-2 SITA-standard) were measured starting after 6 months after trabeculectomy (4.2±5.0 y, mean±SD). The mean total deviation (mTD) of the 52 test points were calculated. In addition, the mTD was divided into the following areas: central area (within central 10 degrees), superior area and inferior area: mTDcentre, mTDsuperior, and mTDinferior, respectively. The relationship between each area's progression rate of mTD and the 7 variables of baseline age, central corneal thickness, baseline mTD, mean intraocular pressure (IOP), SD of IOP divided by the mean IOP, the difference between baseline IOP obtained before the initiation of any treatment, mean IOP, and CH were analyzed using the linear mixed model, and the optimal model was selected using the model selection method with the second ordered Akaike Information Criterion.

RESULTS

In the optimal model for mTD progression rate, only CH was selected with the coefficient of 0.11. The optimal model for the mTDcentre progression rate included mean IOP with the coefficient of -0.043 and CH with the coefficient of 0.12, and that for mTDinferior included only CH with the coefficient of 0.089. There was no variable selected in the optimal model for the mTDsuperior progression rate.

CONCLUSION

CH is a useful measure in the management of glaucoma after trabeculectomy.

Longitudinal Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Long-term Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation in Glaucoma: A Pilot Study

Purpose

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) was previously identified as a molecular marker of retinal ganglion cell stress in rodent models of glaucoma and was elevated in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma as a possible risk factor for glaucoma progression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the AH GDF15 levels were associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in eyes undergoing glaucoma surgery.

Methods

Here, we performed a prospective, longitudinal pilot study in nine patients to determine whether changes in AH GDF15 levels from surgery to post-surgery follow-up were associated with IOP fluctuation. An initial AH sample was taken from the peripheral corneal paracentesis during planned glaucoma surgery, and a second sample was taken during an outpatient follow-up visit, approximately six months later.

Results

There was a statistically significant correlation between GDF15 fold change and IOP standard deviation (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), IOP range (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), and maximum IOP (r = 0.86, P = 0.003). There was no correlation between the GDF15 fold change and baseline IOP (r = 0.50, P = 0.17), final IOP (r = 0.038, P = 0.92), or mean IOP (r = 0.40, P = 0.28).

Conclusion

Our findings in this pilot study suggest that longitudinal changes in AH GDF15 may be associated with IOP fluctuation during the postoperative period. Further studies are necessary to corroborate these findings in a larger patient population and to explore the possibility that AH GDF15 may be used not only to improve treatment algorithms but also as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.

Evaluation of a Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Prediction Model Using Long-term Intraocular Pressure Variability Data: A Secondary Analysis of 2 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

The contribution of long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) variability to the development of primary open-angle glaucoma is still controversial.

Objective

To assess whether long-term IOP variability data improve a prediction model for the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in individuals with untreated ocular hypertension.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc secondary analysis of 2 randomized clinical trials included data from 709 of 819 participants in the observation group of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) followed up from February 28, 1994, to June 1, 2002, and 397 of 500 participants in the placebo group of the European Glaucoma Prevention Study (EGPS) followed up from January 1, 1997, to September 30, 2003. Data analyses were completed between January 1, 2019, and March 15, 2020.

Exposures

The original prediction model for the development of POAG included the following baseline factors: age, IOP, central corneal thickness, vertical cup-disc ratio, and pattern SD. This analysis tested whether substitution of baseline IOP with mean follow-up IOP, SD of IOP, maximum IOP, range of IOP, or coefficient of variation IOP would improve predictive accuracy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The C statistic was used to compare the predictive accuracy of multivariable landmark Cox proportional hazards regression models for the development of POAG.

Results

Data from the OHTS consisted of 97 POAG end points from 709 of 819 participants (416 [58.7%] women; 177 [25.0%] African American and 490 [69.1%] white; mean [SD] age, 55.7 [9.59] years; median [range] follow-up, 6.9 [0.96-8.15] years). Data from the EGPS consisted of 44 POAG end points from 397 of 500 participants in the placebo group (201 [50.1%] women; 397 [100%] white; mean [SD] age, 57.8 [9.76] years; median [range] follow-up, 4.9 [1.45-5.76] years). The C statistic for the original prediction model was 0.741. When a measure of follow-up IOP was substituted for baseline IOP in this prediction model, the C statistics were as follows: mean follow-up IOP, 0.784; maximum IOP, 0.781; SD of IOP, 0.745; range of IOP, 0.741; and coefficient of variation IOP, 0.729. The C statistics in the EGPS were similarly ordered. No measure of IOP variability, when added to the prediction model that included mean follow-up IOP, age, central corneal thickness, vertical cup-disc ratio, and pattern SD, increased the C statistic by more than 0.007 in either cohort.

Conclusions and Relevance

Evidence from the OHTS and the EGPS suggests that long-term variability does not add substantial explanatory power to the prediction model as to which individuals with untreated ocular hypertension will develop POAG.

Comparison of 12-month surgical outcomes of ab interno trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification between spatula-shaped and dual-blade microhooks

PURPOSE

To compare 12-month clinical results of spatula-shaped and dual-blade microhooks ab interno trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of Japanese open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent ab interno trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification with a 12-month follow-up. Two types of trabecular hook were used: the spatula-shaped Tanito Trabeculotomy ab interno Micro-hook^® and the Kahook Dual Blade^®. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication scores comprised the main outcome metrics. We also analyzed and compared patient demographics and the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

Trabeculotomy was performed using a spatula-shaped hook in 17 eyes and a dual-blade hook in 15 eyes. Significant reductions in IOP (p < 0.001) and medication scores (p < 0.001) were noted in both groups after the 1-month time point. The percentage changes of IOP from baseline at each time point were not significantly different between groups, though there was a significant difference in medication scores at 12 months (p = 0.0192). Postoperative complications occurred similarly in both groups; one case in the dual-blade group required additional filtration surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Ab interno trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification was effective in lowering IOP both with spatula-shaped and with double-blade microhooks. At 12 months more medications were used postoperatively in the spatula-shaped microhook group; however, the reductions in the medication scores from baseline were statistically significant in both groups.

Comparison of Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Versus Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C in Patients With Open-angle Glaucoma

PRCIS

Trabeculectomy (TRAB) lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP) more than gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) at 18 months, with a reduction in IOP of 30% or more and a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications compared with baseline.

PURPOSE

To compare the IOP-lowering efficacy of GATT with mitomycin-C augmented TRAB in patients with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective, comparative cohort study. One hundred ten consecutive patients (110 eyes) underwent GATT (n=61) or TRAB (n=49). The primary outcome measure was IOP reduction, defined as a percentage decrease ≥30% and absolute IOP≤18 mm Hg at 18 months with (qualified) or without (complete) medications. Secondary outcomes were visual field change, number of glaucoma medications, complications, and reintervention.

RESULTS

The mean±SD baseline IOP was 30.04±7.5 and 27.59±4.70 (P=0.072) with the mean number of medications of 3.08±0.73 and 2.92±0.91 (P=0.310) in TRAB and GATT, respectively. At 18 months, the mean±SD IOP was 15.26±3.47 mm Hg and 12.48±4.58 mm Hg after GATT and TRAB, respectively (P=0.002). The percentage of IOP lowering from baseline was 56.05±17.72 after TRAB and 42.04±15.56 after GATT (P<0.001). Percentages of complete and qualified success were 59% and 27% after TRAB and 46% and 31% after GATT (P=0.353). No change in visual field loss was observed in both groups. The mean reduction in medications was 2.3±1.4 and 2.1±1.5 in TRAB and GATT, respectively (P=0.493). The most frequent complication after TRAB was hypotony and after GATT hyphema. Reintervention occurred in 8.2% of cases after TRAB and in 14.8% after GATT (P=0.341).

CONCLUSIONS

IOP lowering was greater after TRAB than after GATT at 18 months with a significant reduction in the number of medications after both procedures. Complications and reintervention occurred equally in both groups but differed in type.

Long Non-coding RNA MALAT1 Alleviates the Elevated Intraocular Pressure (Eiop)-induced Glaucoma Progression via Sponging miR-149-5p

Background: Glaucoma is an optic neuropathic disease and contributed to the irreversible blindness caused by the slow death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was reported to be aberrantly expressed in diverse diseases, including glaucoma. However, the mechanism of MALAT1 in glaucoma was still undefined.Methods: The levels of MALAT1, microRNA-149-5p (miR-149-5p) in RGCs cultured under elevated pressure were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The putative target of MALAT1 was predicted by starBase v2.0 online database, and dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to verify this interaction. The cell viability of RGCs was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The apoptotic rate was evaluated via flow cytometry. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)) and Cleaved caspase 3 were assessed by Western blot.Results: The level of MALAT1 was significantly down-regulated, and the level of miR-149-5p was distinctly up-regulated in RGCs under pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Functionally, MALAT1 overexpression or miR-149-5p inhibitor alleviated the inhibitory effect on cell viability and the promoted effect on apoptotic rate of RGCs in EIOP. The interaction between MALAT1 and miR-149-5p was predicted by starBase v2.0 online database, and dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay validated the interaction. Combined with the loss and gain experiment results, miR-149-5p was negatively interacted with MALAT1. Furthermore, miR-149-5p mimics mitigated the promoted impact on cell viability and the suppressive impact on apoptotic rate by targeting MALAT1.Conclusion: MALAT1 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis of RGCs via targeting miR-149-5p in glaucoma in vitro, which might shed light on the mechanism of glaucoma pathogenesis.

Real-world efficacy of the Hydrus microstent in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma: a retrospective study

Purpose:

The purpose was to determine the real-world efficacy of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma.

Methods:

A retrospective noncomparative single-center study of 76 Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent placement for treatment of glaucoma at single practice. Investigated parameters were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, mean deviation on visual field test, and visual acuity. Patients were also subgrouped into mild, moderate, and advance glaucoma for further analysis.

Results:

We reviewed a total of 76 patients who had 6 months of follow up in the study. The mean number of medications decreased significantly from 2.6 ± 1.5 preoperatively to 0.72 ± 1.4 in 6 months (p < 0.0010), while IOP decreased from 14.7 ± 3.7 to 13.9 ± 4.3 (p = 0.25). At 6 months, 55 patients (74%) of all patients were medication free (n = 27, 84.4% mild glaucoma; n = 17, 70.8% moderate glaucoma; n = 10, 50% advance glaucoma). There was significant improvement in visual acuity (p < 0.00010) and stabilization of mean deviation on visual field test (baseline −9.2; 6 months −9.1; p = 0.22). The most common adverse effect was a transient IOP spike and transient corneal edema (n = 6, 7.9%; n = 6, 7.9%, respectively) with spontaneous resolution in all cases. No sight-threatening complications were reported at 6 months.

Conclusion/clinical relevance:

This 6-month retrospective study demonstrated the efficacy of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent in reducing the medication burden while maintaining lower IOP in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma.

Real World Outcomes of Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy in Black and Afro-Latinx Adult Patients with Glaucoma: A 6-Month Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

To determine the efficacy and safety of Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy alone or combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery to lower intraocular pressure and medication burden in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A retrospective, single center case series of patients with OAG who were managed with medications and underwent phacoemulsification combined with goniotomy (PE + KDB) using Kahook Dual Blade or goniotomy alone (KDB alone) in pseudophakic patients. Indications for glaucoma surgery included reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction of medication burden. Our study parameters included pre- and postoperative information on IOP, the use of IOP-lowering medications, visual field, and adverse events through 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among all 63 eyes of 63 patients undergoing surgery, Kahook goniotomy with or without phacoemulsification, mean IOP was significantly reduced from 17.4 mmHg at baseline to 14.0 mmHg at month 6 (P = 0.0012), a 19.5% reduction (KDB alone -26.4%, PE + KDB -16.6%). The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications was reduced from 2.6 at baseline to 1.6 ± 0.3 at month 6 (P = 0.0012), a 38.5% reduction (Kahook alone -10.7%, PE + Kahook -48.0%). Mean visual fields were stable in the PE + KDB group and progressed in the KDB alone group. Postoperative adverse events were mild and included transient hyphema, IOP spikes, posterior capsule opacification, tearing, glare and mild pain.

CONCLUSION

Phacoemulsification combined with Kahook dual blade goniotomy significantly lowers both IOP and medication burden in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with open angle glaucoma. In pseudophakic patients with advanced glaucoma medication burden is not significantly reduced and visual field progression occurred. Adverse events were not sight-threatening and self limited.

[Comparison of Goldmann tonometry with air-puff tonometry. A study of 159 patients in Abidjan]

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) values obtained with each of the tonometry methods as well as to study the effect of corneal pachymetry on the measurements obtained by each method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical, prospective study in the ophthalmology department of a multispecialty clinic in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) from April 2018 to August 2018. Patients aged 15 and over were included in the study. Over this period, IOP was measured by Goldman Applanation Tonometer (HaagStreit, AT 900, Switzerland) and air-puff Tonopachymeter (Nidek, NT 530 P, Japan), which also permitted measurement of central optical corneal pachymetry. The data analyzed focused on socio-demographic characteristics, ophthalmologic history, tonometry, and central corneal pachymetry. The comparison of the values obtained by both devices and the effect of central corneal thickness (CCT) on tonometry were analyzed using EpiDataAnalysis V2.2.2.183 software.

RESULTS

We examined 318 eyes of 159 patients whose mean age was 40±12.57 years, range 16 to 82 years. The gender ratio was 1. A past ophthalmologic history was noted in 79.2% of patients. The mean IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry was 12.75±3.17mmHg, and that by non-contact air-puff tonometry was 13.83±3.80mmHg. The mean central corneal thickness was 530.50±32.61μm. The difference between IOP measured by non-contact tonometry and that measured by contact tonometry was statistically significant, with P=0.00. There was no statistically significant relationship between central corneal pachymetry and contact tonometry (P=0.80). However, there was a statistically significant relationship between non-contact tonometry and central pachymetry (P=0.00). The values obtained with the air-puff tonometer are more affected by central corneal thickness.

CONCLUSION

The values obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometry are not equivalent to those obtained by non-contact air-puff tonopachymetry.

Short-Term and Long-Term Variability of Intraocular Pressure Measured with an Intraocular Telemetry Sensor in Patients with Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short-term and long-term variability of intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-two patients previously implanted with a sulcus-based IOP sensor (EyeMate, Implandata GmbH, Germany).

METHODS

Twenty-two patients previously implanted with the EyeMate were requested to obtain at least 4 IOP measurements daily. Data were grouped according to the eye and the medication so that an eye treated with a particular medication was considered as one group, and the same eye treated with a different medication during the observation period was considered as a different group. A day was divided into 7 periods: night, midnight to 5:59 am; early, 6 am to 7:59 am; morning, 8 am to 10:59 am; noon, 11 am to 1:59 pm; afternoon, 2 pm to 5:59 pm; evening, 6 pm to 8:59 pm; and late, 9 pm to 11:59 pm. Short-term variability during a particular period was defined as the variability in IOP measurements obtained during that period on different days within 3 months of each other. Long-term variability was defined as the variability in IOP measurements obtained during a particular period on different days over a period of 1 year or more. Variability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants was 67.8 ± 6.8 years and 36.4% were women. The mean follow-up duration of patients was 19.2 ± 21.3 months (median, 9 months; range, 1-58 months). Overall, 92 860 IOP measurements over 15 811 measurement days were obtained and analyzed during the study period. The number of measurements obtained from each eye ranged from 1 daily to 277 daily. Intraclass correlation coefficients for short-term variability among the 7 periods during the day ranged from 0.52 (morning) to 0.66 (early). Long-term ICCs ranged from 0.29 (night) to 0.51 (late).

CONCLUSIONS

Continual IOP monitoring showed that IOP has moderate short-term and high long-term variability in glaucoma patients. These findings demonstrate that single IOP measurements do not characterize day-to-day variations in IOP. Moreover, they show the importance of continual IOP monitoring in glaucoma patients.

Comparison of the short-term effectiveness and safety profile of ab interno combined trabeculotomy using 2 types of trabecular hooks

PURPOSE

To compare the short-term surgical effectiveness and safety profile of ab interno trabeculotomy using 2 types of trabecular hooks.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on Japanese open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent ab interno trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification and who had a 6-month follow-up. Trabeculotomy was performed using 2 kinds of trabecular hooks, the Tanito ab interno Trabeculotomy Micro-hook (TMH) or the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB). The patients' demographics, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs), medication scores, and occurrence of complications were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine eyes with open-angle glaucoma were included in the final analysis. Trabeculotomy was performed using the TMH in 30 eyes (50.8%) and the KDB in 29 eyes (49.2%). Significant decreases in IOP from the baseline (P < 0.001, except for the 1-month time-point in the KDB group, when P < 0.01) after the 1-month time-point and the medication scores (P < 0.001) at all time-points were noted in both groups. However, the percentage changes in the IOP and medication scores from the baseline at each time-point did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, with the exception of the medication score at the 1-month time-point (P < 0.0283). The occurrence of postoperative complications was similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates the absence of significant differences in IOP and medication score reductions at almost all time-points between the TMH and KDB groups.

Intra-Subject Variability and Diurnal Cycle of Ocular Perfusion Pressure as Characterized by Continuous Telemetry in Nonhuman Primates

Purpose

To characterize ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) fluctuations with continuous telemetry over 24-hour periods across multiple days in nonhuman primates (NHPs) to test the hypotheses that OPP differs among NHPs and that the diurnal cycle of OPP is characterized by low OPP during sleep.

Methods

We have developed and validated two implantable radiotelemetry systems that allow continuous measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), arterial blood pressure (BP), and OPP up to 500 Hz. OPP was measured unilaterally in 12 male NHPs for periods of 38 to 412 days. IOP transducers were calibrated directly via anterior chamber manometry, and OPP was calculated continuously as central retinal artery BP minus IOP. OPP data were corrected for signal drift between calibrations and averaged hourly.

Results

OPP varied widely among animals, with daily averages ranging from ∼47 to 65 mm Hg. In eight of 12 NHPs, OPP was significantly lower during sleep compared to waking hours. In three animals, the diurnal cycle was reversed and OPP was significantly higher during sleep (P < 0.05), and one NHP showed no diurnal cycle. Day-to-day OPP variability within NHPs was the largest source of overall OPP variability, even larger than the differences between NHPs. Average daily OPP showed an unexplained ∼32-day cyclic pattern in most NHPs.

Conclusions

Average OPP varied widely and exhibited differing diurnal cycles in NHPs, a finding that matches those of prior patient studies and indicates that OPP studies in the NHP model are appropriate. Infrequent snapshot measurements of either IOP or BP are insufficient to capture true IOP, BP, and OPP and their fluctuations.

Tyrosine triple mutated AAV2-BDNF gene therapy in an inner retinal injury model induced by intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)

Purpose

Glaucoma is a group of chronic optic neuropathies characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, and they ultimately cause blindness. Because neuroprotection using neurotrophic factors against RGC loss has been proven a beneficial strategy, extensive attempts have been made to perform gene transfer of neurotrophic proteins. This study used the inner retinal injury mouse model to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tyrosine triple mutated and self-complementary adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; tm-scAAV2-BDNF).

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were intravitreally injected with 1 μl of tm-scAAV2-BDNF and its control AAV at a titer of 6.6 E+13 genome copies/ml. Three weeks later, 1 μl of 2 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) was administered in the same way as the viral injection. Six days after the NMDA injection, we assessed the dark-adapted electroretinography (ERG). Mice were sacrificed at one week after the NMDA injection, followed by RNA quantification, protein detection, and histopathological analysis.

Results

The RNA expression of BDNF in retinas treated with tm-scAAV2-BDNF was about 300-fold higher than that of its control AAV. Meanwhile, the expression of recombinant BDNF protein increased in retinas treated with tm-scAAV2-BDNF. In addition, histological analysis revealed that tm-scAAV2-BDNF prevented thinning of the inner retina. Furthermore, b-wave amplitudes of the tm-scAAV2-BDNF group were significantly higher than those of the control vector group. Histopathological and electrophysiological evaluations showed that tm-scAAV2-BDNF treatment offered significant protection against NMDA toxicity.

Conclusions

Results showed that tm-scAAV2-BDNF-treated retinas were resistant to NMDA injury, while retinas treated with the control AAV exhibited histopathological and functional changes after the administration of NMDA. These results suggest that tm-scAAV2-BDNF is potentially effective against inner retinal injury, including normal tension glaucoma.

Initial experience in self-monitoring of intraocular pressure

Background/aims

Diurnal variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) is a routine assessment in glaucoma management. Providing patients the opportunity to perform self-tonometry might empower them and free hospital resource. We previously demonstrated that 74% of patients can use the Icare® HOME tonometer. This study further explores Icare® HOME patient self-monitoring.

Methods

Patients were trained by standard protocol to use the Icare® HOME rebound tonometer. Patient self-tonometry was compared to Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) over one clinical day. Following this, each patient was instructed to undertake further data collection that evening and over the subsequent two days.

Results

Eighteen patients (35 eyes) participated. Good agreement was demonstrated between GAT and Icare® HOME for IOPs up to 15 mm Hg. Above this IOP the Icare® tended to over-read, largely explained by 2 patients with corneal thickness >600 um. The mean peak IOP during ‘clinic hours’ phasing was 16.7 mm Hg and 18.5 mm Hg (p = 0.24) over three days. An average range of 5.0, 7.0 and 9.8 mm Hg was shown during single day clinic, single day home and three day home phasing respectively (p =<0.001). The range of IOP was lower in eyes with prior trabeculectomy (6.1 mm Hg vs 12.2 mm Hg). All patients undertook one reading in the early morning at home with an average of 4.8 readings during, and 3.1 readings after office hours.

Conclusions

This small study shows that self-tonometry is feasible. The findings from home phasing demonstrated higher peak and trough IOPs, providing additional clinical information. Home phasing is a viable alternative. The cost-effectiveness of this approach has yet to be addressed.

Determining Significant Elevation of Intraocular Pressure Using Self-tonometry

SIGNIFICANCE

Icare HOME rebound tonometry is increasingly adopted into clinical practice for IOP phasing of glaucoma patients and suspects. Because of measurement differences with applanation tonometry and diurnal fluctuations, interpretation of the IOP measured with Icare HOME phasing can be challenging.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to use a large patient cohort to develop a practical, analytical tool for interpreting Icare HOME measurements with respect to applanation pressure.

METHODS

IOP measurements using the Icare HOME and an applanation tonometer were taken prospectively in 498 consecutive patients. Bland-Altman, frequency distribution, and linear regression analysis were applied to determine measurement differences. A novel criterion, Threshold Icare HOME IOP, was developed to assist identification of elevation above target applanation pressure, considering the expected diurnal variation and measurement variability.

RESULTS

Icare HOME tended to underestimate applanation tonometry (mean bias, -1.7 mmHg; 95% limits of agreement, -7.0 to +3.6). Overall, differences were within ±3 mmHg in 71.5% and ±5 mmHg in 92% of patients. Based on the novel criterion developed, Icare HOME measurements that exceed target applanation pressure by 6 mmHg or greater are generally outside the 95% limit of expected observations.

CONCLUSIONS

The Threshold Icare HOME IOP is a novel and practical criterion that can assist clinicians in their interpretation of Icare HOME phasing measurements with respect to target applanation pressures. Elevation above the expected thresholds may prompt closer monitoring or even modifications to glaucoma management.

The Effect of Therapeutic IOP-lowering Interventions on the 24-hour Ocular Dimensional Profile Recorded With a Sensing Contact Lens

PRéCIS:: The 24-hour ocular dimensional profile recorded by a contact lens sensor was affected by intraocular pressure lowering interventions. Among different treatments, incisional surgery had the most significant effect.

PURPOSE

We investigated the effect of different intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering interventions on contact lens sensor (CLS) parameters and their relationship with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT)-measured IOP reduction.

METHODS

Data from reliable CLS recordings performed before and after IOP-lowering interventions were analyzed. Three interventions were evaluated: topical medications, laser trabeculoplasty, and incisional surgery. A set of 115 different CLS parameters were derived from 24-hour curves. We compared before versus after values for each parameter. In addition, linear regression was performed using the percentage change of each CLS parameter as the outcome variable and the type of IOP-lowering procedure as the predictor after adjusting age and race. Finally, we investigated the relationship between changes in CLS parameters and GAT IOP with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 182 eyes of 182 patients were included in the analyses: 60 (33%) topical medications, 69 (38%) laser, and 53 (29%) surgery. The mean GAT IOP change was 3.6±6.5 mm Hg (P<0.001). Overall, more CLS parameters had a significant change after surgery than in the other groups (surgery>laser=drug). Linear regression showed that, for 20 CLS parameters, surgery was the most predictive of greatest percentage change in CLS signals. In all, 11 (9.5%) of the CLS parameters were significantly correlated with GAT changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Incisional glaucoma surgery had a more pronounced effect on GAT and CLS parameters than laser and drugs. The CLS can detect changes in patterns resulting from IOP-lowering interventions beyond daytime GAT IOP. This device could potentially be used to assess treatment efficacy in glaucoma.

Comparison between provocative test-based and long-term intraocular pressure parameters in patients with stable open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare provocative test-based and long-term intraocular pressure variation parameters in patients with stable open-angle glaucoma.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was carried out in which stable open-angle glaucoma patients (⩾3 years of follow-up without any changes on current medical regimen) were consecutively enrolled. All patients were submitted to a water-drinking test. Long-term intraocular pressure parameters were obtained from isolated intraocular pressure measurements from each visit (⩾5 visits). We investigated the correlation and agreement between the following water-drinking test and long-term intraocular pressure parameters: mean, peak, and fluctuation. In addition, the percentage of eyes with significant intraocular pressure peaks during the water-drinking test (defined as a difference ⩾25% between water-drinking test intraocular pressure peak and mean long-term intraocular pressure) was assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three eyes from 63 open-angle glaucoma patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 11.8 years) were included. Mean and water-drinking test intraocular pressure peak correlated significantly with mean (r = 0.67) and maximum long-term intraocular pressure (r = 0.52), respectively (p < 0.01). The correlation between water-drinking test intraocular pressure fluctuation and long-term intraocular pressure fluctuation was not significant (p = 0.45). Limits of agreement from Bland-Altman plots exceeded the maximum allowed difference between methods (3 mm Hg) for all the intraocular pressure parameters analyzed, suggesting poor agreement between water-drinking test-derived and long-term intraocular pressure values. Overall, significant water-drinking test intraocular pressure peaks were observed in 39.7% of these eyes with stable open-angle glaucoma.

CONCLUSION

Although some water-drinking test-based and long-term intraocular pressure parameters correlate significantly, water-drinking test results may not reflect the long-term intraocular pressure profile of stable open-angle glaucoma patients, as their agreement is poor. Many of these patients may experience significant water-drinking test intraocular pressure peaks, despite long-standing stable disease and unchanged medical regimen.

Visual field progression 8 years after trabeculectomy in Asian eyes: results from The Singapore 5-Fluorouracil Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This work aimed to study the effect of long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation on visual field (VF) progression 8 years post-trabeculectomy in Asian eyes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 8-year post-trabeculectomy data from The Singapore 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Study. VFs were analysed using Progressor software (Medisoft, Leeds, UK). Outcome measures included mean slope for VF per year, number of progressing points and mean slope for progressing points per year. Multivariate regression analyses were performed adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, glaucoma type, intraoperative 5-FU, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, best pre-trabeculectomy VF mean deviation, post-trabeculectomy mean IOP, IOP reduction and IOP fluctuation (SD of IOPs at 6-monthly timepoints).

RESULTS

127 (52.3%) subjects completed 8-year follow-up with ≥5 reliable VFs and ≥8 6-monthly IOP measurements. Mean age was 61.8±9.6 years. Post-operatively, mean IOP was 14.2±2.8 mm Hg and mean IOP fluctuation was 2.53±1.20 mm Hg. Higher IOP fluctuation was associated with greater mean slope for field (B=-0.071; p=0.013), number of progressing points (B=0.963; p=0.014) and VF progression as defined by ≥1 progressing point (OR=1.585; p=0.029). There was also a trend towards eyes with higher IOP fluctuation having ≥3 adjacent progressing points in the same hemifield (OR=1.489; p=0.055). Greater mean IOP reduction post-trabeculectomy was associated only with a lower mean slope for progressing points per year (B=-0.026; p=0.028). There was no significant effect of intra-operative 5-FU compared with placebo for all outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

In post-trabeculectomy Asian eyes with well-controlled IOP, higher long-term IOP fluctuation may be associated with greater VF progression.

One year structural and functional glaucoma progression after trabeculectomy

We evaluated the changes in visual field mean deviation (VF MD) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy. One hundred patients were examined with VF and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) before trabeculectomy and 4 follow-up visits over one year. Linear mixed models were used to investigate factors associated with VF and RNFL. VF improved during the first 3 months of follow-up (2.55 ± 1.06 dB/year) and worsened at later visits (−1.14 ± 0.29 dB/year). RNFL thickness reduced by −4.21 ± 0.25 µm/year from 1st month of follow-up. Eyes with an absence of initial VF improvement (β = 0.64; 0.30–0.98), RNFL thinning (β = 0.15; 0.08–0.23), increasing intraocular pressure (IOP; β = −0.11; −0.18 to −0.03) and severe glaucoma (β = −10.82; −13.61 to −8.02) were associated with VF deterioration. Eyes with VF deterioration (β = 0.19; 0.08–0.29), increasing IOP (β = −0.09; −0.17 to −0.01), and moderate (β = −6.33; −12.17 to −0.49) or severe glaucoma (β = −19.58; −24.63 to −14.52) were associated with RNFL thinning. Changes in RNFL structure and function occur over a 1-year follow-up period after trabeculectomy. Early VF improvement is more likely to occur in patients with mild/moderate glaucoma, whereas those with severe glaucoma show greater decline over one year. Our findings indicate that progression is observable using OCT, even in late-stage glaucoma.

The Sustained Release of Tafluprost with a Drug Delivery System Prevents the Axonal Injury-induced Loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Rats

PURPOSE

To investigated whether a new drug delivery system (DDS) could enable the controlled release of tafluprost and suppress retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in rats after optic nerve transection (ONT).

METHODS

A DDS containing 0.04%, 0.20% or 1.00% tafluprost, or vehicle, was injected intravitreally in 8-12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats 7 days before ONT, and the retinas were extracted 7 days after ONT. For comparison, eye drops containing 0.0015% tafluprost or vehicle were used once a day. The extracted retinas were analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

RESULTS

The level of tafluprost acid in the groups that received the 0.20% and 1.00% tafluprost DDSs was stable, and higher than the maximum concentration in the eye drop group, even after 14 days. In the retinas treated with the 1.00% tafluprost DDS, the active form of the drug had a high concentration (~50 times higher than eye drops), but no significant IOP difference compared with its vehicle in this study. The 1.00% tafluprost DDS group also had less cleaved α-fodrin and fewer c-Jun-positive cells than the vehicle DDS group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that a newly developed DDS allowed the controlled release of tafluprost and prevented the loss of RGCs after ONT IOP independently. The duration of drug action on the target site was longer with a tafluprost DDS than with topical instillation and should therefore reduce problems related to lack of patient compliance. This system may also enable new treatments to prevent RGC degeneration in diseases such as glaucoma.

Does TRABECULECTOMY meet the 10-10-10 challenge in PACG, POAG, JOAG and Secondary glaucomas?

PURPOSE

Evaluation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of trabeculectomies over > 10 years and their ability to stabilize glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

METHODS

In total, 181 eyes (136 patients), which underwent trabeculectomy (10 min surgery) at least 10 years prior and were on regular follow-up, were evaluated. Qualified/complete success was taken as criteria A: IOP ≤ 12 mmHg, B: IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and C: IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, with all > 5 mmHg, with/without medications. Target IOP in advanced glaucoma is about 10 mmHg, therefore trabeculectomy 10-10-10 challenge!

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 46.32 ± 11.50 years. Absolute success was 50.27%, 54.14% and 59.66% according to criteria A, B and C at last follow-up, while qualified success was 70.11%, 81.77% and 96.13%. An IOP of ≤ 12 mmHg was noted in 34, 64.15%, PACG eyes, 14, 73.68%, POAG, 15, 65.22%, JOAG and 64, 74.42%, secondary glaucoma eyes. The reduction in IOP overall was 64.83 ± 16.80% at last review and was 59.47 ± 16.07% in PACG, 62.40 ± 17.72% in POAG, 71.89 ± 8.50% in JOAG and 67.74 ± 18.10% in secondary glaucoma eyes. "Target" IOP was achieved in 97.29% of early glaucoma, 85.71% moderate glaucoma and 70% severe glaucoma eyes. 97.24% of patients were perimetrically stable. 2.21% of eyes post-trabeculectomy had a shallow anterior chamber needing surgical intervention. Visual acuity was maintained or better in 93.92% of patients, with a cataract surgery performed in 6.63% eyes. A repeat trabeculectomy was performed in 3.31% of eyes.

CONCLUSION

Trabeculectomy 10-10-10 is achievable in the long term, with few complications or repeat surgical interventions in the majority of POAG, PACG, JOAG and secondary glaucomas. Therefore, trabeculectomy should not be relegated to a last resort, but should be undertaken as soon as possible, if medical therapy is inadequate, unaffordable or compliance is an issue.

XEN gel implant versus gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma

OBJECTIVES

To compare successes and complications of XEN GEL Stent implantation and gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

METHODS

The multicentre, non-randomized, comparative, interventional, retrospective chart review study included 114 eyes undergoing XEN implantation and 107 eyes undergoing GATT for treatment of OAG. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination consisting of best-corrected LogMAR visual acuity (BCVA), Goldmann Applanation Tonometry, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy and gonioscopy was performed, and then, clinical findings, complications and number of antiglaucomatous medications were noted at the 3-, 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month postoperative visits. Surgical success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and 20% ≥ IOP reduction from baseline with (qualified success) or without (complete success) further medication, and without any further IOP-lowering surgery.

RESULTS

The mean ages were 65.8 ± 10.6 and 59.1 ± 14.3 in XEN and GATT groups, respectively (p = 0.001). In XEN group, the percentage of IOP reduction and need of medication were significantly more improved than those in GATT group. The complete surgical success rates were 34.2% and 50.5% in XEN and GATT groups, respectively (p = 0.039), with a success rate of 41.1% in total. Qualified surgical success rates were 97.4% and 89.7% in XEN and GATT groups, respectively (p = 0.025), with a success rate of 93.7% in total. Transient hyphema, the most observed postoperative complication in both groups, cleared in a few days.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MIGS have good efficacy and safety outcomes in lowering IOP and need of medication in patients with OAG. XEN Gel Stent implantation may be preferred in patients with lower IOP values targeted.

Brain morphological alterations of cerebral cortex and subcortical nuclei in high-tension glaucoma brain and its associations with intraocular pressure

PURPOSE

To investigate brain morphological alterations of high-tension glaucoma patients and explore the association between brain morphological changes and elevated intraocular pressure.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with high-tension glaucoma and 20 healthy controls were collected and underwent structural MRI scan. Surface-based morphometry and voxel-based morphometry were applied to assess cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volume of the enrolled subjects. The association between brain morphometry and intraocular pressure was assessed by partial correlation.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, high-tension glaucoma patients showed decreased cortical thickness in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus, bilateral superior parietal gyrus, bilateral lateral occipital gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left medial orbitofrontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.05). High-tension glaucoma patients also showed reduced gray matter volume in the right hippocampus, bilateral putamen, and bilateral thalamus (p < 0.05). In addition, brain morphological correlates of mean intraocular pressure were found in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and left postcentral gyrus in high-tension glaucoma group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

High-tension glaucoma patients experienced morphological reduction in the visual and nonvisual areas throughout the entire brain. Elevated intraocular pressure may contribute to the reduction of cortical thickness in certain areas in the progression of the disease.

The EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt versus nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy with Esnoper implant in combined surgery for open-angle glaucoma: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

To report 1-year treatment outcomes of P50 EX-PRESS implant versus nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) with Esnoper V2000 combined with phacoemulsification.

DESIGN

Randomized, prospective and multicentre clinical trial.

METHODS

Settings: Six clinical centres.

POPULATION

Patients 54-89 years of age without previous filtering surgery with cataract and glaucoma who required lower levels of intraocular pressure (IOP).

INTERVENTIONS

Phaco-EX-PRESS P50 or Phaco-NPDS with Esnoper V2000, both groups with mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml for 2 min).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

IOP, complete success rate (IOP: ≥6 and ≤18 mmHg), visual acuity, use of medical therapy and systematic assessment of complications and postoperative interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 98 eyes were enrolled, including 50 in the EX-PRESS group and 48 in the NPDS group. At 12 months, IOP (mean ± SD) was 13.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in EX-PRESS group and 13.3 ± 3.6 mmHg in NPDS group (p = 0.38). Success rate was 75% and 80% in EX-PRESS and NPDS groups, respectively (p = 0.53). The number of glaucoma medications (mean ± SD) was 0.2 ± 0.55 in EX-PRESS group and 0.17 ± 0.44 in NPDS group (p = 1.00). The total number of complications was 66 in 35 subjects in EX-PRESS group and 39 in 23 subjects in NPDS group (p = 0.02). The incidence of more than one complication was n = 13 (26%) versus n = 9 (18.8%) in EX-PRESS and NPDS groups, respectively (p = 0.38). The total number of required postoperative interventions was 59 and 26 in EX-PRESS and NPDS groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Visual acuity was similar in both groups at month 12 (p = 0.13). Surgical time (mean ± SD) was 52.6 ± 13.6 min in EX-PRESS group and 63.3 ± 19.4 min in NPDS group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Phaco-EX-PRESS surgery had similar success rate compared to Phaco-NPDS during 1 year of follow-up. Both procedures were associated with similar IOP reduction and use of additional medical therapy at 12 months. EX-PRESS surgery required more postoperative interventions and had more complications, but needed less surgical time compared to NPDS.