Intraoperative OCT to check the correct postimplant position of PreserfloTM.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to examine the capacity of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict the postimplant position of the glaucoma drainage device PreserfloTM. METHODS: 13 eyes (mean age 65.42 (14.89) years) underwent PreserfloTM (Santen, Osaka, Japan) placement. Before surgery, participants were subjected to a comprehensive ophthalmic examination (intraocular pressure (IOP), cup to disk ratio (C/D), visual field, OCT, endothelial cell count). Anterior segment OCT scans were obtained intraoperatively using a Rescan 700 OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Oberkochen, Germany). One day postsurgery, anterior segment OCT using the Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH) was performed in a sitting position to capture the same chamber cross-section as before. The main outcome variables were tube-endothelium distance (T-E) and tube length (TL) in the anterior chamber measured using both OCT systems. Correlation between intraoperative and office measurements was examined through Pearson correlation (r) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Mean intraoperative and in-office T-E were 625.26 (SD 366.60) versus 561.16 (SD 364.62) µm respectively (p = 0.540). Intraoperative and in-office anterior chamber TL were 1386 (SD 701.82) and 1433.91 (SD 713.55) µm, respectively (p = 0.029). Excellent correlation was observed between both sets of T-E (r = 0.992; p = 0.008) and TL (r = 0.984; p = 0.016) values. Both OCT systems showed good agreement yielding ICCs of 0.992 (p < 0.001) for T-E and 0.995 (p = 0.001) for TL. DISCUSSION: Excellent correlation was observed between our intraoperative and postoperative OCT measurements. These results support the usefulness of intraoperative OCT to confirm the correct position of an implanted PreserfloTM microshunt.

Primary congenital glaucoma in two siblings with different compound heterozygous CYP1B1 genotypes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the inheritance pattern and clinical variability of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in a family with two affected siblings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two sisters diagnosed at birth with bilateral PCG, whose father had bilateral PCG and mother had bilateral microphthalmus, were subjected to a familial genetic study and ophthalmologic follow-up including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and collection of biometric and cup-to-disc ratio data. RESULTS: The inheritance pattern was autosomal recessive in compound heterozygosis. The sisters were found to be carriers of three pathogenic allele variants of the CYP1B1 gene: c.317C>A (p.Ala106Asp) and c.1345delG (p.Asp449MetfsTer8) in one patient (10 years) and c.1345delG (p.Asp449MetfsTer8) and c.202_209delCAGGCGGC (p.Gln68Serfs153Ter) in her older sister (12 years). Surgical histories included: three goniotomies and two Ahmed valves in each eye, and two trabeculectomies and a pupilloplasty in the right eye in the 10-year old; and one goniotomy, trabeculectomy and three Ahmed valves in each eye in the older sister. Currently, both sisters have a controlled intraocular pressure of 18-20 mmHg in both eyes. The father is blind in both eyes and carries two variants c.317C>A (p.Ala106Asp) and c.202_209delCAGGCGGC (p.Gln68Serfs153Ter). The mother with a single variant c.1345delG (p.Asp440MetfsTer8) has a prosthetic right eye and microphthalmus left eye. CONCLUSIONS: The sisters were found to show two different allelic CYP1B1 variants (compound heterozygosis) with different repercussions on the clinical severity of PCG. These findings highlight the importance of genetic screening of affected families.

Visual and refractive outcomes after bilateral implantation of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens: prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual and refractive outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction after bilateral implantation of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) with emmetropia as a target refraction. SETTING: San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain. DESIGN: Prospective, monocentric, noncomparative study. METHODS: Adults 21 years or older suitable for cataract surgery and with corneal astigmatism <1.50 diopters (D) were bilaterally implanted with the RayOne EMV IOL and followed up for 3 months. Outcomes measures included refraction, monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), and defocus curve, aberrometry, and satisfaction. Visual symptoms were assessed using the CatQuest-9SF questionnaire. RESULTS: 50 eyes of 25 patients were included. At month 3, the mean manifest spherical equivalent was -0.39 ± 0.28 D, with all eyes within 1.00 D. Binocularly, uncorrected, at distance, 68% of patients could read ≤0.0 logMAR and 95% ≤0.2 logMAR; at intermediate 59% of patients could read ≤0.1 and 100% ≤0.2 logMAR. Mean monocular CDVA was -0.03 ± 0.06 logMAR and mean monocular DCIVA was 0.28 ± 0.07 logMAR. Binocular defocus curve demonstrated a visual acuity ≤0.2 logMAR over a 2 D range from +1.00 D to -1.25 D. Satisfaction was good in 96% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral implantation of an enhanced monofocal IOL with emmetropia as a target provided excellent binocular CDVA and good DCIVA, with a high level of satisfaction.

Ab-Externo MicroShunt versus Trabeculectomy in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Two-Year Results from a Randomized, Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of the MicroShunt (Santen Inc) versus trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, multicenter trial conducted in the United States and Europe. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients (aged 40-85 years) with mild to severe POAG inadequately controlled on maximum tolerated medical therapy and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 15 mmHg and ≤ 40 mmHg. METHODS: Patients were randomized 3:1 to stand-alone MicroShunt implantation (n = 395) or trabeculectomy (n = 132), both augmented with mitomycin C (MMC) 0.2 mg/ml for 2 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary effectiveness end point was surgical success, defined as ≥ 20% reduction in mean diurnal IOP from baseline with no increase in glaucoma medications. Secondary end points included changes in mean IOP and medication use from baseline and the need for postoperative interventions. RESULTS: At 2 years, the rate of surgical success was lower in the MicroShunt group than in the trabeculectomy group (50.6% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.005). Mean diurnal IOP was reduced from 21.1 ± 4.9 mmHg at baseline to 13.9 ± 3.9 mmHg at 24 months in the MicroShunt group and from 21.1 ± 5.0 mmHg at baseline to 10.7 ± 3.7 mmHg at 24 months in the trabeculectomy group (P < 0.001 compared with baseline in both groups). Mean medication use decreased from 3.1 to 0.9 in the MicroShunt group and from 2.9 to 0.4 in the trabeculectomy group (P < 0.001 compared with baseline in both groups). Adverse events at 2 years were generally similar in the 2 groups, except that hypotony was more common in eyes undergoing trabeculectomy (51.1% vs. 30.9%, P < 0.001). Repositioning or explantation of the implant occurred in 6.8% of MicroShunt patients. The majority of these patients had device removal at the time of subsequent glaucoma surgery. Vision-threatening complications were uncommon in both groups. CONCLUSION: At 2 years, both the MicroShunt and trabeculectomy provided significant reductions in IOP and medication use, with trabeculectomy continuing to have greater surgical success. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

European Glaucoma Society - A guide on surgical innovation for glaucoma.

PROLOGUE: Glaucoma surgery has been, for many decades now, dominated by the universal gold standard which is trabeculectomy augmented with antimetabolites. Tubes also came into the scene to complement what we use to call conventional or traditional glaucoma surgery. More recently we experienced a changing glaucoma surgery environment with the "advent" of what we have become used to calling Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). What is the unmet need, what is the gap that these newcomers aim to fill? Hippocrates taught us "bring benefit, not harm" and new glaucoma techniques and devices aim to provide safer surgery compared to conventional surgery. For the patient, but also for the clinician, safety is important. Is more safety achieved with new glaucoma surgery and, if so, is it associated with better, equivalent, or worse efficacy? Is new glaucoma surgery intended to replace conventional surgery or to complement it as an 'add-on' to what clinicians already have in their hands to manage glaucoma? Which surgery should be chosen for which patient? What are the options? Are they equivalent? These are too many questions for the clinician! What are the answers to the questions? What is the evidence to support answers? Do we need more evidence and how can we produce high-quality evidence? This EGS Guide explores the changing and challenging glaucoma surgery environment aiming to provide answers to these questions. The EGS uses four words to highlight a continuum: Innovation, Education, Communication, and Implementation. Translating innovation to successful implementation is crucially important and requires high-quality evidence to ensure steps forward to a positive impact on health care when it comes to implementation. The vision of EGS is to provide the best possible well-being and minimal glaucomainduced visual disability in individuals with glaucoma within an affordable healthcare system. In this regard, assessing the changes in glaucoma surgery is a pivotal contribution to better care. As mentioned, this Guide aims to provide answers to the crucial questions above. However, every clinician is aware that answers may differ for every person: an individualised approach is needed. Therefore, there will be no uniform answer for all situations and all patients. Clinicians would need, through the clinical method and possibly some algorithm, to reach answers and decisions at the individual level. In this regard, evidence is needed to support clinicians to make decisions. Of key importance in this Guide is to provide an overview of existing evidence on glaucoma surgery and specifically on recent innovations and novel devices, but also to set standards in surgical design and reporting for future studies on glaucoma surgical innovation. Designing studies in surgery is particularly challenging because of many subtle variations inherent to surgery and hence multiple factors involved in the outcome, but even more because one needs to define carefully outcomes relevant to the research question but also to the future translation into clinical practice. In addition this Guide aims to provide clinical recommendations on novel procedures already in use when insufficient evidence exists. EGS has a long tradition to provide guidance to the ophthalmic community in Europe and worldwide through the EGS Guidelines (now in their 5th Edition). The EGS leadership recognized that the changing environment in glaucoma surgery currently represents a major challenge for the clinician, needing specific guidance. Therefore, the decision was made to issue this Guide on Glaucoma Surgery in order to help clinicians to make appropriate decisions for their patients and also to provide the framework and guidance for researchers to improve the quality of evidence in future studies. Ultimately this Guide will support better Glaucoma Care in accordance with EGS's Vision and Mission. Fotis Topouzis EGS President

Robust multi-view approaches for retinal layer segmentation in glaucoma patients via transfer learning.

Background: Glaucoma is the leading global cause of irreversible blindness. Glaucoma patients experience a progressive deterioration of the retinal nervous tissues that begins with a loss of peripheral vision. An early diagnosis is essential in order to prevent blindness. Ophthalmologists measure the deterioration caused by this disease by assessing the retinal layers in different regions of the eye, using different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning patterns to extract images, generating different views from multiple parts of the retina. These images are used to measure the thickness of the retinal layers in different regions. Methods: We present two approaches for the multi-region segmentation of the retinal layers in OCT images of glaucoma patients. These approaches can extract the relevant anatomical structures for glaucoma assessment from three different OCT scan patterns: circumpapillary circle scans, macular cube scans and optic disc (OD) radial scans. By employing transfer learning to take advantage of the visual patterns present in a related domain, these approaches use state-of-the-art segmentation modules to achieve a robust, fully automatic segmentation of the retinal layers. The first approach exploits inter-view similarities by using a single module to segment all of the scan patterns, considering them as a single domain. The second approach uses view-specific modules for the segmentation of each scan pattern, automatically detecting the suitable module to analyse each image. Results: The proposed approaches produced satisfactory results with the first approach achieving a dice coefficient of 0.85±0.06 and the second one 0.87±0.08 for all segmented layers. The first approach produced the best results for the radial scans. Concurrently, the view-specific second approach achieved the best results for the better represented circle and cube scan patterns. Conclusions: To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first proposal in the literature for the multi-view segmentation of the retinal layers of glaucoma patients, demonstrating the applicability of machine learning-based systems for aiding in the diagnosis of this relevant pathology.

Aqueous Humor Cytokine Profile in Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine profile in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) differs from that in healthy controls. Due to the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and POAG, it is possible that the cytokine profile could also differ. The main objective of this study was to compare the concentrations of cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with PCG with those of POAG patients and a control group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Aqueous humor samples were taken from PCG and POAG patients eligible for glaucoma or cataract surgery and from patients undergoing cataract surgery. Twenty-seven cytokines were analyzed using the Human Cytokine 27-Plex Immunoassay Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA). RESULTS: A total of 107 subjects were included: patients with PCG (n = 19), patients with POAG (n = 54), and a control group (CG) of patients undergoing cataract surgery (n = 34). Most cytokines measured in aqueous humor in PCG presented decreased values compared with POAG and controls. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17A, Eotaxin, FGF basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, PDGF-bb, MIP-1ß, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF. CONCLUSION: PCG patients have a cytokine profile in aqueous humor different from POAG patients and patients without glaucoma, characterized by lower concentrations of multiple cytokines.

Outcomes of Corneal Transplant in Childhood Glaucoma.

PRCIS: Childhood glaucoma produces alterations in the postnatal development and function of various ocular structures, including the cornea. Childhood glaucoma patients present lower corneal transplant survival rates. Our series shows outcomes of corneal transplant in childhood glaucoma with survival rates of 29% at 2 years. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical outcome of different types of keratoplasty in eyes with childhood glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made of the medical records from 17 eyes of 15 patients who were diagnosed with childhood glaucoma and received a corneal transplantation between January 2010 and July 2020. Patient demographics, intraocular pressure, previous ocular surgery, comorbidities, corneal transplant surgery, and follow-up outcome were collected. The primary efficacy endpoint was graft survival (in months) until failure, the latter being considered as irreversible loss of corneal transparency. Secondary efficacy points were the need for an increase in topical hypotensive therapy and the need for additional surgery. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 15 patients were included, 11 eyes (10 patients) with primary congenital glaucoma and 6 with other types of childhood glaucoma. Corneal transplantation was performed at the mean age of 23.76 ± 14.86 years. At the time of the transplantation, the number of topical medications was 1.35 ± 1.27, intraocular pressure was 15.00 ± 8.34 mm Hg, and patients had received up to 7 glaucoma surgeries. Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed in 13 eyes (76%) and penetrating keratoplasty in 4 (24%). After surgery, 7 (41%) eyes required increased topical treatment and 2 (12%) glaucoma surgery. Twelve eyes (71%) developed graft failure at 24 months, the mean time of survival being 13.88 ± 8.25 months. CONCLUSIONS: Management of corneal decompensation in childhood glaucoma poses a challenge. In this series of childhood glaucoma with corneal transplantations, the survival rate was 29% at 24 months.

Effect of Hypercholesterolemia, Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus on Peripapillary and Macular Vessel Density on Superficial Vascular Plexus in Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vascular factors are involved in the development of glaucoma, including diseases such as hypercholesterolemia (HC), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of glaucoma disease on peripapillary vessel density (sPVD) and macular vessel density (sMVD) on the superficial vascular plexus, controlling differences on comorbidities such as SAH, DM and HC between glaucoma patients and normal subjects. METHODS: In this prospective, unicenter, observational cross-sectional study, sPVD and sMVD were measured in 155 glaucoma patients and 162 normal subjects. Differences between normal subjects and glaucoma patients' groups were analyzed. A linear regression model with 95% confidence and 80% statistical power was performed. RESULTS: Parameters with greater effect on sPVD were glaucoma diagnosis, gender, pseudophakia and DM. Glaucoma patients had a sPVD 1.2% lower than healthy subjects (Beta slope 1.228; 95%CI 0.798-1.659, p < 0.0001). Women presented 1.19% more sPVD than men (Beta slope 1.190; 95%CI 0.750-1.631, p < 0.0001), and phakic patients presented 1.7% more sPVD than men (Beta slope 1.795; 95%CI 1.311-2.280, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, DM patients had 0.9% lower sPVD than non-diabetic patients (Beta slope 0.925; 95%CI 0.293-1.558, p = 0.004). SAH and HC did not affect most of the sPVD parameters. Patients with SAH and HC showed 1.5% lower sMVD in the outer circle than subjects without those comorbidities (Beta slope 1.513; 95%CI 0.216-2.858, p = 0.021 and 1.549; 95%CI 0.240-2.858, p = 0.022 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma diagnosis, previous cataract surgery, age and gender seem to have greater influence than the presence of SAH, DM and HC on sPVD and sMVD, particularly sPVD.

Efficacy and safety of the PreserFlo implant with mitomycin C in childhood glaucoma after previous failed glaucoma surgeries.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PreserFlo MicroShunt (Santen, Osaka, Japan) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in childhood glaucoma patients with previous failed glaucoma surgeries. METHODS: This is a prospective case review of consecutive PreserFlo procedures performed in childhood glaucoma patients after failed surgeries. Age, sex, diagnosis, and previous glaucoma surgeries, as well as visual acuity, IOP, and treatment in the preoperative visit and all follow-up visits were collected. Outcome measures included IOP reduction from baseline, mean IOP change from baseline at month 6, medication use at 6 months, complications, adverse events, and need for further procedures. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included, 8 (57%) males and 6 (43%) females; the mean age was 27.5 ± 13.5 years. Nine patients (64%) had at least two trabeculectomies, and 6 patients (43%) had at least one trabeculectomy and a glaucoma drainage implant. The mean IOP change from baseline was 11.3 ± 4.9 mmHg at 12 months. At 12 months, 12 patients (86%) presented ≥ 20% IOP lowering from baseline, and 11 patients (79%) presented ≥ 30%. The mean medication count decreased from 3.9 ± 0.7 (baseline) to 0.7 ± 1.3 (12 months). No intraoperative complications were reported. No adverse events were noted. No secondary filtration surgery was required, although bleb needling was required in one case, 1 month after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PreserFlo with MMC can be used successfully to treat uncontrolled IOP in childhood glaucoma cases with previous failed surgeries. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to further explore the role of the device in resistant childhood glaucoma cases.

Glaucoma medical treatment as a predictor of XEN45 subconjunctival gel implant hypotensive efficacy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative characteristics influencing hypotensive efficacy of the XEN45 gel stent in patients with open-angle glaucoma at one-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective multicentre study. All patients who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation between January 2017 and January 2021 were included. The main study outcome was the assessment of one-year postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication differences according to the number and type of preoperative topical treatments or glaucoma surgery, glaucoma stage and time since diagnosis. Follow-up period was 1-year post-surgery in all cases. IOP reduction and surgery success (not requiring reoperation or pressure failures [IOP > 18 mmHg and < 20% reduction in IOP]), safety and cost savings in topical glaucoma therapy after surgery were secondarily assessed. Linear regression analysis to determine the preoperative parameters influence on 1-year postoperative results was performed. RESULTS: XEN45 gel stent was implanted in 85 patients. One-year postoperative mean IOP dropped from 20.6 ± 4.1 to 13.7 ± 2.8 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Likewise, mean number of topical treatments decreased from 2.05 ± 0.9 to 0.36 ± 0.65 (p < 0.001). Both were mainly influenced by the number of preoperative glaucoma treatments, such that for each one-glaucoma medication increase, postoperative intraocular pressure increased by 1.18 mmHg (95% CI 0.56-1.79, p < 0.0001) and number of glaucoma medications increased by 0.3 (95% CI 0.16-0.43, p < 0.001). Overall success rates (with and without supplemental glaucoma medication use) were 97.6% (95% CI 94.5-100%), 87.1% (95% CI 80.2-87.1%) and 61.2% (95% CI 51.6-72.5%) at 3, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. No sight-threatening adverse events were reported. Mean annual cost savings on medical treatment since surgery reached EUR 251.19 ± 169. 93 euros. CONCLUSIONS: One year after surgery, XEN45 gel implant significantly reduced IOP and number of topical medications with an adequate safety profile being both mainly influenced by the number of preoperative glaucoma treatments.

Evaluation of a Novel Αb Εxterno MicroShunt for the Treatment of Glaucoma.

The surgical management of glaucoma has been revolutionized by the introduction of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The various MIGS options aim to meaningfully lower intraocular pressure with a better safety profile than traditional glaucoma surgery. The key clinical attributes and the emerging potential of an ab externo MicroShunt (PreserFlo™) are reviewed in the context of published evidence and clinical experience. This novel MicroShunt consists of an 8.5-mm-long tube that is implanted in the eye via an ab externo approach enabling aqueous humor drainage into the sub-Tenon's space through the formation of a bleb, similar in appearance to that created by trabeculectomy. The efficacy and safety of this procedure, the concomitant use of antimetabolites, the impact of tube positioning, and its future value in clinical practice are critically reviewed. Recent evidence has demonstrated the MicroShunt to be less effective than traditional filtration surgery, but with a significant improvement in safety. Cumulative data suggest that the new implant provides tangible clinical benefits to selected patients with glaucoma in need of further intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. Future research should delineate the precise role of this and other MIGS options in the rapidly evolving glaucoma treatment algorithm.

The Use of Fixation Suture to Treat Inferonasal Hypertrophic Bleb after Xen Gel Stent Implant: A Case Report.

We report a case of an inferonasal hypertrophic bleb complication which formed 5 months after Xen Gel Stent implantation for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in a primary open-angle glaucoma patient and its management using a fixation suture. The patient underwent an uneventful right-eye phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation combined with Xen Gel Stent ab interno implantation surgery. A month after the surgery, a second needling was performed due to a flat bleb and increased IOP. Post-needling slit-lamp examination showed a well-formed diffuse bleb in the superonasal quadrant. Two months after the needling, the patient presented with redness and irritation medially. Upon examination, a large inferonasal bleb was observed together with scarring of a previously formed superior bleb above the Xen Gel Stent implant. Fornix-based conjunctival incision technique was used to release the conjunctival scarring, and a fixation suture was used for the Xen implant in order to change the filtration direction. A Palmberg compression mattress suture was used to stop the inferior filtration. Despite an open conjunctiva surgical revision in the superior quadrant, no additional scaring was formed in the follow-up period of 20 months. There was good post-operative IOP control and formation of superiorly positioned bleb. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of a fixation suture for treating inferonasal hypertrophic bleb as a late complication of Xen Gel Stent implantation surgery.

Proinflammatory Cytokine Profile Differences between Primary Open-Angle and Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated glaucoma biomarkers in aqueous humor and tear and have found elevations of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG). In this study, we investigate differences in inflammatory cytokines between POAG and PXG patients to find specific disease biomarkers. METHODS: For this purpose, tear and aqueous humor samples of 14 eyes with POAG and 15 eyes with PXG undergoing cataract surgery were immunoassayed for 27 proinflammatory cytokines. The concentrations of cytokines in tear and aqueous humor and their association with clinical variables were analyzed, correlated, and compared between the groups. RESULTS: We found that the levels of three cytokines differed significantly in the aqueous humor of POAG and PXG patients: IL-12 and IL-13 were higher in the POAG group, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor) was higher in the PXG group. The number of topical hypotensive medications was correlated with diminished levels of two cytokines (IL-7 and basic fibroblast growth factor) in aqueous humor in the POAG group and with diminished levels of IL-12 in tear in the PXG group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that both POAG and PXG show elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in tear and aqueous humor that could be used as biomarkers for these types of glaucoma and that the concentrations in aqueous humor of three cytokines, IL-12, IL-13, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor), could be used to differentiate POAG and PXG.

Updates on the utility of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in the assessment of filtration blebs after glaucoma surgery.

The formation of filtration blebs is the main drainage mechanism for reducing intraocular pressure after traditional incisional glaucoma surgery such as trabeculectomy and non-penetrating deep sclerotomy. Early and short-lasting blebs may also occur after canaloplasty. Bleb formation also plays an important role after the implantation of glaucoma drainage devices, including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery devices. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a rapid and non-invasive high-resolution imaging technique that has evolved in recent years to become a routine examination. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) provides key information in the assessment and follow-up of glaucoma surgery, especially in the assessment of filtration blebs. Thus, bleb morphology can be qualitatively classified into diffuse, cystic, encapsulated and flattened, and AS-OCT imaging can also provide several quantitative parameters of the bleb, such as total bleb height, bleb fluid-filled cavity height, bleb wall thickness, number of microcysts and trabeculectomy opening size. These parameters could have an impact on clinical management during follow-up because they may predict the success or failure of the surgery in the early and late postoperative periods. Additionally, they may also guide the procedures used to increase filtration and reduce intraocular pressure, such as bleb needling and laser suture lysis.

Safety and Effectiveness of the PRESERFLO® MicroShunt in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Results from a 2-Year Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the PRESERFLO® MicroShunt (formerly InnFocus MicroShunt) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: The MicroShunt, a controlled ab externo glaucoma filtration surgery device, was investigated in a 2-year, multicenter, single-arm study. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible patients were aged 18-85 years with POAG inadequately controlled on maximal tolerated medical therapy with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥18 and ≤35 mmHg or when glaucoma progression warranted surgery. METHODS: The MicroShunt was implanted as a stand-alone procedure with adjunctive use of topical mitomycin C (MMC; 0.2-0.4 mg/ml) for 2-3 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary effectiveness outcome was IOP reduction and success (not requiring reoperation or pressure failures [IOP > 21 mmHg and < 20% reduction in IOP]) at year 1. Additional end points at year 2 included IOP reduction, success, glaucoma medications, adverse events (AEs), and reoperations. Results are reported in the overall population and subgroups of patients receiving 0.2 or 0.4 mg/ml MMC. RESULTS: In 81 patients, mean (± standard deviation [SD]) IOP decreased from 21.7 ± 3.4 mmHg at baseline to 14.5 ± 4.6 mmHg at year 1 and 14.1 ± 3.2 mmHg at year 2 (P < 0.0001). Overall success (with and without supplemental glaucoma medication use) at year 1 was 74.1%. Mean (± SD) number of medications decreased from 2.1 ± 1.3 at baseline to 0.5 ± 0.9 at year 2 (P < 0.0001), and 73.8% of patients were medication free. Most common nonserious AEs were increased IOP requiring medication or selective laser trabeculoplasty (25.9%) and mild-to-moderate keratitis (11.1%). There were 6 (7.4%) reoperations and 5 (6.2%) needlings by year 2. In an analysis (post hoc) according to MMC concentration, overall success was 78.1% (0.2 mg/ml) and 74.4% (0.4 mg/ml; P = 0.710). In the 0.2 and 0.4 mg/ml MMC groups, 51.9% and 90.3% of patients were medication free, respectively (P = 0.001). There was a trend toward lower IOP and higher medication reduction in the 0.4 mg/ml MMC subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, mean IOP and glaucoma medication reductions were significant and sustained over 2 years postsurgery. No long-term, sight-threatening AEs were reported. Further studies may confirm potential risk/benefits of higher MMC concentration.

Diagnostic imaging of the ciliary body: Technologies, outcomes, and future perspectives.

The ciliary body (CB) is part of the uvea and is a complex, highly specialized structure with multiple functions and significant relationships with nearby structures. Its functions include the aqueous humor (AH) production in the ciliary processes, the regulation of the AH output through the uveoscleral pathway, and accommodation, which depends on the ciliary muscle. Also, the CB is an important determinant of angle width as it forms part of the ciliary sulcus. Until recently, knowledge of the CB was based on histological studies. However, this structure can currently be assessed in vivo using imaging techniques such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both techniques have shown good reproducibility of their measurements allowing for quantification of CB dimensions and their localization. In effect, studies have shown a larger CB in myopia and its diminishing size with age. Swept-source OCT devices offer fast, non-invasive high-resolution imaging allowing the identification of multiple structures. UBM requires contact and is uncomfortable for the patient. However, this technique offers deeper imaging and therefore remains the gold standard for assessing the posterior chamber, ciliary processes, or zonula. The clinical utility of CB imaging includes its assessment in different types of glaucoma such as angle-closure, malignant or plateau iris. Diagnostic CB imaging is also invaluable for the assessment of ciliochoroidal detachment when suspected, the position after the implantation of a pre-crystalline or sulcus-sutured lenses, diagnosis or monitoring of cysts or tumors, sclerotomies after retinal surgery, intermediate uveitis, or accommodation.

Retinal and peripapillary vessel density increase in recovered COVID-19 children by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal vascular changes in children who have recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to compare the results with age-matched healthy children. METHODS: In this cross-sectional case-control study, children 6-18 years of age with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with historic healthy controls. All participants underwent ophthalmological examination, including fundus photography and OCTA of the macular region and optic disk. COVID-19 children were examined 4-8 weeks after COVID-19 diagnoses. Demographic data, medical history, and COVID-19 symptoms were noted. OCTA parameters in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were analyzed according to ETDRS sectors and peripapillary quadrants. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included: 27 recovered COVID-19 children and 45 controls. Mean age for cases was 11.96 ± 3.8 years (18 females [66%]); for controls, 11.02 ± 2.0 years (29 females [64%]). Macular OCTA of the SCP showed a significant increase in retinal vessel density (VD) in recovered COVID-19 children compared with healthy controls in the inner ring (P = 0.001). Macular perfusion density (mPD) was also increased in the inner ring (P = 0.001). Peripapillary OCTA evidenced a significant higher flux index (FI) in all four quadrants (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recovered COVID-19 children present increased retinal VD, mPD, and peripapillary FI shortly after recovery. Since the retinal vasculature is considered a unique window to assess microvascular changes, these findings may represent a potential in vivo biomarker of vascular abnormalities in COVID-19 children in other organs.

Clinical outcomes of combined Preserflo Microshunt implantation and cataract surgery in open-angle glaucoma patients.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the Preserflo Microshunt (PMS) implantation combined with cataract surgery in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. Retrospective, open-label study conducted on insufficiently controlled OAG patients, who underwent a PMS implant procedure with mitomycin-C 0.2%, either alone or in combination with cataract surgery, and were followed for at least 12 months. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 18 mmHg and a reduction of at least 20% without (complete) or with (qualified) hypotensive medication. Fifty-eight eyes were included in the study, 35 eyes underwent PMS alone and 23 underwent PMS + Phaco. In the overall study sample, mean IOP was significantly lowered from 21.5 ± 3.3 mmHg at baseline to 14.6 ± 3.5 mmHg at month 12 (p < 0.0001). The IOP was significantly reduced in both groups; p < 0.0001 each, respectively. Ocular hypotensive medication was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in both groups. No significant differences were observed in IOP lowering or medication reduction between groups. At month 12, 62.1% eyes were considered as complete success and 82.8% eyes as qualified success. The most common adverse events were device close-to-endothelium, conjunctival fibrosis, and wound leakage. PMS, either alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, may be considered as a valuable option for treating OAG patients.

Analytical model for managing hypotony after implantation surgery of a glaucoma drainage device.

The main aim of glaucoma treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP). One of the most common surgical treatments of glaucoma is the implantation of a glaucoma drainage device to drain the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to a filtration bleb, where the aqueous humor is absorbed. In some cases, the excess of drainage causes ocular hypotony, which constitutes a sight-threatening complication. To prevent hypotony after this intervention, surgeons frequently introduce a suture into the device tube, which increases the hydraulic resistance of the tube and, therefore, the IOP. This study aims to provide an analytical model to correct hypotony following implantation surgery of a glaucoma drainage device, which may help glaucoma surgeons decide on hypotony treatment. The results indicate that the IOP after implanting a cylindrical tube around 300 µm in diameter is essentially the same as that built up in the filtering bleb and can hardly be controlled by introducing a straight suture unless the suture diameter is slightly lower than that of the tube. On the contrary, when the tube diameter is smaller than, for example, 100 µm, significant reductions of the IOP can be obtained by introducing a thin suture into the tube.