GlaucoMap - Distribution of Glaucoma Surgical Procedures in the United States

Standalone Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy Using the OMNI Surgical System in Eyes with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A 36-Month Analysis from the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight)

PURPOSE

To characterize long-term real-world clinical outcomes of standalone canaloplasty and trabeculotomy using the OMNI Surgical System (Sight Sciences) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

DESIGN

Retrospective, clinical cohort study utilizing the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) data.

SUBJECTS

Patients/eyes in the IRIS Registry with POAG or ocular hypertension with known laterality on or after January 1, 2016 and undergoing standalone canaloplasty and trabeculotomy using the OMNI Surgical System with at least 6 months and up to 36 months of postoperative follow-up were included. Eyes were excluded for prior filtration surgery, trabeculoplasty within 90 days of the OMNI procedure, or concomitant cataract surgery.

METHODS/OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication changes postoperatively.

RESULTS

230 eyes in 196 patients were analyzed. Most eyes had moderate (40.0 %) or severe (41.3 %) POAG. Two-thirds (153 of 230) were pseudophakic. Fewer than half of procedures (44.4 %) were performed by glaucoma specialists. Mean baseline IOP was 22.1 (6.4) mmHg and over 36 months of follow-up ranged from 15.1 to 16.7 mmHg (p < 0.0001 at every time point compared to baseline), with average eye-level reductions of 5.6-7.1 mmHg. The mean number of glaucoma medications used at baseline was 2.1 (1.5) and over 36 months ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 medication classes, with statistically significant decreases in utilization through 18 months postoperatively (p ≤ 0.0011) and nonsignificant at months 24 and 36. Eyes with lower baseline IOP (≤18 mmHg) had reductions in medication use through 36 months, and eyes with higher baseline IOP (>18 mmHg) had statistically significant reductions in IOP through 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Standalone canaloplasty and trabeculotomy provides clinically and statistically significant reductions in IOP through up to 36 months postoperatively. Eyes with lower baseline IOP had long-term glaucoma medication reductions and eyes with higher baseline IOP had statistically significant long-term IOP reductions. Standalone OMNI surgery is a reasonable MIGS option for patients with POAG seeking IOP reduction, medication reduction, or both.

Standalone interventional glaucoma: evolution from the combination-cataract paradigm

One of the most impactful recent developments in the glaucoma community has been the concept of interventional glaucoma. In brief, this paradigm shift involves proactive rather than reactive intervention to address glaucoma earlier in the disease process, including in both standalone and combination-cataract settings. By intervening earlier with minimally invasive surgical, laser, or drug-delivery treatments instead of prolonged topical medications, interventional glaucoma aims to take the burden of medication compliance off the patient. It also allows for standalone surgical interventions rather than letting cataract surgery dictate the glaucoma treatment plan. This interventional mindset has been made possible by the increasing diversity and availability of effective minimally invasive treatment options. With these options as a springboard, it is time to reevaluate and advance the traditional glaucoma treatment paradigm.

Beyond PhacoTrainer: Deep Learning for Enhanced Trabecular Meshwork Detection in MIGS Videos

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop deep learning models for surgical video analysis, capable of identifying minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and locating the trabecular meshwork (TM).

Methods

For classification of surgical steps, we had 313 video files (265 for cataract surgery and 48 for MIGS procedures), and for TM segmentation, we had 1743 frames (1110 for TM and 633 for no TM). We used transfer learning to update a classification model pretrained to recognize standard cataract surgical steps, enabling it to also identify MIGS procedures. For TM localization, we developed three different models: U-Net, Y-Net, and Cascaded. Segmentation accuracy for TM was measured by calculating the average pixel error between the predicted and ground truth TM locations.

Results

Using transfer learning, we developed a model which achieved 87% accuracy for MIGS frame classification, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.99. This model maintained a 79% accuracy for identifying 14 standard cataract surgery steps. The overall micro-averaged AUROC was 0.98. The U-Net model excelled in TM segmentation with an Intersection over union (IoU) score of 0.9988 and an average pixel error of 1.47.

Conclusions

Building on prior work developing computer vision models for cataract surgical video, we developed models that recognize MIGS procedures and precisely localize the TM with superior performance. Our work demonstrates the potential of transfer learning for extending our computer vision models to new surgeries without the need for extensive additional data collection.

Translational Relevance

Computer vision models in surgical videos can underpin the development of systems offering automated feedback for trainees, improving surgical training and patient care.

Ten-Year Effectiveness and Safety of Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent Implantation with Cataract Surgery in Patients with Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated 10-year results of implanting one iStent trabecular micro-bypass stent during cataract surgery in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension.

METHODS

This retrospective, non-randomized study examined 10-year outcomes of iStent trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation with cataract surgery by one surgeon in eyes with OAG [including primary OAG (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG)] or ocular hypertension at a multi-specialty German ophthalmology center. Study visits were conducted preoperatively and at 2.5, 3, 5, and 10 years postoperatively; examinations included intraocular pressure (IOP), medications, corrected-distance visual acuity (CDVA), and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 63 eyes of 45 patients with OAG (n = 60 eyes) or ocular hypertension (n = 3 eyes) and data through 10 years were analyzed. Mean preoperative IOP was 18.6 ± 4.4 mmHg on 1.83 ± 1.03 mean medications. At study visits through 10 years postoperative, mean IOP reduced by 12.9-19.0% (p < 0.005 at all points), and mean medication burden reduced by 37.8-51.4% (p ≤ 0.006 at all points). At 10 years postoperatively, 77.8% of eyes had IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and 47.6% had IOP ≤ 15 mmHg (vs. 50.8% and 25.4% preoperatively, respectively; p = 0.016). One-third (33.3%) of eyes were medication-free vs. 3.2% preoperatively (p < 0.001); 17.5% were on 2-5 medications (vs. 55.6% preoperatively, p = 0.005); and 93.7% of eyes were on the same or fewer medications vs. preoperative. Post-phacoemulsification CDVA improvement was maintained; no filtering surgeries were completed over 10-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant and safe IOP and medication reductions were observed through 10 years after iStent implantation with cataract surgery in patients with OAG or ocular hypertension.

Predicting Glaucoma Surgical Outcomes Using Neural Networks and Machine Learning on Electronic Health Records

Purpose

To develop machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to predict glaucoma surgical outcomes, including postoperative intraocular pressure, use of ocular antihypertensive medications, and need for repeat surgery.

Methods

We identified glaucoma surgeries performed at Stanford from 2013-2024, with two or more postoperative visits with intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Patient features were identified from the electronic health record (EHR), including demographics, prior diagnosis and procedure codes, medications and eye exam findings. Classical ML and DL models were developed to predict which glaucoma surgeries would result in surgical failure, defined as (1) IOP not reduced by more than 20% of preoperative baseline on two consecutive postoperative visits, (2) increased classes of glaucoma medications, and (3) need for additional glaucoma surgery or revision of original surgery.

Results

A total of 2398 glaucoma surgeries of 1571 patients were included, of which 1677 surgeries met failure criteria. Random forest performed best for prediction of overall surgical failure, with accuracy of 75.5% and area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 76.7%, similar to the deep learning model (accuracy 75.5%, AUROC 76.6%). Across all models, prediction performance was better for IOP outcomes (AUROC 86%) than need for an additional surgery (AUROC 76%) or need for additional glaucoma medication (AUC 70%).

Conclusions

ML and DL algorithms can predict glaucoma surgery outcomes using structured data inputs from EHRs.

Translational Relevance

Models that predict outcomes of glaucoma surgery may one day provide the basis for clinical decision support tools supporting surgeons in personalizing glaucoma treatment plans.

Permanent ocular remodeling in the setting of chronic hypotony after trabeculectomy: A case report

Purpose

Trabeculectomy surgery is a commonly performed procedure for treatment of glaucoma. While the goal is to lower intraocular pressure, over-filtration may cause hypotony with ocular structural changes and vision loss.

Observations

A 53-year-old woman with primary open-angle glaucoma was referred to our service for further evaluation. The patient previously underwent trabeculectomy 9 years prior and was found to have a cataract and hypotony maculopathy in the right eye. Treatment options included cataract surgery alone, bleb revision alone, or combined cataract extraction and bleb revision. Biometry revealed corneal astigmatism in the right eye, and significant disparity in axial length between the two eyes. Since the axial length and corneal astigmatic changes were presumed to be at least partially reversible, measurements from the non-operative left eye influenced the lens selection for the hypotonous right eye. The patient underwent combined phacoemulsification and bleb revision. While IOP increased and hypotony was partly reversed, there was hyperopic and astigmatic refractive surprise after surgery.The patient subsequently underwent intraocular lens exchange using biometric values of the previously hypotonous eye and met the target post-operative refractive goal.

Conclusions and importance

This case demonstrates changes to the axial length and ocular structure following longstanding hypotony maculopathy may be permanent, even after restoration of normotensive intraocular pressure.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy in advanced-stage pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare clinical outcomes between gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and trabeculectomy (TRAB) in patients with advanced-stage pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG).

METHODS

This comparative study comprised 62 patients who underwent GATT (N = 31) or TRAB (N = 31) for advanced-stage PEXG. Primary outcome was cumulative probability of surgical success at the end of 12-month follow-up. Success was determined as intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction ≥ 30% from baseline, IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg and IOP upper limits for IOP < 15 mmHg and < 12 mmHg, separately. Secondary outcomes were IOP reduction, antiglaucoma medication (AGM) use, and complications in the study.

RESULTS

Age, sex, cup/disc ratio, mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05 for all). The probability of cumulative surgical success at the end of 12 months was similar between the two groups for IOP < 15 mmHg and < 18 mmHg but significantly higher after TRAB (92.0%) than GATT (82.5%) for IOP < 12 mmHg (log-rank test p = 0.035). Percentage of IOP reduction from baseline was similar between the groups (53.1 ± 18.6% in GATT group and 53.0 ± 16.6% in TRAB group, p = 0.98) at the end of 12 months. No significant difference in the mean number of AGM was present at the 12-month visit (1.3 ± 1.4 in GATT and 1.1 ± 1.4 in TRAB, p = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

At the end of 12 months, IOP reduction rate was similar between GATT and TRAB. Cumulative surgical success was higher after TRAB than GATT for IOP < 12 mmHg.

Spatial Vision Inequalities: A Literature Review of the Impact of Place on Vision and Eye Health Outcomes

"Neighborhood and built environment" is one of the five domains of social determinants of health that has been outlined by Healthy People 2030, and this domain impacts an individual's well-being, health, and quality of life. Social risk factors (SRFs) in the neighborhood and built environment domain include unstable or unsafe housing, poor access to transportation, lack of green spaces, pollution, safety concerns, and neighborhood measures of inequity. In this narrative literature review, we assess the relationship between neighborhood and built environment SRFs and eye health and vision outcomes. We explain how mapping neighborhood-level SRFs may be used to advance health equity in the field of eye health and vision care.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Surgical Volumes Among Fellowship-Trained Glaucoma Subspecialists

PRCIS

The change in glaucoma surgical volumes due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was not uniform across procedure types and was unequal between rural and urban practice locations.

PURPOSE

To quantify the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on surgical volumes performed by fellowship-trained glaucoma subspecialists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Public Use File extracted all glaucoma surgeries, including microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs), trabeculectomy, goniotomy, lasers, and cataract surgery, performed by fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons in rural and urban areas between 2016 and 2020. Predicted estimates of 2020 surgical volumes were created utilizing linear squares regression. Percentage change between predicted and observed 2020 surgical volume estimates was analyzed. Statistical significance was achieved at P <0.05.

RESULTS

In 2020, fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons operated mostly in urban areas (N = 810, 95%). A 29% and 31% decrease in predicted cataract surgery volumes in urban and rural areas, respectively, was observed. Glaucoma surgeries experienced a 36% decrease from predicted estimates (N = 56,781). MIGS experienced an 86% and 75% decrease in rural and urban areas, respectively. Trabeculectomy in rural areas experienced a 16% increase relative to predicted estimates while urban areas experienced a decrease of 3% ( P > 0.05). The number of goniotomies decreased by 10% more in rural areas than in urban areas (-22% and -12%, respectively). Laser procedures decreased by 8% more in urban areas than in rural areas (-18% and -10%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among glaucoma-trained surgeons, glaucoma surgeries experienced a greater volume loss than cataract surgeries. In urban US areas, relative reductions in MIGS and goniotomy volumes in urban areas may have been compensated by greater laser and trabeculectomy volumes. Trabeculectomies in rural areas were the only group exceeding predicted estimates. Glaucoma subspecialists may utilize these findings when planning for future events and in overcoming any remaining unmet need in terms of glaucoma care.

The Evolution and Current Landscape of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries: A Review

This review examines the evolution, current status, and future potential of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), a significant advancement in the treatment of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. MIGS offer a less invasive alternative to traditional glaucoma surgeries, primarily aimed at reducing intraocular pressure, minimizing tissue trauma, and providing a safer profile. With the emergence of devices such as the Trabectome, iStent, and others, MIGS have expanded the surgical toolkit, allowing personalized, patient-centered care. Despite their advantages, MIGS face challenges such as efficacy in severe cases, long-term data, and accessibility. Ongoing research and technological innovations continue to refine their capabilities and applications, promising to further transform glaucoma management and patient outcomes. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of MIGS, reflecting on their impact and contemplating future directions in this dynamically evolving field.

National Utilization of Glaucoma Laser and Surgical Management in Medicare Beneficiaries: Disparities and Accessibility

PRCIS

In this population-based, cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries, there were lower odds of national glaucoma surgery among ages older than 85, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and diabetic comorbidity. Glaucoma surgery rates were independent of ophthalmologist distribution.

PURPOSE

With an increasing prevalence of glaucoma in the United States, it is crucial to elucidate surgical procedure accessibility to deliver quality care. The objective of this study was to estimate national access to surgical glaucoma care by (1) comparing diagnostic and surgical management Medicare insurance claims followed by (2) correlating Medicare treatment claims with regional ophthalmologist availability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included Medicare claims from the 2017 Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System and workforce data from the 2017 Area Health Resource Files, both public domain databases. A total of 25,443,400 beneficiaries fully enrolled in Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service with glaucoma diagnosis claims were included. Rates of US MD ophthalmologists were determined by Area Health Resource Files distribution densities. Surgical glaucoma management rates included Medicare service utilization claims for drain, laser, and incisional glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

While Black, non-Hispanic Americans had the highest prevalence of glaucoma, Hispanic beneficiaries had the highest odds of surgery. Older age (85+ vs. 65-84 y; Odds Ratio [OR]=0.864; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.854-0.874), female sex (OR=0.923; 95% CI, 0.914-0.932), and having diabetes (OR=0.944; 95% CI, 0.936-0.953) was associated with lower odds of having a surgical glaucoma intervention. Glaucoma surgery rates were not associated with ophthalmologist density by state.

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma surgery utilization differences by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and systemic comorbidities warrant further investigation. Glaucoma surgery rates are independent of ophthalmologist distribution by state.

Microfluidics in the eye: a review of glaucoma implants from an engineering perspective

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in the eye, which is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and currently affects over 70 million individuals. Clinically, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is the only proven treatment to halt the progression of glaucoma. Microfluidic devices such as glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices are routinely used by ophthalmologists to manage elevated IOP, by creating an artificial pathway for the over-accumulated aqueous humor (AH) in a glaucomatous eye, when the natural pathways are severely blocked. Herein, a detailed modelling and analysis of both the natural microfluidic pathways of the AH in the eye and artificial microfluidic pathways formed additionally by the various glaucoma implants are conducted to provide an insight into the causes of the IOP abnormality and the improvement schemes of current implant designs. The mechanisms of representative glaucoma implants have been critically reviewed from the perspective of microfluidics, and we have categorized the current implants into four groups according to the targeted drainage sites of the AH, namely Schlemm's canal, suprachoroidal space, subconjunctival space, and ocular surface. In addition, we propose to divide the development and evolution of glaucoma implant designs into three technological waves, which include microtube (1st), microvalve (2nd) and microsystem (3rd). With the emerging trends of minimal invasiveness and artificial intelligence in the development of medical implants, we envision that a comprehensive glaucoma treatment microsystem is on the horizon, which is featured with active and wireless control of IOP, real-time continuous monitoring of IOP and aqueous rate, etc. The current review could potentially cast light on the unmatched needs, challenges, and future directions of the microfluidic structural and functional designs of glaucoma implants, which would enable an enhanced safety profile, reduced complications, increased efficacy of lowering IOP and reduced IOP fluctuations, closed-loop and on-demand control of IOP, etc.

New XEN63 Gel Stent Implantation in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Two-Year Follow-Up Pilot Study

Purpose

The XEN gel stent was developed to reduce the risks of filtration surgery by standardizing the outflow of aqueous humor into the subconjunctival space. Recently, a modified version of the XEN63 gel stent was introduced. The goal of this study was to assess its efficacy and safety.

Methods

This is a prospective, nonrandomized, observational, consecutive case series study at a single tertiary centre. Patients with open-angle glaucoma with above target intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal tolerated medication were included. The primary outcome was a change of median IOP. Secondary outcomes included a change in the number of medications, complete success, needling and complication rates. Success was defined as a lowering of IOP > 20% from baseline and IOP ≤ 14 mmHg. Complete success indicated that the target IOP was reached without medications.

Results

Six patients were included. The median IOP decreased from 35.5 mmHg (25.0-40.0 mmHg) at baseline to 11.5 mmHg (4.0-15.0 mmHg, p = 0.03), and median IOP-lowering medication was reduced from 4.0 (3.0-4.0) at baseline to 0 (0-1.0, p = 0.03) after two years. Five patients (83.0%) had a complete success after two years. Two patients (33.0%) required a needling procedure. Three patients (50.0%) required an intervention due to symptomatic hypotony within the first three weeks postoperatively. Hypotony resolved completely or was asymptomatic after three months.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications. Complications were well manageable and had no long-term sequelae.

Short-Term Postoperative Outcome of Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant with Two Tubes Inserted into the Vitreous Cavity

Here, we report a new surgical technique designed to increase filtration volume and reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and its one-year outcome. Two tubes were created from a single Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BI) by folding the tube in a U-shape and incising only the outer edge of the stretched loop tip. The tubes were placed into the vitreous cavity via the pars plana through a long scleral tunnel, without a scleral valve or graft patch. Twenty eyes of 18 patients with neovascular glaucoma were included. This technique was performed in 10 eyes of 10 patients (double group), and outcomes were compared to 10 eyes of eight patients in which a single tube BI was inserted (single group). The primary outcome measures included IOP, supplemental medical therapy score (SMTS), and intraoperative and postoperative complications before and after surgery at 12 months. The mean IOP (SMTS) were 32.0 ± 11.33 mmHg (4.1) in the double group and 29.7 ± 6.31 mmHg (5.7) in the single group, preoperatively reduced to 11.8 ± 2.70 mmHg (0.2) (63% reduction, p < 0.004) and 14.2 ± 4.05 mmHg (1.1) (52% reduction, p < 0.002) after 12 months, respectively. SMTS showed 95% (p = 0.005) and 89% (p = 0.005) reductions, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups at 12 months (p = 0.16), there were significant differences in the SMTS between the two groups before, and 6 and 12 months after, surgery (p = 0.01, 0.04 and 0.04, respectively). A reduction in the SMTS suggests that increasing filtration volume by placing two tubes has the potential to further reduce IOP as compared with a single tube.

Stand-Alone Xen Gel Microstent Implantation Compared With Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy

PRCIS

Both Xen gel Microstent implantation and Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy are safe and effective as stand-alone procedures, but the Xen Gel Microstent was associated with more postoperative interventions and achieved higher success at a lower intraocular pressure threshold.

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of stand-alone Xen Gel Microstent implantation compared with stand-alone KDB goniotomy for moderate to severe glaucoma.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center, case-series analysis comparing outcomes of Xen Gel Microstent implantation and KDB goniotomy stand-alone cases in 75 eyes. Primary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, glaucoma medication reduction, surgical success, and complications. Surgical success was defined using IOP<21 mm Hg and IOP<18 mm Hg thresholds, with or without glaucoma medications, and without further glaucoma surgery. Subjects were followed for at least 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Mean baseline IOP was comparable between the Xen Gel Microstent and KDB goniotomy groups (23.7±8.4 and 25.9±7.9 mm Hg, respectively, P =0.32). At 24 months after surgery, the mean IOP after Xen Gel Microstent was 14.7±3.2 mm Hg (32.7% reduction from baseline, P =0.018) and KDB goniotomy was 16.7±3.2 mm Hg (40.4% reduction from baseline, P =0.049). Although the mean IOP was significantly lower during the first month after Xen Gel Microstent implantation, no difference in mean IOP was observed between the 2 treatment groups at 24 months after surgery ( P =0.416). At 24 months after surgery, the percent reduction of IOP from baseline was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean reduction of glaucoma medications from baseline at 24 months was 1.69 drops after Xen Gel Microstent implantation ( P =.008) and 1.67 drops after KDB goniotomy ( P =0.038). Postoperative complications were nonvision-threatening and were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P =0.550). Interventions not included with complications were needling performed in 21 (37%) of eyes in the Xen Gel Microstent group and Nd:YAG goniopuncture in 1 (5.6%) eye after KDB goniotomy. With an IOP threshold <21 mm Hg, surgical success was not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P =0.06). At a lower IOP threshold (<18 mm Hg), surgical success was higher after Xen Gel Microstent implantation compared with KDB goniotomy ( P =0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both stand-alone Xen Gel Microstent implantation and KDB goniotomy can effectively and safely reduce IOP for moderate to severe glaucoma. The Xen Gel Microstent was associated with a higher need for postoperative interventions and achieved greater success at a lower IOP threshold.

[Glaucoma care in Germany-results of a survey among German ophthalmologists-part 2: treatment]

BACKGROUND

The options for glaucoma treatment are quite diverse. The question therefore arises what is considered beneficial and feasible in daily practice. Our anonymized survey among members of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany (BVA) intends to explore treatment patterns and strategies in routine glaucoma care in Germany.

OBJECTIVE

The current article reflects current opinions of German ophthalmologists regarding glaucoma care, therapeutic strategies, and the role of glaucoma surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire with 26 questions (107 items) regarding care practice for glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Complete responses were available from 1361 participants.

RESULTS

A total of 84.8% of responders define a target pressure regularly. A systemic therapeutic approach is followed by 44.9%. Two thirds consider side effects of eye drops to impair quality of life. Most common are conjunctival hyperemia and burning. Non-adherence to treatment is estimated to occur in 32% of patients. Approximately 5-10% of glaucoma patients are treated surgically. Among interventional treatment options, 90% consider trabeculectomy beneficial, followed by minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which are, however, the most commonly performed procedures.

CONCLUSION

The choice of treatment should intend a long-lasting reduction of intraocular pressure and yet to be reasonable and manageable. There is a demand for more overview and structured care.

United States Medicare Reimbursement Trends for Glaucoma Procedures: 2000 to 2020

PURPOSE

To investigate United States medicare reimbursement trends for common glaucoma procedures from 2000 to 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Current Procedural Terminology codes for Glaucoma procedures in the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database were used to conduct this economic analysis. Reimbursement data from the Physician Fee Schedule look-up tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was compiled for the selected procedures and compensation trends were investigated after adjusting for inflation in 2020 US dollars from the unadjusted data between 2000 to 2020.

RESULTS

The average adjusted reimbursement for the analyzed procedures decreased by 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], -15.4% to -25.6%) over the twenty-year period. On average, there was a 1.03% decrease in reimbursement rates per year (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.74% to -1.33%) with an adjusted Compound Annual Growth Rate of -1.35% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.07% to -1.64%). The results show an overall declining rate in reimbursement for the glaucoma procedures analyzed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

United States medicare reimbursement for glaucoma procedures in the United States showed a significant decline between 2000 to 2020. These findings may be relevant to understanding changing practice patterns for glaucoma care.

Outcomes of Anterior Chamber, Sulcus, and Pars Plana Glaucoma Drainage Device Placement in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

To assess outcomes of anterior chamber (AC), sulcus, and pars plana (PP) glaucoma drainage device (GDD) placement in glaucoma patients. Patients and Methods. Retrospective evaluation of glaucoma patients who underwent GDD insertion in the AC, sulcus, or PP at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between November 2016 and May 2021. Patients who received AC, sulcus, and pars plana tubes were selected using simple random sampling, and the first 40 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Main outcome measures were cumulative success probabilities from Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses, intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, and complication rates.

Results

The PP group had a larger proportion of Ahmed GDDs and was younger on average with less severe glaucoma compared to patients with AC or sulcus tubes. The PP group had a higher proportion of mixed-mechanism glaucoma and lower proportion of primary open-angle glaucoma. With success defined as IOP reduction ≥20% and 5 < IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg, the Kaplan-Meier cumulative success probabilities for all three GDD locations were not significantly different. No significant differences were found in complication rates between all groups after 3 months. Patients with PP GDD had significantly lower medication burden than those with AC or sulcus GDDs up to 1.5 years postoperatively (1.7 ± 1.1, 3.0 ± 1.4, and 2.8 ± 1.2 for PP, AC, and sulcus, respectively; P=0.017).

Conclusion

PP GDDs may be more effective in lowering medication burden than AC or sulcus tubes without compromising long-term safety.

Rotational extraction of incarcerated iris (REII): a slit lamp technique to reduce incarcerated iris after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy for glaucoma

PURPOSE

Iris incarceration is a complication of glaucoma filtering surgery that often requires surgery. We describe a technique for reduction of incarcerated iris at the slit lamp, dubbed rotational extraction of incarcerated iris (REII). A retrospective analysis of visual function and intraocular pressure (IOP) was done in patients treated with REII after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of patients who received REII for iris incarceration after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy for glaucoma. IOP (applanation) and visual acuity (VA) were measured day-of, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-REII. Adverse events were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done with definitions of IOP control at 15, 18, and 21 mmHg.

RESULTS

Forty-one eyes of 41 patients were treated with REII. Median time to iris incarceration from glaucoma surgery was 50 days (range 1-1906). Mean pre-REII IOP ± SD was 33.7 ± 14.1 mmHg, which reduced to 11.5 ± 6.1 mmHg day-of. LogMAR VA was 0.72 ± 0.8 log units at baseline and was unchanged at 12 months (P = 0.53). Survival analysis demonstrated varying efficacy depending on the definition of success. 79.0 to 92.2% of eyes achieved IOP control immediately after REII, 39.5 to 71.1% at 1 month, 26.3 to 52.6% at 3 months, 21.1 to 44.3% at 6 months, and 10.5 to 38.0% at 12 months. Nearly half (47.4%) of eyes required a tube shunt by 12 months.

CONCLUSION

REII may be a safe, minimally invasive slit lamp procedure that can reduce incarcerated iris and delay more invasive intervention for 3-6 months in most eyes.

Gender Differences in Ophthalmic Procedural Volume: A Study of Male versus Female Glaucoma Specialists

PURPOSE

To investigate whether differences in procedural volume exist between practicing male and female glaucoma specialists.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis SUBJECTS: A total of 213 female and 666 male glaucoma specialists who performed greater than or equal to 11 traditional incisional glaucoma procedures for Medicare beneficiaries between 2014 and 2018.

METHODS

The 2014-2018 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data was queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes to identify clinic visits, cataract, glaucoma drainage implant (GDI), trabeculectomy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and office-based glaucoma laser procedures. The number of procedures performed per provider was averaged and compared between male and female specialists. Univariate ordinary least squares linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of gender on procedural volume. Multivariate ordinary least squares linear regression analysis was used to examine the effects of gender, number of group practice members, and years after medical school graduation on cataract, GDI, trabeculectomy, MIGS, and glaucoma laser procedural volume.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean difference in the number of procedures by gender and predictors of procedural volume.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, males performed an estimated 7.8 more MIGS (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.7-12.9; p=0.003), 138.9 more cataract (95% CI 59.6-218.3; p=0.0006), and 1.99 more GDI procedures (95% CI 0.03-3.95; p=0.046) than their female counterparts. This relationship remained true for MIGS and cataract procedures in the multivariate analysis after controlling for clinical volume, number of group practice members, and years after medical school graduation (MIGS, ß=6.1 [95% CI 0.5-11.8], p=0.03; cataract, ß= 110.2 [95% CI 16.9-203.5]; p=0.02). Glaucoma drainage implant procedures were no longer associated with the gender of the surgeon in the multivariate analysis (ß= 2.1 [95% CI -0.1-4.2], p=0.06). The volume of trabeculectomy and office-based glaucoma laser procedures did not differ between genders in both the univariate (glaucoma laser, ß= 7.0 [95% CI -4.4-18.5], p=0.23; trabeculectomy, ß= 2.7 [95% CI -0.8-6.2], p=0.13) and multivariate analyses (glaucoma laser, ß= -7.3 [95% CI -18.7-4.1], p=0.21; trabeculectomy, ß= -1.7 [95% CI -5.6-2.1], p=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Female glaucoma specialists performed fewer MIGS and cataract procedures compared to their male counterparts, even after controlling for clinical volume, which can be seen as a relative measure of work productivity, years after medical school graduation, a proxy for experience, and number of group practice members. After controlling for these factors, there were no differences in incisional glaucoma or glaucoma laser procedure volume between male and female specialists. Further research is needed to understand factors contributing to these differences.

Changes in Performance of Glaucoma Surgeries 1994 through 2017 Based on Claims and Payment Data for United States Medicare Beneficiaries

PURPOSE

To evaluate trends in glaucoma procedures in the United States Medicare population and to evaluate which physicians are performing newer procedures.

DESIGN

Analysis of publicly available claims and payment data.

PARTICIPANTS

Surgeons and beneficiaries enrolled in United States Medicare between 1994 and 2017.

METHODS

Data regarding payments to physicians by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were downloaded for the years 2012 through 2017. Data regarding claims to CMS by physicians were requested and processed between 1994 and 2017. Procedure counts from both data sets then were normalized for changes in the Medicare population, with 1995 as the baseline. The normalized volumes of procedures over time were visualized, as were geographic distributions of surgeons and their volume of procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Trends in procedure counts over time, geographic distribution of surgeons, and their volume of procedures.

RESULTS

The number of trabeculectomies continues to decline and now is similar to the number of tubes. Use of the relatively new trabecular bypass shunts has increased rapidly. Surgeons performing these procedures are less likely to be performing traditional glaucoma surgeries as well. The number of laser-based cyclodestruction procedures increased after introduction of the endoscopic technique and again with the introduction of so-called micropulse procedures. The procedure counts obtained with physician payment data consistently are lower than those from claims data given the limitations of the payment data.

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma practice patterns change each time a new device or procedure is introduced. Collectively, the use of new microinvasive glaucoma surgery procedures has increased rapidly such that they now account for a significant majority of glaucoma surgeries. Given the almost complete lack of comparative data to inform surgeon choices regarding these procedures, it will be important that randomized studies are carried out to fill this gap.

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery: An Evidence-Based Review

PURPOSE

Interest in micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has exploded over the last 8 years with an increase in MIGS procedures of at least 400% in the United States, according to Medicare data. MIGS is an umbrella term that can cover many different types of surgeries. This review focuses on peer-reviewed evidence for Trabectome^®, iStent inject^®, Kahook Dual Blade^®, XEN^® Gel Stent, and Hydrus^®.

METHODS

We present key recent studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of MIGS in various types of glaucoma patients with different stages of disease.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that MIGS is generally safe and efficacious, although only some MIGS have been studied through randomized clinical trials. When comparing and contrasting the different MIGS procedures, large prospective studies are not yet the norm. High-quality large prospective studies involving MIGS will be an important next step as ophthalmologists decide how to incorporate MIGS into their surgical armamentarium.