Bilateral Chandler Syndrome, Nanophthalmos, and Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Complex Presentation, Challenging Diagnosis, and Pathological Insight-A Case Report.

Aim and background: Chandler syndrome (CS) is one of the iridocorneal endothelial syndromes (ICEs) with proliferation of abnormal corneal endothelial cells over the anterior chamber (AC) angle and iris, resulting in complications, for example, secondary angle closure glaucoma (SACG). We report an association between CS and nanophthalmos, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and pathological insights. Case description: A 46-year-old female patient presented with bilateral progressive blurring of vision. Examination revealed bilateral (OU) small corneal diameter, shallow AC, closed AC angle, beaten-bronze appearance of corneal endothelium, and mild iris atrophy in the right eye (OD). Intraocular pressure was 48 mm Hg and 22 mm Hg in the OD and left eye (OS), respectively. Fundus examination revealed optic nerve head cupping. Biometry showed short axial length and microcornea OU, that is, nanophthalmos. Optical coherence tomography and visual field revealed structural and functional evidence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Specular microscopy demonstrated reduction of corneal endothelial cell density and the light-dark reversal characteristic of ICE. Therefore, a diagnosis of CS with SACG and nanophthalmos was made. The patient was referred to a specialized glaucoma center with recommendation of clear lens extraction and a glaucoma drainage device with retropupillary tube placement. Conclusion: This is the first report of an association between CS and nanophthalmos. It highlights the possibility of SACG despite evident risk factors for primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Furthermore, it provides a hypothesis about the etiology of ICE. The concurrence of CS and nanophthalmos suggests that a common developmental mechanism could be implicated since periocular mesenchyme, the embryological precursor of corneal endothelium, plays a role in the development of optic cup and stalk. Clinical significance: SACG should be considered even in the presence of evident risk factors for PACG, such as nanophthalmos. Additionally, the association of nanophthalmos and CS warrants revisiting the yet inconclusive etiology of CS, where a developmental mechanism could be considered. How to cite this article: Ameen Ismail A, El-Ruby SA. Bilateral Chandler Syndrome, Nanophthalmos, and Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Complex Presentation, Challenging Diagnosis, and Pathological Insight-A Case Report. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(2):68-73.

Altered dynamic large-scale brain networks and combined machine learning in primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a severe and irreversible blinding eye disease characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell death. However, prior research has predominantly focused on static brain activity changes, neglecting the exploration of how PACG impacts the dynamic characteristics of functional brain networks. This study enrolled forty-four patients diagnosed with PACG and forty-four age, gender, and education level-matched healthy controls (HCs). The study employed Independent Component Analysis (ICA) techniques to extract resting-state networks (RSNs) from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data. Subsequently, the RSNs was utilized as the basis for examining and comparing the functional connectivity variations within and between the two groups of resting-state networks. To further explore, a combination of sliding time window and k-means cluster analyses identified seven stable and repetitive dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) states. This approach facilitated the comparison of dynamic functional network connectivity and temporal metrics between PACG patients and HCs for each state. Subsequently, a support vector machine (SVM) model leveraging functional connectivity (FC) and FNC was applied to differentiate PACG patients from HCs. Our study underscores the presence of modified functional connectivity within large-scale brain networks and abnormalities in dynamic temporal metrics among PACG patients. By elucidating the impact of changes in large-scale brain networks on disease evolution, researchers may enhance the development of targeted therapies and interventions to preserve vision and cognitive function in PACG.

The Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) Decrease in Chinese Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Using the One-Wavelength Reflectometry Method.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to observe the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and the relationship between MPOD and retinal thickness in Chinese primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients by the one-wavelength reflectometry method. METHODS: This study was a prospective comparative observational study, including 39 eyes from 39 PACG patients (15 men and 24 women, mean age 61.89 ± 12.30) and 41 eyes from 41 controls (20 men and 21 women, mean age 63.24 ± 14.02). We measured the MPOD 7-degree area by the one-wavelength reflectometry method and analyzed both the max and mean optical density (OD). The central retinal thickness (CRT) and the total thickness of the macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL)were measured by spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Statistical methods such as Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, two independent samples test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to observe the differences in the MPOD between normal subjects and PACG patients and the correlation between the MPOD and retinal thickness. RESULTS: The max optical density (Max OD) (PACG group: 0.302 ± 0.067d.u, control group: 0.372 ± 0.059d.u., p < .001) and mean optical density (Mean OD) (PACG group: 0.124 ± 0.035d.u., control group: 0.141 ± 0.028d.u., p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in PACG patients compared with control subjects. Significant decreases in GCL + IPL thickness (PACG group: 74.71 ± 39.56 µm, control group:113.61 ± 8.14 µm, p < 0.001) and CRT (PACG group: 254.49 ± 41.47 µm, control group:329.10 ± 18.57 µm, p < 0.001) were also observed in PACG eyes. There was no statistically significant correlation between the MPOD and GCL + IPL thickness (p = .639, p = .828). CONCLUSIONS: MPOD was significantly lower in Chinese PACG patients than in the control group, potentially due to thinning of the GCL + IPL thickness. This study provides insights for the pathophysiology, assessment of PACG and potential guidance for lifestyle modifications.

In this study, we measured the MPOD values of Chinese PACG patients for the first time using the one-wavelength reflectance method and clarified that the MPOD of PACG patients was significantly lower than that of the normal group. This study provides insights for the pathophysiology, assessment of PACG and potential guidance for lifestyle modifications.

The Beijing angle closure progression study: design and methodology.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to summarize the design and methodology of a large-scale trial in northern China, the Beijing Angle Closure Progression Study (BAPS). This trial is designed to explore the 5-year incidence of primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) progressing to primary angle-closure (PAC) or primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and to determine the possible risk factors of disease progression. Methods/design: The BAPS is a clinic-based, multicenter, noninterventional trial conducted on a sample of urban Chinese adults. Consecutive eligible patients who meet PACS diagnostic criteria will be recruited from eight participating centers, with the trial commencing on August 4, 2022. The target sample size is set at 825 subjects, with follow up planned for a minimum period of 5 years. Baseline examination will include presenting visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), undilated slit-lamp biomicroscopy, stereoscopic evaluation of the optic disc, visual field test, optical coherence tomography evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer, ultrasound biomicroscopy and IOLMaster. Questionnaires will also be used to collect detailed personal history. Patients are scheduled to visit the glaucoma clinic every 12 months and may visit the emergency room in case of acute attack of angle closure. Study endpoints include acute PAC episodes, elevated IOP, peripheral anterior synechiae, glaucomatous visual field defect, or glaucomatous abnormality of optic nerve. Discussion: The BAPS will provide data on the 5-year incidence of PACS progressing to PAC or PACG and determine the risk factors for disease progression. This study will also help redefine high-risk patients with PACS.

Uveal Effusion Syndrome Temporally Associated with Primary COVID-19 Infection.

PURPOSE: To report a case of uveal effusion syndrome in association with primary COVID-19 infection to share our experience and insight in diagnosing and managing this unique case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old woman presented with angle closure glaucoma of both eyes. Further examination and imaging revealed the etiology to be related to bilateral uveal effusions and choroidal thickening in the setting of recent COVID-19 infection. The patient's glaucoma was managed with bilateral iridotomies and medical therapy, while the precipitating uveal effusions resolved with treatment on oral steroids. CONCLUSION: While uveal effusion syndrome has been associated with COVID-19 vaccination, it has not yet been reported after primary infection. Recognition of this rare phenomenon will allow for better diagnosis and treatment in future cases.

Seeing Beyond the Expected: An Uncommon Case of Plateau Iris Syndrome in the Outpatient Setting.

Patients presenting with elevated intraocular pressures (IOPs) refractory to laser peripheral iridotomy should be suspected to have plateau iris syndrome (PIS). We present an uncommonly seen case of a 59-year-old female who presented with blurred vision, left-sided head pain, and IOPs Oculus Uterque (OU). Despite medical and laser peripheral iridotomy, left eye pain and elevated IOPs persisted, which led to a suspected diagnosis of PIS. The patient was subsequently treated by a glaucoma specialist who performed argon laser iridoplasty. Following this procedure alongside appropriate pharmacologic maintenance treatment, the patient's symptoms and elevated IOPs were resolved. With proper management, irreversible blindness can be prevented in PIS.

An eternal hunt for glaucoma.

In the first issue of Graefe's Archive from 1854, Albrecht von Graefe wrote about glaucoma. Glaucoma comes from the Greek word "glaukos," gleaming, which was first used by Homer around 800 BCE. Since then, glaukos and glaucoma have taken on many different meanings. The terms blindness, cataract and glaucoma were used interchangeably and twisted together in incomprehensible contexts. Over 2500 years of glaucoma theories were upset by the discovery of the ophthalmoscope in 1851. The first reports of increased intraocular pressure appeared in the mid-seventeenth century, but it took over 200 years for this elevated pressure to be accepted by the ophthalmological community. The discovery of glaucoma simplex in 1861 was an important step forward. What did doctors know about glaucoma before 1850 and why did it take so long to classify glaucoma in its various categories? And why is it that we still do not know what the cause is for primary open angle glaucoma? I will try to answer some of these questions after a historical overview.

Potential Immune-Inflammatory Proteome Biomarkers for Guiding the Treatment of Patients with Primary Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Caused by COVID-19.

Primary acute angle-closure glaucoma (PAACG) is a sight-threatening condition that can lead to blindness. With the increasing incidence of COVID-19, a multitude of people are experiencing acute vision loss and severe swelling of the eyes and head. These patients were then diagnosed with acute angle closure, with or without a history of PACG. However, the mechanism by which viral infection causes PACG has not been clarified. This is the first study to explore the specific inflammatory proteomic landscape in SARS-CoV-2-induced PAACG. The expression of 92 inflammation-related proteins in 19 aqueous humor samples from PAACGs or cataract patients was detected using the Olink Target 96 Inflammation Panel based on a highly sensitive and specific proximity extension assay technology. The results showed that 76 proteins were significantly more abundant in the PAACG group than in the cataract group. Notably, the top eight differentially expressed proteins were IL-8, MCP-1, TNFRSF9, DNER, CCL4, Flt3L, CXCL10, and CD40. Generally, immune markers are related to inflammation, macrophage activation, and viral infection, revealing the crucial role of macrophages in the occurrence of PAACGs caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy Combined With Phacoemulsification for Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Single-Surgeon Case Series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of combined canaloplasty and trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: In this retrospective, consecutive, single-surgeon case series, we analyzed the pre- and postoperative measurements of PACG patients who had the procedure. Adverse events were recorded. The main outcomes were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in each quartile of the follow-up year and the number of IOP-lowering medications the patients were on by the end of each quartile compared to their baseline values. RESULTS:  A total of 46 eyes from 39 PACG patients were included. The preoperative IOP and glaucoma medications taken were 19.33±6.03 mm Hg and 1.80±1.39, respectively (N=46). Postoperative IOP means (mm Hg) in the subsequent four quartiles were 14.00±3.33 (N=44), 13.44±2.83 (N=32), 14.38±2.39 (N=16), and 14.92±2.90 (N=13) (p<0.0001). The mean number of meds was 0.32±0.80, 0.22±0.42, 0.59±0.80, and 0.08±0.28 in each respective quartile (p<0.0001), while the median was 0 across all quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the OMNI surgical system with phacoemulsification led to substantial reductions in mean IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications when compared to baseline measurements.

Sildenafil-induced bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome: Case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome associated with sildenafil use. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old male presented with a five-day history of bilateral blurred vision, elevated intraocular pressure, and myopic shift. Ultrasound biomicroscopy radial scans showed closed angles and 360 degrees of ciliochoroidal effusion in both eyes. Anterior segment coherence tomography angiography showed bilateral shallow anterior chamber. Further questioning revealed that the patient had taken sildenafil several times just a few days before symptoms appeared. Since then, the patient stopped dosing sildenafil. After treatment of anti-inflammation and shifting the lens-iris diaphragm posteriorly, the patient's visual acuity improved and intraocular pressure decreased. Follow-up ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment coherence tomography angiography revealed resolution of ciliochoroidal effusion and increase of anterior chamber depth in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The patient demonstrated a rare case of sildenafil-induced bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome. This case report shows that sildenafil should be added to the possible causative agents of ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes of Pupillary Block Glaucoma Following Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of pupillary block glaucoma (PBG) following vitreoretinal surgery (VR surgery). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of 6941 patients, who underwent VR surgery at a tertiary eye care centre in South India between January 2015 and December 2019. Amongst them, clinical data of 61 patients who developed PBG were taken for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 53.90 (13.4) years and the incidence of PBG was .87%. Median (IQR) time of onset of PBG following VR surgery was 3.33 (1.1-6.6) months and majority were pseudophakic (75%). PBG resolved with Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) alone in 50 (82%) patients, whereas 11(18%) patients required additional interventions like surgical iridectomy, trabeculectomy or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) either as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with silicone oil removal (SOR). Mean (SD) intraocular pressure at the onset of PBG was 41.61 (14.5) mmHg, which reduced drastically following LPI to 24.28 (14.9) mmHg which further dropped significantly at 6 months follow up to 20.34 (13.9) mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of secondary PBG after VR surgery was .87%, and we observed diabetes mellitus, combined cataract and VR surgery, use of 1000cs SO endotamponade, intraoperative endolaser and multiple VR surgical interventions as common associations. Majority of the patients with PBG after VR procedures resolved with LPI and medical management. Few individuals (18%) required additional laser or surgical intervention for IOP control.

Association between primary angle closure glaucoma and uric acid levels in serum and aqueous humor.

Purpose: To evaluate abnormalities in serum and aqueous humor uric acid (UA) levels in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: Patients with PACG and age-similar and gender-similar controls (patients scheduled for cataract extraction) were enrolled prospectively. Serum UA levels were determined by enzymatic colorimetry; aqueous humor UA levels by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. A t-test was used to compare UA levels between PACG patients and controls, with one-way ANOVA used to compare levels across PACG subgroups with differing disease severity. Comparisons between PACG patients and controls were adjusted for systemic and ocular confounding factors using binary logistic regression. Results: In all, 131 PACG patients and 112 controls were included. The serum UA level was 266 ± 69 µmol/L in the PACG group and 269 ± 73 µmol/L in the control group (p = 0.71). The aqueous humor UA level was 35.4 ± 8.2 µmol/L in the PACG group and 53.9 ± 18.6 µmol/L in the control group (p < 0.001). This difference remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, axial length, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, white-to-white distance, corneal endothelial cell density, and serum UA level (odds ratio: 0.88, 95 % confidence interval: 0.83-0.93, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aqueous humor UA levels differ between PACG patients and controls, but serum UA levels do not. This indicates that local UA plays a role in the pathogenesis of PACG, but systemic UA does not.

Topological Organization of the Brain Network in Patients with Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma Through Graph Theory Analysis.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a sight-threatening eye condition that leads to irreversible blindness. While past neuroimaging research has identified abnormal brain function in PACG patients, the relationship between PACG and alterations in brain functional networks has yet to be explored. This study seeks to examine the influence of PACG on brain networks, aiming to advance knowledge of its neurobiological processes for better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches utilizing graph theory analysis. A cohort of 44 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients and 44 healthy controls participated in this study. Functional brain networks were constructed using fMRI data and the Automated Anatomical Labeling 90 template. Subsequently, graph theory analysis was employed to evaluate global metrics, nodal metrics, modular organization, and network-based statistics (NBS), enabling a comparative analysis between PACG patients and the control group. The analysis of global metrics, including small-worldness and network efficiency, did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. However, PACG patients displayed elevated nodal metrics, such as centrality and efficiency, in the left frontal superior medial, right frontal superior medial, and right posterior central brain regions, along with reduced values in the right temporal superior gyrus region compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, Module 5 showed notable disparities in intra-module connectivity, while Module 1 demonstrated substantial differences in inter-module connectivity with both Module 7 and Module 8. Noteworthy, the NBS analysis unveiled a significantly altered network when comparing the PACG and healthy control groups. The study proposes that PACG patients demonstrate variations in nodal metrics and modularity within functional brain networks, particularly affecting the prefrontal, occipital, and temporal lobes, along with cerebellar regions. However, an analysis of global metrics suggests that the overall connectivity patterns of the entire brain network remain unaltered in PACG patients. These results have the potential to serve as early diagnostic and differential markers for PACG, and interventions focusing on brain regions with high degree centrality and nodal efficiency could aid in optimizing therapeutic approaches.

Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe congenital keratouveitis, cataract and glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Only seven cases of ocular Spiroplasma infection have been reported to date, all presenting as congenital cataracts with concomitant intraocular inflammation. We describe the first case of Spiroplasma infection initially presenting as a corneal infiltrate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 1-month-old girl was referred for a corneal infiltrate in the left eye. She presented in our hospital with unilateral keratouveitis. Examination showed a stromal corneal infiltrate and dense white keratic precipitates in the left eye. Herpetic keratouveitis was suspected and intravenous acyclovir therapy was initiated. Two weeks later, the inflammation in the left eye persisted and was also noticed in the right eye. Acute angle-closure glaucoma and a cataract with dilated iris vessels extending onto the anterior lens capsule developed in the left eye. The inflammation resolved after treatment with azithromycin. Iridectomy, synechiolysis and lensectomy were performed. Bacterial metagenomic sequencing (16 S rRNA) and transmission electron microscopy revealed Spiroplasma ixodetis species in lens aspirates and biopsy. Consequently, a diagnosis of bilateral Spiroplasma uveitis was made. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of congenital cataract with concomitant intraocular inflammation, Spiroplasma infection should be considered. The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of congenital Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe keratouveitis, cataract and angle-closure glaucoma in newborns. Performing molecular testing on lens aspirates is essential to confirm diagnosis. Systemic macrolides are suggested as the mainstay of treatment.

Altered static and dynamic functional network connectivity in primary angle-closure glaucoma patients.

To explore altered patterns of static and dynamic functional brain network connectivity (sFNC and dFNC) in Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. Clinically confirmed 34 PACG patients and 33 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent evaluation using T1 anatomical and functional MRI on a 3 T scanner. Independent component analysis, sliding window, and the K-means clustering method were employed to investigate the functional network connectivity (FNC) and temporal metrics based on eight resting-state networks. Differences in FNC and temporal metrics were identified and subsequently correlated with clinical variables. For sFNC, compared with HCs, PACG patients showed three decreased interactions, including SMN-AN, SMN-VN and VN-AN pairs. For dFNC, we derived four highly structured states of FC that occurred repeatedly between individual scans and subjects, and the results are highly congruent with sFNC. In addition, PACG patients had a decreased fraction of time in state 3 and negatively correlated with IOP (p < 0.05). PACG patients exhibit abnormalities in both sFNC and dFNC. The high degree of overlap between static and dynamic results suggests the stability of functional connectivity networks in PACG patients, which provide a new perspective to understand the neuropathological mechanisms of optic nerve damage in PACG patients.

Dynamic angle closure following pars plana vitrectomy with perfluoropropane gas.

Purpose: To report the clinical course of an aphakic patient who developed positional secondary angle closure glaucoma following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas tamponade. Observations: A 23-year-old male presented due to a two-year history of vision loss in the left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12 mm Hg OS. Exam revealed iridodonesis and aphakia of both eyes, and a total RRD in the left eye. The patient underwent scleral buckle plus PPV with 15 % C3F8 gas and was instructed to maintain face-down positioning for 5 days. On post-operative day 1, IOP was 32 mm Hg and exam revealed significant diffuse corneal edema, a large epithelial defect, and 85 % C3F8 fill of the vitreous cavity. Patient was started on IOP-lowering drops but continued to have elevated IOP and corneal epithelial sloughing over the next 3 weeks. He was taken for a superficial keratectomy, but when placed supine under the microscope, a large new gas bubble was visualized overlying the pupil in a now shallow anterior chamber (AC) and IOP was 52 mm Hg. The patient was positioned back upright and the gas bubble migrated posteriorly out of the AC with return of IOP to 25 mm Hg. The dynamic nature of his IOP raised concerns for intermittent angle closure by C3F8 induced by supine positioning. Thus, a pars plana aspiration of the C3F8 gas was performed and resulted in normalization of the IOP. Conclusions and importance: Dynamic, positional secondary angle closure glaucoma can occur after vitrectomy with C3F8 in the setting of aphakia. This is the first report to capture C3F8 gas migration causing intermittent acute angle closure in real-time. Due to its intermittent nature however, the diagnosis may not be initially apparent at the slit lamp. Thus, we suggest this potential complication should be carefully monitored for and discussed when advising post-vitrectomy positioning in aphakic patients.

Managing Pigment Dispersion Glaucoma Postbilateral ICL Implantation in High Myopia: A Case Report on the Crucial Role of Gonioscopy in Correcting a Misdiagnosis.

Secondary open-angle glaucoma (SOAG) is a rare yet consequential complication following implantable collamer lens (ICL), also known as a phakic intraocular lens insertion, particularly in high myopia patients. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing SOAG and details the diagnostic complexities, reevaluation procedures, and successful long-term management of a 24-year-old bilateral high myopia (-7.00 D) patient who initially received an erroneous diagnosis of secondary angle-closure glaucoma (SACG) after ICL insertion at an external medical facility. Persistent visual issues prompted the patient to seek a second opinion, leading to a comprehensive reevaluation that eventually unveiled pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) as the underlying cause, subsequently resulting in SOAG. This case not only highlights the diagnostic challenges but also elucidates the re-evaluation process and effective 5-year management strategies employed to restore the patient's visual health and quality of life. How to cite this article: Ramesh PV, Parthasarathi S, Azad A, et al. Managing Pigment Dispersion Glaucoma Postbilateral ICL Implantation in High Myopia: A Case Report on the Crucial Role of Gonioscopy in Correcting a Misdiagnosis. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(1):31-36.

Validation of Diagnostic Codes to Identify Glaucoma in Taiwan's Claims Data: A Multi-Institutional Study.

Background: Healthcare databases play a crucial role in improving our understanding of glaucoma epidemiology, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. However, the accuracy of diagnostic codes used in these databases to detect glaucoma is still uncertain. Aim: To assess the accuracy of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes in identifying patients with glaucoma, including two distinct subtypes, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: We analyzed electronic medical records data from a 2% random sample of patients who newly underwent visual field examination in Taiwan's largest multi-institutional healthcare system from 2011 to 2020. The diagnosis of glaucoma was confirmed by two ophthalmologists, based on the glaucoma diagnostic criteria. The positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity and specificity for ICD-9-CM codes 365.1X and 365.2X, and ICD-10-CM codes H4010X, H4011X, H4012X, H4020X, H4021X, H4022X, H4023X and H4024X for glaucoma were calculated. Results: We randomly selected 821 patients (mean age: 56.9 years old; female: 50.5%) from the original cohort of 41,050 newly receiving visual field examination in the study. Among 464 cases with an ICD-9-CM glaucoma code, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for glaucoma were 86.5, 96.5, 91.9, and 90.9%, respectively. Among 357 cases with an ICD-10-CM glaucoma code, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for glaucoma were 87.0, 92.8, 92.2 and 87.9%, respectively. The accuracy of diagnostic codes to identify POAG and PACG remained consistent. Conclusion: The diagnostic codes were highly reliable for identifying cases of glaucoma in Taiwan's routine healthcare practice. These results provide confidence when using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes to define glaucoma cases in healthcare database research in Taiwan.

Transient Optic Disc Swelling After Laser Iridotomy for the Treatment of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma.

Acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) is characterized by narrowing or closure of the anterior chamber angle of the eye. AACG typically presents in older, hyperopic patients who complain of blurred vision, ocular pain, halos around lights, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Optic disc swelling is known to be associated with intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal vascular occlusion, and toxic optic neuropathy. There have been few reports of temporal relationships between laser iridotomy and optic disc swelling in patients with AACG. In this case report, we present a case of AACG where optic disc swelling was developed after sudden lowering of the intraocular pressure (IOP) by laser iridotomy. A 65-year-old woman presented with left eye pain and poor vision for one day. Slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctival injection, corneal edema, and a nonreactive and mid-dilated pupil in the left eye. Her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. IOP was 10 mmHg in the right eye and 54 mmHg in the left eye. A diagnosis of left AACG was made. A peripheral laser iridotomy was performed. The details of the optic disc were difficult to observe due to corneal edema, but there were no obvious abnormalities. The next day, the BCVA was 20/60 and the IOP had decreased to 9 mmHg in the left eye. Fundus examination demonstrated optic disc swelling in the left eye. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scanning revealed optic disc swelling in the left eye. One week after treatment, the BCVA was 20/50 and the IOP was 10 mmHg in the left eye. Fundus examination and SD-OCT scanning revealed mild improvement of optic disc swelling in the left eye. Four weeks after treatment, the BCVA was 20/50 and the IOP was 10 mmHg in the left eye. Fundus examination and SD-OCT scanning revealed an improvement in optic disc swelling in the left eye. After performing laser iridotomy, it is necessary to pay attention to changes in the optic disc as well as the IOP.

Endocannabinoids and cortisol in plasma, aqueous and tear samples of primary angle closure glaucoma versus controls.

PURPOSE: To compare the levels of endocannabinoids (EC) in plasma, aqueous humor and tears, cortisol in plasma and aqueous, in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and controls, while comparing the quality of life in both groups. METHODS: A total of 60 patients, ≥40years of age, with a diagnosis of PACG or cataract, 30 in each group were recruited. They were subjected to a detailed ophthalmic evaluation, a WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire answering and collection of tear, aqueous and blood samples. The levels of endocannabinoids-anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) in plasma, aqueous humor and tears; cortisol in plasma and aqueous humor; and WHO-QOL score in each group were noted. RESULTS: Plasma AEA (p = 0.01) and plasma 2-AG, (p = 0.002) levels were significantly higher in the control group as compared to the PACG group. WHO-QOL score was better in controls (p < 0.001). The EC were in undetectable levels in aqueous. Plasma and aqueous cortisol were significantly higher in PACG and both had the highest Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve value for differentiating PACG from controls. Tear 2AG and tear AEA had a moderately strong positive correlation with plasma 2-AG. Females had insignificantly higher levels of plasma and tear endocannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS: Tear endocannabinoids were determined for the first time in PACG and normal with no difference between the two groups. Plasma and aqueous cortisol levels are a differentiating factor between normal and glaucoma patients with plasma endocannabinoids being remarkably higher in normals. Quality of life in glaucoma patients with high cortisol levels is poorer.