Predictability of success and open conjunctival revision rates in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status.

PURPOSE: To determine the predictability of success and the risk of open conjunctival revision in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-centre study involving 132 eyes of 66 participants who had undergone intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering XEN45 Gel Stent implantation, either as a standalone procedure in phakic and pseudophakic eyes or in combination with phacoemulsification. Successful surgery was defined by three scores: IOP at follow-up < 21 mmHg (score A) or < 18 mmHg (score B) and an IOP reduction > 20% or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (score C). In all scores, one open conjunctival revision was allowed, and additional repeat surgery was considered a failure. The predictability of success and revision rate depending on the outcome of the first eye were calculated using Bayes' theorem. RESULTS: IOP-lowering did not differ significantly between the first and second eyes. Success rates of standalone surgery in the second eye after successful surgery in the first eye significantly exceed rates after prior failure. For the combined procedure, the rates did not differ significantly. For score A, we determined a 76.6% chance of success following a prior success and a 57.9% chance, if prior surgery failed. The corresponding probabilities were 75% and 59.1% for score B, while 66.7% and 15.7% for score C, respectively. We calculated a 60% risk for revision surgery in the standalone phakic group. If the first eye was not revised, the risk of revision in the subsequent eye was 20%. The corresponding risks were 72.7% and 5% for the standalone procedure in pseudophakic patients and 38.4% and 41.7% for the combined procedure, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of our study offer a tool to predict the outcome of subsequent eye surgeries based on either the outcome in the initial eye and the type of surgery performed, owing to the high predictive potential.

Impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome) on subsequent XEN45 gel stent implantation in pseudophakic eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy on the postoperative outcome of subsequent XEN45 gel stent (Allergan, CA, USA) implantation in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, we included 60 pseudophakic eyes from 60 participants who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation. Thirty eyes each underwent primary stent implantation (control group) or had previously undergone a failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome group). The groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio based on the following criteria: preoperative and maximum Intraocular pressure (IOP), preoperative medication score, cup/disk-ratio, follow-up time, best-corrected visual acuity at baseline, age, and the proportion of patients classified as primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma. We defined a successful surgery by the following three scores: an IOP reduction > 20% and IOP at the longest follow-up < 21 mmHg (Score A) or < 18 mmHg (Score B) or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (Score C). One open conjunctival revision was allowed in all scores, and a repeat surgery was considered a failure. RESULTS: Following an average follow-up period of 22 ± 12 months, we observed a mean IOP reduction of 38%, from 23.5 ± 5.2-14.5 ± 5.0 mmHg. Comparative analyses between the groups did not reveal a significant difference in the postoperative IOP, postoperative medication score, side effects, revision rate, repeat surgery rate, or success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Trabectome is a viable first-line procedure for medically uncontrolled glaucoma before filtering ab-interno microstent surgery is considered.

[Dependency of intraocular pressure on body posture in glaucoma patients : New approaches to pathogenesis and treatment]. / Lageabhängigkeit des Augeninnendruckes bei Glaukompatienten : Neue Ansätze zur Pathogenese und Therapie.

BACKROUND: Human intraocular pressure (IOP) depends on the position of the head in relation to the body in space. Physiologically, the IOP increases in a lying position compared to an upright posture. Microgravity in space also appears to cause an increase in intraocular pressure, accompanied by other ophthalmological changes, which are summarized under the term spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Bed rest studies are being carried out to investigate the effects of weightlessness on the human body. So here there is an intersection between research into SANS and glaucoma. Increased intraocular pressure remains the most important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression that can be influenced by treatment. The influence of position-dependent IOP fluctuations on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried in PubMed on the subject of IOP fluctuations related to posture. Analysis and evaluation of the published study results and a summary of available clinical data. RESULTS: The increase in IOP when changing from a seated to a lying body position is greater in glaucoma patients with an increase of up to 8.6 mm Hg compared to healthy subjects with an increase up to 5 mm Hg. In small pilot studies the increase in lying IOP in some glaucoma patients and healthy volunteers could be attenuated by elevation of the head by 30%. A lower compartmental pressure in the subarachnoid space has been associated with glaucoma and may represent a risk factor for glaucoma development. Not only the level of IOP but also IOP fluctuations were associated with an increased risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION: The clinical significance of IOP peaks during sleep on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood. New methods for continuous IOP measurement offer promising opportunities for further research into the importance of IOP fluctuations related to changes of body and head posture.

[Glaucoma and nanophthalmos]. / Glaukom und Nanophthalmus.

The term nanophthalmos refers to a clinically small eye that appears morphologically normal. A nanophthalmos is characterized by hyperopia but can also be associated with various secondary pathologies, such as angle-closure glaucoma. In particular, the perioperative risks associated with a nanophthalmic eye necessitate examination of the anatomical characteristics, which can result from the disproportional size of intraocular tissues despite structural normality. These include a small anterior chamber depth, scleral thickening and anomalies of the vein plexus, which are predisposing factors for the formation of angle-closure glaucoma. The resulting therapeutic challenges in the nanophthalmic eye can be countered with iridectomy, lensectomy, vitrectomy and cyclophotocoagulation. The definition, genetics and clinical findings of nanophthalmos are discussed with a focus on the complication of glaucoma and its treatment.

Bruch's membrane opening-based optical coherence tomography of the optic nerve head: a useful diagnostic tool to detect glaucoma in macrodiscs.

PurposeTo compare Bruch's membrane opening (BMO)-based spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and margin based confocal scanning laser tomography (CSLT) of the optic nerve head (ONH) to visual field function in large optic discs (macrodiscs) and to assess performance for glaucoma detection.MethodsIn a case-control, cross-sectional study, 125 eyes of 125 patients with disc size >2.45 mm2, thereof 44 glaucoma and 11 ocular hypertension (OHT) patients and 70 healthy controls underwent SD-OCT and CSLT examination, visual field testing and clinical evaluation. Mean outcome measures BMO-based minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in SD-OCT, and rim area measured in CSLT were compared and correlated to visual field function.ResultsAll participants had a mean disc area of 2.91±0.38 mm2 in CSLT and a BMO area of 2.45±0.39 mm2 (r=0.76;P<0.001). In glaucoma patients, visual field mean deviation was -10.0±6.1 dB. Global BMO-MRW correlated better to visual field function (Spearman's Rho (ρ)=0.71; P<0.001) than RNFLT (ρ=0.52;P<0.001) and CSLT rim area (ρ=0.63; P<0.001). BMO-MRW was significantly decreased with higher visual field loss (P<0.001). In ROC analysis, diagnostic power to differentiate glaucoma patients and healthy controls was highest for BMO-MRW (Area under curve, AUC=0.96; sensitivity at 95% specificity=82%). Rim area in CSLT (AUC=0.91; sensitivity=61.0%; P=0.04) and RNFLT (AUC=0.89; sensitivity=61%; P=0.01) were significantly less powerful.ConclusionsIn macrodiscs, BMO-MRW has the best diagnostic power to discriminate glaucoma patients from normal controls compared to RNFLT and rim area in CSLT. Additionally, BMO-MRW seems to reflect the structure-function relationship better than the other two parameters.

[Vision Loss after Silicone Oil Surgery]. / Visusverlust nach Silikonölchirurgie.

Silicone oil is an intraocular tamponade that is essential for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment. As a long-term tamponade, it improves retinal reattachment and visual outcome. Unexpectedly, surgery with silicone oil tamponade may result in irreversible visual loss of unknown origin. In this report, we provide a general overview of unexplained visual loss after surgery with silicone oil. The frequency of such reports has increased continuously in recent years. The German Retina Society - supported by Retinanet (http://retina-net.uni-koeln.de) - has initiated data collection to gather information about such cases, in cooperation with Cologne University Eye Hospital. Ophthalmologists can provide data about cases of unexplained visual loss anonymously via the "Cologne Clinical Trials Centre" or via augenklinik-silikonoel@uk-koeln.de.

[Surgical options before and after trabectome surgery : Impact of previous surgeries, possibilities of revision surgery and complication management]. / Chirurgische Optionen vor und nach Trabektomchirurgie : Einfluss von Voroperationen, Möglichkeiten der Revisionschirurgie und Komplikationsmanagement.

BACKGROUND: Trabectome surgery is a new method to lower intraocular pressure through ablation of the trabecular meshwork. Technically, it is an ab interno trabeculotomy. The goal of this review is to investigate the options after failed trabectome surgery and evaluate the possibilities of trabectome surgery after failed previous glaucoma surgery. OBJECTIVES: A literature review was performed to answer the following questions: (1) Is trabectome surgery an option after failed glaucoma surgery? (2) Is trabeculectomy an option after failed trabectome surgery? (3) Which postoperative constellations require early revision surgery after trabectome surgery? RESULTS: Trabectome surgery is an option after failed trabeculectomy or failed tube surgery. Performing a trabeculectomy after failed trabectome surgery did not show disadvantages. Hypotony or hyphema is rare and self-limiting and, therefore, does not require further surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a lack of randomized studies, recommendations should be taken with caution.

[Revision surgery in episcleral glaucoma drainage devices]. / Revisionschirurgie bei episkleralen Glaukomdrainageimplantaten.

Episcleral glaucoma drainage devices (e.g., Ahmed or Baerveldt drainage device) are often used at a late stage in the care of glaucoma patients. At this stage other surgical techniques, such as trabeculectomy or viscocanaloplasty, have failed. However, the trend towards earlier implant surgery is supported by large randomized trials. Physicians should be aware of typical complications and, if possible, these should already be avoided by careful surgical technique. In this review article, we focus on postoperative hypotension, postoperative pressure increases, implant exposure, and possible corneal decompensation.

[Postoperative Follow-Up of Glaucoma Drainage Devices]. / Nachsorge von epibulbären Glaukomdrainageimplantaten.

There is an increasing trend towards using glaucoma drainage implants. The postoperative management of such devices depends on their technical characteristics and specific complications. The Baerveldt glaucoma implant with its larger surface area has been shown to lower mean intraocular pressure more effectively than the Ahmed-FP7 implant. As a non-valve implant, however, it has been associated with a higher rate of severe complications, particularly ocular hypotension. Moreover, glaucoma implants may induce diplopia if they interfere with extraocular muscles. Topical treatment with antibiotics and steroids is necessary in cases of intraocular inflammation. In refractory cases, the tube may even have to be removed. Surgical reposition of the tube may be indicated when it is severely dislocated. Increased intraocular pressure is primarily treated by pressure-lowering medications during postoperative follow-up. If topical glaucoma medication is insufficient to control increases in intraocular pressure due to encapsulation, a second implant may be considered or the capsule surrounding the implant may be excised to reduce outflow resistance or additional cyclodestructive procedures can be performed. Chronic hypotension may be treated with tube ligation or occlusion. Severe corneal oedema may require lamellar keratoplasty. Conjunctival erosions with tube exposure or tube retractions also require surgical correction.

[Complexities of Medical Glaucoma Therapy--the Elderly Patient in Focus]. / Umsetzung und Schwierigkeiten bei Tropftherapien--der ältere Glaukompatient im Fokus.

In order to treat glaucoma with medication successfully, the patient needs to participate actively in the process. "Adherence", formerly "compliance", describes the willingness and capacity to follow the prescribed regimen every day. It is not trivial to measure adherence and persistence, as this quite often relies on self reports by the patient or speculations by the physician. Hence, the overall reported adherence may vary from 5 to 95 %. In general, the following categories have been defined for reduced adherence: medication-related factors, patient-related factors, environmental factors and social factors. Age has been found to intensify or modify many of these factors. Older adults often face various challenges, due to motor disabilities, reduced visual acuity or impaired cognitive capabilities. In patients with movement disorders or tactile limitations, the target area can be reached more successfully with standard eye drop bottles than with single-use dose units. This should be considered if antiglaucoma eye drops are prescribed in the elderly. Frequency of application is a main factor influencing adherence. Monotherapy--as provided with prostaglandins--or drops with a fixed combination have proven to support adherence significantly. A significant boost for self-monitoring activities is initiated by the growing market of electronic devices, like smartphones. For instance, they can provide acoustic alarms as reminders to apply the eye drops. It is evident that any external support or disease-related information by family members, the medical practitioners, support groups or even electronic devices may improve adherence and persistence, even in patients with severe impairments.

[Ease of handling of first and second generation rebound tonometers]. / Handhabung von Reboundselbsttonometern der ersten und zweiten Generation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ease of handling of two rebound tonometers, which are designed for self-measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in a clinical setting by untrained patients. METHODS: After self-measurement of the IOP with the rebound tonometers iCare ONE and iCare HOME, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire containing different subitems concerning ease of operation using a visual analog scale (1 = very good to 5 = very poor). Moreover, the feasibility and duration of measurement were tested. RESULTS: A total of 147 subjects participated in this study. The mean score for general handling ability was 2.79 ± 1.01 for the iCare ONE and 1.85 ± 0.87 for the iCare HOME (p < 0.001). The evaluation of the subitems sense of safety (iCare ONE: 2.71 ± 1.03 and iCare HOME: 1.87 ± 0.81, p < 0.001) and comfort of measurement (iCare ONE: 2.07 ± 1.01 and iCare HOME: 1.66 ± 0.72, p < 0.001) also showed a significant discrepancy between the two tonometers. Participants needed significantly less time for a single valid measurement when using the iCare HOME tonometer (mean 66.14 ± 61.54 s) compared to the iCare ONE tonometer (mean 81.54 ± 69.51 s, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A better handling of the iCare HOME rebound tonometer in comparison to the iCare ONE tonometer can be deduced on the basis of the subjective assessments of patients and the shorter duration of measurements. Moreover, the iCare HOME received a significantly better evaluation for all subitems. The accuracy of measurements using the iCare HOME still needs to be clarified.

[Current aspects on the management of normal tension glaucoma]. / Aktuelle Aspekte zum Management des Normaldruckglaukoms.

In a considerable proportion of glaucoma patients (25-50 %) the intraocular pressure (IOP) is not elevated higher than 22 mmHg at first diagnosis and during subsequent follow-up controls. Although the IOP level remains in the low range < 22 mmHg, progression of glaucoma can still occur. A multitude of different factors are assumed to be involved in glaucoma progression, such as very low nocturnal diastolic blood pressure values, a low mean ocular perfusion pressure, extensive fluctuations in perfusion (e.g. in cases of vascular dysregulation), an increased vulnerability of the optic nerve support structures, an increased translaminar pressure gradient and various underlying systemic diseases. The most important evidence-based aspect of treatment in normal tension glaucoma is pharmaceutical or surgical reduction of the IOP by 30 % or more in comparison to the initial pressure level. Vascular and neuroprotective concepts of treatment for normal tension glaucoma have been strongly advocated and the object of experimental and clinical studies. As yet a clear clinical benefit has not been proven by large prospective randomized studies.

[Rebound tonometry after vitreoretinal surgery]. / Reboundtonometrie nach vitreoretinaler Chirurgie.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the practicability and comparability of the Icare rebound tonometer (RT) versus the Schiötz indentation tonometer (SIT) and the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS: A total of 100 eyes from 100 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne were included in this prospective analysis. The IOP was measured using RT preoperatively, on the day of surgery and 2 days after surgery, using SIT on the day of surgery and GAT preoperatively and 2 days after surgery. For the evaluation eyes were divided into subgroups with respect to the endotamponade selected and the IOP level. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP for all enrolled eyes was 15.4 ± 8.0 mmHg for RT and 16.1 ± 7.9 mmHg for GAT. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias between RT and GAT of - 0.6 mmHg. Bland-Altman analysis for the postoperative course of all eyes revealed a bias of 3.0 mmHg between RT and SIT on the day of surgery and no bias between RT and GAT in the further postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Rebound tonometry seems to provide precise IOP values after vitreoretinal surgery. Divergence from SIT values on the day of surgery is presumably due to a general tendency of SIT to underestimate IOP values. Therefore, RT can be used in the clinical routine after vitreoretinal surgery as an alternative to GAT.

[Glaucoma surgery in children]. / Glaukomchirurgie im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: Goniotomy has been established as the standard procedure in the treatment of congenital glaucoma for more than 50 years. OBJECTIVES: This article presents the current indications for the different antiglaucomatous procedures in children with success rates and specific complications. METHODS: A selective literature search was carried out and a report of the consensus meeting 2013 concerning congenital glaucoma and personal experiences are presented. RESULTS: Primary surgical treatment for primary congenital glaucoma mainly consists of trabeculotomy and its modifications but also of goniotomy. A widespread and increasing use of drainage device surgery can be seen in complicated types of pediatric glaucoma, such as secondary glaucoma due to aphakia, uveitis or Sturge-Weber-Krabbe syndrome. CONCLUSION: The visual prognosis following glaucoma surgery generally depends on successful control of the intraocular pressure as well as on amblyopia treatment.

[Glaucoma filtering surgery in the elderly over eighty years old: an analysis of postoperative risks]. / Antiglaukomatöse Filtrationschirurgie bei alten Glaukompatienten ab dem 80. Lebensjahr: Analyse der postoperativen Risiken.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this retrospective study was to identify the postoperative complications following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in patients aged 80 years or older at the time of surgery. Additionally, the corresponding risk factors for postoperative complications were analysed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a defined period between 2005 and 2009 all trabeculectomies in this age group at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne were identified. Second eye surgery and re-trabeculectomies in the same eye were excluded from data collection. Postoperative ocular hypotony (< 6 mmHg) and hypertony (> 20 mmHg), bleeding, corneal erosion, re-surgery and prolonged postoperative duration of hospital stay were defined as complications. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty eyes of 120 patients were included. The mean age was 83.4 years, 62.5 % patients were female. Eighty nine percent of the eyes were pseudophakic, the mean visual field defect was - 17.3 dB, the mean preoperative intraocular pressure under pressure-reducing medication was 24.1 mmHg. Considering the perioperative complications there was no significant difference depending on the age (80-85 years, n = 79 and > 85 years, n = 41), depending on the type of anesthesia (general, n = 80 and local, n = 40) or depending on antiplatelet (APT)/anticoagulative (ACT) therapy (APT, n = 55 and ACT, n = 16). The postoperative duration of the hospital stay showed significant correlations with the occurrence of corneal erosions, postoperative ocular hypertony, loss of anterior chamber and choroidal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative risks of antiglaucomatous filtering surgery did not increase with age or comorbidity. However, even minor perioperative complications had direct implications on the duration of the hospital stay.

[Clinical value of ab-interno trabecular surgery in the management of glaucoma]. / Stellenwert der Ab-interno-Trabekelchirurgie in der Glaukombehandlung.

Ab-interno trabecular surgery does not damage sclera and conjunctiva in glaucoma patients and does not prejudice subsequent anti-glaucomatous filtration or drainage device surgery. As only trabecular resistance is surgically modified, the level of intraocular pressure (IOP) can usually not be reduced in the lower teens. Consequently, incisional ab-interno trabecular surgery is a valuable option in early glaucoma stages with moderate IOP elevation, especially in combination with cataract surgery. Ab-interno trabecular surgery is an insufficient surgical tool in normal pressure glaucoma, but also in glaucoma patients with very high IOP peaks.

Secondary subconjunctival implantation of a biodegradable collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrix to treat ocular hypotony following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

AIM: Biodegradable collagen glycosaminoglycan matrices (CGM) have been introduced to glaucoma filtration surgery in order to prevent scarring of the filtering bleb. In this retrospective case series, we describe a new surgical concept for treating symptomatic ocular hypotony following filtration surgery with mitomycin C by a secondary subconjunctival implantation of a CGM. METHODS: Depending on bleb morphology, a CGM implant with a diameter of 6 or 12 mm was placed subconjunctivally on the scleral flap in 12 eyes displaying symptomatic ocular hypotony with (n=2) or without (n=10) bleb leakage. Median period between trabeculectomy and this intervention was 4.5 months (range, 1-72 months). RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure significantly increased from 4.4±1.4 mm Hg to 9.9±2.8 mm Hg (p<0.0001) over a median follow-up of 6 months (range, 2-18 months). Mean visual acuity improved significantly (p=0.0012). Postoperative complications included implant re-exposure in one eye and persistent choroidal detachment requiring resurgery in another eye. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival implantation of CGM may present an additional surgical tool in the treatment of symptomatic ocular hypotony after filtering surgery. The mechanism of action may be counter-pressure to the scleral flap and secondary wound healing around the CGM scaffold. Long-term observations are needed to fully evaluate this new surgical concept.

[Combined cataract and glaucoma surgery. Current options]. / Kombinierte Katarakt-Glaukom-Chirurgie. Aktuelle Optionen.

Trabeculectomy is no longer the gold standard for combined cataract glaucoma surgery considering the successful results following cataract surgery combined with trabeculotomy, viscocanalostomy and canaloplasty. The main disadvantage of these mostly non-penetrating procedures is the induction of conjunctival scarring which jeopardizes subsequent filtering surgery. Ab interno glaucoma surgery, including trabecular surgery and endocyclophotocoagulation, does not interfere with the conjunctival situation. These surgical options have a relatively minor risk profile for combined cataract glaucoma surgery compared to traditional filtering surgery; however, the pressure reducing efficacy of these ab interno approaches is limited with respect to the absolute reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the achievable level of IOP. This has to be kept in mind when planning surgery.