Comparison of the nocturnal effects of once-daily timolol and latanoprost on intraocular pressure

24-Hour Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Preservative-Free Tafluprost-Timolol Fixed Combination in Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertensive Patients Previously Treated with Preserved Latanoprost

Purpose

The effectiveness, safety and tolerability of the preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost and timolol (PF-TTFC) were evaluated over the 24-h in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension showing signs and symptoms of Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) on prior benzalkonium chloride (BAK) - Latanoprost monotherapy.

Methods

In this multi-center, prospective, interventional, non-comparative clinical trial, patients treated with BAK-Latanoprost underwent 24-h IOP measurements (8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, 11 pm, 2 am, 5 am) at baseline and after 3 months from switch to PF-TTFC. Mean 24-h IOP and daytime (8 am-8 pm) vs nighttime (11 pm - 5 am) IOP were compared. Changes in OSD signs and symptoms, quality of life (QoL) and in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) were also evaluated.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were analyzed. The mean 24-h IOP significantly decreased after 3 months from 17.8 mmHg (95% CI: 17.1-18.6) to 15.3 mmHg (95% CI: 14.6-16.1, p < 0.001). IOP was significantly reduced both at daytime (p < 0.001) and nighttime (p < 0.001), with better IOP control at night [-2.9 (95% CI: -3.5 to -2.1) mmHg vs -2.3 (95% CI: -2.9 to -1.6) mmHg]. In 20 patients (52.6%), corneal fluorescein staining improved, whereas in 4 patients (10.5%) it worsened. Hyperemia has improved in 24 (63.3%) patients and worsened in 2 (5.3%). Breakup time, Schirmer test and QoL scores showed no changes. At IVCM, the mean corneal wing-cell size was found significantly decreased (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

The switch from BAK-Latanoprost to PF-TTFC significantly reduced IOP over the 24-h and improved OSD signs and symptoms.

Alternatives to Topical Glaucoma Medication for Glaucoma Management

Topical glaucoma medications have favorable safety and efficacy, but their use is limited by factors such as side effects, nonadherence, costs, ocular surface disease, intraocular pressure fluctuations, diminished quality of life, and the inherent difficulty of penetrating the corneal surface. Although traditionally these limitations have been accepted as an inevitable part of glaucoma treatment, a rapidly-evolving arena of minimally invasive surgical and laser interventions has initiated the beginnings of a reevaluation of the glaucoma treatment paradigm. This reevaluation encompasses an overall shift away from the reactive, topical-medication-first default and a shift toward earlier intervention with laser or surgical therapies such as selective laser trabeculoplasty, sustained-release drug delivery, and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery. Aside from favorable safety, these interventions may have clinically important attributes such as consistent IOP control, cost-effectiveness, independence from patient adherence, prevention of disease progression, and improved quality of life.

Challenging the "Topical Medications-First" Approach to Glaucoma: A Treatment Paradigm in Evolution

Topical glaucoma medications are effective and safe, but they have numerous well-documented limitations that diminish their long-term utility and sustainability. These limitations can include high rates of nonadherence (with associated glaucoma progression), concerning side effects, inconsistent circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) control, complex dosing regimens, difficulty with self-administration, costs, and decreased quality of life. Despite these limitations, topical medications traditionally have been first-line in the glaucoma treatment algorithm, as no other minimally invasive treatment alternatives existed. In recent years, however, novel interventional therapies-including sustained-release drug-delivery platforms, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery procedures-have made it possible to intervene earlier without relying on topical medications. As a result, the topical medication-first treatment approach is being reevaluated in an overall shift toward earlier more proactive interventions.

Single Administration of Bimatoprost Implant: Effects on 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure and 1-Year Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of a single bimatoprost implant administration on 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering at 8 weeks, and 1-year IOP-lowering efficacy and safety outcomes.

DESIGN

Multicenter, open-label, 12-month, phase 3b study (NCT04285580).

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

METHODS

Participants (n = 31) received 10-μg bimatoprost implant in the study eye on day 1; IOP (sitting and/or supine) was measured with pneumatonometry every 2 hours throughout a 24-hour period at baseline and week 8. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) at hour 0 (8 am ± 1 hour) at baseline, weeks 8 and 16, and months 6, 9, and 12.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was the week-8 hour-matched change from baseline in habitual position IOP over 24 hours assessed with pneumatonometry. Hour 0 IOP change from baseline measured with GAT in study eyes that received no additional (rescue) IOP-lowering treatment, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and central corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) were evaluated through 12 months.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation [SD]) baseline IOP at hour 0 was 24.2 (2.70) mmHg and 25.3 (7.15) mmHg by GAT and pneumatonometry, respectively. Pneumatonometer measurements of IOP taken over 24 hours at week 8 with the participant in habitual position (sitting from 8 am to 10 pm, supine from 12 am to 6 am) showed consistent IOP lowering through the day and night and reduced fluctuation in IOP. The range in IOP measurements over 24 hours was reduced from baseline by a mean (SD) of -1.6 (2.98) mmHg. All 31 bimatoprost implant-treated participants completed the 12-month study; 23 (74%) required no rescue IOP-lowering treatment. The mean (SD) IOP reduction from baseline at month 12 in nonrescued eyes was -4.3 (3.35) mmHg. The most common TEAE was conjunctival hyperemia (incidence 35.5%, 11/31). No implant-treated eye had a ≥ 15% loss in CECD from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

A single intracameral administration of the bimatoprost implant lowered IOP in the habitual position consistently throughout the day and night at week 8. The majority of participants continued to have reduced IOP for 1 year without additional therapy. The 1-year safety profile was favorable.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Negative Pressure Application via a Multi-Pressure Dial to Lower IOP in Patients with Suspected Glaucoma or Open Angle Glaucoma

PRCIS

The multi-pressure dial applies localized periocular negative pressure to safely and effectively lower IOP and represents the first non-invasive, non-pharmacologic device for IOP reduction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Multi-Pressure Dial (MPD) system, a device that applies periocular negative pressure to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

SETTING

6 investigational sites, United States.

DESIGN

Prospective, assessor-masked, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Subjects with suspected glaucoma, ocular hypertension (OHTN), and open angle glaucoma (OAG) with baseline IOP ≥13 mmHg and ≤32 mmHg were enrolled. One eye of each subject was randomized to receive negative pressure application; the fellow eye served as a control. The study eye negative pressure setting was programmed for 60% of the baseline IOP. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of study eyes versus control eyes achieving an IOP reduction ≥20% at Day 90. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction ≥25% at Day 90 as well as the proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction ≥20% at Days 30 and 60.

RESULTS

116 eyes of 58 subjects completed the study. At the Day 90 visit, 89.7% ( n =52) of study eyes versus 3.4% ( n =2) of control eyes achieved an IOP reduction ≥20% ( P <0.001). At Day 90, 77.6% ( n =45) of study eyes achieved a ≥25% IOP reduction compared to 1.7% ( n =1) of control eyes ( P <0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events were lid (17.2% study eye, 7.8% control eye) and periorbital edema (14.1% study eye, 10.9% control eye).

CONCLUSIONS

This trial demonstrates that the MPD safely and effectively lowers IOP in a group of patients that included glaucoma suspects, OHTN, and patients with OAG.

Circadian Fluctuation Changes in Intraocular Pressure Measured Using a Contact Lens Sensor in Patients with Glaucoma after the Adjunctive Administration of Ripasudil: A Prospective Study

Nocturnal and circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations are important issues in glaucoma treatment. Ripasudil 0.4% eye drops, a new glaucoma medication, lowers IOP by increasing aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. We aimed to compare differences between circadian IOP fluctuations measured using a contact lens sensor (CLS) before and after administering 0.4% ripasudil eye drops adjunctively to patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Patients with POAG (n = 1) and NTG (n = 5) underwent 24 h IOP monitoring with a CLS before and after administering ripasudil eye drops every 12 h (8 a.m., 8 p.m.) for 2 weeks without discontinuing currently used glaucoma medications. No vision-threatening adverse event occurred. The reduction in IOP fluctuation and the reduction in the SD of IOP in 24 h, awake time and sleep time did not reach statistical significance. The baseline office-hour IOP, which was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), ranged in the low teens, and the reduction in office-hour IOP also did not show a significant difference. Further study is necessary to evaluate whether the low baseline IOP with less IOP reduction relates to attenuated IOP fluctuation reduction.

The case for standalone micro-invasive glaucoma surgery: rethinking the role of surgery in the glaucoma treatment paradigm

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight progress in glaucoma therapy challenging the traditional medication-first approach and present evidence supporting early standalone surgery in the era of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Medical therapy is limited by well documented poor adherence that compromises the quality of intraocular pressure reduction. Results from modern clinical trials demonstrate advantages of selective laser trabeculoplasty and MIGS procedures in terms of both IOP control and progression risk.

SUMMARY

The MIGS options for pseudophakic or precataractous patients are limited by regulatory rules that require the performance of some procedures only at the time of cataract surgery. These include the iStent/iStent Inject and the Hydrus implants. Nonbleb-forming procedures currently available for standalone use in eyes with mild-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma include gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (which lowers IOP by 28-61% and medication use by 38-73% in various studies), trabecular ablation with the Trabectome (23-39% and 21-43%, respectively), excisional goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (15-36% and 15-40%, respectively), ab interno canaloplasty (35% and 57%, respectively), and combined canaloplasty and trabeculotomy using the OMNI system (39-40% and 64-73%, respectively). For patients who would benefit from early standalone surgery, these procedures offer meaningful reductions in both IOP and medication burden.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of glaucoma: a review of phase II & III trials

INTRODUCTION

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. By 2040, the number of individuals with glaucoma is expected to nearly double. The only known modifiable risk factor for glaucoma is intraocular pressure. Topical medications are often used as first-line therapies. Although there are numerous available treatments, there continues to be a need for the development of new medical therapies due to variable response, intolerable side-effect profiles in some patients, and elevated intraocular pressure refractory to other treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This review will cover glaucoma medications currently undergoing phase II and III of drug development.

EXPERT OPINION

There are numerous drugs currently in development that have demonstrated significant and clinically relevant reduction of intraocular pressure. Differentiating factors include improved tolerability, novel mechanisms of action, multiple mechanisms of action, or superior IOP reduction. However, the availability of generic prostaglandin analogs may limit adoption of these novel compounds as first-line agents, except for certain subgroups of glaucoma patients. Use as adjuvant or second-line therapy appears more likely for the majority of glaucoma patients.

Clinical Trial: Diurnal IOP Fluctuations in Glaucoma Using Latanoprost and Timolol with Self-Tonometry

SIGNIFICANCE

Assessment of treatment efficacy via comparison with a target IOP is fundamental in monitoring patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This article highlights that diurnal IOP fluctuations obtained using self-tonometry may more accurately reflect IOP responses to therapy.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate fluctuations in diurnal IOP measurements in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension treated with latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.25%.

METHODS

In this crossover treatment trial, 14 participants performed self-tonometry with iCare HOME 4 times daily for (1) 1 week using latanoprost, (2) 4 weeks using no medications, and (3) 2 weeks using timolol. Daily peak IOPs, IOP fluctuations, and mean IOPs from different treatments were compared on an individual basis. Treatment efficacy between medications was assessed by comparing mean percentage IOP reductions with latanoprost and timolol across participants. In addition, effects of age, years since commencing latanoprost, sex, and diagnosis were investigated, and peak IOP times were compared with assess impacts on diurnal profiles.

RESULTS

Between individuals, IOP responses ranged from reductions in peak IOPs, IOP fluctuations, and mean IOPs on both medications to no change in any parameter and medication. IOP fluctuations showed greater mean percentage reductions than did peak and mean IOPs (χ2 = 16.51, P = .002). There were significant associations between years since commencing latanoprost and peak and mean IOP responses on timolol (r = 0.69, P = .007), and sex and relative reductions in IOP fluctuations on both medications (P = .03). There were no differences in peak IOP times between treatment conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite variability in IOP responses to latanoprost and timolol, IOP fluctuation with self-tonometry was more consistent in evaluating target IOP, reflecting its importance in ascertaining true IOP response to topical therapies. These findings may impact clinical decision making based on target IOP criteria in patients on topical therapy.

Dorzolamide/Timolol Fixed Combination: Learning from the Past and Looking Toward the Future

The key clinical attributes of preserved dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) and the emerging potential of preservative-free (PF) DTFC are reviewed with published evidence and clinical experience. The indications and role of DTFC in current glaucoma management are critically discussed. Preserved DTFC became the first intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering fixed combination (FC) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and remains one of most commonly used medications worldwide. The pharmacological properties of DTFC reflect those of its two time-tested constituents, i.e., the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dorzolamide and the non-selective beta-blocker timolol. In regulatory studies DTFC lowers IOP on average by 9 mmHg (32.7%) at peak and by 7.7 mmHg (27%) at trough. In trials DTFC shows equivalence to unfixed concomitant therapy, but in real-life practice it may prove superior owing to enhanced convenience, elimination of the washout effect from the second drop, improved tolerability, and better adherence. PF DTFC became the first PF FC approved, first in unit-dose pipettes, and more recently in a multidose format. Cumulative evidence has confirmed that PF DTFC is at least equivalent in efficacy to preserved DTFC and provides a tangible clinical benefit to patients with glaucoma suffering from ocular surface disease by improving tolerability and adherence. Finally, we identify areas that warrant further investigation with preserved and PF DTFC

A Polygenic Risk Score Predicts Intraocular Pressure Readings Outside Office Hours and Early Morning Spikes as Measured by Home Tonometry

PURPOSE

Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations may occur in early morning or outside office hours and can be missed during routine in-clinic IOP measurements. Such fluctuations or peaks likely contribute to glaucoma progression. We sought to investigate the relationship between an IOP polygenic risk score (PRS) and short-term IOP profile.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred seventy-three eyes from 239 participants with suspected or established primary open-angle glaucoma sampled from 4 outpatient clinics in Australia between August 2016 and December 2019.

METHODS

Participants underwent Icare HOME (Icare Oy, Vanda, Finland) tonometer measurements to record IOP 4 times daily for 5 days. Unreliable measurements were excluded. A minimum of 2 days with at least 3 reliable measurements were required. We used a validated IOP PRS derived from 146 IOP-associated variants in a linear regression model adjusted for central corneal thickness and age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Highest recorded early morning IOP and mean IOP within and outside office hours. Early morning IOP spikes were defined by a higher early morning IOP than the maximum in-office hours IOP.

RESULTS

Reliable measurements were obtained from 334 eyes of 176 participants (mean age, 64 ± 9 years). Eyes in the highest IOP PRS quintile showed an early morning IOP increase of 4.3 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-7.3; P = 0.005) and mean increase in IOP outside office hours of 2.7 mmHg (95% CI, 0.61-4.7; P = 0.013) than the lowest quintile, which were significant independently after accounting for a recent in-clinic IOP measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Eyes in the highest PRS quintile were 5.4-fold more likely to show early morning IOP spikes than the lowest quintile (odds ratio 95% CI, 1.3-23.6; P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

A validated IOP PRS was associated with higher early morning IOP and mean IOP outside office hours. These findings support a role for genetic risk prediction of susceptibility to elevated IOP that may not be apparent during in-clinic hours, requiring more detailed clinical phenotyping using home tonometry, the results of which may guide additional interventions to improve IOP control.

Lens-induced myopization and intraocular pressure in young guinea pigs

Background

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important physiological measure of the eye and is associated with some ocular disorders. We aimed to assess the influence of topical beta blocker-induced IOP reduction on lens-induced axial elongation in young guinea pigs.

Methods

The experimental study included 20 pigmented guinea pigs (age: 2–3 weeks). Myopia was induced in the right eyes for 5 weeks with − 10 diopter lenses. The right eyes additionally received either one drop of carteolol 2% (study group, n = 10) or one drop of artificial tears daily (control group, n = 10), while the contralateral eyes of all animals remained untouched. The outcome parameter was axial elongation during the follow-up period. The mean of all IOP measurements taken during the study was referred to as mean IOP.

Results

Greater axial elongation was associated with a shorter axial length at baseline (P < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient beta: − 0.54) and lens-induced myopization (P < 0.001; beta: 0.55). In the multivariable model, axial elongation was not significantly correlated with the IOP at study end (P = 0.59), the mean IOP during the study period (P = 0.12), the mean of all IOP measurements (P = 0.17), the difference between the IOP at study end and baseline IOP (P = 0.38), the difference between the mean IOP during the study period and the baseline IOP (P = 0.11), or the application of carteolol eye drops versus artificial tears eye drops (P = 0.07). The univariate analysis of the relationships between axial elongation and the IOP parameters yielded similar results. The inter-eye difference between the right eye and the left eye in axial elongation was significantly associated with the inter-eye difference in baseline axial length (P = 0.001; beta:-0.67) but not significantly correlated with the inter-eye difference in any of the IOP-related parameters (all P > 0.25).

Conclusions

In young guinea pigs with or without lens-induced axial elongation, neither the physiological IOP nor the IOP reduced by carteolol, a topical beta-blocker, was associated with the magnitude of axial elongation. These results suggest that IOP, regardless of whether it is influenced by carteolol, does not play a major role in axial elongation in young guinea pigs.

Improved Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost 0.005% Demonstrated by Corneal Biomechanical Correcting Modified Goldmann Prism

PURPOSE

To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction measured by a Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) prism and a modified surface Goldmann (CATS) prism with the institution of a topical prostaglandin analog (PGA) or alternatively a topical beta blocker.

DESIGN

Prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled, and reference device comparison.

METHODS

Thirty-six (36) treatment naïve glaucoma patients (72 eyes) were randomized equally to treatment with latanoprost 0.005% or timolol maleate 0.5%. Each patient underwent IOP measurement with standard GAT and CATS prisms before and at 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal hysteresis (CH) were also measured. Medication response was defined as a 20% reduction in IOP from baseline.

RESULTS

The CATS prism demonstrated the IOP reduction with topical latanoprost at a mean of 1.9 mmHg lower than the IOP measured with GAT (p=0.01). The CATS and GAT prisms detected no difference in IOP reduction with timolol (p=0.23). The number of latanoprost treatment non-responders was reduced from 36.1% measured with GAT to 13.8% when measured with the CATS prism (p=0.005). Timolol indicated no difference in the treatment non-response rate at 22.2% (p=0.999). CH increased significantly with latanoprost treatment by an average of 0.55 mmHg (p=0.014) and remained unchanged with timolol at -0.014 mmHg (p=0.68).

DISCUSSION

IOP reduction and responder rates were increased when measured with a CATS prism in patients using latanoprost and not with timolol use. Latanoprost-induced alterations in corneal biomechanics may dampen the actual IOP reduction measured with a standard GAT prism.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04178863.

Correlation Between Office-Hour and Peak Nocturnal Intraocular Pressure in Patients Treated with Prostaglandin Analogs

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that the correlation between office-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) and peak nocturnal IOP is weakened after using a prostaglandin analog.

DESIGN

Before-and-after study.

METHODS

Twenty-four-hour IOP data obtained in a sleep laboratory of 51 patients (22 patients with open-angle glaucoma and 29 patients with ocular hypertension) were reviewed. Patients had no IOP-lowering medication upon study entry and were then treated with prostaglandin monotherapy for 4 weeks. Measurements of IOP were taken every 2 hours in the sitting and supine positions during the diurnal/wake period (7:30 AM-9:30 PM) and in the supine position during the nocturnal/sleep period (11:30 PM-5:30 AM). Individual and average IOP readings during office hours (9:30 AM-3:30 PM) and peak IOP during the nocturnal/sleep hours were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant correlations for all the paired variables for the analyses. Average office-hour IOP had a higher correlation with peak nocturnal IOP than individual office-hour IOP. After the treatment with prostaglandin analog, the correlation between average office-hour IOP and nocturnal peak IOP in the sitting position (r = 0.373) and the supine position (r = 0.386) were reduced from the sitting baseline (r = 0.517) and the supine baseline (r = 0.573) in right eyes. Similar change patterns appeared in left eyes.

CONCLUSION

There is a correlation between office-hour IOP reading and peak nocturnal IOP under no IOP-lowering treatment as well as under prostaglandin monotherapy. The strength of correlation was weaker under the treatment compared with baseline.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Burden of Illness, Current Therapies, and the Management of Nocturnal IOP Variation

Glaucoma is a chronic, debilitating disease and a leading cause of global blindness. Despite treatment efforts, 10% of patients demonstrate loss of vision. In the US, > 80% of glaucoma cases are classified as open-angle glaucoma (OAG), with primary open-angle (POAG) being the most common. Although there has been tremendous innovation in the surgical treatment of glaucoma as of late, two clinical variants of OAG, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and severe POAG, are especially challenging for providers because patients with access to care and excellent treatment options may progress despite achieving a “target” intraocular pressure value. Additionally, recent research has highlighted the importance of nocturnal IOP control in avoiding glaucomatous disease progression. There remains an unmet need for new treatment options that can effectively treat NTG and severe POAG patients, irrespective of baseline IOP, while overcoming adherence limitations of current pharmacotherapies, demonstrating a robust safety profile, and more effectively controlling nocturnal IOP.

Funding The Rapid Service Fees were funded by the corresponding author, Tanner J. Ferguson, MD.

Role of 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Monitoring in Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the prevalence is on the rising trend. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is the mainstay of treatment. The current practice of IOP monitoring is based on spot measurements during clinic visits during office hours. However, there are up to 50% of glaucoma patients who had normal initial IOP, while some treated patients continued to have progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage even with a low IOP. Recent studies have shown that the IOP of glaucoma patients fluctuated during the day with different patterns, and some of them had peak IOP outside office hours. These findings provided us with new insights on the role of 24-hour IOP monitoring in managing normal tension glaucoma and patients with progressive deterioration despite apparently well-controlled IOP. Nevertheless, results to date are rather inconsistent, and there is no consensus yet. In this review, we briefly highlighted the current modalities of 24-hour IOP monitoring and summarized the characteristic 24-hour IOP pattern and the clinical relevance of IOP parameters in predicting glaucomatous progression in different glaucoma subtypes. We also discussed the therapeutic efficacy of current glaucoma treatment modalities with respect to the mentioned 24-hour IOP profiles, so as to strengthen the role of 24-hour IOP monitoring in identifying and stratifying the risks of progression in glaucoma patients, as well as optimizing treatments according to their IOP profiles.

IMI - Interventions Myopia Institute: Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression Report

Myopia has been predicted to affect approximately 50% of the world's population based on trending myopia prevalence figures. Critical to minimizing the associated adverse visual consequences of complicating ocular pathologies are interventions to prevent or delay the onset of myopia, slow its progression, and to address the problem of mechanical instability of highly myopic eyes. Although treatment approaches are growing in number, evidence of treatment efficacy is variable. This article reviews research behind such interventions under four categories: optical, pharmacological, environmental (behavioral), and surgical. In summarizing the evidence of efficacy, results from randomized controlled trials have been given most weight, although such data are very limited for some treatments. The overall conclusion of this review is that there are multiple avenues for intervention worthy of exploration in all categories, although in the case of optical, pharmacological, and behavioral interventions for preventing or slowing progression of myopia, treatment efficacy at an individual level appears quite variable, with no one treatment being 100% effective in all patients. Further research is critical to understanding the factors underlying such variability and underlying mechanisms, to guide recommendations for combined treatments. There is also room for research into novel treatment options.

Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% in Subjects With Open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: Pooled Phase 3 Study Findings

PURPOSE

To compare the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of latanoprostene bunod (LBN) 0.024% with timolol maleate 0.5% in subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pooled analysis of two phase 3, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group, noninferiority trials (APOLLO and LUNAR), each with open-label safety extension phases. Adults with OAG or OHT were randomized 2:1 to double-masked treatment with LBN once daily (qd) or timolol twice daily (bid) for 3 months followed by open-label LBN treatment for 3 (LUNAR) or 9 (APOLLO) months. IOP was measured at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 4 PM at week 2, week 6, and months 3, 6, 9, and 12.

RESULTS

Of the 840 subjects randomized, 774 (LBN, n=523; timolol crossover to LBN, n=251) completed the efficacy phase, and 738 completed the safety extension phase. Mean IOP was significantly lower with LBN versus timolol at all 9 evaluation timepoints during the efficacy phase (P<0.001). A significantly greater proportion of LBN-treated subjects attained a mean IOP ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction ≥25% from baseline versus timolol-treated subjects (P<0.001). The IOP reduction with LBN was sustained through the safety phase; subjects crossed over from timolol to LBN experienced additional significant IOP lowering (P≤0.009). Both treatments were well tolerated, and there were no safety concerns with long-term LBN treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pooled analysis of subjects with OAG and OHT, LBN 0.024% qd provided greater IOP-lowering compared with timolol 0.5% bid and maintained lowered IOP through 12 months. LBN demonstrated a safety profile comparable to that of prostaglandin analogs.

Efficacy and Safety of Brinzolamide as Add-On to Prostaglandin Analogues or β-Blocker for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Brinzolamide as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor could be combined with other intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering drugs for glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), but the efficacy was controversial. So, this study was used to assess the efficacy and safety of brinzolamide as add-on to prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) or β-blocker in treating patients with glaucoma or OHT who fail to adequately control IOP.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to October 4, 2018. Randomized controlled trials of brinzolamide as add-on to PGAs or β-blocker for glaucoma and OHT were included. Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software.

Results: A total of 26 trials including 5,583 patients were analyzed. Brinzolamide produced absolute reductions of IOP as an adjunctive therapy for patients with glaucoma or OHT. Brinzolamide and timolol were not significantly different in lowering IOP as add-on to PGAs (9 am: P = 0.07; 12 am: P = 0.66; 4 pm: P = 0.66). Likewise, brinzolamide was as effective as dorzolamide in depressing IOP (9 am: P = 0.59; 12 am: P = 0.94; 4 pm: P = 0.95). For the mean diurnal IOP at the end of treatment duration, there were no statistical differences in above comparisons (P > 0.05). Compared with brimonidine (b.i.d.), there was a significant reduction of IOP in brinzolamide (b.i.d.) at 9 am (P < 0.0001); however, the difference was cloudy in thrice daily subgroup (P = 0.44); at 12 am, brinzolamide (b.i.d.) was similar to brimonidine (b.i.d.) in IOP-lowering effect (P = 0.23), whereas brimonidine (t.i.d.) led to a greater effect than brinzolamide (t.i.d.) (P = 0.02). At 4 pm, brinzolamide (b.i.d.) was superior IOP-lowering effect compared with brimonidine (b.i.d.) (P = 0.0003); conversely, the effect in brinzolamide (t.i.d.) was lower than brimonidine (t.i.d.) (P < 0.0001). For the mean diurnal IOP, brinzolamide was lower in twice daily subgroup (P < 0.00001); brimonidine was lower in thrice daily subgroup (P < 0.00001). With regard to the safety, brinzolamide and dorzolamide had a higher incidence of taste abnormality; moreover, brinzolamide resulted in more frequent blurred vision; dorzolamide resulted in more frequent ocular discomfort and eye pain. Timolol resulted in more frequent blurred vision and less conjunctival hyperemia. Brimonidine resulted in more frequent ocular hyperemia. As to other adverse events (AEs) (conjunctivitis, eye pruritus, foreign body sensation in eyes, and treatment-related AEs), brinzolamide was similar to other three active comparators.

Conclusions: Brinzolamide, as add-on to PGAs or β-blocker, significantly decreased IOP of patients with refractory glaucoma or OHT and the AEs were tolerable.

Effects of Topical Latanoprost on Intraocular Pressure and Myopia Progression in Young Guinea Pigs

Purpose

To determine whether latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog proven to be very effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans, can also slow myopia progression in the guinea pig form deprivation (FD) model.

Methods

Two-week-old pigmented guinea pigs underwent monocular FD and daily topical latanoprost (0.005%, n = 10) or artificial tears (control, n = 10) starting 1 week after the initiation of FD, with all treatments continuing for a further 9 weeks. Tonometry, retinoscopy, and high-frequency A-scan ultrasonography were used to monitor IOP, refractive error, and ocular axial dimensions, respectively.

Results

Latanoprost significantly reduced IOP and slowed myopia progression. Mean interocular IOP differences (±SEM) recorded at baseline and week 10 were -0.30 ± 0.51 and 1.80 ± 1.16 mm Hg (P = 0.525) for the control group and 0.07 ± 0.35 and -5.17 ± 0.96 mm Hg (P < 0.001) for the latanoprost group. Equivalent interocular differences for optical axial length at baseline and week 10 were 0.00 ± 0.015 and 0.29 ± 0.04 mm (P < 0.001; control) and 0.02 ± 0.02 and 0.06 ± 0.02 mm (P = 0.202; latanoprost), and for refractive error were +0.025 ± 0.36 and -8.2 ± 0.71 diopter (D) (P < 0.001; control), and -0.15 ± 0.35 and -2.25 ± 0.54 D (P = 0.03; latanoprost).

Conclusions

In the FD guinea pig model, latanoprost significantly reduces the development of myopia. Although further investigations into underlying mechanisms are needed, the results open the exciting possibility of a new line of myopia control therapy.

24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Control with Fixed-dose Combination Brinzolamide 1%/Brimonidine 0.2%: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of fixed-combination brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% (BBFC) over a 24-hour period.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group clinical trial conducted at 16 academic and nonacademic sites in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) aged ≥18 years with mean baseline IOP measurements in at least 1 eye of ≥21 and <28 mmHg.

METHODS

Duplicate mean pneumatonometer IOP measurements were collected every 2 hours over a 24-hour period in controlled light conditions in overnight facilities. Daytime (8 am-8 pm) and nocturnal (10 pm-6 am) IOP measurements were collected in a sitting or supine position, respectively. Baseline 24-hour IOP was measured in untreated subjects after a washout (up to 4 weeks) and eligibility phase. After the baseline visit, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive masked BBFC or vehicle, 1 drop 3 times daily (8 am, 3 pm, and 10 pm) for 4 weeks. At week 4, IOP measurements were repeated in both groups under the same conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean change from baseline in 24-hour IOP at week 4.

RESULTS

Of 125 participants randomized, 123 (98%; BBFC, n = 62; vehicle, n = 61) completed the study. No subjects randomized to BBFC discontinued the study. At week 4, BBFC-treated eyes had significantly reduced mean 24-hour IOP vs. vehicle (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -2.5 [-3.3, -1.7]; P < 0.001); daytime (-3.4 [-4.3, -2.6]; P < 0.001) and nocturnal (-1.2 [-2.3, 0.0]; P = 0.053) reductions were observed. Mean change from baseline was significantly different between BBFC- and vehicle-treated eyes at all daytime points and 3 of 5 nocturnal time points (10 pm, 12 am, and 6 am; secondary end point). The frequency of adverse events was similar between treatment groups; in the BBFC arm, ocular hyperemia, corneal abrasion, and dysgeusia were the most frequently reported, consistent with events described in the drug label.

CONCLUSIONS

This large, multicenter study of 24-hour IOP control with BBFC met its primary end point; BBFC demonstrated significantly superior 24-hour IOP-lowering efficacy versus vehicle after 4 weeks of 3-times-daily treatment in subjects with OAG or OHT.

Diurnal and 24-h Intraocular Pressures in Glaucoma: Monitoring Strategies and Impact on Prognosis and Treatment

The present review casts a critical eye on intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring and its value in current and future glaucoma care. Crucially, IOP is not fixed, but varies considerably during the 24-h cycle and between one visit and another. Consequently, a single IOP measurement during so-called office hours is insufficient to characterize the real IOP pathology of a patient with glaucoma. To date IOP remains the principal and only modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. Only by evaluating IOP characteristics (mean, peak and fluctuation of IOP) at diagnosis and after IOP-lowering interventions can we appreciate the true efficacy of therapy. Unfortunately, a major limiting factor in glaucoma management is lack of robust IOP data collection. Treatment decisions, advancement of therapy and even surgery are often reached on the basis of limited IOP evidence. Clearly, there is much room to enhance our decision-making and to develop new algorithms for everyday practice. The precise way in which daytime IOP readings can be used as predictors of night-time or 24-h IOP characteristics remains to be determined. In practice it is important to identify those at-risk glaucoma patients for whom a complete 24-h curve is necessary and to distinguish them from those for whom a daytime curve consisting of three IOP measurements (at 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00) would suffice. By employing a staged approach in determining the amount of IOP evidence needed and the rigour required for our monitoring approach for the individual patient, our decisions will be based on more comprehensive data, while at the same time this will optimize use of resources. The patient’s clinical picture should be the main factor that determines which method of IOP monitoring is most appropriate. A diurnal or ideally a 24-h IOP curve will positively impact the management of glaucoma patients who show functional/anatomical progression, despite an apparently acceptable IOP in the clinic. The potential impact of nocturnal IOP elevation remains poorly investigated. The ideal solution in the future is the development of non-invasive methods for obtaining continuous, Goldmann equivalent IOP data on all patients prior to key treatment decisions. Moreover, an important area of future research is to establish the precise relationship between 24-h IOP characteristics and glaucoma progression.

The Diurnal and Nocturnal Effects of Pilocarpine on Intraocular Pressure in Patients Receiving Prostaglandin Analog Monotherapy

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine the 24-h effects of pilocarpine 2% ophthalmic solution on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) when used in addition to prostaglandin analog (PGA) therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with ocular hypertension (OHTN) or open angle glaucoma who were receiving stable monotherapy with a PGA were admitted to an inpatient sleep laboratory for 24-h monitoring of IOP, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate over 2 separate visits. The first baseline visit was performed under PGA monotherapy only. During the second 24-h visit, pilocarpine 2% was administered four times daily in addition to their normal PGA dosing. For each study visit, measurements of all study metrics were performed every 2 h in the habitual position. OPP was calculated as 2/3[diastolic BP +1/3(systolic BP - diastolic BP)] - IOP.

RESULTS

During the diurnal period, pilocarpine significantly reduced IOP from a baseline of 18.2 ± 0.5 mmHg on PGA monotherapy to 17.1 ± 0.4 mmHg, P < 0.01. Similarly, pilocarpine significantly lowered IOP during the nocturnal period from 21.1 ± 0.7 to 20.0 ± 0.6 mmHg, P < 0.01. Mean OPP was unchanged from baseline levels after the addition of pilocarpine in both the diurnal and nocturnal periods. Mean systolic BP was significantly reduced during the nocturnal period only (-3.16 ± 1.5 mmHg, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients taking PGA monotherapy, the addition of pilocarpine can significantly lower IOP throughout the diurnal and nocturnal periods, but has no effect on OPP.

[Evaluation of the Association between Topical Prostaglandin F2α Analogs and Asthma Using the JADER Database: Comparison with β-Blockers]

　Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analog formulations are the most commonly used drugs for glaucoma treatment. They are known to be superior to β-blockers for reducing intraocular pressure and can be effective all through the day. Because of the action, topical β-blockers are contraindicated for patients with bronchial asthma. PGF2α is also known to act as a constrictor of the respiratory tract. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between PGF2α analogs and asthma. In addition, we utilized β-blockers and combined formulations of both contents to evaluate for comparison with PGF2α analogs. Data from Japanese adverse drug event reports (JADERs) from April 2004 to January 2016 were used for analysis. The drugs of interest were 4 PGF2α analogs, 4 β-blockers, and 2 combined formulations of both. For quantitative signal detection, the reporting odds ratios (RORs) with Haldane-Anscombe 1/2 correction were calculated. The corrected RORs (95%CI) were detected to be 4.73 (2.30-9.75) for PGF2α analogs, 4.61 (1.82-11.7) for β-blockers, and 28.7 (12.1-68.1) for combined formulations. Our results suggest that not only topical β-blockers but also PGF2α analogs are associated with asthma, and the combined formulations have stronger associations with asthma than when administered alone. Therefore, further clinical research will be necessary, and careful attention should be paid to any glaucoma patient using PGF2α analogs for asthma symptoms.

Meta-analysis of Timolol on Diurnal and Nighttime Intraocular Pressure and Blood Pressure

Purpose

To evaluate the nighttime intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) response to timolol treatment in patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma.

Methods

This was a meta-analysis of previously published studies that must have been randomized, prospective, crossover or parallel, single or double-masked trials. The treatment period must have been ≥2 weeks with ≥19 patients per treatment arm for a crossover, and ≥50 patients for a parallel designed trial. Studies must have included both baseline and treated 24-hour curves.

Results

For the IOP analysis, we included 8 articles with 340 patients. A reduction from baseline was observed for timolol at each time point and for the 24-hour curve (p≤0.009). When 2 studies, in which timolol was used adjunctively were removed, a similar difference was observed as above at each time point and for the 24-hour curve (p≤0.003). In 2 studies, there were small reductions from baseline for the mean diastolic and systolic BPs at most time points and for the 24-hour curve (3.9 and 4.2 mmHg, respectively) with timolol treatment. The ocular perfusion pressure did not show any difference between baseline and timolol treatment at any time point or for the 24-hour curve (p>0.05).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that topical timolol therapy provides an ocular hypotensive effect over the 24-hour curve, including the nighttime hours, and while small reductions in the systolic and diastolic pressures occur, the ocular perfusion pressure is not altered over 24 hours.

Efficacy and Safety of Switching Prostaglandin Analog Monotherapy to Tafluprost/Timolol Fixed-Combination Therapy

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of switching from prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy to tafluprost/timolol fixed-combination (Taf/Tim) therapy.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, or ocular hypertension who had received PGA monotherapy for at least 3 months were enrolled. Patients were examined at 1, 2, and 3 months after changing therapies. Subsequently, the patients were returned to PGA monotherapy. The examined parameters included intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events. A questionnaire survey was conducted after the switch to Taf/Tim therapy.

Results

Forty patients with a mean age of 66.5 ± 10.3 years were enrolled; 39 of these patients completed the study protocol. Switching to Taf/Tim significantly reduced the IOP from 18.2 ± 2.6 mmHg at baseline to 14.8 ± 2.5 mmHg at 1 month, 15.2 ± 2.8 mmHg at 2 months, and 14.9 ± 2.5 mmHg at 3 months (P < 0.001). Switching back to the original PGA monotherapy returned the IOP values to baseline levels. Taf/Tim reduced the pulse rate insignificantly. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure, conjunctival hyperemia, or corneal adverse events. A questionnaire showed that the introduction of Taf/Tim did not significantly influence symptoms.

Conclusions

Compared with PGA monotherapy, Taf/Tim fixed-combination therapy significantly reduced IOP without severe adverse events.

Prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study of the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analog/prostamide-containing therapies in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, safety, and usage patterns of prostaglandin analog/prostamide (PGA/P)-containing topical ocular hypotensives in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Turkish clinical setting.

METHODS

This non-interventional, multicenter study enrolled previously treated patients who failed to achieve target IOP (or experienced unacceptable adverse events [AEs]) and were prescribed a PGA/P-containing IOP-lowering agent. Treatment was initiated at baseline (V1), and patients returned at weeks 4-6 (V2) and 8-12 (V3). The primary efficacy measure was the change in IOP from baseline at V3 in each eye. The secondary measures were physician's assessment of IOP-lowering efficacy, patients (%) reaching target IOP determined at V1, hyperemia score, physician and patient assessment of study treatment tolerability at V3, and AE frequency/severity. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving the most common study treatment was conducted. All analyses were performed using the safety population (patients who received one or more doses and had any data available).

RESULTS

Of 358 enrolled patients, 60.6% had primary open-angle glaucoma, 29.9% had secondary open-angle glaucoma (protocol amendment), and 13.1% had OHT; 13 patients had multiple diagnoses. At V3, the mean IOP change from baseline was ≥-4.2 mmHg (≥21.1%). IOP met or was lower than the target in 81.7% of patients, 95% exhibited none to mild conjunctival hyperemia (most common AE), and tolerability was rated good/very good by >91.1% of patients and physicians. The results were similar in patients who received the most common study treatment, bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% (bim/tim; n=310).

CONCLUSION

PGA/P-containing medications, including bim/tim, significantly reduced IOP in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or OHT; most reached their target IOP or an IOP even lower than their target and reported good/very good tolerability. PGA/P-containing medications such as bim/tim should be considered as a safe, effective therapeutic option for Turkish patients who exhibit poor response, tolerance, or adherence to their previous therapy.

The 24-Hour Effects of Brinzolamide/Brimonidine Fixed Combination and Timolol on Intraocular Pressure and Ocular Perfusion Pressure

PURPOSE

To determine the 24-h effects of brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate 1%/0.2% fixed combination (BBFC) on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR).

METHODS

Sixty subjects with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHTN) were admitted overnight for 24-h monitoring of IOP, BP, and HR. All subjects underwent the first, baseline 24-h study after washout of all medications, if necessary. Subjects were then randomized to receive either (1) timolol maleate 0.5% twice daily or (2) BBFC 3 times daily. After 4 weeks of treatment, all subjects completed a follow-up 24-h study visit. At each study visit, IOP, BP, and HR were measured every 2 h in the habitual position. OPP was calculated as 2/3[diastolic BP +1/3(systolic BP-diastolic BP)]-IOP.

RESULTS

Treatment with BBFC significantly lowered IOP during the diurnal period (-2.7 ± 0.4 mmHg; P < 0.01) and nocturnal period (-0.8 ± 0.3 mmHg; P < 0.01). Timolol similarly reduced IOP during the diurnal period, but did not lower IOP overnight. Over a 24-h period, BBFC achieved a significantly greater IOP reduction than timolol (-0.7 ± 0.4 mmHg; P = 0.04). BBFC failed to achieve an increase in OPP during any time period, while timolol increased OPP during the diurnal period only. A significantly greater reduction in HR occurred in the timolol group.

CONCLUSIONS

BBFC significantly lowers IOP during both the diurnal and nocturnal periods, but has no effect on OPP. Timolol only lowers IOP during the diurnal period.

The Role of Beta-Adrenergic Receptors in the Regulation of Circadian Intraocular Pressure Rhythm in Mice

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the elimination of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors alters the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) rhythm in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout and C57BL/6J mice were anesthetized intraperitoneally, with their IOPs measured via microneedle method. After entrainment to a 12-h light-dark (LD) cycle (light phase 6:00-18:00), IOPs were measured every 3 h from 9:00 to 24:00 (group 1, β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout mice, n = 11; C57BL/6J, n = 15). The IOP measurements at 15:00 and 24:00 under a 12-h LD cycle and in the constant darkness (1 day and 8 days after exposure to darkness, respectively) were performed in another group of β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout mice (group 2, n = 12). IOP variance throughout the day and mean IOP differences among time points were evaluated using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout and C57BL/6J mice showed biphasic IOP curves, low during the light phase and high during the dark phase; the fluctuation was significant (P < 0.001). The peak IOP (18.7 ± 1.4 mmHg) occurred at 24:00 and the trough IOP (13.5 ± 1.5 mmHg) occurred at 15:00 in β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout mice group. IOP curves of β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout and C57BL/6J were nearly parallel, and the IOPs of β1-/β2-adrenergic receptor double-knockout mice were significantly higher than those of C57BL/6J mice (P < 0.001). Under constant dark (DD) conditions, IOP at 24:00 (18.1 ± 1.5 mmHg) was significantly higher than that at 15:00 (13.3 ± 1.2 mmHg) (P < 0.001). The transition from the LD cycle to DD environment produced no significant change in IOP (P = 0.728).

CONCLUSIONS

Elimination of both β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors did not disturb the biphasic diurnal IOP rhythm in mice.

Glaucoma-Intraocular Pressure Reduction

Medical treatment is a mainstay for the management of glaucoma (Realini 2011; Marquis and Whitson 2005; Hoyng and van Beek 2000). Intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering has been long recognized as and still represents the primary and most widely employed treatment to prevent glaucomatous vision loss (Musch et al. 2011; Leske et al. 2003; The Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) 2000). Soon after the recognition that "tension" or IOP was related to glaucoma, pharmacological agents were introduced in the mid-1800s, first with the calabar bean (Realini 2011; Proudfoot 2006). Since then, an explosion of pharmacological agents targeting numerous intracellular and molecular signaling pathways has resulted in a plethora of drugs to lower IOP and treat glaucoma. Aqueous humor dynamics provides the basis for understanding each of these medical therapies.

24-h monitoring devices and nyctohemeral rhythms of intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is not a fixed value and varies over both the short term and periods lasting several months or years. In particular, IOP is known to vary throughout the 24-h period of a day, defined as a nyctohemeral rhythm in humans. In clinical practice, it is crucial to evaluate the changes in IOP over 24 h in several situations, including the diagnosis of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (IOP is often higher at night) and to optimize the therapeutic management of glaucoma. Until recently, all evaluations of 24-h IOP rhythm were performed using repeated IOP measurements, requiring individuals to be awakened for nocturnal measurements. This method may be imperfect, because it is not physiologic and disturbs the sleep architecture, and also because it provides a limited number of time point measurements not sufficient to finely asses IOP changes. These limitations may have biased previous descriptions of physiological IOP rhythm. Recently, extraocular and intraocular devices integrating a pressure sensor for continuous IOP monitoring have been developed and are available for use in humans. The objective of this article is to present the contributions of these new 24-h monitoring devices for the study of the nyctohemeral rhythms. In healthy subjects and untreated glaucoma subjects, a nyctohemeral rhythm is consistently found and frequently characterized by a mean diurnal IOP lower than the mean nocturnal IOP, with a diurnal bathyphase - usually in the middle or at the end of the afternoon - and a nocturnal acrophase, usually in the middle or at the end of the night.

Efficacy of Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% Compared With Timolol 0.5% in Lowering Intraocular Pressure Over 24 Hours

PURPOSE

To compare the diurnal and nocturnal effects of latanoprostene bunod 0.024% solution with timolol maleate 0.5% solution on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure.

DESIGN

Prospective, open-label randomized crossover trial.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients (aged 43-82 years) with ocular hypertension or early primary open-angle glaucoma were enrolled. Baseline IOP and blood pressure were measured in a sleep laboratory every 2 hours in the sitting and supine positions during the 16-hour diurnal/wake period and in the supine position during the 8-hour nocturnal/sleep period. Subjects were randomly assigned to bilateral treatments of latanoprostene bunod at 8 PM or timolol at 8 AM and 8 PM. The second laboratory recording occurred after the 4-week treatment. Subjects were crossed over to the comparator treatment for 4 weeks before the third laboratory recording. Mean IOP and calculated ocular perfusion pressure were compared for the diurnal and nocturnal periods.

RESULTS

Twenty-one subjects completed the study. Both treatments reduced diurnal sitting and supine IOP compared to baseline by 2.3-3.9 mm Hg (all P < .001) with no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatments. Nocturnal IOP under latanoprostene bunod treatment was 2.5 ± 3.1 mm Hg (mean ± SD) less than baseline (P = .002) and 2.3 ± 3.0 mm Hg less than timolol treatment (P = .004). Latanoprostene bunod treatment resulted in greater diurnal sitting and supine ocular perfusion pressures compared with baseline (P ≤ .006) and greater nocturnal ocular perfusion pressure compared with timolol treatment (P = .010).

CONCLUSIONS

During the nocturnal period, latanoprostene bunod caused more IOP reduction and more increase of ocular perfusion pressure than timolol.

Management of advanced glaucoma: Characterization and monitoring

Recent advances in glaucoma diagnosis focus on diagnosing the disease in early stages. Despite the importance of such efforts, a meaningful proportion of patients present in advanced stages. The cost for treatment and monitoring of advanced glaucoma often exceeds that with earlier disease, not to mention the significant effect of visual impairment on quality of life. Moreover, structural and functional tests used to monitor changes encounter technical limitations in advanced cases that can delay detection of true progression. New technologies and methods to analyze longitudinal data may prove helpful for monitoring patients with advanced glaucoma and reduce the burdens of the disease.

Prospective Observational Post-marketing Study of Tafluprost 0.0015%/Timolol 0.5% Combination Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: Short-Term Efficacy and Safety

INTRODUCTION

The intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and safety of tafluprost 0.0015%/timolol maleate 0.5% combination ophthalmic solution (Taf-TFC) were investigated in a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

A prospective up to 2-year (more than 1 year) observational study has been initiated to collect data on the IOP, conjunctival hyperemia score, corneal staining score, and adverse events suffered by patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated at 3 months, and up to 2 years (more than 1 year) after initiating treatment with Taf-TFC. The 3-month findings are reported here.

RESULTS

Among 439 patients enrolled at 100 institutions in Japan, most had normal tension glaucoma (45.3%) or primary open angle glaucoma (36.0%). Adverse drug reaction (ADR) occurred in 5.01%. The important ADRs were conjunctival hyperemia (five patients), blepharitis (four patients), and punctate keratitis (two patients). Serious adverse reactions occurred in two patients (three events). In 410 patients with data both before and after treatment, baseline mean IOP was 17.5 ± 5.0 mmHg, and it was significantly decreased after 1, 2, and 3 months (all P < 0.05, paired-t test). IOP was significantly reduced in patients switched to Taf-TFC from either prostaglandin or β-blocker monotherapy. IOP also decreased significantly in patients switched from a prostaglandin/timolol fixed combination, but not in patients switched from concomitant use of a prostaglandin analog and a β-blocker. The use of Taf-TFC did not worsen the adherence in most patients.

CONCLUSION

Taf-TFC significantly reduced the IOP in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated in daily clinical practice with controllable or recoverable ADRs in short period. Taf-TFC was effective regardless of treatment patterns, and particularly, Taf-TFC significantly reduced IOP in cases in which requiring the second line therapy as insufficient of monotherapy.

FUNDING

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan.

24-h Efficacy of Glaucoma Treatment Options

Current management of glaucoma entails the medical, laser, or surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) to a predetermined level of target IOP, which is commensurate with either stability or delayed progression of visual loss. In the published literature, the hypothesis is often made that IOP control implies a single IOP measurement over time. Although the follow-up of glaucoma patients with single IOP measurements is quick and convenient, such measurements often do not adequately reflect the untreated IOP characteristics, or indeed the quality of treated IOP control during the 24-h cycle. Since glaucoma is a 24-h disease and the damaging effect of elevated IOP is continuous, it is logical that we should aim to understand the efficacy of all treatment options throughout the 24-h period. This article first reviews the concept and value of diurnal and 24-h IOP monitoring. It then critically evaluates selected available evidence on the 24-h efficacy of medical, laser and surgical therapy options. During the past decade several controlled trials have significantly enhanced our understanding on the 24-h efficacy of all glaucoma therapy options. Nevertheless, more long-term evidence is needed to better evaluate the 24-h efficacy of glaucoma therapy and the precise impact of IOP characteristics on glaucomatous progression and visual prognosis.

Effect of timolol maleate gel-forming solution on intraocular pressure, pupil diameter, and heart rate in normal and glaucomatous cats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of once-daily topical treatment with timolol maleate gel-forming solution (GFS) on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter (PD), and heart rate (HR) in normal cats and cats with feline primary congenital glaucoma (FCG).

ANIMALS STUDIED AND PROCEDURES

A single drop of timolol maleate 0.5% GFS was administered topically to one randomly assigned eye of 18 adult cats (8 normal, 10 FCG) at 8 am for 8 days; the opposite eye served as the untreated control. IOP was measured in both eyes (OU) every 2 h (PD and HR were measured every 4 h), for 14 h total, 1 day prior to and on days 1 and 8 of treatment. In a second treatment phase, a single drop of timolol was administered at 8 pm for 3 nights and IOP, PD, and HR were measured, as above, beginning at 8 am on day 4. Slit-lamp examinations were conducted prior to and after treatment phases. Comparisons of mean IOP, PD, and HR were made at each time point and between treated and untreated eyes by repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post hoc test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Timolol maleate 0.5% GFS had an inconsistent effect on IOP, with maximum IOP-lowering effect (mean = 5.6 mmHg, 17.4%) observed 6 h post-treatment in FCG. The drug caused significant miosis (from 4 to 8 h post-treatment), but had no effect on HR.

CONCLUSION

Once-daily application of timolol maleate 0.5% GFS may be of limited clinical benefit in the management of feline congenital glaucoma.

Personalizing Intraocular Pressure: Target Intraocular Pressure in the Setting of 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Monitoring

Determining target intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients is multifaceted, requiring attention to many different factors such as glaucoma type, severity of disease, age, race, family history, corneal thickness and hysteresis, and initial IOP. Even with all these variables accounted for, there are still patients who have progression of the disease despite achieving target IOP. Intraocular pressure variability has been identified as a potential independent risk factor for glaucoma progression but is currently difficult to quantify in individual patients. New technologies enabling measurement of both diurnal and nocturnal IOP may necessitate modifying our concept of target pressure.

Effects of Topical Bimatoprost 0.01% and Timolol 0.5% on Circadian IOP, Blood Pressure and Perfusion Pressure in Patients with Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: A Randomized, Double Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose

To compare the 24-hour (24h) effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and cardiovascular parameters of timolol 0.5% and bimatoprost 0.01% in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertensive subjects.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, double masked, crossover, clinical trial, after washout from previous medications enrolled subjects underwent 24h IOP, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements and were randomized to either topical bimatoprost 0.01% at night plus placebo in the morning or to timolol 0.5% bid. After 8 weeks of treatment a second 24h assessment of IOP, BP and HR was performed and then subjects switched to the opposite treatment for additional 8 weeks when a third 24h assessment was performed. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the mean 24h IOP after each treatment. Secondary endpoints included the comparisons of IOP at each timepoint of the 24h curve and the comparison of BP, HR, ocular perfusion pressure and tolerability.

Results

Mean untreated 24h IOP was 20.3 mmHg (95%CI 19.0 to 21.6). Mean 24h IOP was significantly lower after 8 weeks of treatment with bimatoprost 0.01% than after 8 weeks of treatment with timolol 0.5% bid (15.7 vs 16.8 mmHg, p = 0.0003). Mean IOP during the day hours was significantly reduced from baseline by both drugs while mean IOP during the night hours was reduced by -2.3 mmHg (p = 0.0002) by bimatoprost 0.01% plus placebo and by -1.1 mmHg by timolol 0.5% bid (p = 0.06). Timolol 0.5% significantly reduced the mean 24h systolic BP from baseline, the diastolic BP during the day hours, the HR during the night hours, and the mean 24h systolic ocular perfusion pressure.

Conclusion

Both Bimatoprost 0.01% and Timolol 0.5% are effective in reducing the mean 24h IOP from an untreated baseline but Bimatoprost 0.01% is more effective than timolol 0.5% throughout the 24h. Timolol 0.5% effect on IOP is reduced during the night hours and is associated with reduced BP, HR and ocular perfusion pressure.

Trial Registration

EU Clinical Trial Register and EudraCT# 2010-024272-26

Contralateral intraocular pressure lowering effect of prostaglandin analogues

Background:

Though the use of prostaglandin analogues (PGA) for reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) has shown a marked increase, studies evaluating the contralateral effects of PGA are limited.

Aims:

To evaluate if PGA treatment in one eye has an effect on the IOP of the untreated fellow eye.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients of open-angle glaucoma with no previous antiglaucoma treatment underwent 24-hour diurnal IOP phasing. They subsequently were started on a uniocular trial with PGA, and had office diurnal IOP measurements 6 weeks later. Twenty-four hour diurnal consisted of 8 IOP readings over 24 hours and office diurnal consisted of 4 IOP readings between 8 AM and 6 PM at 3 hourly intervals.

Statistical Analysis:

IOPs of the fellow eye during the office diurnal were compared with IOPs at similar time points during the 24-hour diurnal using paired t-tests.

Results:

Mean (± standard deviation) IOP in the treated eye reduced (P < 0.001) from 17.17 ± 3.2 mm Hg at baseline to 13.7 ± 2.4 mm Hg at 6 weeks, while that in the untreated eye reduced from 16.4 ± 3.1 mm Hg to 14.8 ± 2.7 mm Hg (P = 0.01). The decrease in IOP in the untreated fellow eye was statistically significant at 8 AM (2.7 mm Hg, P = 0.003) and 11 AM (2.3 mm Hg, P = 0.01) but not so at 2 PM (1.2 mm Hg, P = 0.10) and 5 PM (0.9 mm Hg, P = 0.19). The amount of IOP reduction in the untreated eye was significantly associated with the magnitude of IOP reduction in the treated eye (β = 0.69, P = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Uniocular PGA treatment tends to reduce the IOP of the untreated fellow eye.

Optimal sampling scheme for estimation of intraocular pressure diurnal curves in glaucoma trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Effective control of intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential for the successful management of glaucoma. IOP exhibits diurnal variation, yet continuous monitoring is impractical. To date, no clear evidence exists on the number of sampling timepoints required to characterize diurnal IOP and when those measurements should be collected. The objective of this study was to develop an optimized sampling scheme to estimate diurnal IOP and to provide sampling windows for practicality.

METHODS

Baseline IOP values for glaucoma patients were collected from the published literature. A population model-based meta-analysis was performed to develop a model for diurnal IOP that accounts for covariates and inter-study variability. Optimization was performed using the D-optimality criteria to determine optimal sampling times. In addition, various reduced sampling designs were tested to investigate the minimum number of sampling timepoints to precisely estimate diurnal IOP. Also, sampling windows were calculated around the final optimal sampling times to allow flexibility in data collection. The final reduced optimized model was validated by simulating and estimating 500 datasets with reduced optimal sampling times.

RESULTS

The final baseline IOP model included type of glaucoma as a covariate. Bootstrap analysis and visual predictive check plots revealed the adequacy of the model to describe the observed IOP data. Optimization results indicated an increasing trend in bias with decreasing sampling timepoints. A reduced model with four sampling times resulted in acceptable precision (<40 %). Restricting the sampling time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. underestimates the fluctuation in diurnal IOP. Sampling windows with ≥95 % efficiency were calculated around the optimized sampling times. Validation results indicated acceptable precision and relative bias for model estimates in the reduced optimized model.

CONCLUSION

A physiologically based mechanistic model was developed to describe the diurnal variation in baseline IOP and inter-study variability was estimated on key diurnal model parameters. Optimization of the final covariate model indicated a reduced sampling time of at least four samples should be collected at 5:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 12:00 a.m. for reliable estimation of diurnal IOP variation.

Effect of glaucoma medications on 24-hour intraocular pressure-related patterns using a contact lens sensor

BACKGROUND

The aim of this article was to study the circadian intraocular pressure (IOP)-related effects of ocular hypotensive medications using a contact lens sensor (CLS).

DESIGN

This is a university-based prospective, randomized, crossover trial.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 23 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma participated.

METHODS

Patients underwent ambulatory recording of IOP-related patterns for 24 h in one eye during 3 monthly sessions using a CLS. Patients were untreated in session 1 (S1), were randomized to one of four classes of glaucoma drops for S2 and had a prostaglandin analogue add-on for S3.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in IOP-related patterns were defined using (i) slopes from wake/sitting to sleep/supine; (ii) cosinor rhythmometry modelling; and (iii) area under receiver operating curve (AUC) of sleep period.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 63.8 ± 11.8 years. Positive linear slopes were seen from wake/sitting to sleep/supine at S1 (17.1 ± 14.2 mVeq/h) and S2 (5.5 ± 23.9 mVeq/h) and negative slopes at S3 (-1.9 ± 29.4 mVeq/h) (S1-S2, P = 0.01; S1-S3, P = 0.02). In the prostaglandin group, slopes changed significantly with introduction of drops (S1-S2, P < 0.024), whereas they did not in a mixed group combining the three other classes (S1-S2, P = 0.060). Overall, cosinor amplitudes were 98.4 ± 46.5 mVeq (S1), 113.0 ± 35.6 mVeq (S2) and 109.6 ± 58.3 mVeq (S3) (S1-S2, P = 0.23; S1-S3, P = 0.66; S2-S3, P = 0.93). AUC were 91.8 ± 63.0 mVeq (S1), 76.3 ± 102.7 mVeq (S2) and 19.9 ± 135.8 mVeq (S3). Differences between sessions were not statistically significant (S1-S2, P = 0.541; S1-S3, P = 0.083; S2-S3, P = 0.092).

CONCLUSIONS

Prostaglandin analogues, but not other medications, seem to flatten the IOP-related increase at transition of the wake/sitting to the sleep/supine period, but do not seem to have an effect on acrophase and amplitude.

Intra-ocular pressure-lowering effects of a Rho kinase inhibitor, ripasudil (K-115), over 24 hours in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a randomized, open-label, crossover study

PURPOSE

To investigate the intra-ocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of a selective Rho kinase inhibitor, ripasudil (K-115), over 24 hr in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, 3-period, Latin-square crossover clinical study, 28 patients with POAG or OHT whose IOP level was 21 mmHg or higher were subdivided into three groups. Each patient was treated with placebo and ripasudil in concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4%, at 9:00 and 21:00 on day 1 through a total of 3 periods separated by washout periods. IOP was measured at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00 on day 1, and 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 and 9:00 on day 2 in sitting position using Goldmann applanation tonometer. Main outcome measure was the IOP reduction of placebo and ripasudil from baseline.

RESULTS

The mean IOP reduction was -5.2 mmHg for 0.2%, -6.4 mmHg for 0.4% and -2.0 mmHg for placebo at 2 hr after the first instillation. Also, the corresponding values were -6.8 mmHg for 0.2%, -7.3 mmHg for 0.4% and -4.1 mmHg for placebo at 2 hr after the second instillation. Statistically significant IOP reduction, compared with placebo, was found for both 0.2 and 0.4% from 1 through 7 hr after each instillation. In safety, conjunctival hyperaemia was observed in 22 patients (79%) for 0.2%, 27 patients (96%) for 0.4% and three patients (11%) for placebo.

CONCLUSION

Ripasudil is a promising new topical medication to lower IOP for at least 7 hr after instillations in patients with POAG or OHT.

Intraocular pressure variations: causes and clinical significance

Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only known effective treatment for glaucoma. However, IOP is a highly variable and dynamic parameter, undergoing virtually constant changes from numerous factors, including body position and circadian rhythms. Despite this variability, evidence for the efficacy of IOP reduction in glaucoma is based on studies designed to assess mean IOP and not IOP variations. Post hoc analysis of data from major clinical trials has suggested that IOP variations may be an independent risk factor for the development of glaucoma or glaucomatous progression, at least in some patients, but the evidence is incomplete and further studies are required. In the interim, judicious selection of existing therapies can help to minimize IOP variations. In general, therapies that improve outflow instead of suppressing aqueous humor production result in more stable IOP. However, new technology to allow better monitoring of IOP, ideally in a continuous 24-hour manner, is required to fully understand the role of IOP variations in glaucoma.

Prevention of nocturnal elevation of intraocular pressure by gene transfer of dominant-negative RhoA in rats

IMPORTANCE

We developed a gene transfer tool for the control of nocturnal elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that inhibiting the trabecular meshwork RhoA pathway by delivering a mutated, dominant-negative RhoA gene (dnRhoA) carried inside a long-expressing recombinant virus would reduce nocturnal elevated IOP in a living animal.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We generated an optimized recombinant viral molecule by inserting a mutated RhoA complementary DNA with a translation enhancer-promoter into a specially designed plasmid containing mutated viral terminal repeats. We then generated the virus particle, self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 2 carrying the mutated gene (scAAV2.dnRhoA) and assessed its function in vitro by infecting primary human trabecular meshwork cells and in vivo by injecting living rats intracamerally with therapeutic and control viruses. Three different models of 12-hour light and dark cycles were used. Viruses were injected when animals showed the circadian dark IOP elevation. The IOP measurements were conducted with a tonometer at 2 to 4 hours after onset of the nocturnal and diurnal cycles. Values at preinjection time were used as baselines. Animals were euthanized at 4 to 8 weeks after injection.

EXPOSURES

Intraocular injection of rodent eyes with the recombinant viral vector scAAV2.dnRhoA.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Nocturnal elevation of IOP blocked for prolonged periods by transferred RhoA gene.

RESULTS

By visual inspection, human trabecular meshwork cells infected with scAAV2.dnRhoA showed diminished stress fiber formation. Living rats exhibited a circadian IOP cycle that could be reset by adjusting light conditions to facilitate light and dark nocturnal IOP studies. A single-dose injection of scAAV2.dnRhoA into the rat eyes prevented elevation of IOP during the nocturnal cycle for at least 4 weeks (mean [SE], 9.2 [0.2] mm Hg light IOP and 9.6 [0.4] mm Hg dark IOP), while control eyes showed a significantly higher IOP over baseline (9.5 [0.4] mm Hg light IOP and 13.5 [0.3] mm Hg dark IOP).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first example of a gene transfer strategy that prevents nocturnal IOP elevation in living animals for prolonged periods. Inhibiting the RhoA pathway upstream of Rho kinase with a safe gene drug could provide a new enhanced treatment for long-term management of elevated nocturnal IOP.

Small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a promising tool for ocular therapy

RNA interference (RNAi) can be used to inhibit the expression of specific genes in vitro and in vivo, thereby providing an extremely useful tool for investigating gene function. Progress in the understanding of RNAi-based mechanisms has opened up new perspectives in therapeutics for the treatment of several diseases including ocular disorders. The eye is currently considered a good target for RNAi therapy mainly because it is a confined compartment and, therefore, enables local delivery of small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by topical instillation or direct injection. However, delivery strategies that protect the siRNAs from degradation and are suitable for long-term treatment would be help to improve the efficacy of RNAi-based therapies for ocular pathologies. siRNAs targeting critical molecules involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and neovascular eye diseases (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and corneal neovascularization) have been tested in experimental animal models, and clinical trials have been conducted with some of them. This review provides an update on the progress of RNAi in ocular therapeutics, discussing the advantages and drawbacks of RNAi-based therapeutics compared to previous treatments.