Multicenter clinical trial of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment in glaucoma patients without previous filtering surgery

Iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy following ultrasound cycloplasty in refractory glaucoma: case series

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound cycloplasty is a noninvasive surgery used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, with fewer severe complications. This report presents several cases of iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy following ultrasound cycloplasty.

CASE PRESENTATION

Six patients diagnosed with refractory glaucoma underwent ultrasound cycloplasty at our clinic. Three cases developed iris neovascularization at postoperative day 3, week 2 and week 4 respectively, with intraocular pressure ranging from 12 to 24 mmHg. The other three cases developed neurotrophic keratopathy at postoperative week 3, week 6 and week 8 which completely healed within 60 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Iris neovascularization and neurotrophic keratopathy can be triggered after ultrasound cycloplasty, which are uncommon and self-limited but potentially vision-threatening. Preoperative risk assessment and regular postoperative follow-up are recommended to manage complications effectively.

A comparative study of ultrasound cycloplasty and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of secondary glaucoma

To compare the clinical efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the treatment of secondary glaucoma. In a 12-month prospective single-center study, 22 patients with secondary glaucoma were treated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and 23 patients with secondary glaucoma were treated by a semiconductor laser. At the final follow-up, the two groups' surgical outcomes were compared. A complete success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of at least 20% from baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg and ≦ 21 mmHg, while a qualified success was defined as an IOP reduction of at least 20% from baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg. The secondary outcome was the average IOP, number of drugs, and complications at each follow-up compared with the baseline. The average preoperative IOPs in the UCP and ECP groups were 36.4 ± 9.5 mmHg (n = 2.3 drops, n = 0.2 tablets) and 34.5 ± 11.7 mmHg (n = 2.0 drops, n = 0.3 tablets), respectively. In the last follow-up, the success rate of UCP was 54% (with a decrease of 32%) and that of ECP was 65% (with a decrease of 35%), and the P-value between the two groups was > 0.05. However, there was a difference in the average IOP between these two groups 1 day and 1 week after the operation, and the IOP reduction efficiency in the ECP group was better. However, the amount of drug used after these two surgeries was significantly reduced. There were fewer postoperative complications in the UCP group (18 cases) than in the ECP group (35 cases). Both UCP and ECP can effectively reduce IOP in secondary glaucoma, and ECP has a better effect at the early stages. However, UCP has higher safety and tolerance for patients.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: Latest Developments and Future Challenges

The development of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) was intended to provide safe and modestly efficacious modalities for early intervention of mild-to-moderate glaucoma, with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. They were mainly ab interno procedures that reduce intraocular pressure by facilitating the aqueous outflow by bypassing the trabecular meshwork resistance, reinforcing the uveoscleral flow via the supraciliary space, and reducing aqueous production by the ciliary body. While the cumulating evidence helps shape the role of the available MIGS, the exponential new development and advancement in this field has expanded the territory of MIGS. Apart from developing subconjunctival MIGS filtration devices (Xen gel stent and PRESERFLO MicroShunt), there is a tendency to revisit the "traditional" MIGS for alternative use and to modify the procedures with consideration of the fundamental aqueous outflow physiology. Combined MIGS has also been suggested, based on the theory that their different mechanisms may provide additive or synergistic effects. The advancement of laser procedures is also promising and could supplement unmet needs along the glaucoma treatment algorithm. This review examines the broad array of MIGS, updates the recent findings, discusses their potential alternative applications, and explores future challenges.

Two-Year Outcomes of Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty as a First Procedure in Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 2-year outcomes of ultrasound cyclo plasty (UCP) as a first procedure in glaucoma.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with uncontrolled glaucoma who underwent UCP as an initial glaucoma procedure. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, and the presence of vision-threatening complications. Surgical outcomes of each eye were classified as either complete success, qualified success, or failure based on the main outcome measures. Differences in IOP control and success rates were compared in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

RESULTS

We included 98 eyes of 88 patients in the study. The mean follow-up period was 27.25 ± 10.1 months. At 12 and 24 months, mean IOP decreased significantly from 23.16 ± 6.4 mmHg to 16.57 ± 6.0 mmHg and 16.18 ± 5.2 mmHg, respectively, and the number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 3.27 ± 0.9 to 1.86 ± 1.4 and 1.70 ± 1.7, respectively (p < .01 for all). There were no changes in visual acuity throughout the follow-up compared with preoperative levels. The cumulative probabilities of success were 64.3% (±4.8) [78.9% (±9.4) complete success, and 72.9% (±6.4) qualified success], and 42.9% (±5.0) [52.6% (±11.5) complete success, and 56.3% (±7.2) qualified success] at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The most common complications were cataract development/progression, anterior chamber inflammation, and macular edema. There were no significant differences in IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, or survival rates between POAG and PACG groups.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP can be used as an initial glaucoma procedure for reducing IOP and the number of antiglaucoma medications and offers comparable outcomes in POAG and PACG.

Ultrasound cyclo-plasty for moderate glaucoma: Eighteen-month results from a prospective study

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) in the treatment of moderate glaucoma and molecular effects in animal experiments.

Methods

An 18-month clinical study was conducted among 32 patients with moderate glaucoma. The primary outcome was surgical success, defined as a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) of greater than or equal to 20% from the baseline and an IOP value of greater than 5 mmHg at the last follow-up. The secondary outcomes were related to the quality of life, complications, and mean IOP value at each follow-up. In the animal experiment, 20 New Zealand rabbits were used to establish a high-IOP model and implement UCP. The distribution of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in the ciliary body and the tissue changes under electron microscopy were observed after surgery.

Results

The mean patient IOP decreased from 34.9 ± 4.9 mmHg before surgery to 23.5 ± 5.2 mmHg at 18 months after UCP. No vision loss occurred in any patient. Some patients had postoperative complications, but the symptoms were mild and disappeared within 3 months after the surgery. Most patients had good postoperative quality of life. Histology showed that AQP4 remained in the ciliary muscle after UCP, and only the bilayered epithelial cells showed coagulative necrosis. Furthermore, electron microscopic observation revealed the destruction of ciliary process cells covered by ultrasound after UCP.

Conclusion

UCP is associated with mild postoperative reactions and the mild treatment of ciliary tissue and is a safe and effective method for reducing IOP in moderate glaucoma.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound cycloplasty in Indian eyes with open-angle glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty in eyes with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma, not amenable to adequate control of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) with medical treatment.

Methods

Prospective interventional cohort study of 28 eyes of 28 subjects in a tertiary eye care centre in India in patients with open-angle glaucoma. All enrolled eyes underwent ultrasound cycloplasty with the second-generation probe with six shots of 8 s each, operated by a single surgeon between November 2018 and January 2020. They were followed up for a period of 12 months. The primary treatment outcome was IOP and the secondary outcomes were vision and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 28 eyes of 28 patients were studied, and the mean age was 63.82 ± 6.46 years. Primary open-angle glaucoma (75%) was the most common etiology. There was significant reduction in IOP from the baseline (24.93 ± 4.27 mmHg) to the postoperative value (15.82 ± 3.14 mmHg) at the end of 12 months (P < 0.00001). Mean reduction in IOP was 9.14 ± 4.09 mmHg at 12 months (36.66%). Number of ocular hypotensives reduced significantly from baseline (3.32 ± 0.47) to 12-month postoperative follow-up (0.68 ± 0.74) (P < 0.00001). Qualified success was achieved in 89.28% eyes. No major complications were noted.

Conclusion

Ultrasound cycloplasty is found to be effective and safe in eyes with open-angle glaucoma because of the primary or secondary etiology, being more effective in the former.

Ultrasound ciliary plasty in glaucoma treatment: A long‐term follow‐up study

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound ciliary plasty (UCP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma for three consecutive years.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients (62 eyes) with primary and secondary glaucoma were enrolled to undergo UCP. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, success rates, glaucoma medication use and visual acuity after UCP. An IOP reduction of 20% compared to the baseline value without re-intervention was considered a successful treatment. Complete success was defined as cessation of antiglaucoma medications. Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications. Measurements were performed preoperatively and at the first week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients (41 eyes) were evaluated 36-month after UCP. The mean ± SD values of IOP preoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 1; 3; 6; 12; 18; 24; 30 and 36 months postoperatively were 22.7 ± 5.0 mmHg, 17.1 ± 4.2 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.7 ± 4.8 mmHg (p < 0.001), 18.8 ± 4.8 mmHg (p < 0.001), 17.3 ± 3.7 mmHg (p < 0.001), 16.9 ± 3.2 mmHg (p < 0.001), 16.6 ± 2.7 mmHg (p < 0.001), 16.3 ± 3.0 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.8 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.3 ± 2.1 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 16.3 ± 3.0 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean IOP at the last follow-up was reduced by 28.5%. The qualified success rate was 64.0%. All patients at 36-month follow-up visit required the use of antiglaucoma medications - none of the patients achieved complete success. The decrease in the number of antiglaucoma medications was statistically significant at each follow-up visit compared to the baseline. Choroid detachment was observed in three patients (4.8%), while macular oedema was observed in three patients (4.8%) after the procedure. No other major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound ciliary plasty seems to be an effective and well-tolerated method to reduce IOP in patients with refractory glaucoma. Further studies with a larger group are needed to confirm the efficacy of this procedure.

Outcomes and Predictors of Failure of Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Aims: To evaluate the outcomes of ultrasound cyclo plasty (UCP) for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and identify the predictors of failure. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with POAG who underwent UCP at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2016 and 2021. The main outcome measures were the intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, and the presence of vision-threatening complications. The surgical outcome of each eye was based on the main outcome measures. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to identify the possible predictors of UCP failure. Results: Sixty-six eyes of fifty-five patients were included herein. The mean follow-up period was 28.95 (±16.9) months. The mean IOP decreased significantly from 23.02 (±6.1) to 18.22 (±7.0) and 16.44 (±5.3) mm Hg on the 12th and 24th months, respectively; the mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from 3.23 (±0.9) to 2.15 (±1.5) and 2.09 (±1.6), respectively. The cumulative probabilities of overall success were 71.2 ± 5.6% and 40.9 ± 6.1% on the 12th and 24th months, respectively. High baseline IOP and the number of antiglaucoma medications were associated with a higher risk of failure (hazard ratio = 1.10 and 3.01, p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). The most common complications were cataract development or progression (30.8%) and prolonged or rebound anterior chamber reaction (10.6%). Conclusions: UCP reasonably controls the IOP and reduces the antiglaucoma medication burden in eyes with POAG. Nevertheless, the success rate is modest, with a high baseline IOP and number of medications.

Efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound cyclo-plasty in glaucoma

Background

High-intensity focused ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) is a recently developed glaucoma surgery. This study collected and analysed the clinical data of patients who underwent UCP to observe the efficacy and safety of this surgery in Chinese glaucoma patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of all the patients who underwent UCP at Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, were collected and analysed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UCP. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure, and the secondary outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) and complications.

Results

Fifty-eight patients (61 eyes) were recruited for this study. IOP was dramatically decreased during the 12 months after UCP (p<0.05). The median IOP reduction during the 18 months post-procedure was more than 30%. The greatest reduction was at 1 month post-UCP (60.86%). The qualified success rate was more than 60% during the 18-month follow-up (Fig. 1). Poor follow up was found after 6-month post-UCP. The highest success rate was obtained at 7 days post-UCP (94.55%). No statistically significant decrease in BCVA in the vison group was observed at the follow-up visits, except for 1 day post-UCP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the use of IOP lowering medications during the 6 months post-UCP. No severe complications occurred.

Conclusion

UCP is a safe and effective procedure for primary and refractive glaucoma at least during the 6 months post-UCP procedure. Studies with longer follow-up time and better follow up are needed to further confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of UCP in Chinese glaucoma patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02622-5.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is responsible for half of the glaucoma-related blindness worldwide. Cataract surgery with or without trabeculectomy has been considered to be the first-line treatment in eyes with medically uncontrolled PACG. While minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has become an important surgical approach for primary open-angle glaucoma, its indications and benefits in PACG are less clear. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety profile of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in PACG to unfold new insights into the surgical management of PACG.

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Glaucoma: Two-Year Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the two-year outcomes of Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty (UCP) in uncontrolled glaucoma.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included patients with uncontrolled primary or secondary glaucoma who underwent UCP at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2016 and 2021. The main outcome measures were: intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, and presence of vision-threatening complications. The surgical outcome of each eye was classified as complete success, qualified success, or failure, based on the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-two eyes of 158 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 29.71 months (±18.1). The IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from a mean of 23.46 mm Hg (±6.3) and 3.33 (±0.9) to 17.33 (±7.1) and 2.14 (±1.4), and 16.24 (±6.3) and 1.90 (±1.5) on the 12th and 24th months respectively. The overall success rates were 78.0% (143/182) and 85.6% (95/111), and the failure rates were 21.4% (39/182) and 14.4% (16/111) on the 12th and 24th months respectively. The most common complications were cataract development/progression and anterior chamber reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP offers a reasonable IOP control and reduction of the antiglaucoma medications burden.

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty for Treatment of Surgery-Naïve Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients: A Prospective, Multicenter, 2-Year Follow-Up Trial

Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty (UCP) procedure using high-intensity focused ultrasound in surgery-naïve open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial. Sixty-six eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥21 mmHg and with no history of filtering surgery were enrolled. Patients were treated by UCP with a therapy probe comprising six piezoelectric transducers, consecutively activated for 8 s each. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed before the procedure, 1 day after the procedure, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the procedure. Primary outcomes were complete success (defined as IOP lowering from baseline ≥20% without additional glaucoma medications) and vision-threatening complications. Secondary outcomes were the presence of complications and the reduction of the number of medications used. Results: IOP was significantly reduced after one procedure (p < 0.05), from a mean pre-operative value of 24.3 ± 2.9 mmHg (n = 2.3 hypotensive medications) to a mean value of 15.9 ± 3.6 mmHg (n = 2.2 hypotensive medications) at 2 years (mean IOP lowering of 33%). Surgical success was achieved in 74% of eyes. Notwithstanding side effects such as transient anterior chamber inflammation, refractive error changes, transient hypotony and macular edema, no major intra or post-operative complications such as phthisis, induced cataract, neovascularization or significant vision loss were observed. Conclusions: Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty is a valuable, effective and well-tolerated procedure to lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma without previous filtering surgery.

Effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HiFU) treatment on intraocular pressure and aqueous humour dynamics: 12 -months results

PURPOSE

High intensity focused ultrasound (HiFU) is a cyclodestructive therapy for controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma. The mechanism of action is thought to be through destruction of the ciliary epithelium as well as increased uveoscleral outflow. We reviewed the change in aqueous humour dynamics parameters including aqueous humour flow rate, tonographic outflow facility (TOF) and uveoscleral outflow at 12 months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) requiring further IOP lowering were enroled in the study between August 2016 and January 2017. Patients were commenced on medication washout period prior to baseline and twelve months' visit.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (OAG) in the treatment group underwent assessment at twelve months follow up. Mean age was 63.1 ± 11 years. Eleven patients were African/Caribbean and 5 were Caucasian. Nine patients were female and 7 were male. Mean post-washout IOP was reduced by 21% (28.3 ± 5.7 at baseline vs 22.4 ± 8.4 mmHg at 12 months, p = 0.04). Aqueous humour flow rate was reduced by 16% at twelve months (2.40 ± 0.6 at baseline vs 2.02 ± 0.6 µl/min at 12 months, p = 0.0493). There was no statistically significant change in the TOF (0.12 ± 0.09 at baseline vs 0.08 ± 0.05 µl/min/mmHg at 12 months, p = 0.08) or uveoscleral outflow (0.6 ± 1.3 at baseline vs 1.3 ± 0.85 µl/min at 12 months, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrated that the observed IOP reduction was likely due to aqueous humour flow rate reduction. The TOF and uveoscleral outflow were not detectibly changed.

Evaluation of Ultrasonic Attenuation in Primary and Secondary Human Liver Tumors and Its Potential Effect on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment

Primary and secondary liver tumors are completely different diseases but are usually treated similarly using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). However, the acoustic parameters of these tissues are not well documented. In this study, attenuation coefficients were evaluated in fresh primary (N = 8) and secondary (N = 13) human liver tumor samples recovered by hepatectomy. The average attenuation coefficients of the primary and secondary liver tumors were 0.10 ± 0.03 and 0.20 ± 0.04 Np/cm/MHz, respectively. The average attenuation coefficients of the liver tissue surrounding the primary and secondary tumors were 0.16 ± 0.07 and 0.07 ± 0.02 Np/cm/MHz, respectively. Numerical simulations performed using these values revealed that completely different HIFU ablation patterns were created in primary and secondary liver tumors using the same exposure parameters. The dimensions of a typical HIFU lesion were two times larger in secondary liver tumors than in primary tumors. HIFU treatment parameters should be set properly according to the acoustic properties of the diseased liver tissue.

A 2-year prospective multicenter study of ultrasound cyclo plasty for glaucoma

Ultrasound cyclo plasty (UCP) is a recently developed surgical technique for glaucoma allowing a selective and controlled coagulation of the ciliary body. We herein investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of UCP for the treatment of glaucoma. This prospective study included patients with primary and secondary glaucoma. All surgeries were performed using the EyeOP1 device (Eye Tech Care, Rillieux-la-Pape, France). Sixty-six patients were included, and 60 completed regularly the 2-year follow-up. Preoperative IOP was 28.5 ± 9.6 mmHg and significantly decreased to 17.0 ± 5.4 at 2 years (p < 0.001). The daily number of both hypotensive eye drops and acetazolamide tablets decreased significantly (respectively, from 2.6 ± 1.1 to 1.7 ± 1.2 and from 0.7 ± 0.8 to 0.2 ± 0.5; both p < 0.001). At 2 years, 68.1% of patients met the definition of qualified success (IOP < 21 mmHg regardless of glaucoma medications) and 10.3% of patients met the definition of complete success (IOP < 21 mmHg without glaucoma medications). No major intra- or postoperative complications occurred; however, 15 eyes required additional glaucoma surgery. These results suggest that UCP is an effective and safe procedure to reduce IOP in glaucoma patients through a 2-year follow-up period.

Various modalities of cyclodestruction in non-refractory glaucoma: a comparative study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to study the safety and efficacy of three cyclodestructive treatments; high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) cyclocoagulation versus micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) versus transscleral continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CW-CPC) for treatment of non-refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

This is a prospective comparative single-center study. Thirty non-refractory, medically uncontrolled, primary open-angle glaucoma patients with good vision were randomized to a single session of HIFU, MP-CPC or CW-CPC. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, number of medications, success rate, visual acuity and complications were compared between the three groups. Success was defined as an IOP reduction of 30% and IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg with or without medications, in the absence of vision-threatening complications.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled in our study: 10 patients received HIFU, 10 patients received MP-CPC and 10 patients received CW-CPC. At 6 months, IOP was reduced by 31.5%, 23.9% and 19.4% (P = 0.4) achieving a success rate of 50%, 60% and 50% (P = 0.8) for continuous, micropulse and HFU groups, respectively, with reduction in the number of drops and stop of oral acetazolamide. Although the difference in the rate of complications between groups was not significant, CW-CPC group had more complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclophotocoagulation could be an option in the treatment of non-refractory glaucoma even in patients with good visual acuity, with similar outcomes between the three types of cyclodestruction.

Ultrasonic circular cyclocoagulation prospective safety and effectiveness study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound cycloplasty procedures (UCP) in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma.

METHODS

Prospective longitudinal study with UCP was performed by EyeOP1© probe with 8 s duration on 6 or 8 sectors, according to baseline intraocular pressure (IOP). Complete ophthalmic examination was performed pre- and post-operatively at 1st day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months. UCP was repeated beyond 3rd month if IOP was > 21 mmHg, under maximum therapy, without major complications. Primary outcomes were complete (IOP reduction ≥ 20% or reduction in number of antiglaucomatous drugs and IOP ≥ 5 mmHg without occurrence of major complications) and qualified (IOP reduction ≥ 20% or reduction in number of antiglaucomatous drugs and IOP ≥ 5 mmHg) surgical success rates at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP reduction, mean number of drugs reduction, rates of failure, number of repeated procedures, mean time to failure and occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

Fourteen eyes of 13 patients (11 male) with advanced glaucoma (Hoddap classification) were included. Six were surgically naïve. Mean age was 68.29 ± 10.66 years. Four eyes were treated in 8 sectors (28.5%). Patients were followed for 12 months after first UCP procedure. Overall surgical success was achieved in 92.9% at 6 months and in 100% of cases at 12 months. Mean IOP significantly reduced from 28.50 ± 7.61 mmHg to 13.79 ± 6.97 at 1 month, 17.36 ± 8.58 at 3 months, 17.79 ± 6.29 at 6 months, 16.3 ± 4.6 at 9 months and to 15.23 ± 5.09 at 12 months (p < 0.01). Mean number of drugs reduced from 3.71 ± 0.61 to 2.43 ± 1.51 at 3 months, 2.86 ± 1.1 at 6 months, 2.64 ± 0.93 at 9 months and to 2.92 ± 0.86 at 12 months (p < 0.05). Major reversible complications included choroidal detachment in 2 (14.29%) and corneal edema in 1 eye (7.14%), without permanent visual acuity reduction. Minor reversible complications included anterior chamber reaction (92.25%), conjunctival hyperemia (71.43%) and superficial keratitis (57.4%). Four eyes (28.57%) had indication for repeating UCP, with mean period to failure of 8.1 ± 3.95 months.

CONCLUSION

UCP procedures are effective in reducing IOP in severe glaucoma. Its application and repetition seem to be a medium-long term acceptable alternative to cyclodestructive surgery. However, long-term efficacy and safety require yet further investigation.

Ultrasound cycloplasty in Chinese glaucoma patients: Results of a 6-month prospective clinical study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) procedure in Chinese glaucoma patients.

METHODS

As a single-centre, prospective, non-comparative study, 23 eyes of 23 patients suffering from glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 21 mmHg underwent a multi-dose UCP treatment with the activations of 6, 8 or10 sectors. Types of glaucoma include primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (7/23), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) (9/23) and secondary glaucoma (SG) (7/23). A complete ophthalmic examination including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements was performed before UCP procedure and at 1 day, 1 month, 3months and 6 months after the procedure. An IOP reduction of ≥20% and IOP > 5 mmHg without increasing hypotensive medication at the follow-up visit was defined as therapeutic success. The post-operative complications were also recorded and compared to baseline for safety evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean baseline IOP of 23 treated eyes was 37.2 ± 12.1 mmHg. The IOP reduction after UCP procedure were 23%, 49%, 33% and 34% at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Thus, the corresponding overall therapeutic success rates reached 61% (14/23), 83% (19/23), 65% (15/23) and 61% (14/23), respectively. Baseline IOPs of 8 and 10 sectors group (37.0 ± 9.9 mmHg and 50.1 ± 12.2 mmHg) were significantly higher than that of 6 sectors group (30.1 ± 8.2 mmHg). Therapeutic success rates of 6, 8 and 10 sectors groups reached 44% (4/9), 56% (5/9) and 100% (5/5), respectively. There were the highest percentage of IOP reduction (50% and 41%) and therapeutic success rate (6/7; 86% and 7/9; 78%) in SG group and PACG groups respectively. In addition, pre-operative ocular pain symptoms of four patients were all disappeared within one week after UCP. No serious intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

UCP procedure is an effective and well-tolerated treatment to reduce IOP in Chinese glaucoma patients, which offered a novel alternative for glaucoma treatment.

Assessment of Scleral and Conjunctival Thickness of the Eye after Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess scleral and conjunctival thickness using optical coherence tomography after ultrasound ciliary plasty (UCP) procedure with reference to scleral marks appearing in the area where the ultrasound energy was applied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with primary and secondary refractory glaucoma participated in this study. Complete ophthalmic examinations including measurements of scleral and conjunctival thickness were performed preoperatively and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. The parameters were determined using the Swept Source OCT with anterior attachment. Thirty-eight patients (58 scleral marks-23 superior and 35 inferior) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the follow-up period of 24 months.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD scleral and conjunctival thickness in superior scleral mark before the procedure and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the procedure was 684.57 ± 83.58 μm, 771.78 ± 112.03 μm (p < 0.001), 771.74 ± 100.12 μm (p < 0.001), 731.38 ± 83.92 μm (p=0.012), 719.52 ± 73.20 μm (p=0.037), 702.91 ± 66.50 μm (p=0.247), 694.13 ± 72.22 μm (p=0.482), and 699.35 ± 70.68 μm (p=0.200), respectively. The mean ± SD scleral and conjunctival thickness in inferior scleral mark before the procedure and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the procedure was 816.86 ± 79.30 μm, 936.37 ± 107.33 μm (p < 0.001), 946.00 ± 130.40 μm (p < 0.001), 896.63 ± 123.40 μm (p < 0.001), 877.69 ± 114.38 μm (p=0.003), 843.03 ± 71.55 μm (p=0.021), 811.86 ± 68.91 μm (p=0.731), and 805.03 ± 69.52 μm (p=0.248), respectively. The transient thickening of the sclera was observed after the procedure; however, after 12 months postoperatively, the parameters returned to the initial value and no significant difference was noted.

CONCLUSION

The sclera thickness increases after UCP. However, with time the thickness reduces to its initial value with no significant difference. Clinical implication of the scleral changes lasts shorter than the measured significant difference in scleral thickness.

Efficacy and safety of high-dose ultrasound cyclo-plasty procedure in refractory glaucoma

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) for the treatment of refractory glaucoma in Chinese patients.

METHODS

In this 6-month retrospective study, 37 eyes of 37 patients suffering from severe glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥21 mm Hg underwent 8-s ultrasonic cyclocoagulation with ten active piezoelectric elements. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed before and at 1d, 1, 3, 6mo after UCP. Therapeutic success was defined as IOP reduction from baseline ≥20% and IOP ≥5 mm Hg without adding new glaucoma medication compare to baseline at the 6-month follow-up visit. In addition to mean IOP at each follow-up visit, medications used and complications were also detected and compared to baseline.

RESULTS

After UCP procedure, the mean IOP was significantly reduced (P<0.01) from the preoperative 44.1±11.9 mm Hg to postoperative 26.7±11.8 mm Hg at 3mo, and 30.4±14.5 mm Hg at 6mo. The overall mean IOP reductions achieved at 3 and 6mo were 39% and 31% compared to baseline IOP. Sixty-one percent of patients responded well to UCP treatment with a mean IOP reduction of 48% at 3mo and 42% at 6mo. Ocular pain in most of patients were alleviated. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

High-dose UCP treatment is an effective and safe procedure to reduce IOP in Chinese patients with severe glaucoma.

The Influence of Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty on Corneal Parameters

PRéCIS:: The ultrasound ciliary plasty (UCP) procedure affects corneal parameters, although the effect is transient. Ultrasound energy affects the sclera, leading to induced astigmatism. The area of energy application correlates with the astigmatism axis.

PURPOSE

To assess the postoperative corneal topography for 1 year after UCP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 78 patients with primary and secondary refractory glaucoma were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome measures were the corneal parameters obtained with anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure, number of antiglaucoma medications, and best-corrected logMAR visual acuities were analyzed as secondary outcome measures. Measurements were performed preoperatively and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. A total of 39 patients (39 eyes) completed the follow-up period of 12 months.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the anterior/posterior steep/flat keratometry and anterior/posterior astigmatism values immediately after UCP. However, 3 months postoperatively these parameters returned to their initial values and there were no significant differences noted. The mean±SD values of anterior astigmatism preoperatively and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were 1.12±0.66 D, 2.17±0.91 D (P<0.001), 2.05±0.93 D (P<0.001), 1.55±0.75 D (P=0.004), 1.31±0.70 D (P=0.024), and 1.20±0.73 D (P=0.406), respectively. The astigmatism axis tended to approach 90 degrees meridian with a significant difference 1 week postoperatively. Central and minimal corneal thickness remained unchanged, whereas the intraocular pressure and the number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP influenced the corneal topography parameters in the immediate postoperative period; however, with time, all parameters returned to their initial values.

High intensity focused ultrasound for glaucoma: 1-year results from a prospective pragmatic study

BACKGROUND

Ciclo plasty using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology acts through the selective coagulation of the ciliary body. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of 8-s probe HIFU cyclocoagulation using the EyeOP1 device.

METHODS

Prospective pragmatic trial.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

adult glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP despite optimised medical therapy, and/or intolerant to medical therapy required to achieve target IOP.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

surgical success defined as IOP reduction from baseline >20% with final IOP ≤21 mmHg, without adding any IOP-lowering drugs, and without loss of light perception; or decreased use of IOP-lowering drugs with stable/decreased IOP, without loss of light perception.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

mean IOP, intra and postoperative complications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and number of IOP-lowering drugs at each visit. Outcome data were collected preoperatively and at postoperative day 1, and months 1, 3, 6 and 12.

RESULTS

Forty-nine eyes of forty-nine patients (28 male) with a mean age of 70 ± 14 years were enroled. Pre-operative IOP was 26.9 ± 7.4 mmHg under 2.8 ± 0.9 topical medications, decreasing to 17.8 ± 6.4 mmHg under 2.3 ± 1 drugs at 12 months (p < 0.01). One-year surgical success was achieved in 71.4% of patients (IOP-reduction criteria: 59.2%; decreased use of IOP-lowering drugs: 38.8%). Eight patients were ultimately submitted to other glaucoma surgical interventions. Five patients experienced serious adverse events (loss of light perception n = 5; hypotony n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative non-invasive technology seems to be effective in decreasing IOP and/or the number of administered drops in patients with refractory glaucoma. It seems a valuable tool to delay or preclude the need for filtering procedures in the majority of the patients.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis after ultrasound-mediated cycloablation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A possible causal relationship

The cases concern a corneal complication not previously described, to our knowledge, after the application of ultrasound-mediated circular cycloablation, in 2cases of primary open-angle glaucoma in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Effectiveness and Safety of Long Duration versus Short Duration Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using either the long duration or short duration protocol.

Methods

Retrospective series of 23 consecutive patients with glaucoma who underwent continuous-wave diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation from August 2016 to July 2018 at a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. Laser pulse duration for the long and short duration protocols was defined as 3.0–4.0 and 1.5–2.0 s, respectively.

Results

There were 15 male and 8 female Chinese subjects (23 eyes), age 49–90 (71.3 ± 2.7), with 10 subjects that underwent long duration cyclophotocoagulation (power 1239.2 ± 78.3 mW, spots 13.9 ± 1.4) and 13 subjects that had short duration cyclophotocoagulation (mean power 1817.3 ± 85.7 mW, spots 14.4 ± 1.0). Six months after long and short duration cyclophotocoagulation, intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 29.9 ± 7.8 to 21.1 ± 6.5 (p < 0.01), and from 35.4 ± 2.7 to 24.1 ± 3.4 (p = 0.04), respectively, while glaucoma medications decreased significantly by 1.4 ± 0.5 (p = 0.02) in the long duration group only. Reduction of medications after short duration cyclophotocoagulation was less and did not reach statistical significance (0.9 ± 0.9, p = 0.15). There was no significant difference of visual deterioration and complication rates.

Conclusion

Both types of cyclophotocoagulation were equally effective in lowering intraocular pressure by 6 months, but the short duration protocol, using higher laser power, was able to achieve a greater and earlier reduction, at 3 months. However, the long duration protocol, using less laser power, appears better at reducing medication requirement by 6 months.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasonic circular cyclocoagulation with second-generation probe in glaucoma: A retrospective study

Background

To assess the efficacy and safety of the second-generation probe of ultrasonic circular cyclocoagulation (UC3) in naive or refractory glaucoma, with a 6-month follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective consecutive case-series study included patients having a UC3 procedure with the second-generation probe of the EyeOP1 device, intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 21 mmHg and under maximum tolerated medical treatment, with or without previous glaucoma surgery. Surgical success was defined at the 6-month post-operative visit as IOP > 5 and ≤ 21 mmHg with IOP reduction ≥ 20% from baseline, without any reoperation, and visual acuity better than negative light perception.

Results

100 patients were included and 97 (97.0%; 97 eyes) attended the 6-month follow-up. At 6 months, surgical success was obtained in 48 eyes (49.5%). Intraocular pressure was reduced from a mean ± SD preoperative value of 28.0 ± 5.6 mmHg to 19.3 ± 7.1 mmHg at 6 months (p<0.0001). The proportion of eyes requiring oral acetazolamide decreased from 57.0% to 30.0% between baseline and 6 months after surgery (p = 0.0007). We observed 15 (15.0%) cases of postsurgical macular edema, 8 (8.0%) of hypotony, and 20 (20.0%) of visual acuity loss > 2 Snellen lines. Postsurgical macular edema was associated with a history of epiretinal membranes, uveitis or retinal detachment. Risk factors for hypotony were a history of diabetes or trabeculectomy.

Conclusions

The second-generation UC3 probe significantly reduced IOP in eyes with naive and refractory glaucoma but severe post-operative complications were often observed. Further studies are needed to better identify responders and decrease the high risk for complications associated with the procedure.

A Comparative Study between Ultrasound Cycloplasty and Cyclocryotherapy for the Treatment of Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose

To compare the clinical efficacy, safety, and histological effect between ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) and cyclocryotherapy in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.

Methods

Two groups of neovascular glaucoma patients who underwent two types of treatment, respectively, namely, 26 patients treated by UCP and 23 by cyclocryotherapy, were treated and observed during the clinical study for six months. The primary outcome was evaluated by the surgical success, which was defined as the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of greater than or equal to 20% from the baseline and the IOP value of greater than 5 mmHg at the last follow-up. The secondary outcome referred to pain relief, complications, and the mean of the IOP at each follow-up. In the animal experiment, 18 New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups and treated by UCP and cyclocryotherapy, respectively. The changes in the tissues and in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were observed immediately.

Results

The mean IOP baseline for the UCP and cyclocryotherapy groups was 54.6 ± 9.7 mmHg and 53.3 ± 11.7 mmHg, respectively. After six months of follow-up, the IOP value decreased to 30.3 ± 9.4 mmHg for the patients treated by UCP and to 30.4 ± 9.1 mmHg for those treated by cyclocryotherapy. The two groups achieved a satisfying success rate in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma of up to 70% at least. Vision impairment was observed in some patients treated with cyclocryotherapy, and these patients suffered from more complications and less pain relief than the patients who were treated with UCP. The histological study showed that the ciliary body was completely destroyed after cyclocryotherapy and that MMP-1 was found only in the ciliary muscle. After the UCP treatment, MMP-1 could still be found in the ciliary body, and only the double-layer epithelial cells presented with coagulative necrosis.

Conclusion

The UCP treatment and cyclocryotherapy both showed good efficacy in significantly reducing the IOP. However, the UCP treatment was safer with less postoperative complications and adverse effects. Thus, the overall treatment effect of the UCP was more efficient than that of cyclocryotherapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Ultrasound Cycloplasty Procedures in Patients With Early or Delayed Failure After a First Procedure

PRECIS

Repeated ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) procedures are valuable options in patients with early or delayed intraocular pressure (IOP) increase after a first procedure. The safety of a second procedure is similar to that of the first one.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated UCPs in patients with early or delayed IOP increase after a first procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-one eyes with open-angle glaucoma, with an IOP decrease,>20% after a first UCP procedure (1 and/or 2 mo visit), and with an early or delayed IOP increase (IOP decrease<20% compared with baseline before or after the first 6 mo, respectively), underwent a second UCP procedure. Examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary outcomes were surgical success (IOP reduction≥20% and IOP>5 mm Hg) at the last follow-up and vision-threatening complications. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP at each visit, medication use, and other surgical interventions.

RESULTS

In the group with early IOP increase, IOP was reduced (P<0.05) from a mean value of 29.8±8.2 mm Hg before retreatment (n=3.3 medications) to 18.5±7.4 mm Hg at the last follow-up (n=3.5 medications) (-34%). Success was achieved in 52.6% of eyes (10/19) at the last follow-up visit. In the late IOP increase group, IOP was reduced (P<0.05) from a mean value of 31.9±6.6 mm Hg before retreatment (n=4.0 medications) to 16.2±5.2 mm Hg at the last follow-up (n=4.0 medications) (-43%). Success was achieved in 55.5% of eyes (5/9) at the last follow-up visit. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

A second UCP procedure could be considered in subjects with early or delayed failure after a first procedure.

Comparative Effectiveness and Tolerance of Subliminal Subthreshold Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation With a Duty Factor of 25% Versus 31.3% for Advanced Glaucoma

PRéCIS:: Subliminal subthreshold transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (SS-TSCPC) with duty cycles 25% and 31.3% seems to be an effective approach to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma that is refractory to medical management.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and the tolerance of SS-TSCPC with a duty cycle of 25% versus 31.3% with Supra 810 nm Subliminal Quantel Medical laser stimulation for advanced glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center, comparative case series of patients treated by SS-TSCPC between January 2017 and July 2017. The diagnostic and inclusion criteria were patients with advanced and refractory glaucoma, defined as IOP >21 mm Hg on maximal tolerated medical therapy with or without previous glaucoma surgical procedures, a minimum follow-up of 12 months, and patients who refused or were poor candidates for additional filtering surgery or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices. The primary endpoint was surgical success defined as an IOP of 6 to 21 mm Hg or a reduction of IOP by 20% from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medication from baseline. The secondary endpoints were the mean IOP and best visual corrected acuity best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months after surgery, retreatment outcomes, glaucoma medications, and complications such as inflammation, uveitis, cataract, mydriasis, and phthisis.

RESULTS

Forty eyes of 32 patients were included: 20 eyes were subjected to SS-TSCPC with 31.3% duty cycle and 20 eyes with a 25% duty cycle. The surgical success of the TSCPC 12 months after the first procedure was better in the 31.3% duty cycle group (83.5%) than in the 25% duty cycle group (65%). The most common complications were inflammation (50%, 1 mo after surgery) and IOP spikes (increase in IOP of >25% from baseline within 1 mo of laser) in both groups. Inflammation was higher in the 31.3% duty cycle group.

CONCLUSIONS

SS-TSCPC at 31.3% and 25% duty cycle seems to be an effective approach to reduce IOP in glaucoma that is refractory to medical management. SS-TSCPC at 31.3% duty cycle is more effective than the 25% duty cycle SS-TSCPC. However, the 31.3% duty cycle SS-TSCPC induces more inflammation than the 25% duty cycle SS-TSCPC. Each procedure should be considered on a case by case basis.

Safety and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound in severe or refractory glaucoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic cyclocoagulation in severe or refractory glaucoma, and to analyze the procedure-related inflammation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 15 eyes of 13 patients suffering from severe or refractory glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure of ⩾21 mmHg underwent 8-s ultrasonic cyclocoagulation. A complete ophthalmic evaluation, quality of life assessment using Glau-Qol-17, endothelial cell count, and flare measurement were performed. Primary outcome was qualified surgical success (defined as intraocular pressure reduction from baseline ⩾20% and intraocular pressure >5 mmHg without hypotensive medication adjunction). Secondary outcomes were flare, endothelial cell loss, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Qualified success was achieved in 67% of eyes at 6 months (mean intraocular pressure reduction = 42% in these eyes). During the first month after the procedure, the mean flare reached its maximum value when the intraocular pressure was minimal; the flare slowly decreased until normalization at month 3 when the maximal intraocular pressure was noted. At month 3, there was moderate but significant endothelial cell loss (11%), and no significant alteration in quality of life was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of ultrasonic cyclocoagulation in the present study is comparable to that reported in the literature. The kinetics of intraocular pressure and flare suggest that postoperative inflammation could be partly responsible for the early intraocular pressure decrease. The moderate endothelial cell loss, which could be caused by localized heating, and the preservation of quality of life confirm the safety of ultrasonic cyclocoagulation.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound ciliary plasty as a primary intervention in glaucoma patients

AIM

To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of the ultrasound ciliary plasty (UCP) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) control in glaucomatous eyes without previous glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study included patients with primary and secondary glaucoma who underwent UCP in Dar AlShifa Hospital, Kuwait between January 2017 to June 2018. High-intensity focused ultrasound procedures were performed under peribulbar anesthesia using the 2^nd generation probe with 8s duration of each of the 6 shots. Complete ophthalmologic examinations were scheduled pre-treatment, and at 1d, 1wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo post-treatment. Primary outcomes were the IOP reduction and success rates at 12mo, while the secondary outcomes were the occurrence of vision threatening complications and visual acuity.

RESULTS

The records of 62 eyes of 62 patients were analyzed with mean age of 63.8y (67.7% males). There was statistically significant reduction in the mean IOP from 35.2±8.3 mm Hg before treatment to 20.6±8.7 mm Hg at 12^th month (P<0.0005) with a mean percentage IOP reduction of 42.3% with significant reduction in the mean number of antiglaucomatous drugs from 3.2±0.4 before treatment to 2.1±1.02 at 12mo (P<0.0005). Qualified success was achieved in 77.4% of eyes at 12mo. No major intra- or post-treatment complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Second-generation UCP prove to be effective in reducing IOP in naive glaucoma patients with lower success rates in cases of neovascular and uveitic glaucomas.

Intraocular inflammation after Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty for the treatment of glaucoma

This is a prospective interventional clinical study evaluating intraocular inflammation developed after Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty (UCP) for the treatment of glaucoma. Eighteen eyes of 18 patients were treated with UCP second-generation probes (Eye OP1). After treatment, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) significantly decreased from 26.8±7.2 to 18.8±6.1 mm Hg at day 1 and to 14.7±3.4 mm Hg at month 6 (all P<0.001). Mean laser flare-cell photometry value steeply increased after surgery from 12.1±7.5 to 64.1±53.9 ph/ms (P=0.001) at day 1, and then progressively decreased to respectively 60.6±49.7 at day 7, 43.5±38.5 at day 14 and 28.2±18.3 at month 1 (all P<0.05), returning at levels similar to baseline ones at month 3 and month 6 (respectively 16.7±6.2 and 12.8±10.2, both P>0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between postoperative increase of aqueous flare values and anterior chamber depth (R=-0.568, P=0.014). This timeframe may be considered reasonable for repeating UCP treatment, when required.

Pupil Ovalization and Accommodation Loss after High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Glaucoma: A Case Report

Aim

The aim of this study is to present a complication derived from high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) not described previously in the literature.

Background

HIFU has shown to be an effective technique for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma, enabling the selective coagulation of the ciliary body. Published trials have not observed major intra- or postoperative complications, or serious adverse events derived from this technique.

Case description

We present the case of a 65-year-old phakic patient with open-angle glaucoma and no previous filtration surgery. He was treated in both eyes with HIFU. After the intervention, the patient presented mild uveitis for 10 days, which remitted with the application of topical cycloplegic and corticosteroid treatment. After that, he reported a loss of near vision and examination showed pupil ovalization. It persisted 6 months later, with an accommodation loss of one diopter.

Conclusion

Phakic patients treated with HIFU might be at risk of pupil ovalization with accommodation loss.

Clinical significance

The complications described in this article should be included in the informed consent for patients with glaucoma who are offered HIFU as a treatment option.

How to cite this article

Rivero-Santana A, Pérez-Silguero D, et al. Pupil Ovalization and Accommodation Loss after High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Glaucoma: A Case Report. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2019;13(2):77–78.

Cyclodestructive Procedures in Glaucoma: A Review of Current and Emerging Options

The first surgical modalities to reduce aqueous humor production by damaging the ciliary body date back to the early twentieth century. Until recently, however, cyclodestructive procedures (e.g., cyclocryotherapy and transscleral diode laser photocoagulation) have been reserved as last option procedures in refractory glaucoma patients with poor visual potential. Emerging technologic innovation has led to the development of promising, safer and less destructive techniques, such as micropulse diode cyclophotocoagulation, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and ultrasound cyclodestruction. Consequently, an emerging paradigm shift is under way with the selection of these surgical options in eyes with less severe glaucoma and good visual potential. Although existing evidence has not, as yet, adequately defined the role and value of these procedures, their emergence is a welcome expansion of available options for patients with moderate-to-severe glaucoma. This article reviews the pertinent evidence on both established and evolving cyclodestructive techniques and describes their growing role in the management of glaucoma.

Short-Term Observation of Ultrasonic Cyclocoagulation in Chinese Patients with End-Stage Refractory Glaucoma: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of HIFU-based ultrasonic cyclocoagulation in Chinese patients with end-stage refractory glaucoma.

Method

Patients were recruited consecutively from May 2016 to May 2017 in the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. Ultrasonic cyclocoagulation was performed on every patient, using the EyeOP1 ultrasound emitting device. Return visits were set at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after the treatment. An intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of ≥20% while IOP ≥ 5 mmHg was deemed as success. Mean IOP change was assessed. Efficacy of two modes (6 sectors and 8 sectors) was also compared. Complications were recorded for safety evaluation.

Results

61 eyes were treated in this study. The baseline IOP (mean ± SD) was 41.11 ± 10.65 mmHg. The percentage of IOP reduction after treatment was 29.2%, 43.2%, 34.8%, and 23.1% at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively. Overall success rate at 3 months was 50.0% (26/52). No significant difference was found between the 6 sectors group and the 8 sectors group in terms of the success rate (48.6% vs. 52.9%, p=0.768) as well as IOP reduction (p=0.417) at 3 months. Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) had the highest success rate (80.0%, 12/15). Scleral thinning existed in 12 eyes, among which 2 developed hypotony (2 mmHg and 3 mmHg). Average pain score decreased massively compared with baseline data.

Conclusion

With high percentage of IOP reduction and a good safety profile observed in our study, HIFU-based ultrasonic cyclocoagulation might become a promising alternative to cyclodestructive methods. Long-term efficacy and safety need further assessment. The study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn; Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-17014028).

High intensity focused ultrasound cyclocoagulation in dogs with primary glaucoma: a preliminary study

The objective was to assess the effect of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in dogs with primary glaucoma (PG). Seven dogs (13 eyes) presenting with PG as diagnosed by a raised IOP (> 20 mm Hg) associated with consistent gonioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy of the ciliary cleft, with no other ocular disease. Patients were divided into 3 groups, corresponding to their pre-operative IOP (group 1 ranging from 21 to 30 mm Hg, group 2 from 31 to 40 and group 3 for 40 and above). Ciliary process sonication was achieved with a probe containing one high-frequency transducer operating at 21 MHz during 5 seconds. Six sites were treated in patients from group 1, 8 in group 2, 10 in group 3, under general anesthesia. Post-operative treatment consisted of systemic meloxicam and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, beta-blockers and prostaglandins analogues. No intraoperative complications were observed. Conjunctival hyperaemia occurred in eyes from group 2 (66%) and 3 (100%). Conjunctival burns were visible in 2 patients from group 3. One patient from group 3 experienced a hypertensive spike during the first hours post-op with associated pain. The hypotensive effect of HIFU was observed in all groups. Normotensive IOP (≤20 mm Hg) was reached in all patients until the last recheck at 6 months post op. Despite the small number of patients included in the study, HIFU appears to be a promising option for the management of PG in dogs.

Application of high intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of open-angle glaucoma in Indian patients

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) in Indian patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods:

A prospective interventional study was designed to treat 73 eyes of 73 patients with OAG with the EyeOP1 device equipped with six miniaturized cylindrical piezoelectric transducers. Two treatment protocols of ultrasound delivery depending on exposure time (8 s and 10 s of shot per transducer) were used. Complete ophthalmic examination, ocular biometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were performed preoperatively and patients were followed up at day 1, day 7 and months 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12. The primary outcome measure was “successful” intraocular pressure (IOP) control defined as IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline and IOP value >5 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of complications and mean IOP during the follow-up period.

Results:

In all patients, the mean IOP reduced from 23.5 ± 3.0 mmHg before treatment to 15.7 ± 5.4 mmHg at 12 months (P < 0.05). Successful IOP control after a single procedure was 78.3% (79% and 78% in the 8 s and 10 s groups, respectively) at 12 months. Overall, the mean IOP reduction achieved in responding patients was 41% (standard deviation = 12%). Notwithstanding minor side effects such as transient pain, anterior chamber reaction, and refractive error changes, no major intraoperative or postoperative complications (severe hypotony or phthisis) were observed during the follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our short-term results reveal that UCP is a simple, safe, and noninvasive procedure which enables to significantly reduce the IOP in patients with OAG. The study results in Indian eyes corroborate findings in earlier studies on Caucasian eyes.

Overcoming ocular drug delivery barriers through the use of physical forces

Overcoming the physiological barriers in the eye remains a key obstacle in the field of ocular drug delivery. While ocular barriers naturally have a protective function, they also limit drug entry into the eye. Various pharmaceutical strategies, such as novel formulations and physical force-based techniques, have been investigated to weaken these barriers and transport therapeutic agents effectively to both the anterior and the posterior segments of the eye. This review summarizes and discusses the recent research progress in the field of ocular drug delivery with a focus on the application of physical methods, including electrical fields, sonophoresis, and microneedles, which can enhance penetration efficiency by transiently disrupting the ocular barriers in a minimally or non-invasive manner.

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic disease caused by the progressive degeneration of the optical nerve fibers, resulting in decreased visual field that can lead to severe visual impairment, and eventually blindness. This manuscript describes a simple, surgeon-friendly, non-incisional technique, named Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty (UCP), for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The technique determines a selective coagulation necrosis of the ciliary body; in addition, the stimulation of supra-choroidal and trans-scleral portions of the uveo-scleral outflow pathway has been recently proposed. UCP shows several technical improvements in ultrasound technology compared to previous techniques, providing more precise focusing on the target zone. The procedure is performed in the operating room under peribulbar anesthesia. Briefly, the coupling cone is put in contact with the eye and the ring probe, that contains six piezoelectric transducers which produce the ultrasound beams, is inserted inside it. Their proper centering over the ocular surface represents a crucial step for the correct targeting of the ciliary body. Sterile balanced salt solution is used to fill the empty spaces to ensure ultrasound acoustic propagation. Surgical treatment consists in the sequential automatic activation of each of the six transducers, for a total duration of less than 3 min. The patient leaves the hospital 1 h after the procedure with the treated eye patched. In the present study, 10 patients with open-angle glaucoma were followed-up during at least 12 months after the procedure. IOP was reduced at each interval compared to pre-operative, as well as the number of hypotensive medications. Twenty percent of patients did not respond to the treatment, and needed subsequent surgery to better control IOP. Treatment tolerability was good, with no cases of hypotony or phthisis. The UCP procedure is simpler, faster, safer, and less invasive than traditional cyclodestructive procedures with similar results in reducing IOP.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Circular Cyclocoagulation in Glaucoma: A Step Forward for Cyclodestruction?

The ciliary body ablation is still considered as a last resort treatment to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in uncontrolled glaucoma. Several ablation techniques have been proposed over the years, all presenting a high rate of complications, nonselectivity for the target organ, and unpredictable dose-effect relationship. These drawbacks limited the application of cyclodestructive procedures almost exclusively to refractory glaucoma. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), proposed in the early 1980s and later abandoned because of the complexity and side effects of the procedure, was recently reconsidered in a new approach to destroy the ciliary body. Ultrasound circular cyclocoagulation (UC³), by using miniaturized transducers embedded in a dedicated circular-shaped device, permits to selectively treat the ciliary body in a one-step, computer-assisted, and non-operator-dependent procedure. UC³ shows a high level of safety along with a predictable and sustained IOP reduction in patients with refractory glaucoma. Because of this, the indication of UC³ was recently extended also to naïve-to-surgery patients, thus reconsidering the role and timing of ciliary body ablation in the surgical management of glaucoma. This article provides a review of the most used cycloablative techniques with particular attention to UC³, summarizing the current knowledge about this procedure and future possible developments.

The Effect of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Keratoplasty on Rabbit Anterior Segment

Purpose. To evaluate the safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound keratoplasty as a treatment for presbyopia by examining its effect on the rabbit anterior segment. Methods. The right corneas of 36 New Zealand rabbits were treated with HIFU keratoplasty. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after operation. Collagen type I, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. For the detection of apoptosis, the TUNEL method was applied. The SOD and MDA levels were analyzed with assay kits. Results. Collagen type I, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels were altered after the operation but returned to normal within 90 days. The apoptotic index (AI) of the corneal cells decreased from 1 to 30 days gradually. No apoptosis was observed in the epithelial cells of the lens, and the SOD and MDA levels were normal at any time point. Conclusion. After HIFU keratoplasty, the histomorphology of the cornea changed, the corneal collagen type I levels decreased, the corneal MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels increased, and the corneal cells underwent apoptosis for a period of time. Ninety days after the operation, the levels returned to normal, and the lenses were not affected. Thus, HIFU presents good biological safety for eyes.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Cycloplasty: Analysis of Pupil Dynamics

Aim

High-intensity focused ultrasound cystoplasty (UCP) aims to noninvasively and selectively target the ciliary body, thus lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). To be used on a large scale, the safety of the UCP procedure should be studied. Therefore, its effect on pupil behavior is important to better inform patients and to help physicians predict possible treatment side effects. This study aimed to evaluate to what extent UCP procedure (EyeOP-1®) affects pupil dynamics.

Materials and methods

Consecutive glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP despite optimal medication scheduled for UCP treatment were recruited and followed for 6 months. Pupillometry (PlusoptiX^® S0₄) was performed at baseline, and 1, 3 and 6 months after UCP procedure at scotopic and mesopic conditions. The difference between pupil diameter (PD) in both lighting conditions was calculated at the three follow-up visits. Demographic, clinical characteristics and specific ocular parameters (anterior chamber depth and volume, white-to-white measurement, axial length, phakic status) were registered. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.1.

Results

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with a mean age of 69 ± 11 years were included. Mean preoperative IOP and number of medications were 23.6 ± 3.0 mm Hg and 2.4 ± 1.3, respectively. Mean baseline scotopic and mesopic PD were 4.8 ± 0.8 mm and 4.4 ± 0.9 mm, respectively (difference = 0.38 ± 0.30 mm; range 0.1 to 1.2 mm). At month-1, the pupil diameter (PD) change between scotopic (4.6 ± 0.7 mm) and mesopic (4.5 ± 0.8 mm) conditions decreased to 0.03 ± 0.34 mm, p = 0.01. On the longer follow-up periods, however, the amplitude difference in PD compared to baseline was no longer significant (month-3: 0.28 ± 0.49 mm; month 6: 0.23 ± 0.41 mm; p >0.05). At the end of follow-up, mean scotopic and mesopic PD were 4.7 ± 1.0 mm and 4.4 ± 0.9 mm, respectively.

Conclusion and clinical significance

In the early postoperative period after UCP treatment, most patients present with a less light-reactive pupil, which seems to normalize with time.

How to cite this article

Sousa DC, Ferreira NP, Marques-Neves C, Somers A, Vandewalle E, Stalmans I, Pinto LA. High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Cycloplasty: Analysis of Pupil Dynamics. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(3):102-106.