Combined Phacoemulsification-Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation versus Phacoemulsification Alone in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare combined phacoemulsification plus endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) versus phacoemulsification alone in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with coexisting cataract. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial-a pilot study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight PACG eyes of 48 patients with coexisting cataract. INTERVENTION: Recruited patients were randomized into undergoing phacoemulsification plus ECP or phacoemulsification alone. After surgery, patients were followed up every 3 months for 2 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure (IOP) and requirement for topical glaucoma drugs. RESULTS: Twenty-seven PACG eyes were randomized to receive combined phacoemulsification plus ECP, and 21 PACG eyes underwent phacoemulsification alone. There was no statistically significant difference in mean preoperative IOP between combined phacoemulsification plus ECP and phacoemulsification groups (20.0 mmHg vs. 20.7 mmHg; P = 0.71). Phacoemulsification plus ECP resulted in lower mean postoperative IOP than phacoemulsification alone at all follow-up visits, but the differences only reached statistical significance at 1 month (P = 0.01), 12 months (P = 0.01), and 24 months (P = 0.04) postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean preoperative number of topical glaucoma drugs between combined phacoemulsification plus ECP and phacoemulsification groups (3.3 vs 3.1, P = 0.71). Combined phacoemulsification plus ECP resulted in lower glaucoma drug requirement than phacoemulsification alone at all follow-up visits, but the differences did not reach statistical significance at any time points postoperatively (P ≥ 0.05). Both groups were comparable in visual improvement, complication rate, need for additional surgical intervention, and visual field changes. CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification plus ECP is noninferior to phacoemulsification alone in controlling IOP in PACG eyes with cataract. Combined phacoemulsification plus ECP resulted in lower mean IOP and glaucoma drug requirement than phacoemulsification alone at all follow-up visits in this pilot study, but the differences did not reach statistical significance at the majority of time points. A large-scale randomized controlled trial is in progress to evaluate these differences.

In vitro characteristics of Tenon's fibroblast lines derived from pediatric and adult eyes do not fully explain pediatric glaucoma surgery failure: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To compare the in vitro characteristics of Tenon's capsule fibroblasts from children and adults that may be relevant to filtration surgery success. METHODS: Fibroblast cell lines derived from 5 young (median patient age, 2.4 years) and 7 old (median patient age, 71 years) discarded Tenon's capsule surgical specimens were used at early passage (P2-P3). Fibroblasts were plated at "high" (10(4)cells/cm(2)) or "low" density (10(3)cells/cm(2)) and harvested at days 0-14, for growth curve and doubling time comparisons. Migration was measured using a wound model (confluent monolayers ± 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] over 1-96 hours). Collagen synthesis was measured as secreted hydroxyproline/24 hours from confluent monolayers. RESULTS: At low density, "young" fibroblasts achieved higher cell numbers at confluence (day 14) compared with "old": 158 ± 35 versus 105 ± 12 × 10(3)cells/cm(2) (P = 0.0034). Mean doubling time for young versus old was similar at low density plating: 20.95 ± 1.55 versus 22.37 ± 2.09 hours (P = 0.26). It was shorter, however, for young versus old at high-density plating: 42.11 ± 6.01 versus 54.26 ± 4.24 hours (P = 0.0051). Wound closure rates were similar for young versus old cells (4 lines for each group) with and without 5-FU. Collagen synthesis was similar for young and old (4 lines for each group). CONCLUSIONS: Although young fibroblasts reached higher density than old at confluence and had shorter doubling times at high-density plating, wound closure/migration and collagen synthesis rates were similar. Despite the preliminary nature of this study (few specimens, limited cell features explored), factors besides those intrinsic to the fibroblasts themselves likely mediate the more rapid healing/scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery in children.

Intraocular pressure profiles during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To document the intraocular pressure (IOP) profiles during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. SETTING: Refractive cataract surgery center. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was measured using a handheld portable applanation tonometer (Tono-Pen Avia) during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery using the Victus platform. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes of 35 patients were recruited. The mean age of the patients was 70.5 years ± 8.2 (SD) (range 51 to 85 years). The mean IOP before, during, and after suction was 17.2 ± 3.2 mm Hg (range 10 to 23 mm Hg), 42.1 ± 10.8 mm Hg (range 20 to 55 mm Hg), and 13.8 ± 3.4 mm Hg (range 9 to 25 mm Hg), respectively. The mean difference between IOP before and during suction was 25.0 ± 11.3 mm Hg (range 5 to 43 mm Hg) (P<.01, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The mean difference between IOP during and after suction was -28.7 ± 10.8 mm Hg (range -45 to -10 mm Hg) (P<.01, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The mean suction duration was 216 ± 15 seconds (range 180 to 245 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in IOP during the suction phase of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was statistically significant compared with the baseline IOP. Caution should be taken in patients with ocular conditions that are vulnerable to IOP fluctuation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.