Influence of sex on chronic steroid-induced glaucoma: 24-Weeks follow-up study in rats.

The objective was to evaluate ocular changes based on sex in steroid-induced glaucoma models in rats comparing healthy controls, over 24 weeks follow-up. Eighty-nine Long-Evans rats (38 males and 51 females) with steroid-induced glaucoma were analysed. Two steroid-induced glaucoma models were generated by injecting poly-co-lactic-glycolic acid microspheres loaded with dexamethasone (MMDEX model) and dexamethasone-fibronectin (MMDEXAFIBRO model) into the ocular anterior chamber. Intraocular pressure was measured by rebound tonometer Tonolab®. Neuroretinal function was analysed using dark- and light-adapted electroretinography (Roland consult® RETIanimal ERG), and structure was analysed using optical coherence tomography (OCT Spectralis, Heidelberg® Engineering) using Retina Posterior Pole, Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and Ganglion Cell Layer protocols over 24 weeks. Males showed statistically (p < 0.05) higher intraocular pressure measurements. In both sexes and models neuroretinal thickness tended to decrease over time. In the MMDEX model, males showed higher IOP values and greatest percentage thickness loss in the Ganglion Cell Layer (p = 0.015). Females receiving MMDEXAFIBRO experienced large fluctuations in thickness, a higher percentage loss (on average) in Retina Posterior Pole (p = 0.035), Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and Ganglion Cell Layer than aged-matched males, and the highest thickness loss rate by mmHg. Although no difference was found by sex in dark- and light-adapted electroretinography, increased amplitude in photopic negative response was found in MMDEX males and MMDEXAFIBRO females at 12 weeks. Although both glaucoma models used dexamethasone, different intraocular pressure and neuroretinal changes were observed depending on sex and other influential cofactors (fibronectin). Both sex and the induced glaucoma model influenced neuroretinal degeneration.

Agreement between central corneal thickness measured using Pentacam, ultrasound pachymetry, specular microscopy and optic biometer Lenstar LS 900 and the influence of intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values obtained by Lenstar (LE), Pentacam (PC), specular microscopy (SM) and ultrasound pachymetry (UP) in healthy corneas and study their influence on intraocular pressure (IOP) readings determined by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). METHODS: CCT was measured in 76 healthy subjects by LE, PC, SM and UP. We established Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρ-C) between different techniques. The influence of CCT on GAT was established through univariate linear regression models, IOP being the dependent variable. RESULTS: The highest ρ-C was found between LE and SM at 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.96) and between LE and UP at 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94-0.97). IOP readings showed less variability when CCT was determined using LE (7.7%, B = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.004-0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Although CCT values obtained with UP, PC, SM and LE show good correlation, these methods are not completely interchangeable. The amount of IOP variation differs when CCT is determined using LE or SM.

Detection and characterisation of visual field defects using Octopus perimetry in congenital glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To detect and characterise visual field (VF) defects using static Octopus perimetry in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and to determine VF quality and time duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-eight eyes of 70 patients diagnosed with PCG were included. Assessments were performed using an Octopus 900 and each eye was assessed with the tendency-oriented perimetry (G-TOP) algorithm. Quantitative VF data were collected: quality data (false positive and negative response, and time duration) and results of mean deviation (MD) and square root of loss variance (sLV). Qualitative data were collected: the presence of diffuse and localized defects, the affected hemifield and grade of defects using the Aulhorn and Karmeyer classification. Correlations between perimetric results and clinical variables were analysed. RESULTS: Median age was 11 (8-17) years. 65.9% (58/88) of PCG eyes showed VF defects. Diffuse defects were observed in 10/58 eyes (16.94%) (mean MD = 23.92 [SD: 2.52]) dB) and localized defects in 48/58 eyes (82.75%). The most frequent defect was spot-like/stroke-like/incipient paracentral scotoma (n = 15), nasal step (n = 8), adding arcuate defect (n = 2), half ring-shaped (n = 13) and concentric defect with a central island (n = 9). And the most frequent affected visual hemifield was inferior hemifield. Mean test duration was 2 min 12 s (SD: 21.6 s). MD and sLV values were correlated with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cup to disc ratio and number of antiglaucoma surgeries (all P < .001). CONCLUSION: A high number of diffuse and localized defects were identified using Octopus perimetry in PCG patients. The most frequent defect was paracentral scotoma and inferior hemifield was the most affected.

Epithelial inclusion cyst secondary to glaucoma surgery: A case series.

Epithelial inclusion cysts (EIC) are a rare ocular disease and its physiopathology is not well-known. They consist on growths of ocular surface epithelial cells inside the anterior segment of the eye in the form of a cyst. To date several cases have been published in the literature, none of them related to glaucoma surgery. We describe two cases of EIC after glaucoma devices implantation. An 86 year-old male patient with primary open angle glaucoma develop an EIC in right eye three years after removal of PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt (Santen, Osaka, Japan) and a 9 year-old female patient with glaucoma secondary to uveitis for juvenile idiopathic arthritis develops an EIC under the tube of an Ahmed valve implant during postoperative period. EIC develop after ocular penetrating wounds and an inflammatory stimulus. They are benign proliferations, follow-up is necessary to detect space complications early, so less mutilating surgery is needed for removal.

Assessment of the ciliary muscle and scleral anterior thickness in high myopia by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess ciliary muscle (CM) and anterior scleral thickness (AST) dimensions in vivo in high myopia using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and to compare with emmetropic and hyperopic subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 34 high myopic patients (≥ -6 diopters [D]), 90 emmetropes (-1 to +1 D) and 38 hyperopic patients (≥ +3.5 D). CM thickness (CMT) and AST were measured in the temporal and nasal quadrants at 1, 2, and 3 mm from the scleral spur using SS-OCT. In addition, the length of the CM (CML) was evaluated. RESULTS: The dimensions of the CML and the CMT at any of their measurement points were greater in high myopes and emmetropes than in hyperopes, both in the nasal and temporal quadrants (P < .001). However, there were no differences between high myopes and emmetropes for any of the parameters (P ≥ .076) except for the CMT at 3 mm in the temporal quadrant (P < .001). There were no differences in the AST between high myopes, emmetropes and hyperopes, in any of the measurement points or quadrants studied (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The SS-OCT allows to measure the CM in vivo, not observing differences in its dimensions between high myopes and emmetropes, but they were smaller in hyperopes. In the measurement of the anterior sclera, no differences were observed between the three groups analyzed according to refraction.

Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in tears: Ocular surface immunity to COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of SARS-COV-2 specific IgA and IgG antibodies in tears of unvaccinated and anti-COVID-19 vaccinated subjects with previous history of SARS-COV-2 infection. To compare results in tears with those in saliva and serum and correlate with clinical data and vaccination regimens. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including subjects with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, both unvaccinated and vaccinated against COVID-19. Three samples were collected: tears, saliva and serum. IgA and IgG antibodies against S-1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed with a semi-quantitative ELISA. RESULTS: 30 subjects, mean age 36.4 ±â€¯10, males 13/30 (43.3%) with history of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. 13/30 (43.3%) subjects had received a 2-dose regimen and 13/30 (43.3%) a 3-dose regimen of anti-COVID-19 vaccine, 4/30 (13.3%) subjects were unvaccinated. All the participants with full anti-COVID-19 vaccination (2-or 3-doses) presented detectable anti-S1 specific IgA in all three biofluids, tears, saliva and serum. Among unvaccinated subjects, specific IgA was detected in 3/4 subjects in tears and saliva, whereas IgG was not detected. Considering IgA and IgG antibodies titers, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination regimen. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were detected in tears after mild COVID-19, highlighting the role of the ocular surface as a first line of defense against infection. Most naturally infected unvaccinated individuals exhibit long-term specific IgA in tears and saliva. Hybrid immunization (natural infection plus vaccination) appears to enhance mucosal and systemic IgG responses. However, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination schedule.

Reproducibility of peripapillary, optic nerve head and macular vessel density by OCT-A according to glaucoma severity staging.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of peripapillary, optic nerve head (PP-ONH) and macular vessel density (VD) by Spectral Domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD OCT-A) in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing 63 eyes of 63 subjects, including 33 glaucoma patients and 30 healthy subjects. Glaucoma was classified in mild, moderate, or advanced. Two consecutive scans were acquired by Spectralis Module OCT-A (Heidelberg, Germany), and provided images of the superficial vascular complex (SVC), nerve fiber layer vascular plexus (NFLVP), superficial vascular plexus (SVP); deep vascular complex (DVC), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). VD (%) was calculated by AngioTool. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated. RESULTS: Among PP-ONH VD, better ICC presented advanced (ICC 0.86-0.96) and moderate glaucoma (ICC 0.83-0.97) compared with mild glaucoma (0.64-0.86). For the macular VD reproducibility, ICC results for superficial retinal layers were better for mild glaucoma (0.94-0.96) followed by moderated (0.88-0.93) and advanced glaucoma (0.85-0.91), and for deeper retinal layers ICC was better for moderate glaucoma (0.95-0.96) followed by advanced (0.80-0.86) and mild glaucoma (0.74-0.91). CVs ranged from 2.2% to 10.94%. Among healthy subjects, ICCs for the PP-ONH VD measurements (0.91-0.99) and for the macular VD measurements (0.93-0.97) were excellent in all layers, with CVs from 1.65% to 10.33%. CONCLUSIONS: SD OCT-A used to quantify macular and PP-ONH VD showed excellent and good reproducibility in most layers of the retina, both in healthy subjects and in glaucoma patients regardless of the severity of the disease.

Diagnostic ability of vessel density of the optic nerve head and macula versus structural parameters with optical coherence tomography in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of the vessel density (VD) of the optic nerve head (ONH) and the macula on optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography and the retinal nerve layer thickness (RNFL) thickness and the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness on OCT in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG). METHODS: Cross-sectional study including PXG patients and healthy controls. Demographic and clinical data were noted for all participants. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) images of the ONH and macular area were obtained with the RS-3000 Advance OCT (Nidek Co., Gamagori, Japan). The RNFL and GCC thickness of different sectors was provided by the software. Macular VD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and ONH VD of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) were registered. Groups were compared and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to determine the power of discrimination of each parameter. RESULTS: RNFL and GCC thickness and ONH and macular VD were significantly lower in PXG patients compared with healthy controls (all, p<0.05). The best discrimination parameter was the average RNFL thickness (AUROC: 0.928). ONH VD AUROC was better than that of macular VD (AUROC: 0.897 and 0.780, respectively). ONH VD AUROC was comparable to RNFL thickness (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic ability of ONH vessel density in PXG appears comparable to that of the structural parameters, RNFL and GCC thickness, obtained with OCT, and may be a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Clinical update in nanophthalmos: Features, diseases and complications associated.

Nanophthalmos is a rare congenital condition of the eyeball that is characterised by a smaller size of the anterior and posterior segments without associated ocular malformations. Typical features that have traditionally been described in these eyes are short axial length, thickened sclera, cornea with a smaller diameter, narrow anterior chamber, and an increased lens to globe volume ratio. However, at present, there is still a lack of recognised diagnostic criteria for nanophthalmos and a classification of its severity. Its clinical relevance stems from the increased risk of multiple ocular conditions, such as high hyperopia, amblyopia, angle-closure glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataracts. Likewise, in relation to surgery in these eyes, there are particularities in cataract and glaucoma surgery and with a greater risk of associated intra- and postoperative complications. In this way, the treatment of nanophthalmos focuses on controlling the associated eye conditions and reducing and controlling surgical complications. This review aims to update what has been published in recent years regarding nanophthalmos.

[Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in tears: Ocular surface immunity to COVID-19]. / Detección de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en lágrimas: inmunidad de la superficie ocular frente a COVID-19.

Purpose: To evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA and IgG antibodies in tears of unvaccinated and anti-COVID-19 vaccinated subjects with previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To compare results in tears with those in saliva and serum and correlate with clinical data and vaccination regimens. Methods: Cross-sectional study including subjects with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, both unvaccinated and vaccinated against COVID-19. Three samples were collected: tears, saliva and serum. IgA and IgG antibodies against S-1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed with a semi-quantitative ELISA. Results: Thirty subjects, mean age 36.4 ± 10, males 13/30 (43.3%) with history of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. 13/30 (43.3%) subjects had received a 2-dose regimen and 13/30 (43.3%) a 3-dose regimen of anti-COVID-19 vaccine, 4/30 (13.3%) subjects were unvaccinated. All the participants with full anti-COVID-19 vaccination (2-or 3-doses) presented detectable anti-S1 specific IgA in all 3 biofluids, tears, saliva and serum. Among unvaccinated subjects, specific IgA was detected in 3/4 subjects in tears and saliva, whereas IgG was not detected. Considering IgA and IgG antibodies titers, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination regimen. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were detected in tears after mild COVID-19, highlighting the role of the ocular surface as a first line of defense against infection. Most naturally infected unvaccinated individuals exhibit long-term specific IgA in tears and saliva. Hybrid immunization (natural infection plus vaccination) appears to enhance mucosal and systemic IgG responses. However, no differences were observed between the 2- and 3-dose vaccination schedule.

Analysis of the influence of corneal properties and densitometry on applanation and rebound tonometry in primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of corneal densitometry on portable applanation (Perkins) and rebound (iCare ic100 and PRO) tonometry. A secondary goal was to assess if there was a relationship between various corneal properties and the severity of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five eyes of 75 patients with primary open angle glaucoma were studied, divided by severity into 3 groups: 25 mild, 25 moderate and 25 advanced. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured 3 times in each participant with a Perkins applanation tonometer (PAT), a handheld version of the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT), an iCare PRO and an iCare ic100. Mean values were then calculated. Corneal topography with the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) was also performed in all individuals. RESULTS: Mean age and sex were comparable in all groups, as were densitometry values (P>0.05). The mean visual field defect (MD) was 2.85 (±1.23) dB in the mild glaucoma group, 8.26 (±1.90) dB in the moderate group and 15.66 (±3.46) dB in the advanced group. Three multivariate regression analyses were performed. The first and second calculations assessed the effect of IOP obtained with iCare ic100 and PAT as dependent variables with age, sex, CCT and mean keratometry (Km) within the glaucoma subgroups and the global sample. The third analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between corneal densitometry as the dependant variable and the aforementioned corneal parameters among the glaucoma groups. In the first multivariate regression analysis, a statistically significant correlation was found between ic100 rebound tonometry and CCT in the POAG global sample (coef. 0.117; IC [-0.21-(-0.01)]; P=0.025). No statistically significant correlation was found in the subgroup analyses. In the second multivariate analysis, no significant correlation was found between PAT and CCT, Km, age or sex (P>0.05). In the third analysis, densitometry was correlated with age in all glaucoma subgroups (P<0.001) and with CCT in the moderate glaucoma subgroup (coef. -0.037; IC [-0.67-(-0.01)]; P=0.021). Tonometry appeared to be minimally influenced by corneal densitometry, with a mild positive linear correlation seen (R=0.03). IOP values were similar with 3 of the tonometers: PAT 16.07 (±3.18) mmHg, PRO 16.27 (±3.42) mmHg and ic100 15.17 (±4.28) mmHg. There was, however, a significant underestimation of IOP with ic100 (-0.89mmHg) compared to PAT (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Corneal densitometry did not show significant differences between glaucoma severity groups. A positive correlation was seen with CCT and both corneal densitometry and age. No correlation was found with keratometry or severity of glaucoma. The influence of corneal densitometry on IOP measurements appears weak, with little clinical relevance identified.

Posterior chamber implantation of a Preserflo Microshunt in a patient with a compromised endothelium.

The objective of the present case is to describe a variation in the Preserflo Microshunt surgical technique, placing it in the posterior chamber to minimise the risk of endothelial cell loss in cases with a compromised endothelium. The patient was a 72-year-old pseudophakic woman, with granular dystrophy and a primary diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma presenting with a progressive visual field defect and an IOP of 26 mmHg with maximal medical therapy. The cornea had incipient stromal folds with an endothelial count of 700 cells/mm2. A Preserflo Microshunt was implanted in the posterior chamber to minimise the possibility of further damage to the corneal endothelium. Six months after surgery, the implant remains functional. The IOP is 9 mmHg without medications. As far as we know, this is the first Preserflo implanted in the posterior chamber described in the literature.

Evaluation of the perception of physical and emotional health of ophthalmologists in Spain and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to study the perception of physical and emotional health of Spanish ophthalmologists and their health habits, as well as the possible influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, non-randomized and uncontrolled study was carried out among at Spanish ophthalmologists through an online survey of 47 questions on eating habits, tobacco, alcohol, physical exercise, workload, and perception of physical and emotional state. RESULTS: Of a total of 2,179 ophthalmologists, 260 (11.9%) of whom 55% were men responded to the survey, with a mean age of 52.9±11.4 years. 5.8% were smokers. In total, 51.5% reported good physical health, with a mean Body Mass Index of 24.4kg/m2. Overall, 53.5% reported depression, 66.9% tiredness, 34.6% difficulty sleeping, and 57.3% considered their work hard. Up to 28.5% of those surveyed had thought about leaving their job and 60.8% about reorganizing their workload. In total, 91.9% would continue to choose Ophthalmology as a specialty. In total, 36.2% reported an increase in workload, 42.3% worsening of physical state and 63.8% worsening of emotional state as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish ophthalmologists have a positive perception of their physical and emotional health, despite having life habits that are not always healthy and feeling mostly down. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative influence on the physical and emotional health of ophthalmologists.

Peripapillary and optic nerve head vessel density of glaucoma and healthy subjects from Afro-Caribbean and European descent: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare the peripapillary and optic nerve head vessel density (PP-ONH VD) between glaucoma patients (all, early, moderated, and advanced) and healthy subjects of Afro-Caribbean descent (AD) and European descent (ED). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. One eye was evaluated in 90 subjects, including 66 glaucoma patients and 24 healthy subjects, who underwent PP-ONH VD imaging using SPECTRALIS® Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). We analysed the superficial vascular complex using the AngioTool version 0.6a software. The correlation between the PP-ONH VD and visual field mean deviation (MD) was evaluated using a scatter plot and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Among the healthy subjects, the AD group had a lower superficial PP-ONH VD [43.29±3.25% (mean±standard deviation)] than the ED group (46.06±1.75%) (P=0.016). Overall, superficial PP-ONH VD did not show any significant differences between the total AD and ED glaucoma patients or in the subgroup analyses (early/moderate/advanced) (AD: 32.73±6.70%, 37.11±5.72%, 32.48±5.73%, 27.76±4.74%, respectively; ED: 33.94±6.89%, 38.52±3.82%, 35.56±4.18%; 27.65±6.31%, respectively) (P>0.05 for all). A strong, statistically significant correlation was established between vessel density and mean deviation among AD and ED glaucoma patients (r=0.709 and r=0.704, respectively) (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows that healthy subjects of AD had lower peripapillary and optic nerve head superficial vessel density than healthy subjects of ED, but no significant differences were found between AD and ED glaucoma groups (all, early, moderate, or advanced).

Aniridic glaucoma: An update. / Actualización en glaucoma anirídico.

Aniridia is a congenital bilateral ocular disorder with dominant autosomal inheritance. More than 50% of patients will develop aniridic glaucoma (AG) during their lives. Open angle glaucoma is more common in aniridia, but a closed angle mechanism has been described in relation with anterior rotation of the rudimentary iris, occluding trabecular meshwork. Diagnosis and follow-up of AG is difficult in relation with the presence of keratopathy, nystagmus and foveal hypoplasia. Central corneal thickness usually measures more than 600 microns, which prevents achieving a reliable value of intraocular pressure. Medical treatment of AG is not different from the rest of glaucoma. It is recommended to use preservative free formulations, and combined therapy is often required. Surgical treatment is needed in many cases. There is no consensus on the first line surgery for AG, but in open angle AG, angle surgery is usually first choice, and glaucoma drainage devices are the next preferred surgical technique. In closed angle AG glaucoma drainage devices are usually the first choice, with trabeculectomy as the second preferred surgical technique.

Aniridic glaucoma: An update.

Aniridia is a congenital bilateral ocular disorder with dominant autosomal inheritance. More than 50% of patients will develop aniridic glaucoma (AG) during their lives. Open angle glaucoma is more common in aniridia, but a closed angle mechanism has been described in relation with anterior rotation of the rudimentary iris, occluding trabecular meshwork. Diagnosis and follow-up of AG is difficult in relation with the presence of keratopathy, nystagmus and foveal hypoplasia. Central corneal thickness usually measures more than 600 microns, which prevents achieving a reliable value of intraocular pressure. Medical treatment of AG is no different from the rest of glaucoma. It is recommended to use preservative free formulations, and combined therapy is often required. Surgical treatment is needed in many cases. There is no consensus on the first line surgery for AG, but in open angle AG, angle surgery is usually first choice, and glaucoma drainage devices are the next preferred surgical technique. In closed angle AG glaucoma drainage devices are usually the first choice, with trabeculectomy as the second preferred surgical technique.