Flare-up rates with bimatoprost therapy in uveitic glaucoma

Prostanoid signaling in retinal vascular diseases

The vasculature of the retina is exposed to systemic and local factors that have the capacity to induce several retinal vascular diseases, each of which may lead to vision loss. Prostaglandin signaling has arisen as a potential therapeutic target for several of these diseases due to the diverse manners in which these lipid mediators may affect retinal blood vessel function. Previous reports and clinical practices have investigated cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address retinal diseases with varying degrees of success; however, targeting individual prostanoids or their distinct receptors affords more signaling specificity and poses strong potential for therapeutic development. This review offers a comprehensive view of prostanoid signaling involved in five key retinal vascular diseases: retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal occlusive diseases, and uveitis. Mechanistic and clinical studies of these lipid mediators provide an outlook for therapeutic development with the potential to reduce vision loss in each of these conditions.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of uveitic glaucoma: multicentric study in Bogotá, Colombia

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical features of patients diagnosed with uveitic glaucoma (UG) and ocular hypertension secondary to uveitis (OHT-SU).

METHODS

A multicentric cross-sectional study using medical records of patients with uveitis between 2013 and 2021. Uveitis and glaucoma specialists examined all patients. Variables were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Additionally, t test, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis were used for continuous variables. Finally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for UG and OHT-SU development over time was done.

RESULTS

Of the 660 clinical records reviewed of patients with uveitis, 191 (28.9%) had OHT-SU in at least one visit, and 108 (16.4%) of them developed UG. In all ages, females were more affected than males. Anterior uveitis was the main anatomic localisation, and non-granulomatous, recurrent, and inactive uveitis were the most frequent clinical features. The mean final visual acuity was 0.3 (0.0-1.0) LogMAR. Also, 95.8% of the patients had additional sequelae related to uveitis regardless of UG and OHT-SU. Interestingly, males had earlier affection, with statistical significance in OHT for adults (P = 0.036) and UG for children (P = 0.04). Of all patients, 81.1% received topical hypotensive treatment and 29.8% required a surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

UG and OHT-SU are common complications of uveitis in the Colombian population. These sight-threatening conditions were more common and appeared sooner in men at any age. Our results suggest that earlier and more aggressive treatment with topical hypotensive agents could positively influence the visual outcomes and the requirement of surgical procedures.

Der Intraokulardruck nach Netzhauteingriffen

Zusammenfassung - Deutsch Netzhauteingriffe können zu einem erhöhten Augeninnendruck führen. Die Ursachen hierfür sind vielfältig und schließen mechanische aber auch pharmakologische Gründe ein. Die Therapie besteht zunächst aus einer Lokaltherapie mit drucksenkenden Augentropfen. Bei unzureichendem Ansprechen sind chirurgische Eingriffe indiziert. Summary - English Retinal surgery can lead to an elevated intraocular pressure. The causes for this are manifold and include mechanical but also pharmacological reasons. Therapy consists initially of topical therapy with pressure-lowering eye drops. In case of inadequate response, surgical interventions are indicated.

Efficacy And Safety Of Travoprost Versus Timolol To Treat Early-Onset Ocular Hypertension Secondary To Vitrectomy: A Randomized Trial

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004% versus timolol 0.5% as an initial intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication for ocular hypertension secondary to vitrectomy.

Patients and methods

We performed a randomized, controlled, observer-blinded clinical trial in the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in China. This trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChICTR1800014942) before patient enrollment. Seventy-nine adults with IOP of 25–45 mmHg secondary to vitrectomy in the latest one month were enrolled and randomized to receive travoprost 0.004% or timolol 0.5%. More drugs were administered to patients with IOP > 25 mmHg during follow-up.

Results

The mean IOP reduction at day 1 was −10.97 mmHg in the timolol group and −15.02 mmHg in the travoprost group (P = 0.006); no significant difference was observed between the groups at later time points. The number of IOP-lowering medications at day 21 was 0.64 in the timolol group and 1.15 in the travoprost group (P = 0.038), while no significant differences were observed at other time points. The proportion of single IOP-lowering medications used during the 4-week follow-up was 72.73% in the timolol group and 68.42% in the travoprost group (P = 0.692). Inflammation scores were not significantly different in the two groups at any time point. Increased ocular hyperemia occurred in 8 patients (19%) in the travoprost group and none in the timolol group (P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in other adverse events between the two groups. After logistic regression model analysis, IOP ≥ 30 mmHg, inflammation score ≥ 2, and silicone oil as tamponade were found to be the factors with significant effects on the number of IOP-lowering medications used during the 4-week follow-up.

Conclusion

Travoprost and timolol have similar efficacy and safety for treating ocular hypertension secondary to vitrectomy.

The Effect of Latanaprost on Intraocular Inflammation and Macular Edema

There is debate concerning whether the use of Latanoprost in early postoperative period of cataract surgery and in glaucoma patients with uveitis as it may aggravate the inflammation and results in macular edema (ME), because of blood-ocular barrier disruption. However, there is no solid evidence for disruption of blood-ocular barrier with Latanoprost and aggravation of uveitis or ME formation. Similar to pseudophakic ME, the imaging ME in cases claimed to be secondary to Latanoprost is greater than clinical ME, happens mostly in complicated surgeries, and the vast majority resolve within weeks to months with using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The current literature suggests that Latanoprost can be used in patients with uveitis and early after cataract surgery with or without concomitant topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are currently used by many ophthalmologists as a preventive measure for ME even in non-glaucoma uncomplicated cataract surgeries.

Patient considerations in ocular hypertension: role of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The reduction of intraocular pressure has been well established as an effective treatment to prevent both the development and the progression of all forms of glaucoma. Bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution, introduced in 2001, is a synthetic prostamide with the unique mechanism of improving both uveoscleral and trabecular outflow. Comparative studies with other pharmacotherapies have shown favorable results for bimatoprost as a potent ocular hypotensive agent that is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include conjunctival hyperemia, eyelash growth, iris pigmentation and periorbital changes. Hyperemia rates were reduced following the introduction of bimatoprost 0.01%. Bimatoprost should be used with caution in those with higher risk of developing ocular inflammation and macular edema. However, the perceived risk of bimatoprost in these patient populations is likely greater than the actual risk observed in practice. Bimatoprost is currently in the center of several clinical trials including its use for dermatologic applications and sustained-release therapies for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Pediatric Glaucoma: Pharmacotherapeutic Options

Childhood glaucoma is a major therapeutic challenge for pediatric ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists worldwide. Management depends on the etiology and age at presentation. A variety of drugs are available for the control of intraocular pressure in children; however, none of these drugs have been licensed by the regulatory agencies for use in children. Furthermore, evidence gained from randomized controlled trials in the pediatric population is sparse, and little is known regarding the use of newer anti-glaucoma preparations. This evidence-based review aims to discuss the available pharmacotherapeutic options for glaucoma in children. Topical adrenoceptor blockers, topical and systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, prostaglandin (PG) analogs, adrenoceptor agonists, parasympathomimetics, and combined preparations are available for use in children, but usually as an off-label indication. Therefore, it is important to recognize that serious side effects have been reported, even with topical drops, and measures to reduce systemic absorption should be taken. Most drugs have been shown to have comparable ocular hypotensive effects, with the lowest occurrence of systemic side effects with PG analogs. Whereas a newly introduced prostaglandin analog, tafluprost, and some other preservative-free preparations have shown promising results in adult glaucoma patients, no pediatric reports are available as yet. Future studies may describe their role in treating pediatric glaucoma. This review also shares some suggested treatment pathways for primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG), developmental glaucoma, aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, and uveitic glaucoma.

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Latanoprost/Timolol versus Travoprost/Timolol Fixed Combinations for Ocular Hypertension Associated with Uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare latanoprost/timolol (LT) versus travoprost/timolol (TT) fixed combinations for ocular hypertension (OHT) associated with uveitis.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (55 eyes) who were treated with LT (28 eyes) or TT (27 eyes) for OHT associated with uveitis were reviewed retrospectively. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation scores at the initiation of treatment and at the last visit during therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although IOP was reduced significantly in both LT and TT groups, the reduction rate was significantly greater with TT group than with LT. The differences in the reduction of IOP between the groups remained significant when the cases were classified into inflammation-induced OHT and steroid-induced OHT. Inflammation score was not exacerbated by LT or TT treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both LT and TT are safe and effective for the treatment of OHT associated with uveitis and greater IOP reduction may be achieved by TT than by LT treatment.

Uveitis and glaucoma: new insights in the pathogenesis and treatment

Glaucoma is a potentially blinding complication of uveitis, where intraocular inflammation, secondary corticosteroid response, and varying types and degrees of angle abnormalities contribute to its pathogenesis. Management of uveitic glaucoma remains challenging. Treatment is targeted at reducing the inflammation and lowering the intraocular pressure. Recent studies have highlighted the role of viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and more recently Ebola virus, in the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma. Antiviral therapy may be beneficial in eyes with detectable viral DNA. The success of glaucoma surgery is decreased in eyes with uveitic glaucoma, and surgical interventions are associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Novel glaucoma surgical and laser treatments may improve the predictability of surgery for uveitic glaucoma, but these require further evaluation.

The Pathogenesis of Raised Intraocular Pressure in Uveitis

AIM

To analyze current understanding of the factors that contribute to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with uveitis.

METHODS

A pubmed literature review was carried out using words including "uveitic glaucoma", "IOP AND uveitis", "ocular hypertension AND uveitis", "inflammation AND glaucoma", "aqueous dynamics" AND "glaucoma/uveitis".

RESULTS

Of the two studies looking at the aqueous dynamics in experimentally induced uveitis, both found aqueous flow decreased acutely, and one found that uveoscleral outflow increased. This is likely to reflect the types of uveitis that present acutely with hypotony. A study examining patients with Fuch's heterochromic cyclitis found no difference in aqueous flow or uveoscleral outflow. No studies have examined aqueous dynamics in types of uveitis that present with acutely raised IOP. Levels of prostaglandins rise in acute uveitis, which has been shown to increase uveoscleral and trabecular outflow, without affecting aqueous flow. Studies have demonstrated that raised levels of trabecular protein reduce trabecular outflow. Steroid treatment, inflammatory cells, free radicals and enzymes are also likely to contribute to the development of raised pressure. When considering the impact of the pathogenesis of raised pressure in uveitis on its treatment, prostaglandins may provide good intraocular pressure control, but there are concerns regarding their theoretical ability to worsen the inflammatory response in uveitis. Studies have not conclusively proven this to be the case. Surgical success rates vary, but trabeculectomy plus an antimetabolite, deep sclerectomy plus an antimetabolite, and Ahmed valve surgery have been used.

CONCLUSIONS

Uveitic glaucoma is caused by a number of different diseases, some of which present with acute hypotony, others with acutely raised IOP, and others which demonstrate an increase in IOP over time. Further studies should be carried out to examine the differing pathogenesis in these types of diseases, and to establish the best treatment options.

Glaucoma and uveitis

Despite its relative rarity, uveitis is the third leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Glaucoma associated with uveitis is one of the most serious complications of intraocular inflammation. We review in detail the epidemiology and pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma and the safety and efficacy of the current medical and surgical treatment modalities.

The management of complicated glaucoma

Complicated glaucomas present considerable diagnostic and management challenges. Response to treatment can be unpredictable or reduced compared with other glaucomas. However, target intraocular pressure and preservation of vision may be achieved with selected medical, laser and surgical treatment. The evidence for such treatment is expanding and consequently affords clinicians a better understanding of established and novel techniques. Herein we review the mechanisms involved in the development of complicated glaucoma and the current evidence supporting its management.

Bimatoprost 0.03% versus brimonidine 0.2% in the prevention of intraocular pressure spike following neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser posterior capsulotomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% with brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations after neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, double-masked study, 195 eyes of 195 consecutive patients who had YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification were recruited. Eyes received either 1 drop of bimatoprost 0.03% (98 patients) or brimonidine 0.2% (97 patients) at 1h before laser surgery. A masked observer measured IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry before treatment and after treatment at 1h, 3h, 24h, and 7 days. Inflammation was evaluated after surgery. Formation of cystoid macular edema was assessed by measuring the macular thickness before and after laser surgery.

RESULTS

The average peak of postoperative IOP elevation was 2.2±3.9mm Hg in the bimatoprost 0.03% and 3.6±3.1mm Hg in the brimonidine 0.2% group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Postoperative IOP elevations of 10mm Hg or more occurred in 1 eye (1.56%) in the bimatoprost 0.03% group and 5 eyes (7.35%) in the brimonidine 0.2%. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Macular edema and anterior chamber reaction were not observed related to bimatoprost. No clinically significant side effects were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that prophylactic use of bimatoprost 0.03% is more effective than brimonidine 0.2% in preventing IOP elevation immediately after YAG laser capsulotomy. Bimatoprost 0.03% as a prostamide analog may provide new option for preventing IOP elevation after YAG laser capsulotomy.

Bimatoprost - a review

Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostamide analog that is efficacious in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension and other forms of glaucoma. It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral and trabecular outflow. When used as a 0.03% topical preparation once daily, it demonstrates sustained lowering of IOP of 7 - 8 mmHg over a 24-h period. The drug has been found to be more effective than timolol. In some studies it has shown greater ability to lower IOP when compared with other prostaglandin analogs; whereas in others all three clinically used prostaglandin analogs were found to be equally effective. It shows good IOP reduction when used in combination with other glaucoma medications. A common side effect includes mild conjunctival hyperemia, which is generally reversible. Other side effects include periorbital pigmentation, discomfort, ocular surface hyperemia and skin changes. Pharmacoeconomic data indicate that bimatoprost is cost effective in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.