Outcomes of Non-Penetrating versus Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PRCIS: In this retrospective study, Non-Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy and Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy interventions showed similar >90% complete success rates at one-year post-surgery. However, Non-Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy achieved a superior safety profile in terms of best-corrected visual acuity recovery and rates of post-surgical complications. PURPOSE: Comparing the surgical outcomes of two surgical techniques: non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and penetrating deep sclerectomy (PDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, longitudinal, comparative study including 66 eyes from 57 patients aged 69±9 years who underwent either NPDS or PDS for medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. Outcome measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), rates of complications, post-operative corrective interventions and glaucoma medications at baseline and at all post-operative appointments up to 1 year. An exploratory mixed-effects model was used to assess the intergroup differences for IOP and BCVA. RESULTS: One-year post-surgery, similar significant IOP reduction from baseline were observed in NPDS (from 19,9±1.3 to 11.5±0.9 mmHg, P<0.001) and PDS (from 19,5±1,1 to 10.7±0.6 mmHg, P<0.001). A conservative complete success rate (defined as medicated IOP ≤16 mmHg and ≥20% reduction in IOP) was of 87% for NPDS and 97% for PDS. No BCVA changes were observed between baseline and 1-year post-surgery in both groups, and glaucoma medications showed a similar 10-fold reduction in both groups (P<0.001 vs. baseline). However, a significant difference in the speed of post-operative BVCA recovery was observed between NPDS and PDS (P<0.01), NPDS showing a faster recovery. Moreover, lower numbers of post-surgical complication and post-operative interventions were observed following NPDS compared to PDS (NPDS n=30 and 34 vs. PDS n=80 and 48 (P<0.05), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed that both NPDS and PDS are highly effective surgical interventions for the management of primary open angle glaucoma. However, NPDS had a superior safety profile, in terms of BCVA recovery, complication rates and post-operative interventions.

Rates of visual field change and functional progression in glaucoma following trabecular microbypass implantation of iStent technologies: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: While intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma progression, the ultimate goal of glaucoma management is to preserve patients' functional vision and quality of life. To this end, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) aim to reduce IOP with minimal eye trauma. Commonly used MIGS devices include iStent technologies, which have well-documented IOP-reducing potential and favourable safety profiles. However, no study concluded on their effect on the rates of visual field (VF) changes. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the long-term effect of iStent technology implantation on glaucoma functional progression. METHODS: Electronic medical literature databases were searched to identify studies reporting on iStent technologies. Reports with follow-up durations <12 months, retention rates <75% and missing VF data were excluded. Fifteen studies reporting on 1115 eyes were identified. The overall weighted mean VF mean deviation (MD) progression, IOP reduction and follow-up duration were calculated. RESULTS: Weighted mean IOP at baseline was 19.0±3.1 mm Hg. At the end of a 37.9-month mean follow-up (range 12-96 months), a weighted mean 26.6% IOP reduction was achieved (range 15.2%-42.3%). Over the same duration, the weighted mean VF MD progression rate was -0.02±0.34 dBs/year, from a mean baseline of -5.76±5.68 dBs. CONCLUSION: In this review, which examines functional stability of 1115 eyes, iStent technologies achieved a mean rate of progression of -0.024 dBs/year with serial standard automated perimetry, which is similar to that reported in non-glaucomatous eyes and slower than that reported in medically treated glaucoma.

Measurement of intraocular temperature in glaucoma: week-day and seasonal fluctuations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term intraocular temperature (IOT) variations in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using an intraocular telemetric sensor. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, multicentre observational study analysed the IOT variations in 22 eyes of 22 patients with POAG. All enrolled patients underwent implantation of an intraocular pressure (IOP) sensor during cataract surgery. The telemetric system uses a built-in temperature sensor to control measured IOP for temperature. Each time a patient measures their IOP, both the IOP and IOT are recorded in the reader device. Patients were instructed to self-measure their IOP as often as desired, but at least four times daily. Recorded readings were retrieved and analysed using mixed effect models and pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni correction to assess the statistical significance of average IOT variations between each individual weekday and calendar month. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 67.8±6.8 years and 36.4% were women. A total of 132 745 readings over 21 102 measurement-days were obtained. On average, IOT was significantly higher on Sundays (34.57°C; 95% CI 34.37 to 34.78) than on any other day of the week (p<0.001). Mean IOT on other weekdays ranged from 34.48°C to 34.51°C. Over the year, IOT followed a clear seasonal pattern, reaching its maximum in July (34.8°C; 95% CI 34.56 to 34.97) and its minimum in January (34.4°C; 95% CI 34.15 to 34.56; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of continual and long-term measurement of IOT using intraocular sensors. The results show significant short-term and long-term fluctuations of IOT. Research is warranted to understand the impact of IOT variations on IOP, ocular perfusion and glaucoma progression.

EYEMATE-SC Trial: Twelve-Month Safety, Performance, and Accuracy of a Suprachoroidal Sensor for Telemetric Measurement of Intraocular Pressure.

PURPOSE: Measuring and controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) provide the foundation for glaucoma treatment. Self-tonometry has been proposed as an alternative to measure IOP throughout the entire day better. The novel EYEMATE-SC sensor (Implandata) is implanted in the suprachoroidal space to enable contactless continual IOP monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the 1-year safety, performance, and accuracy of the EYEMATE-SC in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing simultaneous nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, interventional clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who were due to undergo NPGS (canaloplasty or deep sclerectomy). METHODS: An EYEMATE-SC sensor was implanted during NPGS. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) measurements were compared with the sensors' IOP measurements at all postoperative visits through 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Device position and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes underwent canaloplasty, and 9 underwent deep sclerectomy. Successful implantation of the sensor was achieved in all eyes with no reported intraoperative difficulties. Through the 12-month follow-up, no device migration, dislocation, or serious device-related complications were recorded. A total of 536 EYEMATE-SC measurements were pairwise included in the IOP agreement analysis. The overall mean difference between GAT and EYEMATE-SC measurements was 0.8 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] of the limits of agreement [LoA], -5.1 to 6.7 mmHg). The agreement gradually improved, and from 3 months after surgery until the end of the follow-up, the mean difference was -0.2 mmHg (95% CI of LoA, -4.6 to 4.2 mmHg) over a total of 264 EYEMATE-SC measurements, and 100% of measurements were within ±5 mmHg of GAT. CONCLUSIONS: The EYEMATE-SC sensor was safe and well tolerated through 12 months. Moreover, it allowed accurate, continuous IOP monitoring. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy following Failed XEN Gel Stent Implantation in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Prospective Study.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of deep sclerectomy (DS) as a secondary procedure following failed ab-interno XEN gel stent implantation in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Methods: Prospective, single-center, non-randomized, interventional study. Consecutive eyes that underwent mitomycin C (MMC) augmented XEN gel stent surgery, with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) or signs of disease progression, were included to undergo MMC-augmented DS. Primary efficacy outcome was surgical success, defined as complete when the unmedicated IOP was 12 mmHg or less, or 15 mmHg or less and 20% lower than at the timing of XEN failure and defined as qualified when the IOP fulfilled the same conditions with fewer medications than before deep sclerectomy. Secondary measures were mean reduction in IOP and in the number of medications, and the rates of complications. Results: Seventeen eyes were enrolled with a mean age of 72.1 ± 8.2 years (66.7% women). The mean follow-up was 20.1 ± 4.9 months, with more than 12-month data available from 15 eyes. Following DS, IOP decreased significantly from 22.6 ± 5.3 mmHg to 12.3 ± 5.5 (45.6%; p < 0.001). Antiglaucoma medications dropped from 1.1 ± 0.9 to 0.3 ± 0.7. Complete success was obtained in 40% of eyes using the threshold of 12 mmHg or less and a 20% decrease of IOP, and in 60% using the 15 mmHg or less threshold. Adverse events were observed in 20% of eyes (bleb leakage (13.3%); hypotony (6.7%)). No cases of choroidal detachment or hypotony maculopathy were reported. Conclusions: Failed XEN gel stent implantation does not seem to negatively affect the safety and efficacy of subsequent deep sclerectomy surgery.

Patients' Perception of COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Ophthalmology: Satisfaction and Impact on Glaucoma Care and Follow-up.

PURPOSE: In response to the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland, ophthalmology practices implemented a variety of preventive measures in order to minimise the risk of contamination to their patients and staff. Yet, some studies suggested that over a quarter of all glaucoma patients never returned to the clinic after the first lockdown eased. This raises the question of the factors influencing Patients' likelihood to keep their appointments in this COVID-19 era. The aim of this study was therefore to assess ophthalmology Patients' perception of COVID-19 preventive measures, as well as their impact on glaucoma Patients' clinic attendance and follow-up. METHODS: This was a prospective study based on primary data collected from 12 private ophthalmology clinics in French-speaking Switzerland. A web-based patient experience questionnaire was designed to assess Patients' appreciation of the preventive measures in place at their eye care provider as well as their intention to attend further follow-up appointments. These measures were made on modified 10-point Likert scales. Every patient who attended an appointment at one of the participating clinics on randomly selected dates in October 2020 was offered voluntary enrolment into the study. RESULTS: In all, 118 surveys were completed and analysed. The mean age of respondents was 57.8 ± 18.0 years, 59.3% were female, and 71.2% were Swiss nationals. Fifty-four (45.8%) of them suffered from glaucoma. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the measures in place to safeguard them from COVID-19 infection, with a mean score of 9.29 ± 1.35. This was higher amongst Swiss nationals (9.55 ± 0.77) than foreigners (8.65 ± 2.09). On average, responders expressed a 90.2 ± 17.5 percent likelihood to keep their follow-up appointment. The figure went down to 88.5 ± 19.9 percent amongst glaucoma patients (p = 0.58), and 86.3 ± 22.1 percent amongst glaucoma patients aged 65 and over (p = 0.29). Interestingly, older glaucoma Patients' satisfaction with preventive measures in place strongly correlated with their likelihood to keep follow-up appointments (r = 0.72). The correlation was moderate amongst all glaucoma patients (r = 0.46) and weak amongst all respondents (r = 0.38) and those over 65 (r = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The present research highlights the importance of Patients' perception on COVID-19 preventive measures in place in ophthalmology clinics, which was directly associated with their likelihood to keep follow-up appointments. Vulnerable subgroups of patients were more likely to miss their follow-up appointments altogether, and their decision to attend was more strongly influenced by their perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. This suggests a role for telemedicine in more vulnerable patients suffering from progressive diseases such as glaucoma.

Intraocular Pressure Variations After Intravitreal Injections Measured With an Implanted Suprachoroidal Telemetry Sensor.

PURPOSE: Intravitreal injections (IVIs) may create transient intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. This report describes continuous IOP fluctuations following multiple IVI measured with a permanent implantable sensor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 49-year-old white glaucomatous male with refractory macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion in his left eye who underwent deep sclerectomy combined with the implantation of a suprachoroidal tonometry sensor. Serial IOP measurements were performed immediately before and after each IVI over a 1-year period. RESULTS: During the first 7 months following deep sclerectomy, IOP remained below 10 mm Hg. During this period, mean IOP before each injection was 2.1±2.6 mm Hg, and each IVI caused a reduction of 1.2±0.8 mm Hg on average, with a maximum reduction of 2.7 mm Hg, before IOP normalized within 50 minutes to 24 hours. From 7 months postoperatively, mean IOP increased to the low teens. During this period, mean IOP before each injection was 9.9±1.8 mm Hg, and each IVI caused an increase of 15.8±11.7 mm Hg on average, with a maximum increase of 44.8 mm Hg, before IOP normalized within 20 minutes to 4 hours. CONCLUSIONS: During the initial postoperative phase, IVI may cause acute reduction in IOP, either through subconjunctival leaks or increased filtration secondary to increased fluid pressure. Several months after surgery, this effect subsides and IOP spikes sharply immediately after each IVI, suggesting the resolution of the initial mechanism, most likely through scarring and fibrosis.

Combined Ab interno viscocanaloplasty (ABiC) in open-angle glaucoma: 12-month outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the safety profile and efficacy of ab interno viscocanaloplasty (ABiC) through to 12 months post-operatively. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who underwent ABiC between September 2015 and December 2019 were analysed. Complete success was defined as a 12-month reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 20% from baseline with no concomitant medications. Qualified success criteria were identical, with no more medications than at baseline. RESULTS: In all, 54 eyes of 41 patients were analysed. Mean IOP decreased from 23.6 ± 7.4 mmHg preoperatively to 14.2 ± 2.9 mmHg (-39.8%; p < 0.001) after 12 months. Concomitantly, the number of anti-glaucoma treatment dropped from 2.9 ± 1.0 to 0.6 ± 1.1 (-79.3%; p < 0.001). Amongst patients with a baseline MD < -12.0 dBs, mean IOP decreased from 22.8 ± 9.8 mmHg to 13.8 ± 4.4 mmHg (p = 0.049), with a concomitant reduction of medications from 2.8 ± 1.3 to 1.2 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). Complete success at 12 months was achieved in 46% of eyes, and qualified success was achieved in 65% of eyes. Amongst eyes with a baseline MD < -12.0 dBs, 50% achieved complete success, and 83.3% achieved qualified success. A total of 19 eyes (35.2%) were considered surgical failure, all due to uncontrolled IOP. Of them, 7 eyes (13.0%) required further filtering surgery. Twelve post-operative adverse events were observed, with early post-operative IOP spikes being the most common (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: ABIC achieved a statistically significant reduction in IOP and anti-glaucoma medications through 12 months, while maintaining a favourable safety profile in mild-to-severe open-angle glaucoma.

Weekly and seasonal changes of intraocular pressure measured with an implanted intraocular telemetry sensor.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To better understand seasonal and weekday intraocular pressure (IOP) variations, long-term daily IOP measurements were assessed in patients with glaucoma using an intraocular telemetric sensor. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, multicentre observational study analysed the IOP variation patterns in 22 eyes of 22 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (67.8±6.8 years, 36.4% female) who had undergone placement of an intraocular telemetric sensor at the time of cataract surgery. The telemetric system combines an implantable IOP sensor with a hand-held reading device. Patients were instructed to self-measure their IOP as often as desired, but at least four times daily. Analysis of variance and Tukey multiple-comparison correction were used to assess the statistical significance of average and peak IOP variations between individual weekdays and months. RESULTS: Each enrolled patient recorded daily IOP measurements for an average duration of 721 days. On average, IOPs were highest on Wednesdays and lowest on Fridays (p=0.002). There were significant variations of IOP throughout the year, and IOP showed a seasonal pattern. Between mid-winter (December-January) and mid-summer months, there was a reduction in mean IOP of 8.1% (-1.55 mm Hg, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirms previously observed seasonal variations of IOP. IOP was significantly higher in winter compared with summer months. Moreover, IOP was lower on Friday than on other days. The explanation for these results is not known.

Combined and stand-alone XEN 45 gel stent implantation: 3-year outcomes and success predictors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3-year treatment outcomes of XEN 45 gel stent in open-angle glaucoma patients. METHODS: In this prospective, single-centre interventional study, consecutive eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) or signs of disease progression despite medical treatment underwent XEN implantation either alone or combined with phacoemulsification (Phaco + XEN). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical success was defined as 'complete' when 36-month unmedicated IOP was ≤15 mmHg with a relative IOP reduction ≥ 20% from medicated baseline, while the definition of qualified success allowed no more medications than at baseline. Other definitions of success with different IOP thresholds were also analysed. Secondary outcomes included mean IOP reduction, changes in ocular hypotensive medications and rates of reoperations. RESULTS: Out of 149 eyes initially included, 92 eyes (61.7%) of 68 patients had complete 3-year data (XEN: n = 26; Phaco + XEN: n = 66) after 38.2% were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 76.3 ± 9.1 years, and 66.2% were female. Mean medicated IOP decreased from 20.8 ± 7.4 mmHg (21.0 ± 7.4 [XEN] vs. 20.0 ± 6.9 mmHg [Phaco + XEN]) at baseline to 13.1 ± 3.4 mmHg (12.9 ± 2.9 [XEN] vs. 12.9 ± 3.4 [Phaco + XEN]) at 3 years (-37.0%; p < 0.001). Medications decreased from 1.9 ± 1.3 (2.4 ± 1.5 [XEN] vs. 1.9 ± 1.2 [Phaco + XEN]) to 0.4 ± 0.9 (0.3 ± 0.8 [XEN] vs. 0.5 ± 0.9 [Phaco + XEN]) (-78.9%; p < 0.001). Complete success and qualified success were achieved in 29.0% and 31.0% of eyes, respectively. Needling revision was performed in 51 eyes (55.4%), and 26.1% underwent reoperations. Risk factors for surgical failure included male gender (odds ratio [OR]:3.6; p = 0.03), diagnosis of POAG (OR: 4.5; p < 0.01) and undergoing needling revision (OR: 4.6; p < 0.01). While the type of procedure had no effect on the outcomes of PEXG, POAG eyes undergoing combined surgery had significantly higher rates of failure (OR: 7.29; p = 0.023). Most patients stable at 12-month remained so through to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: At 3 years, XEN gel stent implantation achieved clinically significant IOP and medication reduction despite relatively high rates of needling and reoperations. Identifying patients at risk preoperatively may help optimize surgical outcomes.

XEN-Augmented Deep Sclerectomy: Step-by-step Description of a Novel Surgical Technique for the Management of Open-angle Glaucoma.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: The present case report describes a novel surgical technique combining XEN gel stent implantation and deep sclerectomy: XEN-augmented deep sclerectomy (XEN-DS). CASE DESCRIPTION: An active 96-year-old Caucasian woman suffering from pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) presented with intraocular pressure (IOP) of 24 mm Hg and a double arcuate visual field defect [mean deviation (MD) -9.6 dB] in her only functional eye despite maximal medical therapy. Considering (1) the magnitude of IOP reduction sought, (2) the risk of complications associated with trabeculectomies and glaucoma drainage devices, and (3) the risk of missed appointments due to the patient's personal and social circumstances, it was decided to tailor the surgical treatment to this patient's specific characteristics combining two existing surgical techniques. Following conjunctival dissection, a superficial scleral flap was lifted 2 mm more posteriorly than in conventional DS, and a XEN gel stent was implanted ab externo through the anterior wall of the deep sclerectomy, into the anterior chamber. A mitomycin C-soaked autologous space maintainer was used. No peri- or postoperative complications were observed. Following XEN-DS, her IOP stabilized between 5 mm Hg and 8 mm Hg through 6 months, and her visual field MD improved to -1.5 dB. DISCUSSION: The present case report is a proof of concept for this novel surgical technique, confirming that XEN-DS has the potential to achieve substantial and persistent IOP reductions in PEXG with a satisfactory safety profile. Clinical studies are warranted to confirm these results. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Niegowski LJ, Gillmann K, Baumgartner JM. XEN-Augmented Deep Sclerectomy: Step-by-step Description of a Novel Surgical Technique for the Management of Open-angle Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(3):144-148.

Surgical Management of Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma: A Review of Current Clinical Considerations and Surgical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) is the most common cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma worldwide. It is more aggressive and often more resistant to conventional treatments than primary open-angle glaucoma, yet there is currently no clear consensus on best management practices. This review explores current literature on PEXG to assess the safety and efficacy of currently available surgical techniques, and discusses clinical considerations on the diagnosis and management of the disease. METHODS: A PubMed and Google Scholar search identified 2271 articles. These were reviewed to exclude irrelevant or duplicate data. A total of 47 studies reporting specifically on PEXG were retained and analyzed. REVIEW: One of the most significant ophthalmic consequences of pseudoexfoliative (PEX) syndrome is the compromising of the blood-aqueous barrier resulting in the leakage of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix material into the anterior chamber. Considering the high risk of developing PEXG and the aggressive nature of this type of glaucoma, accurate and timely diagnosis of PEX is critical. Therefore, systematic attentive examination for PEX deposits is crucial. Patients diagnosed with PEX need frequent glaucoma assessments. Patient information is key to improving compliance. Gonioscopy and diurnal tension curves or 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring are integral part of the diagnostic work-up and risk-assessment of PEXG. Because of the lability of IOP in PEX, clinical decisions on the basis of single IOP measurements should be avoided. Cataract extraction was shown to provide persistent IOP-lowering effect in the order of 10% in PEXG. A number of other surgical options may offer wider IOP reduction, and both XEN 45 gel stents and angle-based glaucoma procedures were suggested to achieve better outcomes in PEXG than in primary open-angle glaucoma. Yet, more significant IOP reductions may be achieved with filtering surgery or glaucoma drainage device. Same day postoperative IOP monitoring is recommended to treat the frequent IOP spikes following surgery, and more aggressive anti-inflammatory therapy may reduce the rates of postoperative adverse events in PEXG. CONCLUSION: Specific studies of the surgical management of PEXG remain scarce in the medical literature, and more long-term and comparative studies are warranted to define more robust recommendations.

Minimally Invasive Surgery, Implantable Sensors, and Personalized Therapies.

Glaucoma management has changed dramatically over the last decades, through clinical advances and technological revolutions. This review discusses the latest innovations and challenges faced in the field around three major axes: minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), implantable sensors and injectable therapeutics. Indeed, the vast number of recently developed MIGS techniques has not only provided clinicians with a wide range of therapeutic options, but they have also enabled them to adjust their therapies more finely which may have contributed a more patient-centric decision-making process. Yet, despite considerable advances in the field, the wide heterogeneity in clinical trial designs blurs the surgical outcomes, specificities and indications. Thus, more high-quality data are required to make the choice of a specific MIGS procedure more than an educated guess. Beyond the scope of MIGS, the potential of IOP telemetry for self-assessment of IOP-control through implantable sensors is developing into a real option for clinicians and an empowering opportunity for patients. Indeed, providing patients with direct feedback enables them to take control and have a clearer representation of their care, in turn leading to a better control of the disease. However, there are potential issues with self-monitoring of IOP, such as increased anxiety levels induced by measured IOP fluctuations and peaks, leading to patients self-treating during IOP spikes and additional office visits. Furthermore, the advent of implantable therapeutics may soon provide yet another step towards personalized glaucoma treatment, by offering not only an efficient alternative to current treatments, but also a therapeutic option that may better adapt to patients' lifestyle. After several decades of relative stagnation through the last century, glaucoma has now entered what many view as a golden age for the specialty. Like every revolution, this one brings its fair share of uncertainty, clinical questioning and uneasy periods of adaptation to ever-changing expectations. Yet, while it is impossible to guess what the landscape of glaucoma surgery will be like in ten or fifteen years, data suggest a bright outlook both for patients and clinicians.

Iridocorneal Angle Assessment After Laser Iridotomy With Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography.

AIM: To investigate the reliability of anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements in narrow angles and assess the effect of laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) on these measurements using novel swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, patients with gonioscopically narrow angles were enrolled and scheduled for prophylactic LPI. Twelve ACA sections were obtained in each eye using SS-OCT (ANTERION, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) before and after Nd:YAG LPI. A built-in algorithm calculated ACA measurements after manual identification of the scleral spur and ACA recess. Eight ACA parameters were evaluated: ACA (ACA 500, ACA 750); scleral spur angle (SSA 500, SSA 750); angle opening distance (AOD 500, AOD 750); and trabecular iris space area (TISA 500, TISA 750). The effect of LPI was assessed for each parameter, both nasally and temporally. RESULTS: Ten patients (18 eyes) were enrolled (mean age, 61.8±13.6 y; 60.0% female individuals). On average, the ACA was wider nasally than temporally (P=0.004). LPI significantly widened the ACA (range, 26.7-29.4%; P<0.05). ACA 500 increased by 29.4% (P<0.001), ACA 750 by 29.2% (P=0.002), SSA 500 by 27.3% (P=0.003), SSA 750 by 28.1% (P=0.001), AOD 500 by 28.6% (P=0.009), AOD 750 by 28.6% (P=0.003), TISA 500 by 27.3% (P=0.004), and TISA 750 by 26.7% (P=0.200). CONCLUSIONS: SS-OCT ANTERION imaging can be used to reliably measure ACA before and after LPI. ACA, AOD, SSA, and TISA are all valid ACA measurement methods.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: Where Is the Evidence?

PURPOSE: The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented growth in glaucoma treatment options through the introduction of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). The aim of the present review is to provide an understanding of the currently available MIGS and to examine what data are currently available to guide treatment choice. DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized and non-randomized control trials. METHODS: Out of 2567 articles identified, a total of 77 articles were retained for analysis, including 28 comparative studies and 12 randomized control trials. Overall, 7570 eyes were included. When data permitted, the weighted mean difference in intraocular pressure reduction was calculated for comparison purposes. RESULTS: Weighted mean intraocular pressure reductions from all analyzed studies were: 15.3% (iStent), 29.1% (iStent inject), 36.2% (ab interno canaloplasty), 34.4% (Hydrus), 36.5% (gonioscopically-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy), 24.0% (trabectome), 25.1% (Kahook dual blade), 30.2% (Cypass), 38.8% (XEN), and 50.0% (Preserflo). CONCLUSIONS: One of the advantages of the heterogenous range of available MIGS options is the chance to tailor therapy in an individualized manner. However, high-quality data are required to make this choice more than an educated guess. Overall, this review confirms the efficiency of assessed MIGS compared with standalone phacoemulsification, but it highlights that only few studies compare different MIGS techniques and even fewer assess MIGS against criterion standard treatments. Current evidence, while non-negligible, is mostly limited to heterogenous nonrandomized studies and uncontrolled retrospective comparisons, with few quality randomized control trials. We suggest that future research should be comparative and include relevant comparators, standardized to report key outcome features, long-term to assess sustainability and late complications, and ideally randomized.

A Prospective Analysis of iStent Inject Microstent Implantation: Surgical Outcomes, Endothelial Cell Density, and Device Position at 12 Months.

PRECIS: The surgical outcome of iStent inject devices is associated with device protrusion within the anterior chamber. Schlemm canal (SC) dilatation has a prognostic value. iStent inject devices do not move within the first year after implantation. INTRODUCTION: The iStent inject is a device designed to be implanted ab-interno through the trabecular meshwork. The present study follows up on our preliminary report, using successive in vivo anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging to analyze the associations between stent positioning, iridocorneal angle structures, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: In total, 54 eyes of 42 patients (73.3±7.4 y) with cataract and mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma were examined in this prospective study. All patients underwent implantation of 2 iStent inject devices combined with phacoemulsification. Patients were followed up over a 12-month period. AS-OCT was performed after 3 and 12 months. Thirty unoperated fellow eyes served as control eyes. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 16.5±4.2 mm Hg at baseline to 15.1±3.7 mm Hg at 12 months (-8.7%; P=0.004), while medications decreased from 1.8±1.0 to 0.5±0.9 (-72.2%; P<0.001). Unmedicated IOP≤18 mm Hg was achieved in 58.8% of operated eyes. No sight-threatening complications were reported. On AS-OCT, 44.9% of devices were buried within the trabeculum. Device position was unchanged between scans. Regression analysis elicited significant predictors: SC dilatation effect [risk ratio (RR)=0.230; P=0.003], greatest SC diameter (RR=0.991; P=0.049), extrusion of the most anterior device (RR=0.993; P=0.012), gonioscopically visible devices (RR=0.406; P=0.040), baseline treatments (RR=2.214; P=0.001), and baseline IOP (RR=0.184; P=0.006). Endothelial cell density decreased by 14.6% at 12 months (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the IOP-lowering and medication-lowering potential of iStent inject surgery in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. It confirms that surgical outcomes are positively associated with device protrusion within the anterior chamber, and suggests SC dilatation effect as a favorable prognostic indicator. It shows that stents are stable in time, highlighting the importance of the initial implantation location.

XEN-augmented Baerveldt drainage device implantation in refractory glaucoma: 1-year outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of XEN-augmented Baerveldt drainage device implantation in refractory glaucoma and factors predicting surgical success. METHOD: All eyes undergoing XEN-augmented Baerveldt for refractory open-angle glaucoma at a tertiary glaucoma centre between January 2016 and November 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucomatous medications and postoperative adverse events (AEs) were analysed for 1 year postoperatively. Surgical success was defined as achieving (1) an IOP ≤ 15 mmHg or (2) ≤ 18 mmHg, with or without (qualified) or without medications (complete). Any subsequent glaucoma surgery was considered failure. RESULTS: Out of 60 eyes enrolled, 12-month data were available for 41 eyes (71.4%). Mean age was 64.7 ± 23.1 years (50% female). Following surgery, IOP decreased significantly from a baseline of 29.9 ± 13.2 to 15.2 ± 6.6 mmHg (- 49.2%; P < 0.0001) at 12 months. Anti-glaucoma medications decreased from 3.0 ± 1.3 to 1.3 ± 0.9. Complete success was achieved by 14.6% of eyes using both the ≤ 15 mmHg and the ≤ 18 mmHg thresholds, and qualified success was achieved in 43.9% and 48.8%, respectively. Throughout the follow-up period, AEs were observed in 51.2% (hypotony = 24.4%; XEN blockage = 17.1%; displacement of XEN gel stent = 4.9%; hyphema = 4.9%). The 12-month success rate was significantly higher in patients who presented an IOP ≤ 10 mmHg at 1 week (58.6%, P = 0.001). Overall, 41.5% of patients required reoperation at 12 months (58.8% revision of the surgery; 41.2% transscleral cyclodestruction). CONCLUSION: XEN-augmented Baerveldt is a safe and moderately effective technique to reduce IOP and anti-glaucoma medications in refractory glaucoma. IOP at 1 week seems to be a predictor for surgical success. Nevertheless, a high proportion of patients requires reoperation.

Bilateral XEN Stent Implantation: A Long-term Prospective Study of the Difference in Outcomes Between First-operated and Fellow Eyes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Both eyes of a same person are not completely independent entities. The purpose of this study was to assess the difference in outcome between the first-operated eye and the fellow-operated eye following bilateral XEN surgery, and to identify potential success predictors for the fellow eye. METHODS: This single-site, prospective, nonrandomized interventional study investigated bilateral nonsimultaneous XEN gel stent implantation over 24 months. Its main outcome measure was surgical success, defined as unmedicated intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤15 mm Hg associated with a relative reduction ≥20%. RESULTS: Of 149 enrolled eyes, 74 eyes of 37 patients who underwent bilateral (standalone or combined) XEN implantation, within a mean of 50.5±74.3 days of each other, were analyzed. Postoperatively, mean medicated IOP decreased from 19.0±6.6 (first-operated) and 18.2±5.2 mm Hg (fellow) at baseline (P=0.209) to 13.7±4.0 (-27.9%; P<0.001; first-operated) and 14.1±3.6 mm Hg (-22.5%; P<0.001; fellow) after 2 years (P=0.673). Rates of complete success were comparable between first-operated and fellow eyes (P=0.65). At 2 years, among patients whose first-operated eyes were considered a failure, 92.0% of fellow eyes failed (P=0.001). The odd ratio of a fellow eye experiencing complete success were 16.1 (95% confidence interval: 2.5-101.9, P=0.003) if the first operated eye experienced complete success. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated a strong association between first-operated eyes and fellow eyes following XEN gel stent implantation, in terms of surgical outcomes and IOP reduction. In effect, surgical success in the first-operated eye increases the odds of success in the fellow eye by 16-folds.

Impact of Phacoemulsification Combined with XEN Gel Stent Implantation on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density: 2-Year Results.

INTRODUCTION: Corneal integrity has long been a preoccupation of glaucoma surgeons considering glaucoma drainage device surgery or antimetabolite-enhanced trabeculectomy. Despite having demonstrated a good safety profile and significant intraocular pressure-lowering capacities, the impact of XEN gel stents on endothelial density was never specifically investigated. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of XEN gel stents on central endothelial cell density (ECD) over 24 months. To achieve this, we compared the effect on ECD of combined XEN surgery with that of a standard phacoemulsification procedure. METHODS: This was an investigator-initiated, retrospective study, conducted at a single tertiary glaucoma center. Patients with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma who underwent XEN implantation combined with phacoemulsification between January 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients who had undergone standalone phacoemulsification over the same period of time were enrolled to form the control group of this comparative study. The primary outcome measure was the ECD. Patients who had undergone standalone XEN implantation and patients for whom both a baseline and 24-month ECD could not be obtained were excluded from the analysis. Percentages of ECD reductions were calculated for each studied eye, and the mean of ECD reductions was calculated for each group as well as for subgroups. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of 23 patients (mean age=76.0±7.9 y, 60% female) underwent standalone phacoemulsification (n=15) or combined XEN surgery (n=17) and had an ECD both at baseline and 24-month postoperatively. Mean baseline ECDs were 2568±491 versus 2379±335 cells/mm, respectively (P=0.21). In the combined XEN surgery group, 58.8% of eyes (n=10) required at least 1 mitomycin C (MMC)-enhanced needling revision to maintain their target intraocular pressure. In the standalone phacoemulsification group, ECD decreased by a mean 14.5%, from 2567.7±491.2 to 2196.1±591.9 cell/mm (P=0.072). In the combined XEN surgery group, ECD decreased by a mean 14.3%, from 2378.8±334.7 to 2039.6±451.1 cell/mm (P=0.018). The difference in percentage reduction of ECD between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P=0.226). Within the combined XEN surgery group, the ECD decreased by a mean of 15.4% in patients who did not undergo needling revisions and by 13.1% in patients who underwent the MMC-augmented procedure (P=0.485). In the 3 patients who underwent >1 needling revision, a 21.3% reduction in ECD was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.653). Neither the time of the first needling (P=0.452), the patients' age (P=0.285), or sex (P=0.308) was statistically associated with ECD loss. DISCUSSION: The present study demonstrated that the XEN gel implant combined with phacoemulsification produces 24-month ECD loss of a similar magnitude to that observed following standalone phacoemulsification. MMC-augmented needling revisions do not appear to have an impact on ECD.

Pericardium Patch Graft (Tutoplast) for Bleb Repair and Bleb Remodelling After Nonpenetrating Filtering Surgery: 6-Month Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of pericardium patch graft (Tutoplast) as an adjuvant to either bleb repair or bleb reduction after nonpenetrating filtering surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study, at a tertiary glaucoma center. Bleb revision with Tutoplast positioning was performed either for bleb repair to treat early leaks or hypotony with maculopathy, either for bleb reduction to improve ocular pain, discomfort, burning, foreign body sensation, tearing, and fluctuations of visual acuity. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity, number of antiglaucoma medications, and postoperative complications were analyzed postoperatively at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 months, and compared with the preoperative baseline. Surgical success was defined as achieving an IOP between 8 and 16 mm Hg. RESULTS: Six-month data were available from 15 eyes of 15 patients; mean patient age was 69.6±11.7 (66.7% male). Bleb revision was necessary for 10 patients due to bleb dysesthesia (bleb reduction), and in 5 patients due to leaking filtering bleb (bleb repair). The success rate was 73.3% at 6 months, with a significant IOP increase from 4.9±2.2 mm Hg preoperatively to 12.7±3.5 mm Hg at 6 months (P=0.0001), and a concomitant rise of best corrected visual acuity from 0.5±0.3 to 0.6±0.3 (P=0.2871). To control IOP, antiglaucoma medications were needed for 3 patients (20%) at 6 months. Overall, 3 patients (20%) required additional bleb revision for persistent hypotony, and 1 patient underwent a subsequent glaucoma surgery (transscleral cyclodestruction). CONCLUSION: Pericardium patch graft (Tutoplast) is a safe and effective adjuvant for bleb revision due to bleb dysesthesia of leaking filtering bleb after nonpenetrating filtering surgery.