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Purola PKM, Taipale J, Väätäinen S, Harju M, Koskinen SVP, Uusitalo HMT. Price tag of glaucoma care is minor compared with the total direct and indirect costs of glaucoma: Results from nationwide survey and register data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295523. [PMID: 38117760 PMCID: PMC10732367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The estimations of the economic burden of glaucoma have focused on comparing different treatment modalities; hence, the total direct and indirect costs of glaucoma at population level are not well known. OBJECTIVE To estimate the direct and indirect costs of glaucoma and its treatment in Finland. METHODS Economic and glaucoma data were collected from the cross-sectional nationwide Health 2000 health examination survey linked to multiple national registers, which allowed a 13-year follow-up between 1999-2011 among survey participants. Direct costs covered eye- and non-eye-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits, outpatient health care services, and travel costs among participants aged 30 years or older, adjusted for age and sex. Indirect costs covered premature retirement and productivity losses among participants aged 30-64 years. Glaucoma patients (n = 192) were compared with non-glaucomatous population (n = 6,952). RESULTS The annual additional total direct costs were EUR 2,660/glaucoma patient, EUR 1,769/glaucoma patient with medication, and EUR 3,979/operated glaucoma patient compared with persons without glaucoma. The respective additional total indirect costs were EUR 4,288, EUR 3,246, and EUR 12,902 per year. In total, the additional annual direct and indirect expenditures associated with glaucoma in Finland were EUR 202 million (0.86% of total expenditures of health care) and EUR 71 million (0.03% of the Finnish gross domestic product) arising mainly from non-eye-related hospitalizations and productivity losses, respectively. CONCLUSION Glaucoma is associated with an increased health care consumption mainly due to non-eye-related health care, which can be explained by the vision loss as well as increased number of co-morbidities among glaucoma patients. Therefore, glaucoma constitutes a major economic burden for the health care system and society, highlighting the importance of early glaucoma interventions. The difference in direct and indirect costs between glaucoma treatment groups is explained by the uneven distribution of co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petri K. M. Purola
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Register of Visual Impairment, Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joonas Taipale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Mika Harju
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo V. P. Koskinen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu M. T. Uusitalo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Register of Visual Impairment, Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired, Helsinki, Finland
- Tays Eye Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Filippopoulos T, Danias J, Karmiris E, Mégevand GS, Rhee DJ, Gazzard G, Topouzis F, Xu B. Rethinking Prophylactic Laser Peripheral Iridotomy in Primary Angle-Closure Suspects: A Review. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2023; 6:657-667. [PMID: 37321374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the generalizability, discuss limitations, and critically appraise recommendations on the management of primary angle-closure suspects (PACSs) that emerged as a result of recent randomized clinical trials challenging the widely accepted clinical practice of offering laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) to PACS patients. To synthetize findings from these and other studies. DESIGN Narrative review. SUBJECTS Patients classified as PACS. METHODS The Zhongshan Angle-Closure Prevention (ZAP)-Trial and the Singapore Asymptomatic Narrow Angle Laser Iridotomy Study (ANA-LIS) along with accompanying publications were reviewed. Epidemiologic studies reporting on the prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma and other precursor forms of the disease were also analyzed along with publications reporting on the natural course of the disease or studies reporting on outcomes after prophylactic LPI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of progression to more severe forms of angle closure. RESULTS Patients recruited in recent randomized clinical trials are asymptomatic, do not have cataracts, may be younger, and have, on average, deeper anterior chambers depth compared with patients treated with LPI in clinics. CONCLUSIONS The ZAP-Trial and ANA-LIS clearly represent the best available data on PACS management, additional parameters however may need to be considered when physicians face patients in clinic. PACS patients encountered at tertiary referral centers may represent more advanced cases with respect to ocular biometric parameters and may be at higher risk for disease progression compared with those recruited through population-based screening. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Danias
- Department of Ophthalmology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Douglas J Rhee
- University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gus Gazzard
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Fotis Topouzis
- First Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Benjamin Xu
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Li R, Zhang K, Lu Z, Mou D, Wang J, Li H, Fan S, Wang N, Liu H. Cost-utility analysis of commonly used anti-glaucoma interventions for mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma patients in rural and urban China. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073219. [PMID: 37673456 PMCID: PMC10496665 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An increasing number of studies have explored the clinical effects of antiglaucoma surgical procedures; however, economic evidence was scarce. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness between maximal medical treatment (MMT) and commonly used surgical procedures (trabeculectomy, Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and ab interno canaloplasty). DESIGN AND SETTING A Markov model study. PARTICIPANTS A hypothetical cohort of 100 000 patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). OUTCOMES Data were obtained from public sources. The main outcomes were incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the robustness and sensitivity of base-case results. MAIN RESULTS Both cumulative costs and QALYs gained from surgical procedures (US$6045-US$13 598, 3.33-6.05 QALYs) were higher than those from MMT (US$3117-US$6458, 3.14-5.66 QALYs). Compared with MMT, all surgical procedures satisfied the cost-effectiveness threshold (lower than US$30 501 and US$41 568 per QALY gained in rural and urban settings, respectively). During the 5-year period, trabeculectomy produced the lowest ICUR (US$21 462 and US$15 242 per QALY gained in rural and urban settings, respectively). During the 10-year-follow-up, trabeculectomy still produced the lowest ICUR (US$13 379 per QALY gained) in urban setting; however, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (US$19 619 per QALY gained) and ab interno canaloplasty (US$18 003 per QALY gained) produced lower ICURs than trabeculectomy (US$19 675 per QALY gained) in rural areas. Base-case results were most sensitive to the utilities and costs of initial treatment and maintenance. CONCLUSIONS The long-term cost-effectiveness of commonly used surgical procedures could be better than the short-term cost-effectiveness for mild-to-moderate POAG patients in China. Health economic studies, supported by more rigorous structured real-world data, are needed to assess their everyday cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhecheng Lu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dapeng Mou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqi Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Sujie Fan
- Handan City Eye Hospital, Handan, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hanruo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
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Fujita A, Sakata R, Hashimoto Y, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H, Aihara M. One-year costs of incisional glaucoma surgery and laser therapy. ANNALS OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 5:48-57. [PMID: 38505733 PMCID: PMC10944997 DOI: 10.37737/ace.23007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to calculate one-year total costs of incisional glaucoma surgery and laser therapy in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study from July 2010 to March 2021 using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We included patients hospitalized for incisional glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, trabeculotomy, tube shunt surgery, Ex-PRESS surgery, or iStent implantation) or laser therapy (laser peripheral iridotomy, surgical iridectomy, laser trabeculoplasty, cyclocryotherapy, or cyclophotocoagulation). The outcomes were total costs, including costs of hospitalization, re-admissions, antiglaucoma drugs, ophthalmic examinations, and outpatient visits for incisional glaucoma surgery and laser therapy within one year. RESULTS We identified 49,202 eligible hospitalizations. The one-year median total cost was 707,497 yen [interquartile range: 546,887-944,664 yen]. The median total cost was the highest in patients undergoing tube shunt surgery, followed by Ex-PRESS surgery, iStent implantation, and trabeculectomy. The number and cost of postoperative outpatient visits and length of hospital stay were higher in patients who underwent trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS surgery than in those after tube shunt surgery. The total costs of laser therapies were lower than those of incisional glaucoma surgeries. The total cost was the highest in the 0-19 age group (856,398 [649,419-1,258,844] yen). CONCLUSIONS Tube shunt surgery was the costliest in terms of total one-year costs. Trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS surgery were associated with long hospital stays and incurred high postoperative costs. The costs of laser therapies were relatively low. However, cost-effectiveness of laser therapies compared with incisional surgeries needs to be analyzed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asahi Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
| | - Rei Sakata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Yohei Hashimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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Ma P, Wu Y, Oatts J, Patlidanon J, Yu Y, Ying GS, Kline B, Tun TA, He M, Aung T, Li S, Yang Y, Han Y. Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of Swept-Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Primary Angle Closure Disease. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 233:68-77. [PMID: 34283974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in differentiating eyes with primary angle closure disease (PACD) from eyes of control subjects, as well as eyes with PAC and PAC glaucoma (PACG) from eyes with PAC suspect (PACS) disease. DESIGN Multicenter cross-sectional study. METHODS Chinese patients were classified into control, PACS, and PAC/PACG groups. The area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC) from logistic regression models was used to evaluate discriminating ability. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated, and performance of the models was validated using an independent dataset. RESULTS A total of 2928 SS-OCT images from 366 eyes of 260 patients were recruited to develop diagnostic models. The validation dataset included 1176 SS-OCT images from 147 eyes of 143 patients. For distinguishing PACD from control eyes, average anterior chamber depth had the highest AUC (0.94). With a cutoff of 2.2 mm for average anterior chamber depth, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.2% and 85.2% in the training set. For distinguishing PAC/PACG from PACS, a multivariate model had an AUC of 0.83, with sensitivity and specificity of 82.0% and 62.8% in the training set. The validation set confirmed the findings. CONCLUSIONS SS-OCT of the anterior segment showed excellent diagnostic performance distinguishing PACD from normal eyes and moderate diagnostic ability distinguishing eyes with PAC/PACG from eyes with PACS. ACD alone may provide a simple and effective way to diagnose PACD from control subjects. As ACD can be obtained using other more available modalities, this has implications for the early diagnosis of PACD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ma
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Julius Oatts
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA
| | - Jutima Patlidanon
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA
| | - Yinxi Yu
- Center for Preventive Ophthalmology and Biostatistics, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Center for Preventive Ophthalmology and Biostatistics, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brad Kline
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA
| | - Tin A Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Mingguang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China;; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tin Aung
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuning Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China;.
| | - Ying Han
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA; From the Department of Ophthalmology (P.M., J.O., P.J., K.B., T.A.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Caliornia, USA; Ophthalmology Section, Surgical Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA..
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6
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Primary Angle-Closure Disease Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology 2021; 128:P30-P70. [PMID: 34933744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Wittenborn JS, Gu Q, Erdem E, Ahmed F, Zhang P, Saaddine J, Lundeen EA, Rein DB. The Prevalence of Diagnosis of Major Eye Diseases and their Associated Payments in the Medicare Fee-for-Service Program. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2021; 30:1-13. [PMID: 34530688 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1968006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of diagnosis of major eye disorders and their associated payments, in total and per-person diagnosed, among Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries in 2018. METHODS We analyzed 100% Medicare Part B FFS claims and Part D Events among beneficiaries continuously enrolled for 12 months in 2018 to calculate the proportion of beneficiaries with ≥1 claim indicating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, diabetic retinopathy (DR), or glaucoma, and their associated payments, including Medicare and patient out-of-pocket. Eye disease and eye care services were identified using case definitions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vision & Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS). Outcomes are reported by disease overall and by age group (0-39, 40-64, 65-84, 85+ years), sex, race/ethnicity, and U.S. state. RESULTS Among nearly 30 million Medicare Part B FFS beneficiaries in 2018, over 41% (12.4 million) had a claim containing a diagnosis of at least one of the four eye disorders; 33.7% with cataract, 13.3% with glaucoma, 9.2% with AMD and 3.2% with DR. Payments for eye care services and drugs associated with these four conditions were $10.1billion; $3.6 billion for cataract, $3.5 billion for AMD, $2.2 billion for glaucoma and $0.8 billion for DR. The average cost per beneficiary diagnosed was $816: $1,290 for AMD, $781 for DR, $543 for glaucoma, and $360 for cataract. CONCLUSIONS Major eye disorders are common among Medicare FFS beneficiaries and account for approximately 4.3% of Medicare Part B and 1% of Medicare Part D spending.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Wittenborn
- Public Health Analytics, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qian Gu
- Economic & Valuation Services, KPMG LLP, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Erkan Erdem
- Economic & Valuation Services, KPMG LLP, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Farah Ahmed
- Public Health Analytics, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ping Zhang
- CDC, Division of Diabetes Translation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - David B Rein
- Public Health Analytics, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Assessing financial insecurity among common eye conditions: a 2016-2017 national health survey study. Eye (Lond) 2021; 36:2044-2051. [PMID: 34426657 PMCID: PMC8380859 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the prevalence and demographics of financial insecurity in individuals with eye disease in the United States. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analysed questions from the nationally representative 2016–2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) with the eye conditions macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract. Data was analysed as a whole and then further analysed by condition. Evaluated topics indicated financial insecurity such as individuals reporting difficulty paying bills among eye conditions studied and by demographics. Results Survey responses estimated that the overall prevalence of reporting problems paying or unable to pay bills were 12.49% (95% C.I. 11.62–13.36%) among patients with eye conditions. The overall prevalence of patients delaying care was 6.77% (95% C.I. 6.17–7.36%) and 17.06% (95% C.I. 15.99–18.14%) of individuals with eye conditions reported worrying about housing payments. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that demographics who more frequently had difficulty paying medical bills include individuals age 45–64 (3.33 aOR, C.I. 2.79–3.98, p < 0.001), blacks (1.90 aOR, C.I., 1.48–2.45, p < 0.001), Hispanics (1.51 aOR, C.I. 1.07–2.12, p = 0.020), and those 100–200% of the federal poverty line (2.16 aOR, C.I. 1.76–2.66, p < 0.001) or below the poverty line (1.93 aOR, C.I. 1.48–2.53, p < 0.001). Conclusion There are several demographics with eye disease that self-report financial insecurity. There should be greater concern for financial insecurity among diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma patients. Ophthalmologists should consider engaging in proactive discussions with at-risk patients to reduce potential non-adherence secondary to financial insecurity.
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Nguyen DD, Luo LJ, Lai JY. Effects of shell thickness of hollow poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles on sustained drug delivery for pharmacological treatment of glaucoma. Acta Biomater 2020; 111:302-315. [PMID: 32428681 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Structural designing of carriers with extended drug release profiles is critically important for achieving long-acting drug delivery systems toward efficient managements of chronic diseases. Here, we present a strategy to exploit the effects of the shell thickness of hollow poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (HPLA NPs) in sustained glaucoma therapy. Formulations based on pilocarpine-loaded HPLA NPs with tailorable shell thickness ranging from 10 to 100 nm were shown to be highly compatible with human lens epithelial cells in vitro and with rabbit eyes in vivo. Specifically, shell thickness regulated the release of pilocarpine, with thick shells (~70 to 100 nm) providing sustained drug release performance but limited drug-loading efficiency, whereas ultrathin shells (~10 nm) induced the opposite effects. Remarkably, moderately thick shells (~40 nm) showed the most effective release profile of pilocarpine (above the therapeutic levels of ~10 µg/mL for over 56 days). In a rabbit model of glaucoma, single intracameral administration of an HPLA NP-based formulation with shell thickness of ~40 nm sustainably alleviated ocular hypertension for over 56 days, consequently protecting the structural integrity of the corneal endothelium, preserving the electrophysiological functions of the retina, and attenuating retinal and optic nerve degeneration in progressively glaucomatous eyes. The findings therefore implied a promising use of shell thickness effects in the development of long-acting drug delivery systems for pharmacological treatment of chronic ocular diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Owing to their large surface areas and modifiable structures, nanoparticles have been considered as a promising platform for drug delivery; however, achieving drug nanocarrier systems with reduced burst release and sustained therapeutic efficacy remains challenges. This work presents the first report on rational design of hollow poly(lactic acid) nanocarriers for tailoring the structure-property-function relationships toward effective treatment of glaucoma. The shell thickness of the hollow nanocarriers is demonstrated to have influential impacts on pilocarpine encapsulation efficiency and release profile, indicating that the most sustained delivery performance (maintaining the release of pilocarpine above therapeutic level over 56 days) can be obtained for the polymeric nanoparticles with moderate shell thickness of ~40 nm.
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Oh WT, Lee JB, Choi W, Bae HW, Kim CS, Kim CY, Sung HJ. Shape Memory Tube Plug for Fine-control of Intraocular Pressure by Glaucoma Devices. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3784-3790. [PMID: 33463360 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As a standard approach to treating glaucoma, a silicone tube device is inserted into the eye to drain water and thereby lower the intraocular pressure (IOP). However, the fixed diameter of the tube often results in too much initial water drain. Suture-sheaving of the outer tube wall also leads to random IOP drops over time. In this study, self-expansion of the inner tube diameter was achieved by inserting a shape memory tube into the silicone tube. The difference in controlling small to large IOP drops before and after tube diameter expansion was demonstrated via computational modeling, a flow pumping system, and rabbit experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Taek Oh
- TMD LAB Co., Ltd., Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Bok Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Wungrak Choi
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyoung Won Bae
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Chan Yun Kim
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
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Impact of iStent Micro-Bypass Shunt on Medicare Part B Glaucoma Surgical Expenditure. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2020; 4:131-138. [PMID: 33771334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the impact of the iStent (Glaukos) on the recent glaucoma surgical expenditure for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. DESIGN Retrospective, observational, population-based analysis. PARTICIPANTS All applicable cases in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Part B Summary Data Files. METHODS The Part B National Summary Data Files from 2007 to 2017 were obtained through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Glaucoma surgical procedures, including trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage implants (GDIs), and select minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) including the iStent, were queried from the database using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We used Chow's test to confirm significant changes in expenditure trajectories. We built a mixed-effects regression model to examine the effect of demographic factors on each state's iStent adoption speed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of iStent in total glaucoma surgical spending for individual states for each year. RESULTS Total Medicare part B payment for the selected glaucoma procedures increased from $52.0 million in 2007 to $179.9 million in 2017. The percentage for trabeculectomy and GDIs decreased from 92.3% to 21.2%. Conversely, the iStent, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012, increased to represent 57.9% of total payment by 2017. There were significant changes in the slope of glaucoma surgical Medicare payment (P < 0.00001) and iStent payment (P < 0.0001) trajectories in 2012. Mixed-effect regression analysis showed a wide range among the states' rates of increase in iStent proportion between 2012 and 2017 (range, 5.12%-14.54% per year). Higher male proportion in the population was associated with faster increases in iStent proportions (12.4% per 5% increase in male proportion, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-20.5, P = 0.003). Higher median age of the population was associated with slower increases (-3.6% per 1-year increase in median age, 95% CI, -0.4 to -6.8, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Increasing payment for the iStent represents the majority of the increase in glaucoma surgical spending in the recent decade. Male gender and age significantly affect the state-wise speed of adoption for the iStent. The impact of the iStent on the comprehensive glaucoma Medicare expenditure in the same time period warrants further study.
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Feldman RM, Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM, Weinreb RN. Current Knowledge and Attitudes Concerning Cost-Effectiveness in Glaucoma Pharmacotherapy: A Glaucoma Specialists Focus Group Study. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:729-739. [PMID: 32184559 PMCID: PMC7064281 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s236030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rising healthcare costs motivate continued cost-reduction efforts. To help lower costs associated with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), a prevalent, progressive disease with substantial direct and indirect costs, clinicians need to understand the cost-effectiveness of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering pharmacotherapies. There is little published information on clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes about cost-effectiveness in glaucoma treatment. Purpose This pilot focus group study aimed to explore clinician attitudes and perspectives around the costs and cost drivers of glaucoma therapy; the implementation of cost-effectiveness decisions; the clinical utility of cost-effectiveness studies; and the cost-effectiveness of available treatments. Methods Six US glaucoma specialists participated in two separate teleconferencing sessions (three participants each), managed by an independent, skilled moderator (also a glaucoma specialist) using a discussion guide. Participants reviewed recent publications (n=25) on health economics outcomes research in glaucoma prior to the sessions. Results Participants demonstrated a clear understanding of the economic burden of glaucoma therapy and identified medications, diagnostics, office visits, and treatment changes as key cost drivers. They considered cost-effectiveness an appropriate component of treatment decision-making but identified the need for additional data to inform these decisions. Participants indicated that there were only a few recent studies on health economics outcomes in glaucoma which evaluate parameters important to patient care, such as quality of life and medication adherence, and that longitudinal data were scant. In addition to efficacy, participants felt patient adherence and side-effect profile should be included in economic evaluations of glaucoma pharmacotherapy. Recently approved medications were evaluated in this context. Conclusion Clinicians deem treatment decisions based on cost-effectiveness data as clinically appropriate. Newer IOP-lowering therapies with potentially greater efficacy and favorable side-effect and adherence profiles may help optimize cost-effectiveness. Future studies should include: clinicians’ perspectives; lack of commercial bias; analysis of long-term outcomes/costs; more comprehensive parameters; real-world (including quality-of-life) data; and a robust Markov model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George A Cioffi
- Department of Ophthalmology, NewYork Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, New York, USA
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Wang W, He M, Li Z, Huang W. Epidemiological variations and trends in health burden of glaucoma worldwide. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:e349-e355. [PMID: 30790460 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the trends and variations in global health burden of glaucoma by year, age and sex, region and socio-economic status, using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). METHOD The DALY numbers, crude DALY rate and age-standardized DALY rate globally and in each country were obtained the GBD 2015 study database. The corresponding human development index (HDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita were obtained from the United Nations and World Bank. Environmental data were obtained from the WHO Global Health Observatory data repository. RESULTS From 1990 to 2015, the DALY number and age-standardized DALY rate due to glaucoma increased by 122% and 15%, respectively. Both male and female showed similar increasing trend with ageing, with the peak at 60 years old and increasing again since 75 years old. Sex disparities in DALY number were noted, with higher burden among female than male in each age group (all p < 0.001). The health burden of glaucoma was substantial unequal, with Gini coefficient of 0.865 for DALY number, 0.235 for crude DALY rate and 0.254 for age-standardized DALY rate, respectively. The age-standardized DALY was significantly associated with HDI, accounting for 22.2% variance across countries (R2 = 0.222, p < 0.001). Similarly, the GDP per capita was inversely associated with age-standardized DALY rate but can explain only 10.6% variations in age-standardized DALY rate (R2 = 0.106, p < 0.001). The age-standardized DALY rate due to glaucoma was positively associated with national levels of ultraviolet radiation and PM2.5 . CONCLUSION The health burden of glaucoma continuously increased in the past 25 years and distributed unequally. Lower socio-economic level, older age, female, higher ambient ultraviolet radiation and higher level of air pollution were significantly associated with higher burden of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Miao He
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Zihua Li
- Nanshan School; Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Wenyong Huang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
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Rathi S, Andrews C, Greenfield DS, Stein JD. A Comparison of Resource Use and Costs of Caring for Patients With Exfoliation Syndrome Glaucoma Versus Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2019; 200:100-109. [PMID: 30629910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize differences in resource utilization and cost of managing enrollees with exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) compared to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN Retrospective utilization and cost comparison using Medicare claims data. METHODS We identified Medicare beneficiaries with XFG or POAG and ≥5 years of continuous enrollment from January 2008 to December 2014. We distinguished newly diagnosed cases from those with preexisting disease. We compared ophthalmic resource utilization and costs over 2 years of follow-up for persons with newly diagnosed and preexisting XFG vs those with POAG. Main outcome measures were number of clinic visits, diagnostic procedures, medication fills, laser and incisional surgery, and mean eye care costs per beneficiary. RESULTS Among 192 eligible enrollees (median age 77.6 years) with newly diagnosed XFG and 7339 enrollees (median age 77.3 years) with newly diagnosed POAG, those with XFG had more office visits (mean, 9.1 vs 7.9; P = .001), cataract surgery (34.9% vs 19.0%; P < .0001), and glaucoma surgery (28.7% vs 19.7%, P = .002). They also experienced 27% higher mean total eye care costs ($3260 vs $2562, P = .0001) over 2 years of follow-up. Among 2745 enrollees (median age 80.5 years) with preexisting XFG and 89 036 persons (median age 79.5) with preexisting POAG, persons with XFG had more office visits (mean 9.3 vs 7.3; P < .0001), perimetry (85.3% vs 79.8%; P < .0001), cataract surgery (23.4% vs 12.3%; P < .0001), laser trabeculoplasty (18.6% vs 9.6%; P < .0001), and trabeculectomy (8.1 vs 1.8%; P < .0001) and experienced 37% higher total mean eye care costs ($3764 vs $2739; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Healthcare resource utilization and costs are substantially higher for managing patients with XFG compared to POAG.
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Dong J, Syed ZA, Fan K, Yahya AF, Melki SA. Potential Savings from Visit Reduction of Continuous Intraocular Pressure Monitoring. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018; 12:59-63. [PMID: 30473600 PMCID: PMC6236116 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10008-1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A continuous method of measuring intraocular pressures (IOP) could be advantageous in the management of glaucoma. This report aims to analyze the potential savings from visit reduction of continuous IOP measurements obtained with an intraocular device. Materials and methods We constructed a model adapted from a prior study based on the number of glaucoma patients among 5% of the Medicare population. Results We found that the implementation of a device that continuously measures IOP can result in a reduction of 23.21% in yearly costs from glaucoma outpatient visits. Conclusion Continuous IOP monitoring has the potential to alleviate the economic burden of the current management structure of patients with glaucoma. Clinical Significance In an era of elevated healthcare costs, continuous IOP monitoring offers an option to improve the care of glaucoma patients through visit reduction, also resulting in a 23.21% reduction in yearly expenses related to glaucoma clinical visits. How to cite this article: Dong J, Syed ZA, Fan K, Yahya AF, Melki SA. Potential Savings from Visit Reduction of Continuous Intraocular Pressure Monitoring. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(2):59-63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Dong
- Student, Boston Eye Group, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zeba A Syed
- Physician, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth Fan
- Student, Boston Eye Group, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ali F Yahya
- Student, Boston Eye Group, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samir A Melki
- Student, Boston Eye Group, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Physician, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lee AY, Lee CS, Pieters M, Maa AY, Cockerham G, Lynch MG. Differences in Tertiary Glaucoma Care in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. JAMA Ophthalmol 2018; 136:1227-1234. [PMID: 30128546 PMCID: PMC6224299 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.3463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Glaucoma is a common cause of visual impairment in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, but to our knowledge, no data exist concerning tertiary glaucoma care (ie, laser and filtering surgery). Objective To determine whether the rate of tertiary glaucoma care differs among veterans cared for through the 4 different eye care delivery models that are present in the VA: optometry-only clinics, ophthalmology-only clinics, clinics with optometry and ophthalmology functioning as a single integrated clinic with ophthalmology as the lead, and clinics with optometry and ophthalmology functioning as separate clinics. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective review of the Veterans Health Administration Support Service Center database, 490 926 veterans with a glaucoma-related diagnosis received care from 136 VA medical centers during fiscal year 2016. Demographic and baseline clinical factors, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology codes, and the rates of glaucoma surgery procedures were extracted from the database. The organizational structure of each VA eye clinic was obtained. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed for log percent for laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), laser trabeculoplasty (LTP), and filtering surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of LPI, LTP, and filtering surgery. Results Of the 490 926 veterans with a glaucoma-related diagnosis, 465 842 (94.9%) were male, 309 677 (63.1%) were white, and 203 243 (41.4%) were aged 65 to 74 years. The rate of LPI was 0.30%, 0.28%, 0.67%, and 0.69% in optometry-only clinics, ophthalmology-only clinics, integrated clinics, and separated clinics, respectively (P < .001). The rate of LTP was 0.31%, 1.06%, 0.93%, and 0.92% in care delivery models that included optometry-only clinics, ophthalmology-only clinics, integrated clinics, and separated clinics, respectively (P < .001). The rate of filtering surgery was 0.32%, 0.51%, 0.69%, and 0.60% in optometry-only clinics, ophthalmology-only clinics, integrated clinics, and separated clinics, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate regression analyses showed that these differences remained significantly different even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions and Relevance Disparities exist in the use of tertiary glaucoma services within the VA, and different care delivery models may play a role. Outcomes of glaucoma care for the different models of eye care delivery were not analyzed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Y. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle
- Ophthalmology Section, Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cecilia S. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - April Y. Maa
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Ophthalmology Section, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Glenn Cockerham
- Ophthalmology Section, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California
| | - Mary G. Lynch
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Ophthalmology Section, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
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Mercieca KJ, Fenerty CH, Steeples LR, Drury B, Bhargava A. Precipitants of 5-Fluorouracil in Trabeculectomy Bleb Management: A Comparative Laboratory Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Dong J, Syed ZA, Fan K, Yahya AF, Melki SA. Potential Savings from Visit Reduction of Continuous Intraocular Pressure Monitoring. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Schehlein EM, Novack G, Robin AL. New pharmacotherapy for the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017; 18:1939-1946. [PMID: 29172818 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1408791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and current pharmacotherapies for glaucoma have remained relatively unchanged (with the exception of fixed combinations of previously available medications) since the mid-1990s with the development of prostaglandin analogues. Now, with both new formulations and new classes of medications with novel mechanisms of action, the medical therapy of glaucoma may be heralding a new dawn in medical management. Areas covered: This review outlines new topical therapies for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering treatment, in addition to new formulations, preservative-free options, and advances in glaucoma medical therapy delivery. We performed a comprehensive search for published studies for glaucoma medical therapy using the electronic database PubMed. A manual search for each therapy or delivery system was also performed. Expert commentary: These advances in glaucoma therapy have the potential to overcome many barriers to glaucoma's medical care, particularly in terms of adherence. However, both time and research are needed to prove the relative efficacy and safety of these new pharmacotherapies and products, helping us decide their role in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure. We are hopeful that these new developments in therapy may bring more options for glaucoma medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Schehlein
- a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Gary Novack
- b PharmaLogic Development Inc ., San Rafael , CA , USA.,c Departments of Pharmacology and Ophthalmology , University of California, Davis, School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA , USA
| | - Alan L Robin
- a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,d Department of Ophthalmology and School of Public Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Nonmedical out-of-pocket cost to both patients and their companions of office visits for routine glaucoma care has not been extensively studied in the United States. We evaluate potential key predictors of patient expenditures that are critical to assessing the cost-effectiveness of glaucoma health care delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 300 patients responded to the survey in 3 clinics in 2 clinical practice settings. Main outcome measures included both average visit and yearly expenditures. RESULTS Of the 300 patients, the majority were female (n=187, 62.3%) and African American (n=171, 57.0%). The median age was 66 years. The median [range; mean (SD)] expenditure per patient visit was $22.10 ($11.1, $42.9; $44.1 (72.8)). Patients with companions paid $38.77 more in average visit expenditure (β: 0.87, P<0.001). The average visit expenditure for retired patients was $17.37 less when compared with nonretired patients (β: -0.4, P=0.004). Patients living in a rural or suburban area paid $43.91 and $14.13 more per visit, respectively (β: 0.73, P=0.0004; β: 0.31, P=0.03), compared with patients living in an urban area. Patients with noncommercial insurance paid $24.01 less in average visit expenditure (β: -0.66, P=0.0008). The median yearly patient expenditure was $96.70 [$44.6, $222.7; $210.4 (333.9)]. Patients with companions paid $192.37 more in yearly expenditure (β: 0.9, P<0.001) than those without companions, whereas retired patients paid $80.83 less in yearly expenditure (β: -0.39, P=0.03) than nonretirees. Patients with noncommercial insurance paid $109.34 less in yearly expenditure (β: -0.63, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although a small part of the total cost of glaucoma care, nonmedical out-of-pocket costs constitute a substantial noncovered medical expense to most patients in the United States. Patients who are employed, come with companions, live in nonurban areas, or are on Medicare have greater expenditures.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE No studies have addressed the relationship between the timing of first childbirth and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between age at first childbirth and POAG and to examine the contribution of parity to the age at first childbirth-POAG relationship in postmenopausal women. METHODS The study population comprised postmenopausal women aged 50 or above in the cross-sectional Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. Participants were grouped into quintiles by age at first childbirth for analysis. This study used logistic regression and mediation analyses with accommodations for the complex sampling structure of the survey. RESULTS Of the 4,057 women in the study population, the mean age at first childbirth was 23.7 years, and POAG prevalence was 3.4%. Prevalence of POAG was lowest in women whose first childbirth was between the ages of 27 and 44 (1.8%). Their risk for POAG (odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.65) was significantly lower than in those whose first childbirth was between the ages of 13 and 20, after adjustments for covariates. Late first delivery (≥27 y) was directly (OR, 0.57) and totally (OR, 0.85) associated with the decreased risk of POAG; decreased parity in women who delivered their first child at an older age attenuated the age at first childbirth-POAG relationship (OR of indirect effect, 1.50). CONCLUSIONS First childbirth at the age of 27 years or above decreases the risk of POAG in postmenopausal women. Decreased parity, caused by late first childbirth, attenuated the magnitude of the total effects of age at first childbirth on POAG.
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Ehlers JP, Kim SJ, Yeh S, Thorne JE, Mruthyunjaya P, Schoenberger SD, Bakri SJ. Therapies for Macular Edema Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:1412-1423. [PMID: 28551163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the available evidence on the ocular safety and efficacy of current therapeutic alternatives for the management of macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS Literature searches were last conducted on January 31, 2017, in PubMed with no date restrictions and limited to articles published in English, and in the Cochrane Database without language limitations. The searches yielded 321 citations, of which 109 were reviewed in full text and 27 were deemed appropriate for inclusion in this assessment. The panel methodologist assigned ratings to the selected studies according to the level of evidence. RESULTS Level I evidence was identified in 10 articles that addressed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pharmacotherapies for ME, including intravitreal bevacizumab (5), aflibercept (2), and ranibizumab (4). Level I evidence was identified in 6 studies that examined intravitreal corticosteroids, including triamcinolone (4) and the dexamethasone implant (2). Level I evidence also was available for the role of macular grid laser photocoagulation (7) and scatter peripheral laser surgery (1). The inclusion of level II and level III studies was limited given the preponderance of level I studies. The number of studies on combination therapy is limited. CONCLUSIONS Current level I evidence suggests that intravitreal pharmacotherapy with anti-VEGF agents is effective and safe for ME secondary to BRVO. Prolonged delay in treatment is associated with less improvement in visual acuity (VA). Level I evidence also indicates that intravitreal corticosteroids are effective and safe for the management of ME associated with BRVO; however, corticosteroids are associated with increased potential ocular side effects (e.g., elevated intraocular pressure, cataracts). Laser photocoagulation remains a safe and effective therapy, but VA results lag behind the results for anti-VEGF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer E Thorne
- Division of Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Sophie J Bakri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Dang Y, Waxman S, Wang C, Parikh HA, Bussel II, Loewen RT, Xia X, Lathrop KL, Bilonick RA, Loewen NA. Rapid learning curve assessment in an ex vivo training system for microincisional glaucoma surgery. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1605. [PMID: 28487512 PMCID: PMC5431621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing prevalence and cost of glaucoma have increased the demand for surgeons well trained in newer, microincisional surgery. These procedures occur in a highly confined space, making them difficult to learn by observation or assistance alone as is currently done. We hypothesized that our ex vivo outflow model is sensitive enough to allow computing individual learning curves to quantify progress and refine techniques. Seven trainees performed nine trabectome-mediated ab interno trabeculectomies in pig eyes (n = 63). An expert surgeon rated the procedure using an Operating Room Score (ORS). The extent of outflow beds accessed was measured with canalograms. Data was fitted using mixed effect models. ORS reached a half-maximum on an asymptote after only 2.5 eyes. Surgical time decreased by 1.4 minutes per eye in a linear fashion. The ablation arc followed an asymptotic function with a half-maximum inflection point after 5.3 eyes. Canalograms revealed that this progress did not correlate well with improvement in outflow, suggesting instead that about 30 eyes are needed for true mastery. This inexpensive pig eye model provides a safe and effective microsurgical training model and allows objective quantification of outcomes for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hardik A Parikh
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Igor I Bussel
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ralitsa T Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kira L Lathrop
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Richard A Bilonick
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nils A Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
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Rampersad N, Hansraj R. Identifying the critical factors that influence intraocular pressure using an automated regression tree. AFRICAN VISION AND EYE HEALTH 2017. [DOI: 10.4102/aveh.v76i1.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important test in glaucoma. In addition, anterior segment variables may be useful in screening for glaucoma risk. Studies have investigated the associations between IOP and anterior segment variables using traditional statistical methods. The classification and regression tree (CART) method provides another dimension to detect important variables in a relationship automatically.Aim: To identify the critical factors that influence IOP using a regression tree.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was used. Anterior segment variables were measured in 700 participants using the iVue100 optical coherence tomographer, Oculus Keratograph and Nidek US-500 ultrasonographer. A Goldmann applanation tonometer was used to measure IOP. Data from only the right eyes were analysed because of high levels of interocular symmetry. A regression tree model was generated with the CART method and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationships between the ocular variables.Results: The mean IOP for the entire sample was 14.63 mmHg ± 2.40 mmHg. The CART method selected three anterior segment variables in the regression tree model. Central corneal thickness was the most important variable with a cut-off value of 527 µm. The other important variables included average paracentral corneal thickness and axial anterior chamber depth. Corneal thickness measurements increased towards the periphery and were significantly correlated with IOP (r ≥ 0.50, p ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: The CART method identified the anterior segment variables that influenced IOP. Understanding the relationship between IOP and anterior segment variables may help to clinically identify patients with ocular risk factors associated with elevated IOPs.
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Sharpe RA, Kammerdiener LL, Wannamaker KW, Fan J, Sharpe ED. Comparison of Outcomes of Resident-performed Ahmed Valve Implantation vs Trabeculectomy. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016; 10:60-7. [PMID: 27536049 PMCID: PMC4981660 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10008-1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To compare outcomes of resident-performed Ahmed valve surgery vs trabeculectomy in a Veteran Affairs medical facility. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort of 103 eyes in 91 patients receiving Ahmed valve (valve) or trabeculectomy (trab) performed at a Veterans Administration Medical Center by residents in their third year of training. The primary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP), treatment failure, and complications over 1 year. Results: Of 103 eyes, 44 received valve and 59 received trab. Primary open-angle glaucoma was primary diagnosis more often in trab, while neovascular glaucoma predominated in the valve group (p < 0.001). Preoperative mean IOP was 35.1 ± 11.8 and 24.5 ± 7.1 mm Hg for valve and trabeculectomy respectively (p < 0.001), but at 1 year the IOP difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.064). Overall, 11 (25.0%) and 11 (18.6%) eyes met any criteria for failure for valve and trab respectively. At 1 year, 22.5% of valves had IOP > 21 mm Hg vs only 4.3% of trab (p = 0.02). Complications were infrequent. There were no intraoperative complications for valve, whereas five for trab. Most common immediate complication for valve was hyphema. Both groups had low rates of choroidal effusions and reoperation. Conclusion: Ahmed valve implantation and trabeculectomy produce significant reductions in IOP when performed by residents-in-training. Valves tend to be used more frequently in patients with secondary glaucoma. Although complication profiles differ between procedures, both are safe and well tolerated when performed by resident physicians. Clinical significance: This study provides support for evidence-based patient counseling that supervised, resident-performed Ahmed valve implantation and trabeculectomy are indeed safe and effective. How to cite this article: Sharpe RA, Kammerdiener LL, Wannamaker KW, Fan J, Sharpe ED. Comparison of Outcomes of Resident-performed Ahmed Valve Implantation vs Trabeculectomy. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(2):60-67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Sharpe
- Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Leah L Kammerdiener
- Fellow, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kendall W Wannamaker
- Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jie Fan
- Research Instructor, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Sharpe
- Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Predictors, Resource Utilization, and Short-term Costs of Laser Trabeculoplasty Versus Medication Management in Open-Angle Glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2016; 168:78-85. [PMID: 27173373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adjunctive laser trabeculoplasty (LT) is an alternative to topical medications for open-angle glaucoma (OAG). The purpose was to: (1) identify predictors of LT vs glaucoma medication treatment; and (2) estimate the resource utilization and short-term costs associated with LT vs medication management. DESIGN Retrospective administrative claims analysis. METHODS Medical and pharmacy claims data between 2007 and 2012 were analyzed to identify prostaglandin analogue monotherapy OAG patients with an index date LT claim or second medication class claim. Patients were followed for 12 months pre-index and 24 months post-index. Predictive LT attributes included age, sex, employment status, medication adherence, comorbidity status, and geographic region. Short-term costs included glaucoma-specific and comprehensive healthcare encounters. Cohort comparisons were analyzed using χ(2) and Student t tests, logistic regression (predictive), and generalized linear models (cost). RESULTS The study included 4743 LT and 16 484 medication patients. Baseline demographics were similar but significant differences were identified for comorbidities, adherence, and geography. Younger age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21; P < .001), low adherence (OR: 1.18; P = .001), high comorbidities (OR: 1.12; P = .006), and region (OR: 1.50; P < .001) significantly predicted LT receipt. Within LT patients, 60% did not have a pharmacy claim 45 days post-index; by 2 years, this reduced to 20%. LT attributed significantly higher medical ($2684 vs $1980; P < .0001), lower pharmacy ($807 vs $1467; P < .0001), and greater overall costs ($3441 vs $3408; P = .325). CONCLUSIONS Poor adherence, younger age, and more comorbidities were predictors of receiving LT. Despite the potential for LT to address adherence, most patients had a medication claim within 2 years. Overall, LT does not provide glaucoma-specific cost savings.
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Clark A, Ng JQ, Morlet N, Semmens JB. Big data and ophthalmic research. Surv Ophthalmol 2016; 61:443-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Belhassen M, Laforest L, Licaj I, Van Ganse É. [Early adherence to anti-glaucoma therapy: An observational study]. Therapie 2016; 71:491-499. [PMID: 27203158 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2016.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness, preventable by a regular therapy. Thus, a good knowledge of patients' adherence to preventive therapy is critical to improve disease management. Early persistence to first-line glaucoma therapy is poorly documented in France. We verified to what extent first-line glaucoma therapy was interrupted within the 12 months following initiation and how this interruption varied with patients' characteristics and drug classes. METHODS Patients newly-treated with chronic glaucoma therapy (prostaglandins, beta-blockers alone or combined with another therapy, and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) between 2005 and 2008 were identified in the French National Claims data (1/97th random sample). Twelve-month persistence was defined by the presence of the first-line drug class (≥1dispensation) between the 12th and 24th months following initiation. Twelve-month persistence was compared between patients according to the first-line drug classes and baseline characteristics. Proportion of days covered (12 months) and number of quarters with initiated drug class (24 months) were also studied. RESULTS Among 5331 patients initiated with chronic glaucoma therapy in monotherapy (63% aged ≥60 years old, 57% females), initiated therapy mainly consisted of prostaglandins (43%) and beta-blockers alone (32%). Only 45% of the patients were persistent to first-line therapy 12 months after initiation. Salient differences in persistence rates appeared between drug classes (P<0.0001): from 59% with prostaglandins to 26% for topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Better results also appeared for prostaglandins with other dimensions of adherence. Non-persistent patients were more likely younger than 40, or conversely aged≥80 (P<0.0001). They were also more likely to necessitate social assistance for therapy (P=0.0007). No salient difference appeared as to gender. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the low early persistence of first-line therapy, despite better results for prostaglandins. Education of patients and identification of barriers to adherence could contribute to improve quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Belhassen
- HESPER 7425, Health Services and Performance Research, université Claude-Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France; PELyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Laforest
- HESPER 7425, Health Services and Performance Research, université Claude-Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France; PELyon, Lyon, France
| | - Idlir Licaj
- HESPER 7425, Health Services and Performance Research, université Claude-Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France; PELyon, Lyon, France
| | - Éric Van Ganse
- HESPER 7425, Health Services and Performance Research, université Claude-Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France; PELyon, Lyon, France; Service de pneumologie, hôpital universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France.
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Chiang B, Kim YC, Doty AC, Grossniklaus HE, Schwendeman SP, Prausnitz MR. Sustained reduction of intraocular pressure by supraciliary delivery of brimonidine-loaded poly(lactic acid) microspheres for the treatment of glaucoma. J Control Release 2016; 228:48-57. [PMID: 26930266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Although effective drugs that lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in the management of glaucoma exist, their efficacy is limited by poor patient adherence to the prescribed eye drop regimen. To replace the need for eye drops, in this study we tested the hypothesis that IOP can be reduced for one month after a single targeted injection using a microneedle for administration of a glaucoma medication (i.e., brimonidine) formulated for sustained release in the supraciliary space of the eye adjacent to the drug's site of action at the ciliary body. To test this hypothesis, brimonidine-loaded microspheres were formulated using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to release brimonidine at a constant rate for 35 days and microneedles were designed to penetrate through the sclera, without penetrating into the choroid/retina, in order to target injection into the supraciliary space. A single administration of these microspheres using a hollow microneedle was performed in the eye of New Zealand White rabbits and was found to reduce IOP initially by 6 mmHg and then by progressively smaller amounts for more than one month. All administrations were well tolerated without significant adverse events, although histological examination showed a foreign-body reaction to the microspheres. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that the highly-targeted delivery of brimonidine-loaded microspheres into the supraciliary space using a microneedle is able to reduce IOP for one month as an alternative to daily eye drops.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chiang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332, USA
| | - Y C Kim
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332, USA
| | - A C Doty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - H E Grossniklaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| | - S P Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - M R Prausnitz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332, USA; School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review evaluates the past 18-month literature related to cost-effectiveness of treating ocular hypertension (OHT) and give an opinion of the state of research. RECENT FINDINGS Three studies question the value of intensive monitoring in OHT and glaucoma. One study suggests that implementing Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study - European Glaucoma Prevention Study (OHTS-EGPS) risk prediction in every day practice overestimates the risk of open-angle glaucoma. While two models suggest that treating all intraocular pressures above 21 mmHg would be cost-saving (but disagree on the impact of this strategy on conversion to glaucoma), another study in turn suggests than we could safely reduce medications in almost half of the patients. Two studies suggest that effective early treatment could decrease follow-up costs in OHT and one modeling study suggests that using laser in preference to medication would be cost effective in glaucoma. SUMMARY The results of this time-limited review are confusing as they challenge many current beliefs to continue to do more than what we are currently doing. We have a huge gap in understating whether we are currently doing the 'right' things in our every day practices.
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Bertelmann T, Strempel I. Short-term effects of relaxation music on patients suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:1981-8. [PMID: 26543350 PMCID: PMC4622524 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s88732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate whether additive relaxation music (RM) has an adjuvant short-term effect on physiological and psychological parameters in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Patients in the therapy group (TG) received a 30-minute RM via headphones, whereas members of the control group (CG) did not. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, visual field testing, short- and long-term mental states, and blood levels of different stress hormones were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 25 (61%)/16 (39%) patients were assigned to the TG/CG. Best corrected visual acuity, daily intraocular pressure, and short-term mental state (KAB) development were significantly better in the TG in comparison to controls. Visual field testing, long-term mental well-being (profile of mood states), and adrenalin, cortisol, and endothelin-I blood levels did not differ significantly between both groups. Conclusion Additive RM applied on a daily basis can positively impact various physiological and psychological parameters in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bertelmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ilse Strempel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, Marburg, Germany
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Lambert WS, Carlson BJ, van der Ende AE, Shih G, Dobish JN, Calkins DJ, Harth E. Nanosponge-Mediated Drug Delivery Lowers Intraocular Pressure. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 4:1. [PMID: 25599009 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.4.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the efficacy of an extended-release drug delivery system, nanosponge (NS) encapsulated compounds, administered intravitreally to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in mice. METHODS Bilateral ocular hypertension was induced in mice by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber. Hypertensive mice received NS loaded with ocular hypotensive drugs via intravitreal injection and IOP was monitored. Retinal deposition and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) uptake of Neuro-DiO were examined following intravitreal injection of Neuro-DiO-NS using confocal microscopy. RESULTS Brimonidine-loaded NS lowered IOP 12% to 30% for up to 6 days (P < 0.02), whereas travoprost-NS lowered IOP 19% to 29% for up to 4 days (P < 0.02) compared to saline injection. Three bimatoprost NS were tested: a 400-nm NS and two 700-nm NS with amorphous (A-NS) or amorphous/crystalline (AC-NS) crosslinkers. A single injection of 400 nm NS lowered IOP 24% to 33% for up to 17 days compared to saline, while A-NS and AC-NS lowered IOP 22% to 32% and 18% to 26%, respectively, for up to 32 days (P < 0.046). Over time retinal deposition of Neuro-DiO increased from 19% to 71%; Neuro-DiO released from NS was internalized by RGCs. CONCLUSIONS A single injection of NS can effectively deliver ocular hypotensive drugs in a linear and continuous manner for up to 32 days. Also, NS may be effective at targeting RGCs, the neurons that degenerate in glaucoma. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Patient compliance is a major issue in glaucoma. The use of NS to deliver a controlled, sustained release of therapeutics could drastically reduce the number of patients that progress to vision loss in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi S Lambert
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian J Carlson
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Grace Shih
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julia N Dobish
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA ; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eva Harth
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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