European Glaucoma Society Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 4th Edition - Chapter 3: Treatment principles and options Supported by the EGS Foundation: Part 1: Foreword; Introduction; Glossary; Chapter 3 Treatment principles and options

Multimodal Machine Learning Using Visual Fields and Peripapillary Circular OCT Scans in Detection of Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a multimodal artificial intelligence algorithm, FusionNet, using the pattern deviation probability plots from visual field (VF) reports and circular peripapillary OCT scans to detect glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

Two thousand four hundred sixty-three pairs of VF and OCT images from 1083 patients.

METHODS

FusionNet based on bimodal input of VF and OCT paired data was developed to detect GON. Visual field data were collected using the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA). OCT images were collected from 3 types of devices (DRI-OCT, Cirrus OCT, and Spectralis). Two thousand four hundred sixty-three pairs of VF and OCT images were divided into 4 datasets: 1567 for training (HFA and DRI-OCT), 441 for primary validation (HFA and DRI-OCT), 255 for the internal test (HFA and Cirrus OCT), and 200 for the external test set (HFA and Spectralis). GON was defined as retinal nerve fiber layer thinning with corresponding VF defects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnostic performance of FusionNet compared with that of VFNet (with VF data as input) and OCTNet (with OCT data as input).

RESULTS

FusionNet achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.950 (0.931-0.968) and outperformed VFNet (AUC, 0.868 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.834-0.902]), OCTNet (AUC, 0.809 [95% CI, 0.768-0.850]), and 2 glaucomatologists (glaucomatologist 1: AUC, 0.882 [95% CI, 0.847-0.917]; glaucomatologist 2: AUC, 0.883 [95% CI, 0.849-0.918]) in the primary validation set. In the internal and external test sets, the performances of FusionNet were also superior to VFNet and OCTNet (FusionNet vs VFNet vs OCTNet: internal test set 0.917 vs 0.854 vs 0.811; external test set 0.873 vs 0.772 vs 0.785). No significant difference was found between the 2 glaucomatologists and FusionNet in the internal and external test sets, except for glaucomatologist 2 (AUC, 0.858 [95% CI, 0.805-0.912]) in the internal test set.

CONCLUSIONS

FusionNet, developed using paired VF and OCT data, demonstrated superior performance to both VFNet and OCTNet in detecting GON, suggesting that multimodal machine learning models are valuable in detecting GON.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: A Critical Appraisal of the Literature

Micro- or minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have been the latest addition to the glaucoma surgical treatment paradigm. This term refers not to a single surgery, but rather to a group of distinct procedures and devices that aim to decrease intraocular pressure. Broadly, MIGS can be categorized into surgeries that increase the trabecular outflow [Trabectome, iStent (first and second generations), Hydrus microstent, Kahook Dual Blade and gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy], surgeries that increase suprachoroidal outflow (Cypass microstent and iStent Supra), and conjunctival bleb-forming procedures (Xen gel stent and InnFocus microshunt). Compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries, such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation (Ahmed, Baerveldt, and Molteno valves), MIGS are touted to have less severe complications and shorter surgical time. MIGS represent an evolving field, and the efficacy and complications of each procedure should be considered independently, giving more importance to high-quality and longer-term studies.

Glaucoma in mucopolysaccharidoses

Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that are caused by deficiency of enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycans degradation. Due to low prevalence and high childhood mortality, researches on mucopolysaccharidoses were mainly focused on the fatal manifestations. With the development of treatments, more and more mucopolysaccharidoses patients were treated by approved therapies, thereby getting prolonged life span and improved quality of life. Abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the eye may block trabecular meshwork, thicken sclera and change mechanical behavior of lamina cribrosa, which, by increasing intraocular pressure and damaging optic nerve, could cause glaucoma. Glaucoma was the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but it was rarely reported in mucopolysaccharidoses patients. Although non-fatal, it seriously affected quality of life. Prevalence of glaucoma in mucopolysaccharidoses patients (ranged from 2.1 to 12.5%) indicated that glaucoma in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses was worthy of attention and further study, thereby improving the quality of life for MPSs patients.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of iStent inject combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma in France

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cost-effectiveness of implementing iStent inject trabecular bypass stent (TBS) in conjunction with cataract surgery (Cat Sx) in patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma from a societal perspective in France. The secondary objective was to explore the economic impact of iStent inject TBS in patients who comply to different degrees with their anti-glaucoma medications.

METHODS

A previously published Markov model was adapted to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with iStent inject TBS + Cat Sx versus Cat Sx alone over a lifetime time horizon in patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma in France. Progression was modeled by health states reflecting increasing stages of vision loss. Disease progression was obtained from the two-year randomized clinical trial assessing safety and effectiveness of both interventions. French specific health-state utilities and costs were obtained through a targeted literature review. Model structure and inputs were validated by French ophthalmologists. Outcomes were expressed as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The robustness of results was tested through sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

iStent inject TBS + Cat Sx reduced the number of medications needed and risk of blindness. Incremental cost and QALYs were €75 and 0.065 leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €1,154/QALY gained. ICER ranged from dominating for non-persistent patients to €31,127 patients fully persistent with their medication regime. Results from one-way sensitivity analysis had a maximum ICER of €29,000 when varying input parameters. iStent inject TBS + Cat Sx had an 86% chance of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €30,000 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrate that iStent inject TBS + Cat Sx is a cost-effective intervention for intraocular pressure reduction when compared to Cat Sx alone in France.

A Randomized Phase 2 Trial Comparing Omidenepag Isopropyl 0.002% Once and Twice Daily in Subjects With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension (SPECTRUM-6)

PRCIS

No significant difference was found between the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering of omidenepag isopropyl 0.002% once daily (QD) and twice daily (BID). However, adverse events (AEs) were higher in the BID arm; thus, QD dosing is the preferred dosing frequency for further investigation.

PURPOSE

This phase 2, randomized, double-masked, parallel-arm, multicenter study (NCT03858894) was conducted in the United States to examine whether the efficacy and safety of omidenepag isopropyl 0.002% BID dosing was superior to QD dosing in subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

METHODS

Randomized subjects (1:1) received omidenepag isopropyl 0.002% QD (n=50) or BID (n=48) for 6 weeks (after a ≤4-week washout period). IOP was measured at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm at baseline and weeks 2 and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was IOP at each timepoint at weeks 2 and 6. AEs were evaluated.

RESULTS

Baseline mean diurnal IOP (±SD) post washout was 25.4±2.9 mm Hg (BID) and 24.6±1.9 mm Hg (QD). At weeks 2 and 6, clinically significant IOP reductions from baseline were observed for omidenepag isopropyl BID and QD treatments. Least-squares mean (±SE) IOP differences (BID versus QD) were not statistically significant (week 2: 0.44±0.68 to 1.08±0.65 mm Hg; week 6: 0.36±0.63 to 0.68±0.68 mm Hg) at any timepoint (all P > 0.05). AEs were 3-fold greater in the BID arm (41.7%; QD: 14.0%); the most frequently reported AE was conjunctival/ocular hyperemia (BID: 22.9%; QD: 2.0%). Five subjects discontinued omidenepag isopropyl prematurely, 4 of 5 owing to AEs (BID: 4; QD: 0).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the benefit-risk profile of omidenepag isopropyl 0.002% QD was more favorable than the benefit-risk profile of BID. This difference was driven by a higher incidence of local tolerability issues in the BID arm.

If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going: a description of the SSY Engine

Data presented during the first two decades of this millennium has shed valuable light on how the intraocular pressure (IOP) is linked to glaucomatous progression. Large prospective controlled trials have confirmed that there is a correlation between the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the risk for visual field progression. The magnitude of the effect, as indicated by these studies, is a 10-15% decrease in risk for a 1 mmHg drop in IOP. The risk is correlated with the rate at which patients develops field loss, that is the Rate of Progression or RoP, which in turn makes future projections of a patient's progression over time at a given IOP level a reasonable possibility. This led to the creation of the SSY (Save Sight Years) concept and later the SSY engine, which is a practical application of this model in the form of a web application. This article describes the thinking behind this system, how it works, the caveats and where we think it can benefit clinical practice.

A case of endophthalmitis following needling procedure after PRESERFLO® Micro Shunt implantation

PURPOSE

To report a case of endophthalmitis following bleb needling in a patient previously implanted with a PRESERFLO^® MicroShunt.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 40-year-old woman with bilateral malformative glaucoma repeatedly operated on in childhood underwent PRESERFLO^® MicroShunt implantation in her right eye and six needling revisions (NRs) and a surgical revision due to unsatisfactory intraocular pressure (IOP) control due to bleb encapsulation. About 3 months after the surgical revision the bleb encapsulation relapsed and she underwent a further NR with betamethasone. About 4 days after the last NR, she experienced visual acuity reduction and was therefore advised to come immediately to the hospital for an unscheduled visit, showing up with hypopyon and diffuse vitreous haze. A clinical diagnosis of endophthalmitis (later confirmed by bacteria culture tests) was made and she was treated with pars-plana vitrectomy with silicone oil and intravitreal antibiotics. Preoperative visual function was luckily completely restored.

CONCLUSIONS

Endophthalmitis can occur after NR in an eye with PRESERFLO^® MicroShunt implant which therefore does not prevent reflux of bacteria from a filtering bleb to the anterior chamber.

Do topical antiglaucoma drugs affect the cornea?

To investigate effects of beta blocker (BB; timolol or betaxolol), latanoprost, and latanoprost-timolol combination (LTC) drugs on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Sixty-one patients in BB group, 64 patients in latanoprost group, 59 patients in LTC group, and 58 healthy cases in control group were included. Intraocular pressures (IOP), ECDs, and CCTs of groups were recorded at initial (pre-treatment) period, first and third years after treatment, and comparisons were done. In groups, changes of ECDs according to time were not significant (p > 0.05). In BB and control groups, changes of CCTs according to time were not significant (p > 0.05). In latanoprost and LTC groups, CCTs in both first and third years were significantly thinner than initial CCTs (p = 0.039 for latanoprost, p = 0.041 for LTC at first year; p = 0.018 for latanoprost, p = 0.032 for LTC at third year). In latanoprost and LTC groups, CCTs of patients using drugs for 1 year were similar to those of patients using drugs for 3 years (p > 0.05). In our study, uses of BB, latanoprost or LTC did not affect ECD. BB drugs had no effect on CCT. Although latanoprost and LTC appeared to reduce CCT at 3-year follow-up from the statistical point of view, this 8-10 μm difference in CCT was not clinically significant.

Prostaglandin F2α agonists induced enhancement in collagen1 expression is involved in the pathogenesis of the deepening of upper eyelid sulcus

Previous our study reported that three-dimension (3D) cultures of human orbital fibroblasts (HOFs) replicated the etiology of deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (DUES) caused by prostaglandin F2α analogues (PGF2α-ags). To examine this further, the effects of PGF2α-ags on HOFs were characterized by (1) lipid staining (2D; two-dimension, 3D), (2) comparison of the 3D organoid sizes of preadipocytes (DIF-) or adipocytes (DIF+) that had been treated with various concentrations of several PGF2α-ags, (3) physical stiffness (3D), and (4) the mRNA expression of adipogenic related genes, extracellular matrix (ECM), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (3D). PGF2α-ags caused a dramatic down-sizing of the 3D DIF+ organoids and this reduction was concentration dependent. The effects caused by PGF2α-ags were also observed in 3D preadipocytes. Micro-squeezer analysis clearly indicated that PGF2α-ags induced an increase in their physical solidity. The size of each organoid under several conditions was inversely correlated with the mRNA expression profile of collagen1 (COL1), TIMP2, and MMP2 and 9. These findings indicate that PGF2α-ags affect the expression of COL1, TIMP2, and MMP2 and 9 which, in turn, modulate the 3D ECM network within the organoids, thus resulting in their downsizing.

Pilot Study of Clinician-Patient Collaboration in Glaucoma

PURPOSE

This pilot study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of a larger scale trial examining the effect of interventions to improve patient-clinician collaboration. The primary outcome was the extent of clinician-patient collaboration during glaucoma consultations. The secondary outcomes were the results of the Patient Experience Questionnaire and the patients' opinion of how involved they were in decisions about their care and how keen they would be to increase this involvement.

METHODS

This is an observational study of clinician-patient communication involving 9 glaucoma clinicians and 37 patients attending a glaucoma monitoring clinic. Consultations were videotaped and later assessed for the degree of collaboration. Patients completed a validated Patient Experience Questionnaire and a questionnaire designed to collect the patients' opinion of how involved they were in decisions about their care.

RESULTS

The consultations were largely "clinician centred" with clinicians speaking 58% of the sentences and asking a mean of 8.1 questions compared to the patients 2.6. Glaucoma medications were discussed in 97% of consultations. When a treatment change was recommended in 53% of cases different options were discussed. Patients had an overall positive opinion of the consultations. Although 80% of patients indicated they were happy with how involved they were in decisions about their care 44% said they would like to be more involved, and 47% would welcome written information or information sessions on how to be more involved in decisions about their care.

CONCLUSION

Glaucoma consultations remain "clinician-centred" and, in view of the evidence of the benefits of good clinician-patient collaboration, further studies to examine interventions to improve clinician-patient collaboration may be of benefit to glaucoma patients. These interventions could target both clinicians and patients, and many patients in this study indicated they would like to be more involved in decisions about their care and would welcome support in achieving this.

[Results of filtering trabeculotomy (FTO) compared to conventional trabeculectomy (TE)-a matched case control study]

Ziel

Ziel dieser Studie war es, die 2‑Jahres-Ergebnisse der filtrierenden Trabekulotomie (FTO) im Vergleich zur konventionellen Trabekulektomie (TE) bei primärem Offenwinkelglaukom, Pseudoexfoliationsglaukom und Pigmentglaukom zu untersuchen.

Patienten und Methoden

Es wurden 30 konsekutive Patienten nach FTO und 87 Patienten nach TE nach intraokularem Druck (IOD) und Alter im Verhältnis 1:3 gematcht. Primärer Endpunkt war das Erreichen des Zieldrucks nach 2 Jahren. Als vollständiger Erfolg wurde ein IOD ohne Medikamente von ≤ 18 mm Hg bei gleichzeitiger IOD-Reduktion um ≥ 30 % definiert, als qualifizierter Erfolg, wenn hierfür zusätzlich Medikamente erforderlich waren. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren mittlere Drucksenkung, resultierende Sehschärfe, Komplikationen und nachfolgende Operationen. Die Operationstechnik der filtrierenden Trabekulotomie ist als Video zu diesem Beitrag abrufbar.

Ergebnisse

Zwei-Jahres-Daten konnten von 27 Patienten aus der FTO-Gruppe und 68 Patienten aus der TE-Gruppe erhoben werden. Die Patienten beider Gruppen wurden vor Beginn der Studie bezüglich Alter und IOD gematcht, waren aber auch bezüglich Sehschärfe, Geschlecht und Medikation nicht unterschiedlich. Der Median des präoperativen IOD unter Therapie betrug in beiden Gruppen 23,0 mm Hg. Nach den oben genannten Kriterien wurde ein qualifizierter 2‑Jahres-Erfolg bei 70,4 % der FTO-Gruppe und bei 77,6 % der TE-Gruppe erzielt (p = 0,60), ein vollständiger 2‑Jahres-Erfolg bei 33,3 % der FTO-Gruppe und bei 56,7 % der TE-Gruppe (p = 0,07). Beide Operationsmethoden senkten den Augeninnendruck nach 24 Monaten signifikant (p < 0,001), und zwar auf 12,8 mm Hg in der FTO-Gruppe und 11,0 mm Hg in der TE-Gruppe. Die Sehschärfe war postoperativ bei beiden Gruppen etwas verringert, unterschied sich jedoch nicht signifikant zwischen beiden Gruppen. Komplikations- und Reoperationsrate waren gering und unterschieden sich nicht zwischen den Gruppen.

Schlussfolgerung

FTO und TE sind nach 2 Jahren weitgehend gleichwertig bezüglich Zieldruck, IOD-Senkung, Sehschärfe und Komplikationen.

Video online

Die Online-Version dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00347-021-01365-w) enthält ein Video zur Operationstechnik der filtrierenden Trabekulotomie. Beitrag und Video stehen Ihnen auf www.springermedizin.de zur Verfügung. Bitte geben Sie dort den Beitragstitel in die Suche ein, das Zusatzmaterial finden Sie beim Beitrag unter „Ergänzende Inhalte“.

White matter alterations in glaucoma and monocular blindness differ outside the visual system

The degree to which glaucoma has effects in the brain beyond the eye and the visual pathways is unclear. To clarify this, we investigated white matter microstructure (WMM) in 37 tracts of patients with glaucoma, monocular blindness, and controls. We used brainlife.io for reproducibility. White matter tracts were subdivided into seven categories ranging from those primarily involved in vision (the visual white matter) to those primarily involved in cognition and motor control. In the vision tracts, WMM was decreased as measured by fractional anisotropy in both glaucoma and monocular blind subjects compared to controls, suggesting neurodegeneration due to reduced sensory inputs. A test-retest approach was used to validate these results. The pattern of results was different in monocular blind subjects, where WMM properties increased outside the visual white matter as compared to controls. This pattern of results suggests that whereas in the monocular blind loss of visual input might promote white matter reorganization outside of the early visual system, such reorganization might be reduced or absent in glaucoma. The results provide indirect evidence that in glaucoma unknown factors might limit the reorganization as seen in other patient groups following visual loss.

Comparison of the Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect and Safety of Preservative-Free And Preservative-Containing Brimonidine/Timolol Fixed-Combination Ophthalmic Solutions in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of newly developed preservative-free (PF) brimonidine/timolol fixed-combination (BTFC) ophthalmic solutions and a preservative-containing (PC) BTFC ophthalmic solution in patients with open-angle glaucoma.Methods: This study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF BTFC as compared with PC BTFC in adult patients (aged ≥ 19 years) with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). A total of the 106 patients were enrolled, with 53 patients each randomized to the two treatment groups and included in the analysis of the safety set (SS).After a washout period, patients with an IOP below 35 mmHg at 9 a.m. were enrolled. After a full ophthalmic and glaucoma examination, a total of 106 OAG and OHT patients were randomized to the PF group or PC group.All subjects were examined 4 and 12 weeks after first administration. At each follow-up visit, IOP was measured at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and the efficacy, safety, and compliance were evaluated. Throughout the study, all adverse events were recorded and monitored by the investigators.Results The mean IOP changes from baseline to 12 weeks at 11:00 a.m. were -3.45 ± 2.53 mmHg in the PF group and -3.65 ± 2.76 mmHg in the PC group (p < .0001 for both). The difference in mean IOP change between the two groups was 0.20 ± 2.65 mmHg, which was not significantly different. The proportion of patients with IOP reductions of ≥ 15% and ≥ 20% and IOP at all-time points in the PF group were not significantly different when compared with in the PC group. There were no specific differences between the two groups regarding the incidence of adverse events.Conclusions PF BTFC ophthalmic solution shows a similar efficacy and safety profile to that of PC BTFC.

Caffeine and Its Neuroprotective Role in Ischemic Events: A Mechanism Dependent on Adenosine Receptors

Ischemia is characterized by a transient, insufficient, or permanent interruption of blood flow to a tissue, which leads to an inadequate glucose and oxygen supply. The nervous tissue is highly active, and it closely depends on glucose and oxygen to satisfy its metabolic demand. Therefore, ischemic conditions promote cell death and lead to a secondary wave of cell damage that progressively spreads to the neighborhood areas, called penumbra. Brain ischemia is one of the main causes of deaths and summed with retinal ischemia comprises one of the principal reasons of disability. Although several studies have been performed to investigate the mechanisms of damage to find protective/preventive interventions, an effective treatment does not exist yet. Adenosine is a well-described neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS), and acts through four subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors. Adenosine receptors, especially A₁ and A_2A receptors, are the main targets of caffeine in daily consumption doses. Accordingly, caffeine has been greatly studied in the context of CNS pathologies. In fact, adenosine system, as well as caffeine, is involved in neuroprotection effects in different pathological situations. Therefore, the present review focuses on the role of adenosine/caffeine in CNS, brain and retina, ischemic events.

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

Augmented trabeculectomy-outcomes of first hundred versus second hundred surgeries of a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon

PURPOSE

We aim to compare the outcomes of trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C by a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon in the first hundred compared to second hundred surgeries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 200 consecutive surgeries from May 2015 to January 2017. Primary outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) control and use of IOP-lowering medications. Success between first hundred (Group 1) and second hundred (Group 2) patients were reported using World Glaucoma Association guidelines. Kaplan-Meier survival demonstrated complete success and qualified success. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative complications, bleb interventions and additional procedures.

RESULTS

We found no statistical difference between the first hundred and second hundred patient's postoperative IOP at week 4 (p = 0.17), 3 months (p = 0.74), 6 months (p = 0.46), 12 months (p = 0.47), 18 months (p = 0.13) or at final follow up (p = 0.53). The mean final follow up period was 3.6 ± 0.7 years. Mean IOP reduction in Group 1 was from 27.1 ± 10.8 to 12.6 ± 7.1 (p < 0.0001) and Group 2 from 22.8 ± 8.4 to 11.3 ± 4.2 (p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier graphs showed no significant difference in complete success (p = 0.0693) or qualified success (p = 0.0866) between Group 1 and Group 2. Bleb interventions were not statistically significant between two groups. There was a significantly higher rate of complications with the first hundred patients (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Both first hundred and second hundred patient groups achieved statistically similar outcomes in long term IOP control. Significant reduction of complications was achieved in the second group of patients.

Real-World Study on Patient Satisfaction and Tolerability After Switching to Preservative-Free Latanoprost

Purpose

Patient satisfaction is important in the treatment of glaucoma. Suboptimal compliance and impaired long-term outcome are a likely result of poor tolerability. The present multicentre, international, transverse, epidemiological survey was conducted to assess the satisfaction of patients who had received preservative-free latanoprost (PFL) for at least 3 months.

Patients and Methods

A total of 1872 patients from 6 European countries, treated with PFL for at least 3 months, were included in this survey. Prior to PFL treatment, patients were to be treatment naïve or currently treated for their glaucoma. During a single routine consultation, patients completed a questionnaire concerning global satisfaction and satisfaction based on tolerability.

Results

In total, 76.2% had been previously treated; 69.4% had received preserved and 6.8% preservative-free (PF) topical treatment. After 3 months of PFL treatment, a large majority of patients (95.3%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their PFL treatment and were, overall, significantly (p<0.0001) more satisfied with PFL than with their previous treatment; 4.2% were either unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. Overall, 97.3% of originally treatment-naïve patients were satisfied (50.1%) or very satisfied (47.2%) with their PFL. Ocular surface disease was diagnosed in 9.2% of patients (n=173) and was mainly mild (76.9%). Patient satisfaction with PFL was very high.

Conclusion

PFL may be considered a valuable first-choice treatment in glaucoma patients.

Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Pathways with Glaucoma Risk and Phenotype

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of glaucoma. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammation and oxidative stress genes on the risk of glaucoma, the patients’ clinical characteristics and the glaucoma phenotype. In total, 307 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were enrolled. The control group included 339 healthy Slovenian blood donors. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood. Genotyping was performed for SOD2 rs4880, CAT rs1001179, GPX1 rs1050450, GSTP1 rs1695, GSTM1 gene deletion, GSTT1 gene deletion, IL1B rs1143623, IL1B rs16944, IL6 rs1800795 and TNF rs1800629. We found a nominally significant association of GSTM1 gene deletion with decreased risk of ocular hypertension and a protective role of IL1B rs16944 and IL6 rs1800629 in the risk of glaucoma. The CT and TT genotypes of GPX1 rs1050450 were significantly associated with advanced disease, lower intraocular pressure and a larger vertical cup–disc ratio. In conclusion, genetic variability in IL1B and IL6 may be associated with glaucoma risk, while GPX and TNF may be associated with the glaucoma phenotype. In the future, improved knowledge of these pathways has the potential for new strategies and personalised treatment of glaucoma.

Chromatographic bioanalysis of antiglaucoma drugs in ocular tissues

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of multifactorial optic neuropathies and the leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment. Epidemiological data has estimated that in 2020 there will be more than 80 million individuals affected by the disease worldwide. Nowadays, intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering is carried out mainly by pharmacotherapy, with different drugs. The study of ocular pharmacokinetics of antiglaucoma drugs, crucial for better understanding of ocular distribution, bioavailability, and pharmacodynamic parameters, can benefit the development of antiglaucoma drugs or formulations. Bioanalysis of drugs in ocular matrices is still underestimated, since it is challenging and rarely performed. Therefore, this review summarized the chromatographic methods employed for the quantification of several antiglaucoma drugs in different ocular matrices, discussing bioanalytical steps, such as sample preparation, separation, and detection. Animals and matrices as well as the challenges faced in ocular bioanalysis were also discussed. Ocular bioanalysis has been performed mainly in rabbits, the most adequate animal model for ocular studies. The matrix most used is aqueous humor, because it is cleaner and easier to sample. Sample preparation was carried out primarily employing classic techniques, such as liquid-liquid extraction, protein precipitation, and solid-phase extraction, with conventional solvents and sorbents. Chromatographic separation was achieved predominantly by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and tandem mass spectrometry prevailed for detection, although other techniques, such as fluorimetry, have also been used. It was evidenced that more efforts must be directed towards miniaturized, eco-friendly, and non-terminal sampling for sample preparation. In its turn, ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry should gain prominence in ocular bioanalysis for separation and detection, respectively, since it combines high separation capacity with selectivity and sensitivity, in addition to being an environmental friendly approach.

History, presence, and future of mitomycin C in glaucoma filtration surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mitomycin C (MMC) is an alkylating agent with extraordinary ability to crosslink DNA, preventing DNA synthesis. By this virtue, MMC is an important antitumor drug. In addition, MMC has become the gold standard medication for glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). This eye surgery creates a passage for drainage of aqueous humor (AqH) out of the eye into the sub-Tenon's space with the aim of lowering the intraocular pressure. A major cause of failure of this operation is fibrosis and scarring in the sub-Tenon's space, which will restrict AqH outflow. Intraoperative application of MMC during GFS has increased GFS success rate, presumably mainly by reducing fibrosis after GFS. However, still 10% of glaucoma surgeries fail within the first year.

RECENT FINDINGS

In this review, we evaluate risks and benefits of MMC as an adjuvant for GFS. In addition, we discuss possible improvements of its use by adjusting dose and method of administration.

SUMMARY

One way of improving GFS outcome is to prolong MMC delivery by using a drug delivery system.

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.

Additive Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effects of a Novel Selective EP2 Receptor Agonist, Omidenepag Isopropyl, Combined with Existing Antiglaucoma Agents in Conscious Ocular Normotensive Monkeys

Purpose: To investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI), a potent and highly selective prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist, as a potential first-line ocular hypotensive agent when combined with existing antiglaucoma agents in conscious ocular normotensive monkeys. Methods: Male cynomolgus monkeys were examined under conscious conditions. OMDI ophthalmic solution alone was topically applied to an eye or combined with other ophthalmic solutions at 5-min intervals. The contralateral eye was left untreated. IOP was measured before and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after instillation. Results: Topical application of OMDI to the eye resulted in statistically significant IOP reduction, which lasted for at least 6 h. The IOP-lowering effects of OMDI concomitantly administered with any of the tested antiglaucoma agents (timolol, brinzolamide, netarsudil, ripasudil, and brimonidine) were greater than those of OMDI alone. Furthermore, these enhanced IOP responses to their concomitant use were statistically significant compared with those of the tested antiglaucoma agents alone. Any combination of OMDI with the tested agents did not lead to serious abnormalities either systemically or locally in the eye. Conclusions: We demonstrated that OMDI has additive IOP-lowering effects when administered in combination with various antiglaucoma agents, namely, β-adrenergic antagonist, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase inhibitors, and α2-adrenergic agonist. These results suggest that OMDI provides additional clinical benefits because of its unique mechanisms of action when combination therapy is required.

Combined Phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS Implant with Everting Suture in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Survival Analysis and Predictive Factors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS implant with everting suture in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and to examine predictive factors of failure. Twenty-three eyes of 18 patients were enrolled. Data about time of removal of releasable sutures and traction of the everting suture and about changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected, as well as comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Success was defined by the following criteria: IOP ≤ 18 mmHg (criterion 1); IOP ≤ 15 mmHg (criterion 2); and IOP ≤ 12 mmHg (criterion 3). Success was categorized as complete or qualified, depending on whether it was reached without or with drugs, respectively. Success rate was assessed with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with a Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for potential confounders. The lowering of IOP and the reduction of medications were statistically significant at every follow-up visit compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). The complete success rates were 87%, 70%, and 17% accordingly to criterion 1, 2, and 3; the qualified success rates were 93%, 70%, and 20%, respectively. Most of the complications resolved spontaneously and conservatively. In conclusion, combined phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS Minishunt implant with everting suture is a safe and effective surgery, even in PACG, lowering IOP and number of medications.

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.

Intraocular pressure reduction in glaucoma: Does every mmHg count?

The reduction of intraocular pressure is currently the only known modifiable risk factor for the treatment of Glaucoma, which is the leading cause of irreversible worldwide blindness. This concise review discusses the evidence underpinning the reduction of intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma, the role of target intraocular pressure in clinical practice and appraises clinical data supporting the concept that every mmHg of intraocular pressure reduction is important in reducing the risk of developing glaucoma and the progression of existing disease. Every mmHg in IOP reduction is important, with evidence showing an impact on both functional and structural progression but does not however explain all glaucoma risk.

In Vivo Efficacy of Contact Lens Drug-Delivery Systems in Glaucoma Management. A Systematic Review

Adherence is crucial in medical glaucoma therapy, although half of the patients skip eyedrops. In recent years alternative drug-delivery systems have been developed. One of the most promising seems the contact lens (CL). This systematic review aims to present the in vivo efficacy of different CL drug-delivery systems. A total of 126 studies were identified following a literature search adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After full-text evaluation, 19 studies about CL drug-delivery systems were included. To date, the following drug-delivery systems have been investigated in vivo: drug-soaked CL, CL with physical barriers (vitamin E), molecularly imprinted CL, CL with implants, and nanoparticle-loaded CL. Nanoparticle-loaded CL and CL with implants seem the most promising drug-delivery systems, although initial burst drug release and patient acceptance may limit their widespread use in current practice. Clinical trials are warranted to understand the role of CL as a drug-delivery system in improving glaucomatous patient care.

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.

Improving Adherence to Topical Medication in Patients with Glaucoma

The glaucomas form a heterogenous group of conditions, which collectively account for one of the most common irreversible causes of blindness worldwide. The only treatment, for which there is evidence, to stop or slow glaucomatous disease progression is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP); this is most often initially achieved with topical medication. Adherence to anti-glaucoma therapy is known to be low even when compared with adherence to therapy for other chronic conditions. We performed a PubMed search to review evidence as to how adherence to and persistence with anti-glaucoma medications might be improved. Approaches to improving adherence include technological (such as using smart drop bottles or automated reminders) use of instillation aids, improving communication with patient education and improving tolerability of eye drop formulations. There is limited short-term evidence that automated reminders can be effective and, unfortunately, instillation aids have not proved to be efficacious with respect to improving adherence. A range of factors have been identified which affect adherence and persistence, although only a multi-faceted approach has proven evidence of efficacy, compared to improved patient education alone. There is now a wider range of available preservative-free eye drops, which have been shown to be non-inferior in achieving IOP control, with fewer side effects and improved short-term adherence. Further studies relating to adherence are warranted, particularly given the projected increase in glaucoma prevalence worldwide.

Prostaglandin F2α Agonists Negatively Modulate the Size of 3D Organoids from Primary Human Orbital Fibroblasts

Purpose

To elucidate the molecular etiology of deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (DUES) induced by prostaglandin (PG) analogs, a three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture system was employed using human orbital fibroblasts (HOFs).

Methods

During adipogenesis, changes in HOF 3D organoid sizes, as well as their lipids stained by BODIPY and expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by immunolabeling and/or quantitative PCR, were studied in the presence or absence of either 100-nM bimatoprost acid or 100-nM prostaglandin F2α.

Results

The size of the 3D organoids increased remarkably during adipogenesis, but such increases were significantly inhibited by the presence of PG analogs. Staining intensities by BODIPY and mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma were significantly increased upon adipogenesis but were not influenced by the presence of PG analogs. Unique changes in ECM expression observed with or without adipogenic differentiation were significantly modified by the presence of PG analogs.

Conclusions

Our present study indicates that PG analogs have the potential to modulate the ECM network within HOF 3D organoids. Thus, a 3D tissue culture system may be a suitable strategy for understanding the disease etiology of DUES.

Correlation of Visual Field With Peripapillary Vessel Density Through Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Purpose

To investigate the retinal vessel density (VD) in healthy and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) eyes through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to determine the correlation between VD and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and functional visual field (VF) defects for different locations.

Methods

A total of 74 NTG eyes and 24 healthy eyes were included. OCTA VD at 4.5 × 4.5 mm peripapillary region and 3.0 × 3.0 mm macula area, RNFL thickness, and VF pattern deviation results were individually analyzed on the basis of the Garway-Heath sectorization. Correlations between VD and VF/RNFL and VF were compared.

Results

In the NTG group, peripapillary VD, superficial macula VD, RNFL thickness, and ganglion cell complex thickness were significantly lower. In the whole peripapillary area and inferotemporal sector, anatomic correlations between VD and VF pattern deviation values were significantly higher than those between the RNFL thickness and VF values. In the subgroup analysis, VD was anatomically correlated with VF in early-, moderate-, and severe-stage NTG eyes, whereas the RNFL thickness was correlated with VF in moderate- and severe-stage NTG eyes.

Conclusions

We observed VD reduction in the peripapillary retina and superficial macula area in NTG eyes. The microvascular dropout of VD in the peripapillary retina, especially in the inferotemporal sector, provided a more accurate anatomic correlation with functional VF defects than that of the RNFL thickness, especially in early-stage NTG eyes.

Translational Relevance

In patients who cannot comply VF exam, VD is a good tool for disease detection.

Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Despite the importance of the early detection of glaucoma, most patients with progressive glaucoma show minimal symptoms. We aimed to evaluate biomarkers for glaucoma diagnosis in Korea. Forty-two volunteers with/without open-angle glaucoma were enrolled from January through October 2015—divided into a control or open-angle glaucoma group, which was further divided into normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and high-tension glaucoma (HTG) groups—and underwent assessments for myelin basic protein (MBP), heat shock protein 60, anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) and antigen B (SSB), anti-α-fodrin, and anti-nucleic acid. The glaucoma group showed a higher serum MBP level and lower serum anti-α-fodrin antibody level than the control group (p < 0.05). The NTG group showed higher serum anti-SSA and anti-SSB levels and lower anti-α-fodrin IgG/IgA levels than the HTG group. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for serum MBP level was 0.917 in discriminating between controls and patients with glaucoma. Between the NTG and HTG groups, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, and anti-α-fodrin IgG/IgA levels showed an AUC above 0.8. Thus, these biomarkers were useful for diagnosing glaucoma and discriminating between controls and patients with glaucoma, and patients with NTG and HTG.

Neurotrophic Factors in Glaucoma and Innovative Delivery Systems

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease and a worldwide leading cause of irreversible vision loss. In the last decades, high efforts have been made to develop novel treatments effective in inducing protection and/or recovery of neural function in glaucoma, including neurotrophic factors (NTFs). These approaches have shown encouraging data in preclinical setting; however, the challenge of sustained, targeted delivery to the retina and optic nerve still prevents the clinical translation. In this paper, the authors review and discuss the most recent advances for the use of NTFs treatment in glaucoma, including intraocular delivery. Novel strategies in drug and gene delivery technology for NTFs are proving effective in promoting long-term retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival and related functional improvements. Results of experimental and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of biodegradable slow-release NTF-loaded microparticle devices, encapsulated NTF-secreting cells implants, mimetic ligands for NTF receptors, and viral and non-viral NTF gene vehicles are discussed. NTFs are able to prevent and even reverse apoptotic ganglion cell death. Nevertheless, neuroprotection in glaucoma remains an open issue due to the unmet need of sustained delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. The recent advances in intraocular delivery systems pave the way for possible future use of NTFs in clinical practice for the treatment of glaucoma.

Omidenepag Isopropyl Versus Latanoprost in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: The Phase 3 AYAME Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI), a selective, non-prostaglandin, prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist, in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

DESIGN

Phase III, randomized, investigator-masked, active-controlled, parallel-group, noninferiority study (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02623738).

METHODS

After a washout period of 1-4 weeks, eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to OMDI 0.002% or latanoprost 0.005% once daily for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 5:00 PM at weeks 1, 2, and 4. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in mean diurnal IOP at week 4. The noninferiority margin for OMDI versus latanoprost was 1.5 mm Hg. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 190 patients randomized, 189 had at least 1 post-baseline IOP measurement. At baseline, patients who received OMDI or latanoprost had a mean ± SD diurnal IOP of 23.78 ± 1.73 mm Hg and 23.40 ± 1.51 mm Hg, respectively. At week 4, least-squares mean ± SE reduction in IOP from baseline with OMDI (-5.93 ± 0.23 mm Hg) was noninferior to that of latanoprost (-6.56 ± 0.22 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval between groups: 0.01-1.26). The most frequently reported treatment-related ocular AEs (OMDI vs latanoprost) were conjunctival hyperemia (23/94 patients [24.5%] vs 10/96 patients [10.4%]), corneal thickening (11/94 patients [11.7%] vs 1/96 patients [1.0%]), and punctate keratitis (0/94 patients vs 5/96 patients [5.2%]). No serious AEs were observed in either group, and there were no discontinuations related to the study drug.

CONCLUSIONS

OMDI 0.002% was noninferior to latanoprost 0.005% in reducing IOP in patients with OHT or POAG and was well tolerated.

Signs and Symptoms of Ocular Surface Disease: The Reasons for Patient Dissatisfaction with Glaucoma Treatments

Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) and hyperemia are the most common adverse events of topical ocular medications. While active compounds may cause allergic reactions or irritation, preservatives, which are intended to prevent bacterial growth, are toxic as well. Therefore, the most recent glaucoma medications no longer contain preservatives. Despite this, local tolerability may still impact treatment compliance and patient quality of life. We conducted an observational, multi-center, international, cross-sectional study in 793 treated and stabilized glaucoma patients to assess patient satisfaction and local tolerability of their treatment. The vast majority (93.7%) of patients was satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment in terms of tolerability and only 6.3% were dissatisfied. However, ophthalmological examination showed a high frequency of ocular signs: conjunctival hyperemia (32%), OSD (42.5%) and positive conjunctival fluorescein staining (10.3%). Additionally, patients reported symptoms upon instillation (31.4%) and between instillations (57.3%); 25.1% of patients were using tear substitutes. All signs and symptoms were significantly (p<0.001) associated with patient dissatisfaction. A logistic regression model indicated that dissatisfaction was higher in patients with symptoms upon instillation and in those using tear substitutes (OR: 3.03 and 4.63, respectively). The mean patient tolerability score to treatment was 82.7±16.1 on a 100-point visual analogue scale. In conclusion, even if patients may be highly satisfied with their current treatment, most of them present ocular signs and symptoms. A treatment change should be considered in case of clinical signs or patient-reported symptoms.

Numerical model to predict and compare the hypotensive efficacy and safety of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices

Purpose

To predict and compare the hypotensive efficacy of three minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) implants through a numerical model.

Methods

Post-implant hypotensive efficacy was evaluated by using a numerical model and a computational fluid dynamics simulation. Three different devices were compared: the XEN 45 stent (tube diameter, 45 μm), the XEN 63 stent (63 μm) and the PreserFlo microshunt (70 μm). The influence of the filtration bleb pressure (Bp) and tube diameter, length, and position within the anterior chamber (AC) on intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated.

Results

Using baseline IOPs of 25, 30 and 50 mmHg, respectively, the corresponding computed post-implant IOPs for each device were as follows: XEN 45: 17 mmHg (29% decrease), 19 mmHg (45%) and 20 mmHg (59%) respectively; XEN 63: 13 mmHg (48%), 13 mmHg (62%), and 13 mmHg (73%); PreserFlo: 12 mmHg (59%), 13 mmHg (73%) and 13 mmHg (73%). At a baseline IOP of 35 mmHg with an increase in the outflow resistance within the Bp from 5 to 17 mmHg, the hypotensive efficacy for each device was reduced as follows: XEN45: 54% to 37%; XEN 63: 74% to 46%; and PreserFlo: 75% to 47%. The length and the position of the tube in the AC had only a minimal (non-significant) effect on IOP (<0.1 mmHg).

Conclusions

This hydrodynamic/numerical model showed that implant diameter and bleb pressure are the two most pertinent determinants of hypotensive efficacy. In distinction, tube length and position in the AC do not significantly influence IOP.

Microcirculatory model predicts blood flow and autoregulation range in the human retina: in vivo investigation with laser speckle flowgraphy

In this study, we mathematically predict retinal vascular resistance (RVR) and retinal blood flow (RBF), we test predictions using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), we estimate the range of vascular autoregulation, and we examine the relationship of RBF with the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC). Fundus, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-angiography images, systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained from 36 human subjects. We modeled two circulation markers (RVR and RBF) and estimated individualized lower/higher autoregulation limits (LARL/HARL), using retinal vessel calibers, fractal dimension, perfusion pressure, and population-based hematocrit values. Quantitative LSFG waveforms were extracted from vessels of the same eyes, before and during IOP elevation. LSFG metrics explained most variance in RVR (R² = 0.77/P = 6.9·10^-9) and RBF (R² = 0.65/P = 1.0·10^-6), suggesting that the markers strongly reflect blood flow physiology. Higher RBF was associated with thicker RNFL (P = 4.0·10^-4) and GCC (P = 0.003), thus also verifying agreement with structural measurements. LARL was at SBP/DBP of 105/65 mmHg for the average subject without arterial hypertension and at 115/75 mmHg for the average hypertensive subject. Moreover, during IOP elevation, changes in RBF were more pronounced than changes in RVR. These observations physiologically imply that healthy subjects are already close to LARL, thus prone to hypoperfusion. In conclusion, we modeled two clinical markers and described a novel method to predict individualized autoregulation limits. These findings could improve understanding of retinal perfusion and pave the way for personalized intervention decisions, when treating patients with coexisting ophthalmic and cardiovascular pathologies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We describe and test a new approach to quantify retinal blood flow, based on standard clinical examinations and imaging techniques, linked together with a physiological model. We use these findings to generate individualized estimates of the autoregulation range. We provide evidence that healthy subjects are closer to the lower autoregulation limit than thought before. This suggests that some retinas are less prepared to withstand hypoperfusion, even after small intraocular pressure rises or blood pressure drops.

[Dependency of intraocular pressure on body posture in glaucoma patients : New approaches to pathogenesis and treatment]

BACKROUND

Human intraocular pressure (IOP) depends on the position of the head in relation to the body in space. Physiologically, the IOP increases in a lying position compared to an upright posture. Microgravity in space also appears to cause an increase in intraocular pressure, accompanied by other ophthalmological changes, which are summarized under the term spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Bed rest studies are being carried out to investigate the effects of weightlessness on the human body. So here there is an intersection between research into SANS and glaucoma. Increased intraocular pressure remains the most important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression that can be influenced by treatment. The influence of position-dependent IOP fluctuations on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was carried in PubMed on the subject of IOP fluctuations related to posture. Analysis and evaluation of the published study results and a summary of available clinical data.

RESULTS

The increase in IOP when changing from a seated to a lying body position is greater in glaucoma patients with an increase of up to 8.6 mm Hg compared to healthy subjects with an increase up to 5 mm Hg. In small pilot studies the increase in lying IOP in some glaucoma patients and healthy volunteers could be attenuated by elevation of the head by 30%. A lower compartmental pressure in the subarachnoid space has been associated with glaucoma and may represent a risk factor for glaucoma development. Not only the level of IOP but also IOP fluctuations were associated with an increased risk of disease progression.

CONCLUSION

The clinical significance of IOP peaks during sleep on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood. New methods for continuous IOP measurement offer promising opportunities for further research into the importance of IOP fluctuations related to changes of body and head posture.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery Techniques using an Oculopression Stress Test

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. The only evidence-based treatment to slow down the progression of glaucoma is the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) using local medication or through surgery. During the last years, a large number of microinvasive glaucoma surgery techniques (MIGS) has been developed, in order to reduce the IOP in glaucoma patients safely and effectively. Until now, efficacy of MIGS has been assessed mainly according to the postoperative IOP and the number of medications used. Results from long-term studies are rare or not available in the majority of the cases. In order to better evaluate the functionality of MIGS, a new examination method has been developed with the help of a new oculopressor device. In this study the efficacy of different MIGS techniques will be examined using the new oculopressor.

MATERIAL/METHODS

At first, glaucoma patients that had previously received a MIGS surgery (iStent inject, XEN Stent, ELT) were examined with the new oculopression test. Their results were compared with those of non-operated patients and healthy individuals. Overall, 38 healthy subjects (group 1), 10 non-operated patients (group 2), 19 patients after iStent inject implantation (group 3), 14 patients after XEN Stent implantation (group 4) and 5 patients after ELT (group 5) were examined. The new examination measures the IOP-reduction that occurs after oculopression and can be seen as an indirect measurement of the outflow facility of the eye.

RESULTS

The IOP-reduction after oculopression differed among the study groups. Non-operated patients showed a significantly lower IOP-reduction compared to healthy individuals. Patients after iStent inject and XEN stent implantation showed a larger reduction of IOP after oculopression in relation to non-operated patients and their results approximated those of healthy individuals. These patients needed fewer medications postoperatively in relation to non-operated patients. Patients after ELT showed postoperatively a smaller reduction of IOP after oculopression compared to iStent inject and XEN stent patients.

CONCLUSION

MIGS can increase the outflow facility of the eye in patients with glaucoma. Though ELT had the lowest impact on the aqueous outflow among the studied procedures in this study. The new test can help in the evaluation of current and further development of new MIGS in the future.

Development and clinical deployment of a smartphone-based visual field deep learning system for glaucoma detection

By 2040, ~100 million people will have glaucoma. To date, there are a lack of high-efficiency glaucoma diagnostic tools based on visual fields (VFs). Herein, we develop and evaluate the performance of 'iGlaucoma', a smartphone application-based deep learning system (DLS) in detecting glaucomatous VF changes. A total of 1,614,808 data points of 10,784 VFs (5542 patients) from seven centers in China were included in this study, divided over two phases. In Phase I, 1,581,060 data points from 10,135 VFs of 5105 patients were included to train (8424 VFs), validate (598 VFs) and test (3 independent test sets-200, 406, 507 samples) the diagnostic performance of the DLS. In Phase II, using the same DLS, iGlaucoma cloud-based application further tested on 33,748 data points from 649 VFs of 437 patients from three glaucoma clinics. With reference to three experienced expert glaucomatologists, the diagnostic performance (area under curve [AUC], sensitivity and specificity) of the DLS and six ophthalmologists were evaluated in detecting glaucoma. In Phase I, the DLS outperformed all six ophthalmologists in the three test sets (AUC of 0.834-0.877, with a sensitivity of 0.831-0.922 and a specificity of 0.676-0.709). In Phase II, iGlaucoma had 0.99 accuracy in recognizing different patterns in pattern deviation probability plots region, with corresponding AUC, sensitivity and specificity of 0.966 (0.953-0.979), 0.954 (0.930-0.977), and 0.873 (0.838-0.908), respectively. The 'iGlaucoma' is a clinically effective glaucoma diagnostic tool to detect glaucoma from humphrey VFs, although the target population will need to be carefully identified with glaucoma expertise input.

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Mild-to-Moderate Glaucoma Patients in Italy: Is It Time to Change?

Medical therapy is the first treatment choice for most patients with glaucoma; however, in a relevant proportion of patients, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is achieved with multi-therapy and/or high therapeutic doses. Conventional surgery is the standard alternative to medical therapy when this is not effective or not tolerated. Recently, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been advocated as first-line therapy, and "minimally invasive glaucoma surgery" (MIGS) has been developed as safer and less traumatic surgical intervention for patients with glaucoma. Schlemm's canal surgery has emerged as one of the approaches with the most favorable risk-benefit profile for glaucoma patients in need of cataract surgery. However, despite the promising results, use of MIGS in Italy has been extremely low. We aimed to investigate the reasons of the lower-than-expected use of Schlemm's canal-based MIGS devices in Italy, share our perspective on their potential place in therapy, and give practical suggestions to improve the management of glaucoma patients.

Clinical outcomes of trabecular microbypass stent (iStent) implantation in medically controlled open-angle glaucoma in the Korean population

To evaluate the safety and efficacy [intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and medication use] of a single trabecular microbypass stent (iStent; Glaukos Corp, San Clemente, CA) for medically controlled open-angle glaucoma.This retrospective case series included 42 eyes of 34 patients with medically controlled open-angle glaucoma with IOP less than 21 mm Hg. Clinical outcomes analyzed were IOP, medication use, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and surgical complications. Surgical success was defined according to 4 criteria: IOP < 21 mm Hg without medication; IOP < 18 mm Hg without medication; IOP < 15 mm Hg without medications; and IOP < 18 mm Hg with or without medication. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively.Mean IOP was reduced from 15.8 ± 2.8 mm Hg to 14.5 ± 2.8 mm Hg (P < .001), while mean number of medications decreased from 2.2 ± 1.2 to 0.8 ± 1.1 at final visit (P < .001). Surgical success rates were 78.6%, 61.9%, 57.1%, and 97.6% at 6 months and 78.6%, 59.5%, 52.4%, and 95.2% at final visits according to criteria A, B, C, and D. Meanwhile, 59.5% of patients were medication-free at their final visit. The relative risk of surgical failure by Criteria B and C was 4.337 (95% confidence interval: 1.799-10.454) and 3.717 (95% confidence interval: 1.516-9.116) times greater in the higher-medication group (3 or more preoperative medications), respectively. CDVA was significantly improved from 0.41 ± 0.10 to 0.09 ± 0.07 LogMAR in the combined phacoemulsification and iStent implantation group (P < .001). There was no case whose vision was threatened (vision loss of 2 or more lines) or who showed severe complications after surgery.Single trabecular microbypass stent implantation was effective in reducing IOP and medication usage in patients with open-angle glaucoma with a low preoperative IOP. Our results imply that it is more difficult to achieve low target IOP control in eyes with higher numbers of preoperative medications.

Predicting Lifetime Transition Risk of Severe Visual Field Defects Using Monte Carlo Simulation in Japanese Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose

To maintain visual fields and quality of life over a lifetime, medical practice must be conducted taking into consideration not only visual field progression but also future visual field changes that occur over the patients’ expected lifespan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of establishing a model that predicts prognosis, estimating the proportion of glaucoma patients with severe visual field defects.

Patients and Methods

The data of 191 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, with a predominance of normal-tension glaucoma, were used for this study. The model was developed based on patients’ backgrounds and risk factors, using Monte Carlo simulation. A “severe visual field defect” was defined as ≤-20 dB. The mean deviation (MD) value for 10,000 virtual patients in each simulation pattern (144 patterns) was calculated using a predictive formula to estimate the MD slope, and the effects of risk factors and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction on the proportion of patients with severe visual field defects were evaluated.

Results

Younger age, later-stage disease, more severe glaucomatous structural abnormalities and the presence of disc hemorrhage were associated with an increase in the progression rate of patients with severe visual field defects. Conversely, lower IOP was associated with a decrease in this rate.

Conclusion

Combining regression analysis with Monte Carlo simulation could be a useful method for developing predictive models of prognosis in glaucoma patients.

Comparing glaucoma medications and general demographics in a sample of glaucoma patients treated in private practice with nationwide registry data in Finland

PURPOSE

To investigate the outpatient glaucoma care provided by Finnish private ophthalmologists and to compare this information with the data obtained from national databases.

METHODS

The data were collected by 13 investigators in 27 centres in southern Finland. Patient demography, relevant systemic diseases, possible history of ocular surgery, duration of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) and type of glaucoma were registered. Ocular hypertensive medication(s) used during the last 6 months were recorded using the generic name coded by the current ATC/DDD index. The data were compared with a dataset obtained from the IMS Health database and the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).

RESULTS

In total, 568 patients from private ophthalmology clinics were included. Mean age was 70 years (range 30-90 years), and the mean duration of glaucoma was 8.3 years. In general, IOP control was good (mean 16.9 mmHg). The average cost of glaucoma treatment for a single study patient was 336 euros per year. The findings obtained from the survey were similar to those of the nationwide databases, although fewer of the more aggressive glaucoma cases were managed in the private clinics examined during the study.

CONCLUSION

The study patients were treated effectively by private ophthalmologist. Their medication and the cost of medication were the same as in public clinics. Patients with aggressive glaucoma seem to be generally managed by public hospitals.

Current and new pharmacotherapeutic approaches for glaucoma

INTRODUCTION

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Medical therapy is the main line of treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension. Despite the expansion of the glaucoma lineup with the newly approved medication classes, many barriers and issues still exist with topical therapy. Novel non-topical drug delivery may address such issues, adding more options to glaucoma pharmacotherapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review outlines current topical therapies for glaucoma, in addition to new medications under trials. The issues with topical therapy, in general, are discussed, as well as the new non-topical drug delivery systems. The authors performed a comprehensive search for published studies on glaucoma medical therapy using the electronic database of PubMed and manual search for each medication and non-topical delivery options. The extra- and intraocular delivery methods and the new topical glaucoma medications under research are covered.

EXPERT OPINION

Medical management of glaucoma represents a challenge for both patients and clinicians. Noncompliance (e.g. difficulty with administering the eye drops), cost, side effects, and intraocular pressure fluctuation are the major problems with topical therapy. To overcome such barriers, research should continue in developing new medications and innovation of non-topical drug delivery systems.

Detection of Progressive Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Damage on Fundus Photographs with Deep Learning

Purpose

To investigate whether predictions of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness obtained from a deep learning model applied to fundus photographs can detect progressive glaucomatous changes over time.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

Eighty-six thousand one hundred twenty-three pairs of color fundus photographs and spectral-domain (SD) OCT images collected during 21 232 visits from 8831 eyes of 5529 patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspects.

Methods

A deep learning convolutional neural network was trained to assess fundus photographs and to predict SD OCT global RNFL thickness measurements. The model then was tested on an independent sample of eyes that had longitudinal follow-up with both fundus photography and SD OCT. The ability to detect eyes that had statistically significant slopes of SD OCT change was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The repeatability of RNFL thickness predictions was investigated by measurements obtained from multiple photographs that had been acquired during the same day.

Main Outcome Measures

The relationship between change in predicted RNFL thickness from photographs and change in SD OCT RNFL thickness over time.

Results

The test sample consisted of 33 466 pairs of fundus photographs and SD OCT images collected during 7125 visits from 1147 eyes of 717 patients. Eyes in the test sample were followed up for an average of 5.3 ± 3.3 years, with an average of 6.2 ± 3.8 visits. A significant correlation was found between change over time in predicted and observed RNFL thickness (r = 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.80; P < 0.001). Retinal nerve fiber layer predictions showed an ROC curve area of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83–0.88) to discriminate progressors from nonprogressors. For detecting fast progressors (slope faster than 2 μm/year), the ROC curve area was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94–0.98), with a sensitivity of 97% for 80% specificity and 85% for 90% specificity. For photographs obtained at the same visit, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.946 (95% CI, 0.940–0.952), with a coefficient of variation of 3.2% (95% CI, 3.1%–3.3%).

Conclusions

A deep learning model was able to obtain objective and quantitative estimates of RNFL thickness that correlated well with SD OCT measurements and potentially could be used to monitor for glaucomatous changes over time.