A Proposal for the Use of a Fixed Low-Energy Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Open Angle Glaucoma.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been in routine clinical use for over 20 years with millions of patients successfully treated and a low rate of clinically significant complications. The procedure requires the clinician to manually position the laser beam on the trabecular meshwork using a gonioscopy lens and to titrate the SLT laser energy based on the amount of pigmentation in the angle, as well as the observation of small bubbles produced by the laser effect. We propose that SLT energy titration is unnecessary either to achieve intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction or to minimize potential side effects. Ample evidence to support our proposal includes multiple clinical reports demonstrating comparable levels of IOP reduction resulting from different laser energies, a large variety of energy and other laser parameters used in commercially available SLT lasers, and the nature of the laser-induced changes in the trabecular meshwork tissue with respect to energy. Despite these variations in laser parameters, SLT consistently reduces IOP with a low complication rate. We propose that using low fixed energy for all patients will effectively and safely lower patients' IOP while reducing the complexity of the SLT procedure, potentially making SLT accessible to more patients.

Effectiveness and Safety of iStent Infinite Trabecular Micro-Bypass for Uncontrolled Glaucoma.

PRCIS: The iStent Infinite Trabecular Micro-Bypass System implanted in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) (uncontrolled by prior surgical or medical therapy) was effective in reducing mean diurnal intraocular pressure with a favorable safety profile. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate safety and effectiveness of the iStent infinite Trabecular Micro-Bypass System in patients with OAG uncontrolled by prior surgical or medical therapy. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label clinical trial. METHODS: Implantation of iStent infinite (3 iStent inject W stents) was performed as a stand-alone surgical procedure in eyes with OAG uncontrolled by prior incisional or cilioablative surgeries or maximum tolerated medical therapy (MTMT). Prospectively declared effectiveness endpoints were proportion of eyes achieving ≥20% mean diurnal intraocular pressure (MDIOP) reduction from baseline at month 12 on the same or fewer intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication classes (responder endpoint) and mean change in MDIOP from baseline at month 12. Safety parameters included visual acuity, slit-lamp and fundus examinations, gonioscopy, perimetry, surgical complications, and adverse events. RESULTS: Seventy-two eyes of 72 patients (mean age 71.9 y) with preoperative mean medicated MDIOP of 23.4±2.8 mm Hg on a mean of 3.1±0.9 IOP-lowering medication classes were enrolled: 61 eyes with failed prior surgery/ies (Failed-Surgery subgroup) and 11 eyes uncontrolled on MTMT (MTMT subgroup). A total of 76.1% of all enrolled patients met the responder endpoint (73.4% Failed-Surgery, 90.9% MTMT), with mean reduction (SE) in MDIOP at month 12 of 5.9(0.6) mm Hg [5.5(0.7) mm Hg Failed-Surgery subgroup, 8.1(0.9) mm Hg MTMT subgroup]. For patients on the same or fewer medication(s) as baseline, 53.0% achieved ≥30% MDIOP reduction without surgical interventions/other events. Safety was favorable, with no explants, infection, or device-related interventions or hypotony. CONCLUSIONS: iStent infinite stand-alone surgery achieved clinically significant IOP reduction and favorable safety in patients with OAG uncontrolled by prior therapy.

Energy Dose-Response in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Review.

PRCIS: A literature review of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) energy dose-response found no definitive relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction with respect to total or pulse energy, race, pigmentation, or application pattern. PURPOSE: SLT is a safe and effective treatment for lowering IOP. Although evidence is mounting for the advantage of its use as a first-line treatment for IOP reduction, the SLT procedures in use vary widely. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate whether there were any relationships between SLT energy and efficacy for lowering IOP in the published literature. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken that included studies in which energy levels required for successful SLT treatment were investigated: in general, with respect to angle pigmentation, race or ethnicity, and treatment arc extent. RESULTS: There was no indication that higher (or lower) energy used in the treatment leads to greater (or less) IOP reduction. Similar results were obtained regarding the level of trabecular meshwork pigmentation. Race was not found to be associated with altered dose response in SLT. There were indications that treating the full 360 degrees, as opposed to smaller arcs, could be beneficial for more IOP reduction. IOP reduction from SLT was found to be similar to that provided by topical medications. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal energy level of SLT needed for IOP reduction has not yet been definitively established, with all reported pulse energies resulting in similar IOP reduction. Furthermore, similar lack of conclusive findings exists regarding optimal SLT energy dosage for use in different races and degrees of trabecular meshwork pigmentation. This parameter and each of the abovementioned factors requires further research.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in neovascular glaucoma.

Purpose: To determine the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods: This was a single-center retrospective comparative case series involving chart review of consecutive patients who underwent AGV or CPC for treatment of NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up. Surgical failure at 6 months, defined as an IOP of >21 or <6 mm Hg with hypotony maculopathy after 1 month, progression to no light perception (NLP) vision, glaucoma reoperation, or removal of AGV were the main outcome measures. Results: In total, 121 eyes of 121 patients were included (70 AGV and 51 CPC). Baseline demographics, visual acuity (VA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were comparable between groups. At 6 months, failure was significantly higher in the CPC group than in the AGV group (43.1% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.020). Both groups had similar IOP and medication number at 6 months, but VA was significantly lower in the CPC group compared to the AGV group (2.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.0, P = 0.017). More CPC eyes required reoperation for glaucoma than AGV eyes (11.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.041). Multivariate regression analysis identified higher preoperative IOP (P = 0.001) and CPC surgery (P = 0.004) as independent predictors of surgical failure at 6 months. Age, sex, race, NVG etiology, bilaterality of the underlying retinal pathology, perioperative retina treatment, and prior or combined vitrectomy were not significant. Conclusion: AGV and CPC had comparable IOP and medication reduction in NVG eyes at 6 months. CPC was more frequently associated with failure, reoperation for glaucoma, and worse visual outcomes. High preoperative IOP and CPC surgery independently predicted surgical failure.

Educational intervention to adopt selective laser trabeculoplasty as first-line glaucoma treatment: Randomized controlled trial: Educational intervention on selective laser trabeculoplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of an educational intervention on patient adoption and attitudes toward selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as first-line treatment for glaucoma. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Subjects include 33 patients within 1-year diagnosis of either primary open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or pseudoexfoliation syndrome. After informed consent, subjects were randomly assigned to a Usual Care or Educational Intervention group. All subjects completed a pre-intervention questionnaire. The Educational Intervention group was shown a slideshow presentation and a 3-min video and given a post-intervention questionnaire. Follow-up examinations were reviewed for 6 months to determine subject completion of SLT, the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include assessment of attitude toward SLT before and after intervention. RESULTS: Age, gender, and baseline characteristics between the groups did not differ. The Usual Care group had a higher proportion of African Americans (77% vs 31%, p = 0.04). At 6 months following the intervention, 63% of subjects underwent SLT compared to 35% of Usual Care subjects (p = 0.12). Older age was associated with decreased SLT uptake (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, p = 0.03). Prior to the intervention, there were no differences in attitudes of both groups regarding SLT therapy. Nineteen percent of Educational Intervention subjects changed positively toward SLT (p = 0.08) and 50% scheduled an SLT appointment after intervention (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A slideshow and video-based educational intervention may positively enhance patient adoption of SLT.Clinical trial registration name, number, URL: Educational Intervention to Adopt SLT as First-Line Glaucoma Treatment, NCT03365778, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03365778.

Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma.

IMPORTANCE: Few studies have analyzed associations between sociodemographic factors and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) outcomes. AIM AND BACKGROUND: To determine the potential impact of sociodemographic and economic factors on the NVG tube shunt surgery outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients who underwent tube shunt surgery for NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Regional average adjusted gross income (AGI) was determined by cross-referencing self-reported residential zip codes with average AGI per zip code supplied by the Internal Revenue Service. Two groups were created: (1) lower-income: individuals from neighborhoods with the lowest 10% of AGI (near the United States poverty line), (2) higher-income: the remaining 90% of individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and glaucoma medication number at 6 months and the most recent visit. RESULTS: The mean annual AGI in the higher-income group (130 patients) was $69,596 ± 39,700 and the lower-income group (16 patients) was $27,487 ± 1,600 (p < 0.001). Age, sex, distance to the clinic, language, and all baseline clinical variables (including VA and IOP) were comparable between groups. Lower-income was associated with non-white race (81.3 vs 52.3%; p = 0.024). At month 6, VA in the lower-income group [median: HM (20/70-NLP)] was worse than the higher-income group [median: CF (20/25-NLP)] (log MAR VA: 2.32 ± 0.8 vs 1.77 ± 1.1; p = 0.02); these trends persisted through the most recent visit (p = 0.043). Follow-up IOP and medications were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Lower-income may be associated with worse VA outcomes following NVG tube shunt surgery. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Shalaby WS, Arbabi A, Myers JS, et al. Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(2):70-77.

Treatment Success Across Different Levels of Preoperative Disease Burden: Stratified Two-Year Outcomes from the Pivotal Trial of iStent inject ® Trabecular Micro-Bypass in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataract.

PURPOSE: To examine effectiveness outcomes stratified by preoperative disease burden in the pivotal trial of iStent inject ® with cataract surgery (INJ) vs cataract surgery alone (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, 3:1 randomized, single-masked, concurrently-controlled, multicenter trial enrolling 505 subjects with cataract and mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent iStent inject implantation with phacoemulsification or phacoemulsification alone, and were followed for 2 years including annual medication washouts. Post hoc stratification was completed for baseline mean diurnal intraocular pressure (BL DIOP; Low-DIOP <25mmHg, Mid-DIOP ≥25 to <30 mmHg, High-DIOP ≥30mmHg) and preoperative medication burden (Low-Med 1 medication, Mid-Med 2 medications, High-Med ≥3 medications). RESULTS: The 24-month primary and secondary effectiveness endpoints were met, with significant treatment-over-control differences in percent of eyes achieving ≥20% unmedicated DIOP reduction and in unmedicated DIOP reduction, respectively. In subgroup analyses, the proportions of INJ eyes achieving the primary endpoint remained steady across all BL DIOP (75.4%, 77.1%, 74.4% in Low/Mid/High-DIOP strata, respectively) and preoperative medication levels (76.8%, 70.8%, 79.7% in Low/Mid/High-Med strata, respectively); meanwhile, the proportions of CS eyes diminished with higher BL DIOP (64.5%, 63.6%, 33.3%, respectively) and more medications (69.0%, 63.3%, 29.4%, respectively). Regarding secondary effectiveness, postoperative DIOP reduction increased with higher BL DIOP in INJ eyes (6.2mmHg, 7.8mmHg, 9.8mmHg, respectively) but plateaued in CS eyes (5.2mmHg, 5.8mmHg, 5.4mmHg, respectively). INJ eyes also had consistent DIOP reduction regardless of preoperative medication burden (6.8mmHg, 6.7mmHg, 7.8mmHg, respectively), while DIOP reduction diminished with more medications in CS eyes (6.1mmHg, 5.0mmHg, 3.3mmHg, respectively). Safety was favorable, comparable to phacoemulsification alone. CONCLUSION: Significant IOP reductions occurred across all levels of BL DIOP and preoperative medication burden in iStent inject eyes. DIOP reductions increased with higher BL DIOP and remained stable across all levels of preoperative medication burden, suggesting the device's potential utility in more medically challenging cases.

Quality of Life in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataract: An Analysis of VFQ-25 and OSDI From the iStent inject® Pivotal Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life (QOL) as measured by patient-reported outcomes (PRO) within the iStent inject® pivotal trial. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial analysis of secondary outcomes. METHODS: The Vision Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were administered at baseline and at months 1, 6, 12, and 24. PRO responders were defined as patients reaching improvement based on minimally important differences. RESULTS: A total of 505 patients were randomized (386 iStent inject® [Glaukos], 119 surgery alone). The iStent inject® group exhibited a greater percentage of PRO responders across all follow-up visits over 24 months, averaging 58.0% vs 45.8%; P < .05 for VFQ-25 composite scores and 56.7% vs 48.9%; P < .05 for OSDI composite scores. Odds of being a responder in the iStent inject® group was 60% (P < .05) higher for the VFQ-25 and 32% (P > .05) higher for the ODSI. Driving (49.0% vs 28.8%; P < .05), ocular pain (59.3% vs 47.2%; P < .05), and general vision (71.8% vs 60.0%; P < .05) were the VFQ-25 subscales responsible for differences between treatment groups. At month 24, 76.5% of VFQ-25 responders and 62.5% of nonresponders were medication free regardless of treatment group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Exploratory analysis suggests that by reducing medication dependence, implantation with the micro-scale iStent inject® device with cataract surgery may improve QOL vs cataract surgery alone over 24 months, with improvements influenced by ocular symptoms and vision-related activities.

Reoperation for complications within 90 days of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe reoperations that occurred within 90 days of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) at a single institution over a 30-month period. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Charts of adult patients who underwent trabecular microbypass stents, gel microstents, and goniotomy procedures (including gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy) from October 1, 2017, to March 15, 2020, at Wills Eye Hospital were examined. Outcome measures were unanticipated reoperations within the first 90 days after MIGS procedures and the complications that led to these reoperations. RESULTS: A total of 448 MIGS procedures were performed on 436 eyes of 348 patients over a 30-month period by 6 glaucoma surgeons. Of these, 206 (46.0%) were trabecular microbypass stents (198 iStent/iStent inject and 8 Hydrus), 152 (33.9%) were gel microstents, and 90 (20.1%) were goniotomy procedures. Combined phacoemulsification took place in 256 eyes (58.7%). Reoperation within 90 days took place in 23 (5.3%) of 436 eyes, including 16 (10.5%) of 152 eyes in the gel microstent group, 4 (2.0%) of 198 eyes in iStent/iStent inject group, and 3 (3.3%) of 90 eyes in the goniotomy group. Indications for reoperation were elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in 16 (69.6%) of 23 eyes, gel microstent tip exposure with wound leakage in 3 (13.0%) of 23 eyes, and early gel microstent encapsulation without elevated IOP in 1 (4.3%) of 23 eyes. Two (8.7%) of 23 eyes required reoperation for intraocular lens complications, whereas 1 (4.3%) of 23 eyes had elevated IOP and aphakia requiring reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of reoperation within the first 90 days after MIGS was low. Elevated IOP and complications associated with gel microstents were the main indications for reoperation.

Outcomes of Valved and Nonvalved Tube Shunts in Neovascular Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV; New World Medical Inc) and Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI; Advanced Medical Optics) surgery in the setting of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients who underwent AGV or BGI surgery for the treatment of NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up. METHODS: Chart review of AGV and BGI surgical outcomes in patients with NVG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Progression to no light perception (NLP) vision and 6-month surgical failure, which was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg with medications or <5 mmHg at 2 consecutive visits, or glaucoma reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 152 eyes (91 AGV, 61 BGI) were included with an average follow-up of 29.6 ± 25.8 months. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. At month 6, failure was similar between AGV and BGI eyes (21.6% vs. 25.9%; P = 0.552), but glaucoma medication use was lower in BGI eyes (P < 0.001). At the final visit, 18.7% of AGV and 14.8% of BGI eyes progressed to NLP vision (P = 0.530), and medication use was lower in BGI eyes (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified lower preoperative visual acuity (VA) (P = 0.001), failure to receive panretinal photocoagulation within 2 weeks of surgery (P = 0.003), and bilaterality of the underlying ischemic retinal pathology (P = 0.026) as the strongest predictors of NLP outcome. Age, sex, race, NVG etiology, tube type, preoperative IOP, extent of synechial angle closure preoperatively, preoperative hyphema, IOP at the first NLP visit, and final IOP were not significant predictors of NLP vision. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with AGV and BGI had comparable outcomes in NVG, although fewer medications were required in BGI eyes to control IOP. Progression to NLP vision was associated with poor baseline VA, delayed retinal treatment, and bilaterality of the underlying ischemic retinal pathology.

iStent inject: comprehensive review.

Microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) are new surgical procedures for treatment of glaucoma. They aim to safely and effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) with minimal trauma to the eye and less complications. The first-generation iStent is the first approved ab interno MIGS implant for management of open-angle glaucoma. It works by allowing aqueous humor to drain directly from the anterior chamber into Schlemm canal bypassing the trabecular meshwork, the major site of outflow resistance. The second-generation iStent inject is the smallest available trabecular device that occupies less than 0.5 mm. It is designed to facilitate the surgical technique and allow simultaneous implantation of 2 stents, aiming for more IOP reduction. This review examines publications about the iStent inject, focusing on the device's efficacy, safety, and comparison with the first generation iStent. Both devices were found to be a safe and effective tool in management of open-angle glaucoma.

Five-Year Outcomes Prospective Study of Two First-Generation Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stents (iStent®) in Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess 5-year effectiveness and safety of 2 iStent® trabecular micro-bypass stents in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) not controlled on 1 medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, interventional, single-arm, multi-surgeon study (NCT #1252862, clinicaltrials.gov) enrolled eyes with OAG, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 18-30 mmHg on 1 ocular hypotensive medication, and 22-38 mmHg after medication washout. Eyes underwent standalone implantation of 2 iStent devices and were followed through 60 months postoperatively. Efficacy was quantified by mean diurnal IOP and medication usage. Efficacy endpoints included the proportion of eyes with ≥20% IOP reduction versus baseline unmedicated IOP (primary efficacy), and the proportion of eyes with IOP ≤18 mmHg (secondary efficacy) without medication or secondary glaucoma surgery. Safety parameters included visual acuity, cup-to-disc ratio, visual field, and complications and adverse events. RESULTS: Preoperative mean IOP on 1 medication was 20.6 ± 2.0 mmHg and post-washout unmedicated IOP was 24.1 ± 1.4 mmHg (n = 39). At 5 years postoperative, medication-free mean diurnal IOP reduced to 14.5 ± 2.2 mmHg, constituting a 40% decrease versus preoperative washed-out IOP (p < .0001). In addition, this 5-year medication-free IOP constituted a 30% decrease versus preoperative IOP on 1 medication (p < .0001). At Month 60, 89.7% (26/29) of eyes achieved the primary efficacy endpoint of ≥20% IOP reduction versus baseline unmedicated IOP, and 86.2% (25/29) of eyes achieved the secondary efficacy endpoint of IOP ≤18 mmHg, without medication or secondary glaucoma surgery. Throughout follow-up, 89.7-91.3% of eyes were on no medications. Favorable safety included no secondary glaucoma surgeries, minimal adverse events, and stable visual acuity, cup-to-disc ratio, and visual fields through 5 years postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective interventional study demonstrates persistent 5-year reductions in IOP and freedom from medications, together with favorable safety, following implantation of 2 first-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents in eyes with OAG on 1 preoperative medication.

Beliefs and Attitudes of Ophthalmologists Regarding SLT as First Line Therapy for Glaucoma.

PRECIS: Targeted educational interventions for physicians may be useful in increasing adoption of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as first line therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. PURPOSE: SLT is a safe and effective first line treatment for glaucoma, however, it is underutilized. To evaluate barriers for the widespread adoption of this procedure, we assessed the beliefs and attitudes of ophthalmologists. We developed an educational intervention directed to physicians to increase the consideration of SLT earlier in the glaucoma treatment paradigm. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, an online survey and educational slide presentation was sent to a group of comprehensive ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, and glaucoma specialists. Subjects were asked to respond to questions regarding their beliefs and attitudes towards SLT before and after watching the educational slide presentation. RESULTS: A total of 53 subjects were enrolled. Before watching the slide presentation, 85% of subjects stated they offer SLT to newly diagnosed patients, although only 28% preferred it over medications. While 52% of physicians reported between 0% and 10% of their newly diagnosed patients receive laser therapy, 47% said they would use it as a first line therapy for all or most newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. Most subjects (94%) stated the educational slide presentation convinced them that SLT is appropriate as a first line therapy for treatment of open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the barriers for utilizing SLT as a first line therapy provides valuable information to help increase the adoption of this safe and effective procedure. A targeted educational intervention may improve acceptance of SLT as first line therapy for open angle glaucoma.

iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass stents with topical prostaglandin as standalone treatment for open-angle glaucoma: 4-year outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: Long-term data are needed regarding effective and safe glaucoma treatment modalities. BACKGROUND: This study evaluated 4-year outcomes of second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation (iStent inject) combined with topical travoprost in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomized, multi-surgeon study at a tertiary care ophthalmology centre. PARTICIPANTS: OAG subjects with preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) 18 to 30 mmHg on two medications and 22 to 38 mmHg post-washout. METHODS: Subjects (n = 53) underwent standalone iStent inject implantation and started travoprost on postoperative Day 1. Measures included IOP, medications, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and testing, and adverse events (AEs). Annual medication washouts were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean medicated and unmedicated IOP; and proportions of eyes with IOP ≤18mmHg, ≤15 mmHg, or ≥20% reduced while on travoprost vs screening IOP on two medications. RESULTS: At 48 months postoperative, 85% of eyes reduced IOP ≥20% on travoprost vs screening IOP on 2 medications; 92% of eyes had IOP ≤18 mmHg on travoprost; and 83% had IOP ≤15 mmHg on travoprost. At Month 49 (post-washout), 90% of eyes reduced IOP ≥20% vs preoperative washout IOP. Throughout follow-up, mean IOP on travoprost was 11.9 to 13.0 mmHg (34%-40% reduced vs 19.7 mmHg on 2 medications preoperatively; P < .0001 throughout), and post-washout IOP was 16.5 to 17.7 mmHg (28%-34% reduced vs 24.9 mmHg preoperatively; P < .0001 throughout). Favourable safety included minimal AEs; stable visual acuity, cup-to-disc ratio and visual fields; and no secondary surgeries. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Combining iStent inject implantation with topical prostaglandin produced significant and safe 4-year IOP and medication reductions in OAG.

Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-Up Study: Cataract Classifications Following Eye Screening.

Background:Cataracts are a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States and worldwide.Introduction:Risk factors for cataracts include age over 40 years, smoking, diabetes, low socioeconomic status, female sex, steroid use, ocular trauma, genetic factors, and exposure to ultraviolet-B light. Community-based telemedicine vision screenings can be an efficient method for detecting cataracts in underserved populations. The Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-Up Study reports the prevalence and risk factors for cataracts in individuals screened and examined for glaucoma and other eye diseases.Materials and Methods:A total of 906 high-risk individuals were screened for glaucoma using telemedicine in seven primary care practices and four Federally Qualified Health Centers in Philadelphia. Participants with suspicious nerves or other abnormalities on fundus photographs, unreadable images, and ocular hypertension returned for an eye examination with an ophthalmologist at the same community location.Results:Of the participants screened through telemedicine, 347 (38.3%) completed a follow-up eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Of these, 267 (76.9%) were diagnosed with cataracts, of which 38 (14.2%) had visually significant cataracts. Participants who were diagnosed with visually significant cataract were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), have diabetes (p = 0.003), and worse visual acuity (p < 0.001).Discussion:Our study successfully detected and confirmed cataracts in a targeted, underserved urban population at high risk for eye disease.Conclusions:Telemedicine programs offer an opportunity to identify and refer individuals who would benefit from continuous follow-up eye care and treatment to improve visual function and quality of life.

Outcomes of trabecular microbypass surgery: Comparison of resident trainees and attending surgeons.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy, safety, and surgical outcomes of trabecular microbypass stent (iStent) surgery performed by resident trainees and attending surgeons. SETTING: Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Records of all patients who had microbypass stent surgery by a resident at Wills Eye Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The attending-performed group included any patient who had a microbypass stent implanted by an attending surgeon on the same day a resident case was performed. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2018, 31 microbypass stents were implanted by a resident supervised by an attending and 93 microbypass stents were implanted by an attending surgeon on the day a resident case was performed. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months ± 17.9 (SD). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 16.0 ± 4.6 mm Hg at baseline to 14.0 ± 3.1 mm Hg at most recent follow-up visit in the resident group (P = .02) and from 17.5 ± 4.8 mm Hg to 15.1 ± 4.3 mm Hg, respectively, in the attending group (P < .001). The final mean IOP and mean number of hypotensive medications were similar between the 2 groups (P = .83 and P = .12, respectively). Self-resolving hyphema occurred in 1 resident case and 2 attending cases. The resident group had 1 case of iridodialysis, which did not require additional surgery. One eye in the attending group ultimately required a trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION: Microbypass stent implantation by resident trainees with attending supervision had similar efficacy and safety as surgery performed by attending surgeons.

Cystoid macular edema with prostaglandin analogue use after uneventful cataract surgery in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of postoperative latanoprost administration on central macular thickness (CMT) after uneventful cataract surgery in glaucoma patients. SETTING: Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: In this single-masked trial, glaucoma patients treated with latanoprost who had no other risk factor for the development of pseudophakic macular edema were randomly allocated to continuation of latanoprost or discontinuation of the drop after uneventful cataract surgery. At baseline and postoperatively at 1 month and 3 months, patients had complete ocular examinations and CMT measurements using optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measure was the change in the CMT between baseline measurements and postoperative measurements at 1 month and 3 months. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six eyes (latanoprost 76; discontinuation 80) finished the trial. There were no differences in baseline patient demographics or characteristics, including the CMT, between the two groups. There was transient increase in the mean CMT by 12 µm ± 49 (SD) in the latanoprost group at 1 month (P = .03); however, the value returned to baseline by 3 months (6 ± 55 µm; P = .27). The between-group difference in the mean change in the CMT from baseline was -3.1 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], -18.4 to 12.0; P = .68) after 1 month and -10.5 µm (95% CI, -26.6 to 5.5; P = .19) after 3 months; the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost administration after cataract surgery had no measurable effect on macular thickness.

Awareness of ocular diagnosis, transportation means, and barriers to ophthalmology follow-up in the Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting follow-up eye care in participants enrolled in the Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study, such as awareness of ocular diagnosis, availability of transportation methods, and reasons for missing eye care appointments. Methods: The sample included 172 participants who were randomized to the intervention group and contacted by the social worker. Results: A total of 155 participants completed the assessment form, which was used as an instrument to assess factors affecting adherence to follow-up eye care. The main reasons for missing eye exam appointments were feeling ill (38.1%, n = 59) and forgetting the appointment (34.2%, n = 53). In addition, 45 (29.2%) participants were unaware of or did not comprehend the severity of their ocular diagnosis. Common methods of transportation included public transportation (31.6%, n = 49), driving (29.7%, n = 46), and being driven (27.7%, n = 43) to their appointment. Conclusion: These results suggest that individuals in need of eye care may benefit from additional assistance of a social worker regarding ongoing eye exam appointment reminders and in-depth explanation of their ocular diagnosis.

Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pivotal Trial of an Ab Interno Implanted Trabecular Micro-Bypass in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataract: Two-Year Results.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an ab interno implanted (iStent inject) Trabecular Micro-Bypass System (Glaukos Corporation, San Clemente, CA) in combination with cataract surgery in subjects with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-masked, concurrently controlled, multicenter clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Eyes with mild to moderate POAG and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤24 mmHg on 1 to 3 medications, unmedicated diurnal IOP (DIOP) 21 to 36 mmHg, and cataract requiring surgery. METHODS: After uncomplicated cataract surgery, eyes were randomized 3:1 intraoperatively to ab interno implantation of iStent inject (Model G2-M-IS; treatment group, n = 387) or no stent implantation (control group, n = 118). Subjects were followed through 2 years postoperatively. Annual washout of ocular hypotensive medication was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effectiveness end points were ≥20% reduction from baseline in month 24 unmedicated DIOP and change in unmedicated month 24 DIOP from baseline. Safety measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), slit-lamp and fundus examinations, gonioscopy, pachymetry, specular microscopy, visual fields, complications, and adverse events. RESULTS: The groups were well balanced preoperatively, including medicated IOP (17.5 mmHg in both groups) and unmedicated DIOP (24.8±3.3 mmHg vs. 24.5±3.1 mmHg in the treatment and control groups, respectively, P = 0.33). At 24 months, 75.8% of treatment eyes versus 61.9% of control eyes experienced ≥20% reduction from baseline in unmedicated DIOP (P = 0.005), and mean reduction in unmedicated DIOP from baseline was greater in treatment eyes (7.0±4.0 mmHg) than in control eyes (5.4±3.7 mmHg; P < 0.001). Of the responders, 84% of treatment eyes and 67% of control eyes were not receiving ocular hypotensive medication at 23 months. Furthermore, 63.2% of treatment eyes versus 50.0% of control eyes had month 24 medication-free DIOP ≤18 mmHg (difference 13.2%; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-23.4). The overall safety profile of the treatment group was favorable and similar to that in the control group throughout the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically and statistically greater reductions in IOP without medication were achieved after iStent inject implantation with cataract surgery versus cataract surgery alone, with excellent safety through 2 years.