Trabeculotomy Using the Kahook Dual Blade for Exfoliation Glaucoma and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Comparison of Outcomes According to Incision Range.

PRCIS: Large amount of trabeculotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) confers better intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. PURPOSE: We compared the postoperative outcomes of trabeculotomy using the KDB in patients with exfoliation glaucoma (EXG) and primary open angle glaucoma between the 120-degree incision and the 210- to 240-degree incision groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the postoperative outcomes of trabeculotomy performed using the KDB in 101 eyes with EXG and primary open angle glaucoma, who received 120- and 210- to 240-degree incisions at Kumamoto University Hospital between April 25, 2018, and August 11, 2021. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were used to assess the outcomes. Surgical failure was defined as IOP ≥21 mm Hg (criterion A) and ≥19 mm Hg (criterion B), or an IOP ≤4 mm Hg in either criterion and the need for additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: In total, 64 and 37 eyes were included in the 120 and 210- to 240-degree groups, respectively. The 210- to 240-degree group had a higher 1-year success rate compared with the 120-degree group, both when considering all eyes and when considering only those with EXG (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In trabeculotomy with KDB, a 210- to 240-degree incision was more effective than a 120-degree incision in lowering IOP in EXG cases.

Predicting the Extent of Damage in the Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2 Visual Fields Using 10-2 Test Results in Patients With Advanced Glaucoma.

Purpose: To predict Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2 test (HFA 24-2) results using 10-2 results. Methods: A total of 175 advanced glaucoma eyes (175 patients) with HFA 24-2 mean deviation (MD24-2) of < -20 dB were prospectively followed up for five years using HFA 10-2 and 24-2 (twice and once in a year, respectively). Using all the HFA 24-2 and 10-2 test result pairs measured within three months (350 pairs from 85 eyes, training dataset), a formula to predict HFA 24-2 result using HFA 10-2 results was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO). Using 90 different eyes (testing dataset), the absolute differences between the actual and LASSO-predicted MD24-2 and that between the slopes calculated using five actual and LASSO-predicted MD24-2 values, were adopted as the prediction error. Similar analyses were performed for the mean total deviation values (mTD) of the superior (or inferior) hemifield [hemi-mTDsup.24-2(-hemi-mTDinf.24-2)]. Results: The prediction error for the LASSO-predicted MD24-2 and its slope were 2.98 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.90) dB and 0.32 (0.33) dB/yr, respectively. The LASSO-predicted hemi-mTDsup.24-2 (hemi-mTDinf.24-2), and its slope were 3.02 (2.89) and 3.76 (2.72) dB, and 0.37 (0.41) and 0.44 (0.38) dB/year, respectively. These prediction errors were within two times SD of repeatability of the simulated stable HFA 24-2 VF parameter series. Conclusions: HFA 24-2 results could be predicted using the paired HFA 10-2 results with reasonable accuracy using LASSO in patients with advanced glaucoma. Translational Relevance: It is useful to predict HFA24-2 test from HFA10-2 test, when the former is not available, in advanced glaucoma.

Silencing of ocular transthyretin, a gene responsible for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, by intravitreal injection of an siRNA conjugate into rabbit eyes.

The first small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic received approval for hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis, and the patients' lifespan extension by specific inhibition of hepatic synthesis of transthyretin (TTR) is expected. However, ocular amyloidosis in these patients has been a crucial issue. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal TTR siRNA conjugate injection into rabbit eyes. Rabbit (r) TTR siRNA is a screened TTR siRNA conjugate from 53 candidates. The intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately after injection was high despite the 65.9 % decrease of aqueous humor TTR protein levels in the rTTR siRNA group compared with those in the Control siRNA group 2 weeks after the 50 µL siRNA injection. The IOP spike was milder after the 30 µL siRNA injection, and aqueous humor TTR levels decreased by ∼50 % in the rTTR siRNA group, which is consistent with the mRNA levels in the retina. The parameters of dark-adapted, light-adapted, and light-adapted 30 Hz electroretinogram and the thickness of each retinal layer in histological analysis demonstrated no significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, we developed TTR siRNA conjugates for rabbit eyes, and the results indicate that intravitreal TTR siRNA conjugate injection could be a therapeutic option for ocular amyloidosis caused by ATTRv amyloidosis.

Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial Comparing 0.1% Brimonidine/0.5% Timolol Versus 1% Dorzolamide/0.5% Timolol as Adjuncts to Prostaglandin Analogues: Aibeta Crossover Study.

INTRODUCTION: This multicenter, randomized, comparative, and investigator-masked crossover clinical trial sought to compare the efficacy and tolerability of fixed combinations of 0.1% brimonidine/0.5% timolol (BTFC) versus 1% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol (DTFC) as adjunctive therapies to prostaglandin analogues. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension previously treated with prostaglandin analogue monotherapy were randomized to receive either BTFC or DTFC as adjunctive therapy for 8 weeks. These patients were then crossed over to the alternative treatment arm for another 8 weeks. The reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) (primary outcome), occurrence of adverse events, ocular discomfort after instillation, and patient preference (secondary outcomes) were recorded through patient interviews. RESULTS: BTFC instillation for 8 weeks reduced IOP by 3.55 mmHg, demonstrating non-inferiority to DTFC instillation (3.60 mmHg; P < 0.0001, mixed-effects model). Although adverse events were rare with both combinations, patients reported greater discomfort with DTFC than with BTFC (P < 0.0001). More patients preferred BTFC (P < 0.0001) over DTFC, as BTFC caused minimal or no eye irritation. CONCLUSION: As BTFC offered better tolerability than DTFC with comparable reduction in IOP, we recommend it as an alternative for patients who experience ocular discomfort with DTFC-prostaglandin analogue combination therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: jRCTs051190125.

Patients with glaucoma who require further reduction in intraocular pressure while undergoing monotherapy with prostaglandin analogue ophthalmic solution have been prescribed two enhanced treatment options: 0.1% brimonidine/0.5% timolol fixed combination ophthalmic solution (BTFC) and 1% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol fixed combination ophthalmic solution (DTFC). The Aibeta Crossover Study Group in Japan compared the efficacy and tolerability of fixed combinations of BTFC versus DTFC when an additional fixed combination ophthalmic solution was prescribed in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who had been treated with prostaglandin analogue monotherapy. We recruited 110 patients previously treated with prostaglandin analogue monotherapy at 20 clinical centers in Japan, then randomly assigned them to two alternative treatment groups: the BTFC to DTFC group or the DTFC to BTFC group, as an adjunctive therapy to prostaglandin analogues for total of 16 weeks. We compared the reduction in intraocular pressure, occurrence of side effects, eye discomfort after instillation, and patient preference between BTFC versus DTFC instillations. The intraocular pressure reduction of BTFC instillation was comparable to that of DTFC instillation, showing non-inferiority to DTFC (3.55 mmHg vs. 3.60 mmHg; P < 0.0001, mixed-effects model). Both eye drops caused few side effects; however, patients felt greater eye discomfort with DTFC than with BTFC (P < 0.0001). Because of less eye irritation, more patients preferred BTFC (P < 0.0001) over DTFC. We can recommend using BTFC for patients who feel eye discomfort with DTFC­prostaglandin analogue combination therapy.

A ROCK inhibitor suppresses the transforming growth factor-beta-2-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition in Schlemm's canal endothelial cells.

In the normal eye, most of the aqueous humor drains through the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). The concentration of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-ß2) is increased in the aqueous humor of primary open angle glaucoma patients. TGF-ß2 increases outflow resistance by affecting the TM and SC, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of SC cells is involved in these changes. Here, we investigated the effect of a ROCK inhibitor on TGF-ß2-induced EndMT in SC cells. The ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 suppressed the TGF-ß2-induced increase in the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TER) and proliferation of SC cells. Y-27632 suppressed the expression of α-SMA, N-cadherin, and Snail, which are upregulated by TGF-ß2. Moreover, TGF-ß2 decreased mRNA levels of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4 and increased those of the BMP antagonist gremlin (GREM1), but Y-27632 significantly suppressed these changes. Y-27632 also inhibited TGF-ß2-induced phosphorylation of p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). BMP4 and the p-38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 suppressed the TGF-ß2-induced TER elevation in SC cells. Moreover, SB203580 suppressed TGF-ß2-induced upregulation of fibronectin, Snail, and GREM1. These results indicate that a ROCK inhibitor inhibited the TGF-ß2-induced EndMT in SC cells, implying the involvement of p38 MAPK and BMP4 signaling.

Risk factors for Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implantation for uveitic glaucoma.

Uveitic glaucoma (UG) is sometimes intractable, including intricate interaction between intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation associated with inflammation and side effects of steroids. Based on the Tube Versus Trabeculectomy study in refractory glaucoma results in 2012, tube shunt surgeries have been performed for UG, but few reports have focused on UG. We retrospectively examined the surgical efficacy, complications, and risk factors in 62 eyes with UG that underwent Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device (BGD) implantation at Kumamoto University. The IOPs significantly dropped, and the mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced by more than two. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves were presented under 2 conditions: an IOP reduction of 20% and 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 18 mmHg (criterion A) or 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 15 mmHg (criterion B). In criterion A, the median survival times (MST) were 124 days (complete) and 997 days (qualified). In criterion B, the MST was 129 days (complete) and 867 days (qualified). The Cox hazard proportional model found that the hazard ratio was 0.170 for a history of cataract surgery (95% CI 0.0303-0.950) and 8.669 for systemic immunosuppressive therapy (95% CI 1.810-41.51). BGD implantation is effective for treating UG, but the presence of systemic treatment and the lens status should be considered.

The Japan Glaucoma Society guidelines for glaucoma 5th edition.

We are pleased to bring you the 5th edition of the Glaucoma Clinical Practice Guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence (scientific grounds). It is a document that presents the treatment that is the most appropriate for the patient. "Glaucoma Clinical Guidelines" was first published in 2003. This was the first guideline for glaucoma treatment in Japan. The principle of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure. Means for lowering intraocular pressure includes drugs, lasers, and surgery; Glaucoma is a disease that should be considered as a complex syndrome rather than a single condition. Therefore, the actual medical treatment is not as simple as one word. This time we set the Clinical Questionnaire with a focus on glaucoma treatment. We hope that you will take advantage of the 5th edition.

Ipilimumab-related uveitis and refractory hypotony with a flat chamber in a trabeculectomized eye with exfoliation glaucoma: A case report.

Purpose: Ipilimumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that occasionally causes ophthalmic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as dry eye, uveitis, and episcleritis. We report a case of ipilimumab-related uveitis and refractory hypotony with a flat anterior chamber (AC) in a trabeculectomized eye with exfoliation glaucoma. Observation: A 69-year-old man with a history of cataract surgery and trabeculectomy for exfoliation glaucoma in the right eye presented with blurred vision at 2 months after initiation of ipilimumab for metastatic malignant melanoma (day 0). Although no ophthalmic irAEs were observed at the first visit, he developed iritis, vitreous opacity, and choroidal detachment by day 18.As a result of the irAEs, the scheduled course of ipilimumab was canceled and he was instead treated with corticosteroids (eye drops and systemic). The symptoms progressed, and on day 32 visual acuity was light perception, with a flat AC, hypotony maculopathy, and severe choroidal detachment in the right eye. The patient received two AC formations with a viscoelastic substance, but the flat AC and hypotony recurred. Because the effects of the surgeries were temporary, high doses of corticosteroids were administered. AC depth, anterior uveitis, intraocular pressure, and choroidal detachment resolved by day 91. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of the rare but severe irAEs, and careful follow-up is required for ophthalmic irAEs caused by ipilimumab, especially in cases with a history of glaucoma surgery.

Outcomes and risk factors for ab interno trabeculotomy with a Kahook Dual Blade.

PURPOSE: To verify the surgical results and risk factors for ab interno trabeculotomy using a Kahook Dual Blade (KDB-LOT) in patients with various glaucoma types. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series of 205 eyes that underwent KDB-LOT. For Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, criterion A was defined as a ≤ 20% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline. Criteria B, C, and D were IOPs of ≤ 21, 18, and 15 mmHg, respectively. The Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model investigated prognostic factors. RESULTS: The mean (SD) IOP decreased from 24.7 (7.98) to 17.6 (4.80) mmHg in all cases, from 21.3 (6.88) to 17.8 (3.52) mmHg in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), from 25.4 (7.32) to 17.1 (4.65) mmHg in exfoliation glaucoma, from 30.6 (8.88) to 17.8 (8.29) mmHg in uveitic glaucoma, and from 30.8 (7.29) to 17.3 (0.83) mmHg in steroid-induced glaucoma at 1 year after KDB-LOT. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with POAG had the best prognosis under criteria B and C, and the 1-year survival rate in patients under criterion D was less than 35% for any disease type. CPH analysis revealed that age and KDB-LOT with phacoemulsification were good prognostic factors. Risk factors for surgical failure were previous cataract surgery, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and postoperative peripheral anterior synechiae. CONCLUSION: KDB-LOT was effective in treating patients with several glaucoma types but showed difficulty in pushing IOP below 15 mmHg. Prognostic factors should be considered when making decisions regarding surgical indications.

Identifying central 10° visual subfield associated with future worsening of visual acuity in eyes with advanced glaucoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine a cluster of test points: visual subfield (VSF) of Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test (HFA 10-2) of which baseline sensitivities were associated with future worsening of visual acuity (VA) in eyes with advanced glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 175 advanced glaucoma eyes of 175 advanced glaucoma patients with well controlled intraocular pressure (IOP), a mean deviation of the Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2 (HFA 24-2) test ≤ -20 decibels and best corrected VA ≥20/40, were included. At baseline, HFA 24-2 and HFA 10-2 tests were performed along with VA measurements. All patients underwent prospective follow-up of 5 years, and VA was measured every 6 months. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify visual field sensitivities associated with deterioration of VA and also blindness. RESULTS: Deterioration of VA and blindness were observed in 15.4% and 3.4% of the eyes, respectively. More negative total deviation (TD) values in the temporal papillomacular bundle VSF were significantly associated with deterioration in VA. Averages of the TD values in this area of the HFA 10-2 test had the most predictive power of future VA deterioration (OR: 0.92, p<0.001). A very similar tendency was observed for blindness. CONCLUSION: In advanced glaucoma eyes with well-controlled IOP, careful attention is needed when the mean TD values in the temporal papillomacular bundle VSF, measured with a HFA 10-2 test is deteriorated. TD values of this VSF indicate higher risks for future deterioration of VA and also blindness.

Bone marrow imaging reveals the migration dynamics of neonatal hematopoietic stem cells.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are produced from the blood vessel walls and circulate in the blood during the perinatal period. However, the migration dynamics of how HSCs enter the bone marrow remain elusive. To observe the dynamics of HSCs over time, the present study develops an intravital imaging method to visualize bone marrow in neonatal long bones formed by endochondral ossification which is essential for HSC niche formation. Endogenous HSCs are labeled with tdTomato under the control of an HSC marker gene Hlf, and a customized imaging system with a bone penetrating laser is developed for intravital imaging of tdTomato-labeled neonatal HSCs in undrilled tibia, which is essential to avoid bleeding from fragile neonatal tibia by bone drilling. The migration speed of neonatal HSCs is higher than that of adult HSCs. Neonatal HSCs migrate from outside to inside the tibia via the blood vessels that penetrate the bone, which is a transient structure during the neonatal period, and settle on the blood vessel wall in the bone marrow. The results obtained from direct observations in vivo reveal the motile dynamics and colonization process of neonatal HSCs during bone marrow formation.

Elevated soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor levels in aqueous humor from patients with different types of glaucoma.

We investigated the aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble VEGF receptor (sVEGFR)1, and sVEGFR2 in glaucoma patients and the correlations among them. Aqueous humor was collected from the anterior chamber at the start of glaucoma or cataract surgery. The levels of VEGF and its receptors, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, were measured using multiplex bead-based immunoassays. Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 79 participants: 21 with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 22 with uveitic glaucoma (UG), 19 with neovascular glaucoma (NVG), and 17 with cataracts as controls. sVEGFR1 levels were significantly higher in NVG than in the other cases (NVG, 2839.8 pg/mL, P < 0.001). The sVEGFR2 levels of glaucoma patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (POAG, 699.0 pg/mL; UG, 866.2 pg/mL; NVG, 1198.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001). In the aqueous humor of glaucoma patients, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 levels were positively correlated (POAG, P = 0.0196; UG, P = 0.0047; NVG, P = 0.0050). VEGF levels were negatively correlated with both sVEGFR1 (P = 0.0197) and sVEGFR2 (P = 0.0015) in POAG patients. In UG patients, the correlation between VEGF and sVEGFR1 levels was negative (P = 0.0144). sVEGFR2 levels were increased in various glaucomatous eyes. sVEGFR levels were negatively correlated with VEGF levels in some glaucoma types, implying that sVEGFRs may modulate the effects of aqueous VEGF in glaucoma pathogenesis.

Risk factors for intraocular pressure elevation in a six-month period after ab interno trabeculotomy using a Kahook Dual Blade.

BACKGROUND: To examine the risk factors for an early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) increase after ab interno trabeculotomy using a Kahook Dual Blade (KDB trabeculotomy). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 76 exfoliation glaucoma (EXG) eyes and 56 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes that underwent KDB trabeculotomy, with or without cataract surgery at Kumamoto University Hospital. Postoperative high IOP was classified as IOP≥20 mmHg (within three months after surgery, whether persistent or temporary), transient IOP≥20 mmHg (IOP≥20 mmHg after surgery, then dropped below 20 mmHg), and the presence of IOP spikes (≥ 10 mmHg from baseline). Risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The preoperative mean IOP (SD) was 24.98 (7.23) mmHg in patients with EXG and 21.28 (6.58) mmHg in patients with POAG. IOP was reduced by 32.1% in patients with EXG and by 17.7% in patients with POAG at 6 months after surgery. Postoperative IOP≥20 mmHg was observed in 56.6% of EXG patients and in 51.8% of POAG patients. IOP spikes occurred in 15.8% of EXG patients and in 14.3% of POAG patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that factors with significant odds ratios (ORs) were age (OR = 0.866, 95% CI = 0.793-0.945), preoperative medication use (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.17-3.49), trabeculotomy in combination with cataract surgery (OR = 0.0674, 95% CI = 0.015-0.303), and IOP at day 1 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.18-1.68) for postoperative IOP≥20 mmHg, the IOP at day 1 (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.03-1.17) for transient IOP≥20 mmHg, and age (OR = 0.948, 95% CI = 0.901-0.997) and preoperative IOP (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.736-0.936) for IOP spikes. CONCLUSION: Although KDB trabeculotomy is an effective treatment for patients with EXG and POAG, patients who take multiple preoperative medications and have a high IOP on day 1 require careful follow-up to prevent postoperative IOP elevation.

Comparing Surgical Outcomes in Neovascular Glaucoma between Tube and Trabeculectomy: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes between Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study at 5 clinical centers in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Patients treated with trabeculectomy or BGI for NVG between April 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, at 5 clinical centers were recruited. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were age ≥ 20 years and having NVG. The exclusion criteria were eyes with no light perception vision and with previous tube-shunt surgery. If both eyes in the same patient satisfied the inclusion criteria, the eye that was treated first was investigated. We included 100 eyes undergoing BGI surgery and 204 eyes undergoing trabeculectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was surgical success or failure, with failure being defined according to 3 criteria: < 20% reduction of the preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) or criterion A (IOP > 21 mmHg), criterion B (IOP > 17 mmHg), or criterion C (IOP > 14 mmHg). Cases of reoperation, a loss of light perception vision, or hypotony were also considered failures. RESULTS: The probability of success was significantly higher in patients undergoing BGI surgery than in those receiving trabeculectomy for criteria A (P < 0.01) and B (P = 0.01). Trabeculectomy was significantly associated with surgical failure in the multivariable analysis for criterion A (hazard ratio, 1.70) and criterion B (hazard ratio, 1.50). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the 2 groups. Reoperations for glaucoma were required significantly more frequently in the trabeculectomy group than in the BGI surgery group (20.1 % vs. 5.0%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery had a higher success rate compared with trabeculectomy in patients with NVG for a target IOP < 21 mmHg or < 17 mmHg. The rates of postoperative complications were similar between both surgical procedures. Additional glaucoma surgery was required more frequently after trabeculectomy than after BGI surgery.

Tissue Reactivity to, and Stability of, Glaucoma Drainage Device Materials Placed Under Rabbit Conjunctiva.

Purpose: To evaluate tissue reactivity to, and the stability of, glaucoma drainage device materials placed under rabbit conjunctiva in vivo. Methods: Disks (diameter, 3 mm; thickness, ∼0.3 mm) fabricated from poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS), silicone, stainless-steel, or glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen (GACLC) were inserted under rabbit conjunctiva. Conjunctival and scleral sections obtained at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery were immunostained for α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The ratio of the maximum thickness of the α-SMA-positive conjunctiva to the scleral thickness (α-SMA/S ratio) was calculated. The in vivo stability of the drainage devices at 12 weeks after insertion was evaluated. Results: The mean α-SMA/S ratios of the SIBS and silicone groups were lower than that of the stainless-steel group at 4 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05), and that of the SIBS group was lower than that of the GACLC group (P < 0.05). The ratios at 8 weeks after surgery were lower in the SIBS and silicone groups than in the GACLC group (P < 0.01). The ratios at 12 weeks after surgery were lower in the SIBS and silicone groups than in the GACLC group (P < 0.05). The surface areas of GACLC disks explanted from conjunctivae were significantly lower than that of intact disks (P < 0.01). Conclusions: SIBS and silicon were highly biostable and exhibited less tissue reactivity than GACLC in vivo. Translational Relevance: Comparisons of materials using animal models can predict the clinical stability and safety of such materials in humans.

Bilateral corneal perforation caused by neurotrophic keratopathy associated with leprosy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative corneal disease caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. We hereby describe a severe case with bilateral corneal perforation due to leprosy (Hansen's disease)-associated NK. CASE PRESENTATION: An 89-year-old man with a history of leprosy treated 40 years previously in our sanatorium developed bilateral corneal perforation due to NK. He had a history of bilateral persistent epithelial defects and bacterial keratitis. Although epithelialization was obtained with the use of autologous serum eye drops, progressive corneal thinning concomitant with stromalysis led to bilateral perforation. Over one month treatment with topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and lubricants resulted in healing of the epithelial defects and corneal perforations. A Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer demonstrated a total absence of corneal sensation in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The present case indicated the irreversible nerve damage due to leprosy that had been cured 23 years ago, which can progress over the years and cause bilateral corneal perforations.

Factors associated with the surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant for open-angle glaucoma, an age-related eye disease.

To identify the factors associated with the surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) for open-angle glaucoma (OAG), the medical records of 51 consecutive OAG patients (age, 43-91 years) who underwent BGI were retrospectively reviewed (median follow-up, 21.7 months). Surgical success was defined as the following postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs, mmHg): (A) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 21; (B) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 18; and (C) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 15 without loss of light perception or additional glaucoma surgery. Univariate analysis showed that age (all criteria), glaucoma type (criterion C), and preoperative IOP (criteria A and B) were the candidate factors (P < 0.20). When the patients were divided into two groups according to median age (72 years), the success probability was higher in the older group for criteria B (P = 0.047) and C (P = 0.02), and the postoperative IOP was lower in the older group 1-year post-surgery (P = 0.002). Furthermore, the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that older age was independently associated with surgical success for criteria B (relative risk [RR], 0.94; P = 0.02) and C (RR, 0.94; P = 0.01). In conclusion, older age is a factor associated with the surgical success of BGI for OAG.

Factors Threatening Central Visual Function of Patients with Advanced Glaucoma: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for further deterioration of central visual function in advanced glaucoma eyes. DESIGN: Prospective, observational 5-year study. PARTICIPANTS: Advanced glaucoma patients with well-controlled intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD) of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 program ≤-20 dB and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40. METHODS: The HFA 10-2 test and BCVA examination were performed every 6 months, and the HFA 24-2 test was performed every 12 months for 5 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for deterioration of HFA 10-2 and 24-2 results and BCVA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Deterioration of HFA 10-2 results was defined by the presence of the same ≥3 points with negative total deviation slope ≤-1 dB/year at P < 0.01 on ≥3 consecutive tests, deterioration of HFA 24-2 results by an increase ≥2 in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study score on ≥2 consecutive tests, and deterioration of BCVA by an increase of ≥0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) on ≥2 consecutive tests. RESULTS: A total of 175 eyes of 175 patients (mean age, 64.1 years; mean baseline IOP, 13.2 mmHg; mean BCVA, 0.02 logMAR; mean HFA 24-2 and 10-2 MD, -25.9 and -22.9 dB, respectively) were included. The probabilities of deterioration in HFA 10-2 and 24-2 results and BCVA were 0.269 ± 0.043 (standard error), 0.173 ± 0.031, and 0.194 ± 0.033, respectively, at 5 years. Lower BCVA at baseline (P = 0.012) was associated significantly with further deterioration of HFA 10-2 results. Better HFA 24-2 MD (P < 0.001) and use of systemic antihypertensive agents (P = 0.009) were associated significantly with further deterioration of HFA 24-2 results, and a greater ß-peripapillary atrophy area-to-disc area ratio (P < 0.001), use of systemic antihypertensive agents (P = 0.025), and lower BCVA (P = 0.042) were associated significantly with further deterioration of BCVA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In advanced glaucoma eyes with well-controlled IOP, BCVA, ß-peripapillary atrophy area-to-disc area ratio, and use of systemic antihypertensive agents were significant prognostic factors for further deterioration of central visual function.