Assessment of Zonular Integrity in Phakic Eyes Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy: A Prospective Paired Eye Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To assess zonular integrity in phakic patients post vitrectomy using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, nonrandomized, double-masked, paired eye study. METHODS: We used ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to evaluate phakic patients with a history of unilateral pars-plana vitrectomy. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) phakic patients with history of pars plana vitrectomy in one eye as the only procedure; (2) normal unoperated fellow eye; and (3) complete gas or air resolution from the vitreous cavity at the time of UBM assessment. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) monocular patients; (2) history of intraoperative lenticular trauma; (3) the use of silicone oil tamponade; (4) history of trauma or pseudoexfoliation in either eye; (5) history of other ocular conditions that can affect the integrity of zonules, such as uveitis or ectopia lentis; (6) eyes with extreme myopia or long axial length (> -8.00 D or >30.0 mm); (7) history of intravitreal injection in either eye; (8) age <18 years. TECHNIQUE: A high-frequency (50 MHz) UBM device was used by a masked technician to obtain radial section images from zonular bundles at 8 different clock positions. Image quality was assessed in real time, captured, and saved. Two experienced masked observers (H.C. and C.B.) then assessed the quality of the images and graded the zonular findings. Only patients with adequate studies have been included. A unique grading system that was specifically devised for this study was used as the following: (0) clear, well-defined zonule(s); (1) uneven, disrupted zonules or stretched zonules; and (2) extensive loss of zonules. Each clock hour was graded according to this system and the total score was then calculated for each eye. In the primary outcome, 2 main groups were analyzed: vitrectomized eyes and healthy contralateral nonvitrectomized eyes. The mean total UBM score (TUS) from each group was compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were recruited into this study. Eleven patients were male and 24 were female. The mean age was 66.3 years. Thirty patients had vitrectomy for vitreomacular interface disorders (either macular hole or epiretinal membrane), 1 patient had vitreous hemorrhage and the remaining 4 patients had rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. With regard to tamponade agents, SF6 was used in 21 (60%) patients, air in 9 (26%) patients, and C3F8 in 5 (14%) patients. The mean TUS in the vitrectomized eyes was 2.28 (SD 1.83) vs 2.24 (SD 1.77) in the nonvitrectomized eyes (P = .9531). Overall, in the comparative analysis of mean scores based on 2 graders' assessments for each clock position in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes, there were no significant differences noted between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study found no evidence for a difference in the mean total UBM score in eyes following vitrectomy when compared to their contralateral healthy, nonvitrectomized eyes. This likely indicates that vitrectomy may not affect the integrity of zonules in phakic patients, at least for patients with vitreomacular interface disorders undergoing uncomplicated surgery.

Neurovascular Compression in the Anterior Visual Pathway: A Case Series.

A retrospective review of 29 patients with neurovascular compression syndrome (NVCS) involving the anterior visual pathway was conducted. Various patterns of NVCS and visual defects were identified, most commonly involving the optic nerve and internal carotid artery. Most patients were stable, except one with progressive visual field defects. Although mostly asymptomatic, NVCS can rarely cause compressive optic neuropathy. NVCS should be kept in the differential diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma, especially with progressive visual loss despite treatment. Patients with progressive visual loss may require decompression surgery. Non-contrast computed tomography scan may miss NVCS, and magnetic resonance imaging is diagnostic.

Direct monitoring of single-cell response to biomaterials by Raman spectroscopy.

There is continued focus on the development of new biomaterials and associated biological testing methods needed to reduce the time taken for their entry to clinical use. The application of Raman spectroscopy to the study of individual cells that have been in contact with biomaterials offers enhanced in vitro information in a potentially non-destructive testing regime. The work presented here reports the Raman spectral analysis of discreet U-2 OS bone cells after exposure to hydroxyapatite (HA) coated titanium (Ti) substrates in both the as-deposited and thermally annealed states. These data show that cells that were in contact with the bioactive HA surface for 7 days had spectral markers similar to those cultured on the Ti substrate control for the same period. However, the spectral features for those cells that were in contact with the annealed HA surface had indicators of significant differentiation at day 21 while cells on the as-deposited surface did not show these Raman changes until day 28. The cells adhered to pristine Ti control surface showed no spectral changes at any of the timepoints studied. The validity of these spectroscopic results has been confirmed using data from standard in vitro cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation assays over the same 28-day culture period. In this case, cell maturation was evidenced by the formation of natural bone apatite, which precipitated intracellularly for cells exposed to both types of HA-coated Ti at 21 and 28 days, respectively. The properties of the intracellular apatite were markedly different from that of the synthetic HA used to coat the Ti substrate with an average particle size of 230 nm, a crystalline-like shape and Ca/P ratio of 1.63 ± 0.5 as determined by SEM-EDX analysis. By comparison, the synthetic HA particles used as a control had an average size of 372 nm and were more-rounded in shape with a Ca/P ratio of 0.8 by XPS analysis and 1.28 by SEM-EDX analysis. This study shows that Raman spectroscopy can be employed to monitor single U-2 OS cell response to biomaterials that promote cell maturation towards de novo bone thereby offering a label-free in vitro testing method that allows for non-destructive analyses.

Management of Ocular Surface Disease in Glaucoma: A Survey of Canadian Glaucoma Specialists.

PRéCIS:: Ocular surface disease (OSD) in glaucoma is an area for improvement in the management of patients with glaucoma. This study explores the knowledge of glaucoma subspecialists toward OSD in glaucoma, then provides a suggested treatment algorithm. PURPOSE: To assess the attitudes, knowledge, and level of comfort of Canadian glaucoma specialists with respect to the assessment and management of OSD among patients with glaucoma. METHODS: Ophthalmologist members of the Canadian Glaucoma Society with fellowship training in glaucoma were contacted to participate in this cross-sectional survey study. Responses were recorded to statements regarding attitudes toward OSD in glaucoma, and assessment and management modalities. These were recorded primarily in the form of a Likert scale rated 1 to 7 from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." Descriptive statistics were generated, and mean and SD for responses on Likert scales. RESULTS: Thirty-six responses were included. All respondents agreed that comprehensive management of OSD could improve quality of life, 97% agreed it could lead to better glaucoma outcomes, whereas only 22% agreed it is presently being adequately managed in glaucoma practices. Respondents were asked to list all treatment modalities they felt knowledgeable about, ranging from 100% for optimizing topical glaucoma therapies to 31% for serum tears. Nearly all respondents (92%) agreed that a suggested algorithm for the treatment of OSD in glaucoma could improve their approach to management. CONCLUSION: OSD is a common comorbidity of glaucoma. Although respondents overwhelmingly agreed that comprehensive management of OSD may lead to improved quality of life and glaucoma-related outcomes, only a small percentage felt it was presently adequately managed. Increasing knowledge related to the assessment and management of OSD in glaucoma may in the future improve patient care.

Postoperative adjunctive bevacizumab versus placebo in primary trabeculectomy surgery for glaucoma.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of postoperative adjunctive use of subconjunctival bevacizumab in altering the outcome of primary trabeculectomy in terms of sustained lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction of postoperative bleb vascularization and fibrosis. METHODS: A prospective, one center, randomized, placebo-control study. Fifty-nine patients (59 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP under maximal tolerated medical treatment (MTMT) were recruited. A primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) was done and the patients were randomized to either postoperative subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) or balanced salt solution (BSS). Forty-seven patients (47 eyes) completed at least one year of follow up and were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the IOP, and secondary outcome measures include bleb morphology, vascularization, and fibrosis, as well as the need for glaucoma medications and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling. RESULTS: At 1-year follow up, there was no significant difference between groups for IOP (P=0.65), bleb morphology (P=0.65), and the need for glaucoma medications (P=0.65) or 5-FU needling requirements (P=0.11). However, the bevacizumab group had a higher rate of success results, lower use of glaucoma medications after surgery, and optimal bleb aspect in more patients, but more 5-FU needling procedures required. CONCLUSION: A bigger sample size is needed in order to determine whether the differences found in the bevacizumab group are statistically significant.

Electron Microscopic Evidence of Photoreceptor Outer-segments in the Trabecular Meshwork in a Case of Schwartz-Matsuo Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of photoreceptor outer segment glaucoma (Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome) with electron microscopic evidence of photoreceptor outer segments in the trabecular meshwork (TM). DESIGN: This is a clinicopathologic case report. PARTICIPANT: A 48-year-old Filipino man. METHODS: Specimens of aqueous humor and TM in a clinical case of Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome were examined by electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Electron photomicroscopy. RESULTS: Electron microscopy showed evidence of retinal photoreceptor outer-segments in both an aqueous humor and a TM specimen. CONCLUSION: Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome is associated with the presence of photoreceptor outer segments in the TM.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty versus Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Glaucoma Patients Treated Previously with 360° Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Equivalence Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) was compared with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in a randomized clinical trial for patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma who have previously received 360° SLT. DESIGN: An active equivalence parallel armed randomized control trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with open-angle glaucoma including pigmentary dispersion syndrome and pseudoexfoliation syndrome were enrolled into the study from 7 different sites across Canada. METHODS: One setting of 180° of either SLT or ALT was assigned randomly and applied to each participant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The change in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline to 12 months was compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients were recruited, 2 of which dropped out early in the study, leaving 130 patients who completed the study as per protocol. For those, the study's primary outcome was calculated. The IOP change at 1 year in comparison to baseline for SLT vs. ALT was found to be different by 0.33 mmHg between the 2 groups (3.16 for SLT and 2.83 for ALT) and was not statistically significant (P = 0.71) Further analysis, though, showed that SLT had a significantly lower IOP reduction at early time points: 1 week and 1 month, but this effect was lost by 3 months. Corresponding to this finding was the strong trend for ALT to fail more quickly than SLT. Although repeatable, the first repeat SLT reduced IOP to only about half compared with initial SLT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison at 12 months following the laser therapy showed that both modalities lowered the IOP with approximately 3 mmHg, yet essentially all of the time-to-failure analyses favored SLT over ALT. The repeat SLT effect was found to be half of the initial treatment.

Frequency of unplanned interventions in patients attending for a presumed routine glaucoma follow-up appointment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of patient visits in which an unplanned treatment modification was required in chronic patients attending a glaucoma clinic for routine follow-up and to identify the treatment interventions most commonly employed. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 630 previously stable patients attending a glaucoma clinic for routine follow-up. METHODS: This was a single-centre survey of all eligible patients returning to an academic glaucoma clinic. Data regarding whether patients' visit remained routine or required intervention, which clinical parameter had changed, and any alterations in treatment regimens were studied. RESULTS: The percentage of patients found to require a change in management was 20.79% (131 of 630 patients); 16.9% were found to have a cause for change because of glaucoma, and the remaining 4% required intervention because of a nonglaucomatous condition. The most common parameter that changed treatment was intraocular pressure (43.87%), followed by visual fields (21.29%). The frequency of abnormal parameters varied within each subtype of glaucoma. The frequency of treatment changes among those with primary open-angle glaucoma was 22.58% compared with 16.5% of glaucoma suspects, 14% of ocular hypertensives, 32% of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, and 50% of normal tension glaucoma patients. The most common intervention (32.84%) was a change in antiglaucoma medications. The next most frequent interventions were laser procedures (21.90%) and surgery (16.06%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a significant minority of patients attending a glaucoma clinic for a routine appointment require treatment modification.

Medical Management of Glaucoma in the 21st Century from a Canadian Perspective.

Glaucoma is a medical term describing a group of progressive optic neuropathies characterized by degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and retinal nerve fibre layer and resulting in changes in the optic nerve head. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. With the aging population it is expected that the prevalence of glaucoma will continue to increase. Despite recent advances in imaging and visual field testing techniques that allow establishment of earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation, significant numbers of glaucoma patients are undiagnosed and present late in the course of their disease. This can lead to irreversible vision loss, reduced quality of life, and a higher socioeconomic burden. Selection of therapeutic approaches for glaucoma should be based on careful ocular examination, patient medical history, presence of comorbidities, and awareness of concomitant systemic therapies. Therapy should also be individualized to patients' needs and preferences. Recent developments in this therapeutic field require revisiting treatment algorithms and integration of traditional and novel approaches in order to ensure optimal visual outcomes. This article provides an overview of recent developments and practice trends in the medical management of glaucoma in Canada. A discussion of the surgical management is beyond the scope of this paper.

Ocular surface toxicity from glaucoma topical medications and associated preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK).

INTRODUCTION: This review discusses the evidence concerning the effect of topical medications and their preservatives on the ocular surface in glaucoma patients. The role of topical anti-glaucoma medication remains critical in the management of chronic glaucoma worldwide but the beneficial effects of treatment are counterbalanced by the adverse effects of corneal and conjunctival toxicity. Areas covered: This article covers the effect of topical ocular drops and preservatives, particularly benzalkonium chloride, on the cornea and conjunctiva. Both basic science and clinical evidence will be presented. The first part reviews the relationship between ocular surface disease and benzalkonium chloride and the evidence from non-benzalkonium chloride preserved drops. The second part discusses the effects of benzalkonium chloride on the histopathology of the conjunctiva and its impact on clinical care as well as quality of life. Expert opinion: Topical anti-glaucoma medication will continue to be used in the management of this blinding disease for the foreseeable future. Treatment outcomes will benefit from minimized exposure to benzalkonium chloride. The development of alternative preservatives, preservative-free topical options, and non-drop therapeutics such as drug-eluting systems for the delivery of ocular medications, will be very helpful in the care of glaucoma patients.

Prostaglandin agonist effect on matrix metalloproteinase aqueous levels in glaucoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the aqueous levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) differ between patients with glaucoma treated with topical prostaglandin analogues and normal, nonglaucomatous control patients. Also, to note any difference in MMP levels between latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost that might suggest a difference in efficacy or mechanism of action between these drugs. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo routine intraocular surgery (phacoemulsification or combined phacotrabeculectomy) as part of their standard clinical care were included. Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with glaucoma using any 1 prostaglandin analogue (latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost) were compared with 8 normal control patients. METHODS: This was a multicentre study. Aqueous humour (0.2 mL) was aspirated at the beginning of the intraocular surgery through a clear corneal paracentesis. MMP-2 and -9 were quantified in the aqueous of all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the levels of either MMP-2 (p = 0.216) or MMP-9 (p = 0.552) between the control patients and the patients with glaucoma on prostaglandins. There was no difference in the levels of MMP-2 or -9 between the latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost groups. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of MMP-2 and -9 in aqueous of glaucomatous eyes on topical prostaglandin analogues were the same as those of normal age-matched control patients. This could reflect either a return to normal levels with efficacious treatment or a lack of difference between disease and nondisease states.

A randomized clinical trial of selective laser trabeculoplasty versus argon laser trabeculoplasty in patients with pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) versus argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension secondary to pseudoexfoliation. DESIGN: Multicentered randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 76 eyes from 60 patients with pseudoexfoliation and uncontrolled IOP were recruited from 5 Canadian academic institutions. Patients with prior laser trabeculoplasty, ocular surgery within 6 months, previous glaucoma surgery, an advanced visual field defect, current steroid use, and monocular patients were excluded. METHODS: Eyes were randomized to receive either 180-degree SLT or 180-degree ALT by a nonblocked randomization schedule stratified by center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The primary outcome was the change in IOP at 6 months versus baseline and secondary outcomes included change in number of glaucoma medications after laser. Baseline variables included age, sex, angle grade, angle pigmentation, and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Of the 76 eyes, 45 eyes received SLT and 31 eyes received ALT. The overall age was 72.9 years (65% females). The baseline IOPs in the SLT and ALT groups were 23.1 and 25.2 mm Hg, respectively (P=0.03). The IOP reduction 6 months after SLT was -6.8 mm Hg and post-ALT was -7.7 mm Hg (P>0.05). The SLT group had reduced glaucoma medications by 0.16 medications at 6 months and the ALT group had no decrease in medications over the same time period (P=0.59). There were no postlaser IOP spikes in either group. DISCUSSION: ALT and SLT are equivalent in lowering IOP at 6 months posttreatment in patients with PXF.

Canadian ophthalmologists' opinions concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Our goal is to investigate the opinion and practice pattern of Canadian ophthalmologists regarding the use of and recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their glaucoma patients. METHODS: Institutional review board approval for this prospective, cross-sectional survey was obtained from the Research Ethics Board of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The survey was sent to all ophthalmologists in Canada electronically through the e-mail lists of 4 ophthalmology associations. RESULTS: A total of 241 ophthalmologists representing all provinces in Canada responded to the questionnaire. Twenty-two percent felt that CAM does have a role in glaucoma therapy with specialists being more likely to believe there is a role (P<0.05). Of the total respondents, 26% ask their patients if they use CAM with those in practice for <20 years more likely to encourage use (P<0.05). Of the respondents, 9% recommend CAM and if an ophthalmologist was in practice for <20 years he/she was significantly more likely to recommend CAM (P<0.01). Respondents (62%) in general do not discourage CAM with younger ophthalmologists (younger than 50 y, P<0.02) and ophthalmologists in practice for <20 years (P<0.05) being less likely to discourage CAM use. Respondents (41%) believe that CAM rarely ever affects compliance with ophthalmologists from an urban practice (P<0.01) and academic practice (P<0.05) more likely to deny effect on compliance. Respondents believe that CAM sometimes (46%) results in patient morbidity with ophthalmologists being in practice for <20 years believing that morbidity is less likely (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: A substantial minority of respondents believe that CAM has a role in glaucoma therapy, recommend its use, and ask their patients if they use CAM. Younger doctors are more likely to encourage alternatives; those in practice for <20 years are more likely to ask about alternative medicine use, recommend its use, and believe that morbidity usually does not result from the use of alternative treatments.

Preservative exposure and surgical outcomes in glaucoma patients: The PESO study.

PURPOSE: To study the impact of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) exposure from eye drops on subsequent time to trabeculectomy failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 128 glaucoma patients who had undergone a trabeculectomy between 2004 and 2006. The number and type of ophthalmic drops used preoperatively and relevant demographics were recorded. Surgical failure criteria included inadequate pressure lowering or need for postoperative ocular antihypertensives, laser trabeculoplasty, 5-fluorouracil needling, or repeated surgery. Patients were examined for these criteria over a minimum postoperative period of 2 years. Data were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. RESULTS: Complete surgical success was achieved in 47.7% of patients. Patients received between 1 and 8 BAK-containing drops daily, with a median of 3. Time to surgical failure in patients receiving higher preoperative daily doses of BAK was shorter than in patients who had less BAK exposure (P=0.008). Proportional hazard modeling identified uveitic and neovascular glaucoma as significant confounders of the univariate model (P=0.024), although the main effect of BAK exposure was maintained with a hazard ratio of 1.21 (P=0.032). The number of different medications used to control intraocular pressure did not significantly affect survival time in a secondary Cox model (P=0.948). CONCLUSIONS: Increased preoperative exposure to ophthalmic solutions preserved with BAK is a risk factor for earlier surgical failure, independent of the number of medications used. This study extends earlier findings of potential adverse effects of ophthalmic preservatives on surgical outcomes to the modern pharmacopeia used in the medical management of glaucoma.

Relationship between central corneal thickness and progression of visual field loss in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a relationship exists between central corneal thickness (CCT) and visual field (VF) progression in treated patients with open-angle glaucoma and asymmetric corneal thickness. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 100 charts of patients with open-angle glaucoma and also bilateral CCT and VF data. METHODS: Charts from 2 glaucoma subspecialty practices were reviewed. The CCT and the rate of progression and event analysis of visual field data were assessed in all subjects. Subanalysis was performed for subjects whose CCT asymmetry was ≥ 16 µm. RESULTS: The mean CCT was 544 ± 40 µm OD and 541 ± 40 µm OS. The mean CCT difference between fellow eyes was 15 ± 11 µm (range, 1 to 52 µm). There was no significant intrasubject difference in the mean deviation (MD) and the pattern standard deviation (PSD) (p =0.917 and p = 0.704, respectively; paired t test). The more advanced VF MDs and PSDs were found in the thin eyes of 47 and 50 subjects, respectively (p = 0.459 and p = 0.317, respectively; χ(2)). Of the 65 subjects whose visual field indexes were available, 34 had the more rapid visual field index rates of progression in the thin eye (p = 0.400; χ(2)). Of the 27 subjects for whom event analysis was available, 15 had the worse progression category in the thin eye (p = 0.453, χ2). Subgroup analysis of 48 subjects with ≥ 16 µm CCT asymmetry did not find any significant difference in analyses of field progression between fellow eyes. CONCLUSIONS: No relationship was found between CCT and VF loss in treated patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or normal-tension glaucoma with asymmetrical CCT. Specifically, the thin eye did not have the more advanced VF loss or more rapid VF progression.

The influence of central corneal thickness on response to topical prostaglandin analogue therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Central corneal thickness (CCT) affects intraocular pressure (IOP) readings; however, CCT influence on topical medication efficacy is unknown. We evaluated the IOP-lowering effect of topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) in relation to CCT. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a randomized prospective trial. METHOD: Subjects randomized to a PGA were followed for 24 weeks and were analyzed for relationship between CCT and IOP lowering. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with either newly diagnosed ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. RESULTS: 75 subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 62.7 ± 10.5 years; 48 were Caucasian. The mean CCT was 562.4 ± 41.4 µ. At repeated measures, ANCOVA analysis showed a significant effect of both baseline IOP (p < 0.0001) and CCT (p = 0.003) on IOP. At week 12, a regression analysis of the effect of CCT on baseline IOP showed that for every 10 µ increase in CCT there was 0.3 mm Hg less IOP decrease from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: We found a statistically significantly association between a lower mean IOP and a thinner cornea when baseline IOP is controlled for. The magnitude of the relationship is small but may be clinically significant in patients with either very thin or very thick corneas.

Five-year results of 5-fluorouracil augmented needling revision of failing blebs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the 5-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients requiring a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision compared to a matched sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty eyes receiving 5-FU bleb needling revision were matched to 40 patients not needled. IOP was recorded preoperatively and annually to 5 years. The main outcome measure was surgical success: IOP control without medications or surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision (80.0%) required anti-glaucoma medication postoperatively versus 28 control patients (70%) (P > .05). Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision were complete or qualified successes compared to 36 control patients (P = .34). Eight patients with 5-FU needling revision (20%) had a reoperation versus 4 control patients (10%) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: 5-FU needling revision can produce long-term IOP control levels similar to those who did not require the procedure. No statistically significant differences between the two groups was seen in either the use of medications or further surgery.

Argon versus selective laser trabeculoplasty in younger patients: 2-year results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in younger patients (age 60 or less). METHODS: This was a prospective randomized control trial. Forty-two young patients (age 29 to 60 y) had 1 eye randomized to ALT (n=22) or SLT (n=20). IOP was measured before laser and 1 hour, 1 day, 6 weeks, 3 months, every 3 months until 2 years, and then yearly postlaser. Chi-square analysis and Student t test were used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean IOP before treatment was 21.9 mm Hg for ALT and 19.1 mm Hg for SLT with no statistical difference between the groups (P>0.05). At 2 years, 86.4% of ALT and 75.0% of SLT eyes required no further surgical intervention (laser trabeculoplasty or trabeculectomy). During the same time period, there was a statistically significant IOP decrease of 11.1% after ALT (P=0.01) and 7.7% after SLT (P=0.01) with no statistical difference between the lasers (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In younger patients, both ALT and SLT have a significant ocular hypotensive effect 2 years after treatment, with no differences in outcome identified between the laser modalities.

Comparison of newly diagnosed ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma: ocular variables, risk factors, and disease severity.

Purpose. To describe the distribution of ocular variables, risk factors, and disease severity in newly diagnosed ocular hypertension (OH) or open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods. Eligible subjects underwent a complete history and examination. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) obtained from multiple logistic regression models were used to compare OAG to OH and advanced to early/moderate OAG. Results. 405 subjects were enrolled: 292 (72.1%) with OAG and 113 (27.9%) with OH. 51.7% had early, 27.1% moderate, and 20.9% advanced OAG. The OR for OAG versus OH was 8.19 (P < 0.0001) for disc notch, 5.36 (P < 0.0001) for abnormal visual field, 1.45 (P = 0.001) for worsening mean deviation, 1.91 (P < 0.0001) for increased cupping, 1.03 for increased age (P = 0.030), and 0.36 (P = 0.010) for smoking. Conclusions. Increased age was a risk for OAG, and smoking decreased the risk of OAG compared to OH. Almost half of the OAG subjects had moderate/advanced disease at diagnosis.

Laser trabeculoplasty: an investigation into factors that might influence outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of argon (ALT) or selective (SLT) laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and to determine whether patient-related factors had any impact on outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS: 500 patients treated with LTP over 14 years. METHODS: This study was conducted at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto. Five patient-related characteristics were used as dependent variables-age, race, gender, pseudophakic status, and pseudoexfoliation. IOP decrease and treatment failure at 12 months were the main outcome variables. RESULTS: 500 eyes of 500 patients were included, 350 after ALT and 150 after SLT. The mean ± standard deviation baseline IOP was significantly higher in the patients treated by ALT than in those treated by SLT (24.2 ± 5.4 versus 22.2 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001) at baseline but not at 1 year (19.6 ± 5.1 versus 19.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.41). When the final IOP was examined by multiple regression analysis, there was a significant effect in favor of ALT over SLT (p = 0.03) and for patients with higher baseline IOPs (p < 0.0001). No significant effect was found for any of the demographic subgroupings. However, when the outcome variable was success or failure, only the baseline IOP remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Specific patient characteristics do not significantly influence LTP outcome after 12 months of follow-up. The most powerful predictor of either final IOP or clinical success was a higher baseline IOP, but ALT may have a better ability to lower IOP.