Changes in Ocular Biometry Following PreserFlo MicroShunt Implantation and Trabeculectomy: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background This study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in ocular biometry following initial PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation and trabeculectomy. Methodology This prospective, observational study analyzed 27 cases of PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation and 29 cases of trabeculectomy performed by a single surgeon. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal curvature, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and axial length were assessed at baseline and postoperatively at one day, one week, two weeks, one month, two months, three months, and six months. Patients requiring additional surgery and those with missing data were excluded. Consecutive data were compared with the baseline values using multiple comparisons. Results In both groups, intraocular pressure was significantly decreased from baseline at all postoperative time points (all p < 0.01). Visual acuity decreased in both groups at one day and one week postoperatively. Corneal curvature remained unchanged in both groups throughout the six-month follow-up. Central corneal thickness increased at one day and one week postoperatively in the PreserFlo group, but not in the trabeculectomy group. Anterior chamber depth exhibited a significant decrease at one week postoperatively in both groups. Axial length significantly decreased postoperatively until three months in the PreserFlo group and at all postoperative time points in the trabeculectomy group. Conclusions Ocular biometry following PreserFlo and trabeculectomy had a similar tendency postoperatively.

Evaluation of New and Preexisting Epiretinal Membranes Following Glaucoma Filtration Surgery.

Secondary epiretinal membranes (ERMs) can develop from various causes, including those associated with glaucoma treatments such as trabeculectomy (TLE) and EX-PRESS (EXP) insertion surgery. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of new ERMs and changes in preexisting ERMs following TLE or EXP insertion. Between April 2018 and March 2019, 102 and 74 eyes that underwent primary and standalone TLE and EXP insertion, respectively, were evaluated. Of these, 48 eyes were included in the TLE group and 32 eyes were included in the EXP group. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to assess preoperative and postoperative ERMs. In the TLE group, postoperative ERMs were observed in one (case 1) (3%) out of 34 eyes without preexisting ERMs and in one (case 2) (7%) out of 14 eyes with preexisting ERMs, showing an increase in ERM stage. In the EXP group, postoperative ERMs were observed in one (case 3) (5%) out of 22 eyes without preexisting ERMs and in one (case 4) (10%) out of 10 eyes with preexisting ERMs, showing a decrease in the ERM stage. Case 1 was a 58-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the left eye who underwent TLE. Although no preoperative ERMs were observed, postoperative ERM was noted at the three-month follow-up. Case 2 was a 49-year-old man with POAG in the right eye who underwent TLE. Although ERM was observed preoperatively, ERM progressed at six months postoperatively. Case 3 was a 59-year-old woman with POAG in the right eye who underwent EXP insertion. No preoperative ERMs were observed, but an ERM was noted at the 15-month follow-up. Case 4 was a 72-year-old woman with steroid-induced glaucoma in the right eye who underwent EXP insertion surgery. A preoperative ERM was present, and the foveal pit was absent; however, the foveal pit was observed at the 12-month follow-up. Despite the low incidence of ERMs, filtration surgery may be associated with ERM development and the progression or regression of preexisting ERMs.

Case report: Medical treatment for limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency in patients treated for glaucoma.

Limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is an abnormal corneal epithelial lesion with several causes. The patient was diagnosed using fluorescein staining. Bullous keratopathy, multiple surgeries, and drug-related damage can cause LSCD in glaucoma patients. We evaluated the medical treatment course for LSCD in patients with glaucoma. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with LSCD and investigated their background, course of treatment, and classification stages of LSCD before and after treatment. The global consensus classification system (stages IA-C, IIA-B, and III) proposed by Deng et al. (Cornea 2020) was used. Seven patients (two males) and eight eyes were studied. The median age of the patients was 82 years, and the mean duration of glaucoma treatment was 8 years. The patients had open-angle glaucoma (four eyes), exfoliation glaucoma (one eye), neovascular glaucoma (one eye), normal tension glaucoma (one eye), and uveitic glaucoma (one eye). Stage classifications at diagnosis were stage IA in four eyes and stages IC, IIA, IIB, and III in one eye each. All treatments were carried out with dry eye drops, steroid eye drops, and antibiotics. The mean duration of treatment was 1.4 years. The classifications at the time of the final visit were normal corneal epithelium (three eyes), stage IA (two eyes), IIA (one eye), and III (two eyes). Three eyes (37%) improved by more than one stage and one eye deteriorated by more than one stage. LSCD is long-lasting and difficult to treat in a short period; thus, it requires careful medical attention.

Effect of idiopathic epiretinal membrane on macular ganglion cell complex measurement in eyes with glaucoma.

Background/objectives: Co-existing idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and glaucoma complicate the estimation of glaucoma severity via optical coherence tomography (OCT). We investigated the effect of ERM and a new associated parameter, SUKIMA (space between the ERM and retinal surface), on ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in eyes with glaucoma, based on a matched comparison of visual field defects. Subjects/methods: We retrospectively recruited 41 eyes from 34 glaucoma patients with idiopathic ERM and 41 eyes from 41 glaucoma patients without ERM as controls (matched by age, axial length, and mean visual field deviation). The thicknesses of GCC layers [retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and GCC (RNFL + GCIPL)] were measured with swept-source OCT. We investigated the presence of SUKIMA and its effect on GCC measurements. Results: RNFL, GCIPL, and GCC were thicker in ERM (+) eyes than in control eyes (31.0 ± 12.3 µm vs. 22.7 ± 10.8 µm, 62.6 ± 12.2 µm vs. 53.8 ± 5.9 µm, and 91.8 ± 16.6 µm vs. 76.8 ± 13.3 µm, respectively; P < 0.01). Eyes in the ERM-associated SUKIMA (+) group had thicker GCIPL and GCC than those in the ERM-associated SUKIMA (-) and control groups (P < 0.01). Conclusion: ERM-associated SUKIMA affects GCC thickness and can result in underestimations of glaucoma severity. We should check for the presence of ERM using a B mode scan as well as check for the SKIMA sign.

Case report: Findings of automated perimetry during a migraine episode in a patient with glaucoma.

Comorbidities like glaucoma and migraine are often observed among middle-aged individuals, especially women. Herein, we report a rare case of a patient who underwent automated perimetry during a migraine attack. A 52-year-old woman with a 1-year history of blurred vision in the nasal field of her right eye visited Miyoshi Eye Clinic. The intraocular pressures of the right and left eyes were 22 and 24 mm Hg, respectively. Retinal imaging revealed a retinal nerve fiber defect in the temporal superior macula with corresponding thinning of the superior ganglion cell complex in the right eye. The left eye appeared normal. Primary open-angle glaucoma was suspected, and the patient underwent a visual field examination on the same day. Perimetry showed that the mean deviations in the right and left eyes were -5.00 and -7.68 dB, respectively. A visual field defect in the inferior nasal aspect of the right eye corresponded to the retinal nerve fiber defect. However, right-sided homonymous hemianopia-like visual field defects were observed in both eyes. After the examination, the patient stated that a migraine attack had started 5 min before the examination and continued till after its end (attack duration was ∼20 min). In the follow-up examinations without migraine, homonymous hemianopia-like visual field defects disappeared, and only a glaucomatous visual field defect in the right eye was observed. Hence, the initial visual field examination findings reflected the effects of a migraine attack alongside glaucoma. Detailed interviews with patients may be beneficial for understanding visual field findings and preventing their untimely examination.

Case Report: Microincision Vitreous Surgery Induces Bleb Failure in Eyes With Functional Filtering Bleb.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of microincision vitreous surgery (MIVS) on intraocular pressure (IOP) control in glaucomatous eyes with functional filtering bleb. Methods: We enrolled 18 patients (15 males; median age, 73 years) who previously had filtering surgery and underwent MIVS with functional filtering bleb. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate with defined the failure as when more number of preoperative antiglaucoma medication was started or additional glaucoma surgery including bleb revisions were performed, and IOP increase of 20% (criteria 1) and 30% (criteria 2) from preoperative levels after 2 weeks of MIVS. Results: The median follow-up duration was 970 days. Preoperative IOP was 13.3 ± 3.8 mmHg (mean ± SD). Postoperative IOP were 14.7 ± 4.9 (P=0.365), 15.2 ± 3.5 (P=0.137), 16.4 ± 5.6 (P = 0.073), 17.6 ± 6.1(P = 0.020), and 14.5 ± 4.0 (P = 0.402) mmHg at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months and final visit, respectively (compared to preoperative IOP). The number of antiglaucoma medications was a median of 1.0 (range 0-4) preoperatively and 0 (0-4) at the final visit (P = 0.238). The survival rates were 55%/61% at 3 months, 50%/61% at 6 months, and 38%/55% at 12 months with criteria 1 and 2, respectively. Four eyes (22%) received additional glaucoma surgery during follow-up. Conclusion: After several months of MIVS, IOP was likely to increase. We should focus on IOP control by conducting long-term follow-ups.

Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of 1% brinzolamide and 0.1% brimonidine as treatment for glaucoma: a retrospective study focusing on the number of ingredients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect based on the number of ingredients and survival rate due to adverse reactions of brinzolamide (1%)/brimonidine (0.1%) fixed combination (BBFC). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Among 424 patients newly administered BBFC from June 2020 to May 2021, 406 were retrospectively evaluated for adverse reactions and 299 were evaluated for the IOP-lowering effect of BBFC. Among those evaluated for IOP, group A (n=86) included patients whose treatment was changed to BBFC from other two ingredients, Group B (n=90) included patients who added one ingredient by switching to BBFC, and group C (n=123) included patients who added BBFC in addition to other drugs. RESULTS: The mean IOP (mm Hg) at BBFC initiation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after BBFC initiation was 14.1, 14.0, 14.3 and 13.8 in group A, 15.9, 14.4, 13.8 and 14.5 in group B and 17.2, 14.0, 14.1 and 14.9 in group C, respectively. Group A showed no significant difference in mean IOP from baseline to any time point after BBFC initiation, whereas groups B and C showed significant IOP reductions at all time points. Seventy-three (18%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The survival rate was 72% at 12 months after the start of BBFC when discontinuation due to adverse reactions was defined as failure. CONCLUSION: Using BBFC, sustained IOP or decreasing IOP were observed depending on the number of ingredients. Drop-outs due to the adverse reactions should also be given attention.

Evaluation of rebound tonometer iCare IC200 as compared with IcarePRO and Goldmann applanation tonometer in patients with glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the agreement between a new rebound tonometer, IC200, and IcarePRO and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. We measured the intraocular pressure (IOP) in 145 eyes of 145 glaucoma patients in the sitting position using GAT, IcarePRO, and IC200. IcarePRO and IC200 measurements were also obtained in the supine position. IC200 measurement was performed using two modes: single six (IC200-single) and automatic (IC200-continuous) six-measurements mode. RESULTS: All tonometers provided high reproducibility in both positions (all intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.90), although it was highest with GAT, followed by IC200-continuous and IC200-single and then IcarePRO. In the sitting position, the mean (± SD) IOPs of GAT, IcarePRO, IC200-single, and IC200-continuous were 14.5 ± 2.9 mmHg, 13.3 ± 3.2 mmHg, 11.6 ± 3.2 mmHg, and 11.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively. IOPs measured with IcarePRO or IC200 were significantly lower than those with GAT, particularly in patients with low IOP. IOPs measured with all tonometers were significantly elevated in the supine position as compared with the sitting position, but this difference was significantly greater with IC200-single and IC200-continuous compared with IcarePRO. IOP elevation was significant in eyes without bleb versus those with bleb, but this finding was not observed when IOP was measured with IcarePRO. The IOPs of the single and continuous modes of IC200 were interchangeable in both positions. CONCLUSIONS: GAT, IcarePRO, and IC200 had sufficiently high reproducibility, but measurements with IcarePRO may not be accurate in the supine position. Elevation of IOP in the supine position, especially in eyes with bleb, was more sensitively captured with IC200 than with IcarePRO. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Clinical Trials Register, No. UMIN000039982 .

One-Year Follow-Up Study of Changes in Prostaglandin-Associated Periorbital Syndrome After Switch From Conventional Prostaglandin F2alfa to Omidenepag Isopropyl.

Background Cosmetic problems induced by conventional prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analogs are common. We prospectively evaluated the improvement of patients with prostaglandin-associated periorbital syndrome (PAPS) for whom the treatment regimen was switched from conventional PGF2α analogs to a new selective prostaglandin-EP2 agonist (i.e., omidenepag isopropyl). Methods We finally evaluated 12 patients with follow-up for one year who changed the therapy from conventional PGF2α drugs to omidenepag isopropyl. Digital facial images of the patients were captured prior to the initiation of therapy with omidenepag isopropyl and after approximately three, six, and 12 months. Three independent observers judged the recovery according to the five signs of PAPS - deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (DUES), flattening of the lower eyelid bags, upper eyelid ptosis, ciliary hypertrichosis, and periorbital skin hyperpigmentation - by comparing images at baseline and each month. Results The mean age of patients (eight females; four males) was 61 years. The original PGF2α drugs were bimatoprost (N = 7), latanoprost (N = 3), travoprost (N = 1), and tafluprost (N = 1). The mean duration of treatment with PGF2α was 61 months. PAPS signs were evaluated in 11 patients after three months and in all 12 patients after six and 12 months. After three, six, and 12 months, DUES improved in five, six, and six patients, respectively; flattening of the lower eyelid bags improved in two, two, and three patients, respectively; upper eyelid ptosis improved in zero, one, and two patients, respectively; ciliary hypertrichosis improved in zero, one, and zero patients, respectively; and eyelid pigmentation improved in one, five, and three patients, respectively. Recovery of DUES was the most observed sign at ≤50%, whereas the recovery of ciliary hypertrichosis was the least sign at ≤8% at 12 months. All patients with improved DUES at one year had been receiving bimatoprost or travoprost. Conclusions Some PAPS signs improved after the administration of omidenepag isopropyl for one year. Our findings are useful for patients suffering from cosmetic problems induced by conventional PGF2α analogs.

Time course of conjunctival hyperemia induced by omidenepag isopropyl ophthalmic solution 0.002%: a pilot, comparative study versus ripasudil 0.4.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the detailed time course of conjunctival hyperemia induced by omidenepag isopropyl ophthalmic solution 0.002% (omidenepag), a selective prostaglandin E2 receptor 2 agonist. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We recruited 34 healthy subjects and administered omidenepag in the right eye and ripasudil 0.4% in the left eye. We evaluated conjunctival hyperemia using slit-lamp photography at baseline and after 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 360 min. The conjunctival hyperemia score was graded by three independent observers using a scale from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). We also evaluated conjunctival hyperemia by the pixel coverage of conjunctival blood vessels (per cent coverage) determined using a conjunctival hyperemia-analysing software. RESULTS: In omidenepag, the conjunctival hyperemia score and per cent coverage peaked at both 30 min (mean score±SD: 1.57±0.67 and 11.90%±3.66%, respectively) and then gradually decreased at 60 min (10.79%±3.32%) and 120 min (1.10±0.52) when they reached a level that was not significantly different from the baseline values. For ripasudil 0.4%, the peak time of the conjunctival hyperemia score and per cent coverage were both at 15 min (score: 2.42±0.54 and 15.26%±3.38%). The degree of conjunctival hyperemia was significantly higher for ripasudil 0.4% than that for omidenepag from 15 to 30 min in both the conjunctival hyperemia score and per cent coverage (p<0.007 by Bonferroni correction). CONCLUSION: Conjunctival hyperemia induced by omidenepag gradually peaks to moderate severity, though weaker compared with that induced by ripasudil 0.4%, and subsides relatively quickly.

Effect of Manual Upper Eyelid Elevation on Intraocular Pressure Measurement by Four Different Tonometers.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to show that the manual upper eyelid elevation (manual UEE) that is commonly used to prevent disruption of the IOP measurement due to blinking or upper eyelid contact with the tip of the tonometer does not affect the IOP values. PURPOSE: We investigated whether manual UEE affects the IOP readings using three rebound tonometers (Icare TA01i, Icare PRO, and Icare ic100) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). METHODS: One eye was measured for 101 patients (56 eyes of primary open-angle glaucoma patients and 45 healthy subjects). The IOPs were measured without and with manual UEE. Each IOP was measured twice; the measurement order using the tonometers was randomly selected. In addition, palpebral fissure height (distance between the upper and lower eyelids) was measured. RESULTS: The IOPs without manual UEE were 12.1 ± 2.9, 13.3 ± 2.7, 11.7 ± 2.9, and 16.0 ± 3.2 mmHg (Icare TA01i, Icare PRO, Icare ic100, and GAT), and those with manual UEE were 12.3 ± 3.0, 13.3 ± 2.8, 11.7 ± 2.9, and 16.0 ± 3.3, respectively. No significant difference was found between the IOP without and with manual UEE (IOP difference; all, P > .50; paired t test). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that palpebral fissure height did not affect IOP difference for any of the tonometers. CONCLUSIONS: Simple manual UEE when measuring the IOP has little effect on the IOP obtained using all current rebound tonometers and GAT.