A Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Patients Who Undergo Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.

PURPOSE: To develop a patient-reported outcome measure to assess the impact of glaucoma and treatment, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). DESIGN: Observational study before and after concomitant cataract and Food and Drug Administration-approved implantable MIGS device surgery. SETTING: Survey administration was on a computer, iPad, or similar device. PATIENT POPULATION: 184 adults completed the baseline survey, 124 a survey 3 months after surgery, and 106 the 1-month test-retest reliability survey. The age range was 37 to 89 (average age = 72). Most were female (57%), non-Hispanic White (81%), and had a college degree (56%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Glaucoma Outcomes Survey (GOS) assesses functional limitations (27 items), vision-related symptoms (7 items), psychosocial issues (7 items), and satisfaction with microinvasive glaucoma surgery (1 item). These multiple-item scales were scored on a 0 to 100 range, with a higher score indicating worse health. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability estimates ranged from 0.75 to 0.93, and 1-month test-retest intraclass correlations ranged from 0.83 to 0.92 for the GOS scales. Product-moment correlations among the scales ranged from 0.56 to 0.60. Improvement in visual acuity in the study eye from baseline to the 3-month follow-up was significantly related to improvements in GOS functional limitations (r = 0.18, P = .0485), vision-related symptoms (r = 0.19, P = .0386), and psychosocial concerns (r = 0.18, P = .0503). Responders to treatment ranged from 17% for vision-related symptoms to 48% for functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports using the GOS for ophthalmic procedures such as MIGS. Further evaluation of the GOS in different patient subgroups and clinical settings is needed.

Addressing Glaucoma in Myopic Eyes: Diagnostic and Surgical Challenges.

Epidemiological and genetic studies provide strong evidence supporting an association between myopia and glaucoma. The accurate detection of glaucoma in myopic eyes, especially those with high myopia, remains clinically challenging due to characteristic morphologic features of the myopic optic nerve in addition to limitations of current optic nerve imaging modalities. Distinguishing glaucoma from myopia is further complicated by overlapping perimetric findings. Therefore, longitudinal follow-up is essential to differentiate progressive structural and functional abnormalities indicative of glaucoma from defects that may result from myopia alone. Highly myopic eyes are at increased risk of complications from traditional incisional glaucoma surgery and may benefit from newer microinvasive glaucoma surgeries in select cases.

Cataract surgery in myopic eyes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We discuss the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations for cataract surgery in eyes with high myopia. We also reviewed the recent literature on refractive outcomes and complications of cataract surgery in myopic eyes. RECENT FINDINGS: Several novel intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas have recently been developed to optimize refractive outcomes. Haigis formula is the most accurate among the third-generation IOL formulas. Novel formulas such as Barrett Universal II, Kane, and modified Wang-Koch adjustment for Holladay I formula provide a better refractive prediction compared with old formulas. Intraoperatively, the chopping technique is preferred to minimize pressure on weak zonules and reduce the incidence of posterior capsule rupture. Anterior capsular polishing is recommended to reduce the risk of postoperative capsular contraction syndrome (CCS). Postoperatively, complications such as refractive surprises, intraocular pressure spikes, and CCS remain higher in myopic eyes. Only 63% of myopic patients with axial length more than 26 mm achieve a visual acuity at least 20/40 after cataract surgery, mainly because of coexisting ocular comorbidities. SUMMARY: There are multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations when performing cataract surgery in myopic eyes. Further research is needed to optimize the refractive outcomes in these eyes and determine the best IOL formula. Surgeons should be adept and knowledgeable with different techniques to manage intraoperative complications.

New strategies for the management of ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Glaucoma patients commonly suffer from ocular surface disease (OSD). As treatment strategies, medications and devices for the treatment of OSD as well as glaucoma surgical approaches evolve rapidly, it is important to consider their application to these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: OSD in glaucoma patients may lead to reduced reliability of diagnostic tests, decreased medication compliance, poor surgical outcomes, and overall decreased quality of life. Chronic use of topical glaucoma medications has been linked to the development of limbal stem cell deficiency, and the role of preservatives in OSD continues to be demonstrated. Preservative free glaucoma medications as well as new anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of OSD are now available. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and punctal plugs have been shown to benefit glaucoma patients with OSD. Drop burden may be reduced through the use of the new sustained-release delivery systems, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. SUMMARY: There are multiple emerging strategies for managing OSD that may be applied to patients with glaucoma. With continued research and clinical experiences, we hope to better understand the multifaceted relationship between glaucoma and OSD and develop evidence-based algorithms for the management of these complex patients.

Anticlotting agents and the surgical management of glaucoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A large subset of patients with glaucoma uses anticlotting agents. No standardized guidelines currently exist for managing these agents in the specific perioperative setting of glaucoma surgery. The present review focuses on currently available anticlotting agents, their influence on hemorrhagic complications following glaucoma surgery, and management strategies for their use in the perioperative period RECENT FINDINGS: Anticlotting agents increase the risk of perioperative hemorrhagic complications following glaucoma surgery. Other factors that increase that risk have been identified as well, including the type of glaucoma surgery, preoperative intraocular pressure, postoperative hypotony, previous ocular surgeries, and race. Although general guidelines in the perioperative management of blood thinning agents exist, the best way to apply these guidelines specifically to glaucoma surgery remains unclear. SUMMARY: Blood thinners are widely used and can increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery. Managing these agents in the perioperative setting is challenging and should be done in collaboration with the patient's primary care provider, hematologist, or cardiologist. Management strategies should be tailored to each individual's risk of hemorrhage versus thromboembolism. Additionally, surgical plans can be modified to help minimize hemorrhagic outcomes, especially in patients who are deemed to be at high risk for perioperative bleeding.

Use of Anti-VEGF Agents in Glaucoma Surgery.

A number of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents are currently available to treat various ocular conditions. These agents have similar, but distinct, biologic qualities and have been explored in the management of neovascular glaucoma and in glaucoma surgery. Several different delivery methods are described, and because these medications are routinely given as intraocular injections, some benefits over traditional antifibrotic medications when used in glaucoma surgery are noted. These agents effectively induce regression of anterior segment neovascularization and facilitate initial surgical management of neovascular glaucoma, but the long-term outcome of this condition remains dependent on definitive management of the underlying process. Use in trabeculectomy or tube shunt procedures for other types of glaucoma has shown promise in modulating bleb morphology but has not yet been found to be as effective as traditional antifibrotic agents. There are reports of persistently raised intraocular pressure after repeated use of the anti-VEGF agents, possibly related to frequency of injection. These medications have wide application in the field of surgical glaucoma, but a definitive role has yet to be defined.

The Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric for Trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To produce an internationally valid tool to assess skill in performing trabeculectomy surgery. METHODS: A panel of 5 experts developed a tool for assessing trabeculectomy surgery by using a modified Dreyfus scale of skill acquisition and providing descriptors for each level of skill for each category. The tool was then reviewed by a panel of 10 international content experts for their constructive comments, which were incorporated into the final rubric tool. RESULTS: A final rubric, incorporating the suggestions of the international panel, published here as the ICO-OSCAR: Trabeculectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The tool ICO-OSCAR: Trabeculectomy has content and face validity. It can be used internationally to assess trabeculectomy surgery skill. Predictive and construct validity, and reliability are yet to be determined.

Clinical Management of Malignant Glaucoma.

Malignant glaucoma remains one of the most challenging complications of ocular surgery. Although it has been reported to occur spontaneously or after any ophthalmic procedure, it is most commonly encountered after glaucoma surgery in eyes with prior chronic angle closure. The clinical diagnosis is made in the setting of a patent peripheral iridotomy and axial flattening of the anterior chamber. Intraocular pressure is usually elevated, but it may be normal in some cases. Although the exact etiology of this condition is not fully understood, several mechanisms have been proposed and it is thought to result from posterior misdirection of aqueous humor into or behind the vitreous. This review discusses pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, imaging modalities, and current treatment strategies for this rare form of secondary glaucoma.

Randomized, prospective, comparative trial of EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device versus trabeculectomy (XVT study).

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device placed under a partial-thickness scleral flap with trabeculectomy. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, multicenter trial. METHODS: A total of 120 eyes in 120 subjects were analyzed, including 59 eyes treated with EX-PRESS and 61 eyes treated with trabeculectomy. Both the EX-PRESS and the trabeculectomy groups were treated intraoperatively with mitomycin C and followed postoperatively for 2 years. Surgical success was defined as 5 mm Hg ≤ intraocular pressure ≤ 18 mm Hg, with or without medications, without further glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure was significantly reduced compared with baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Average intraocular pressure and number of medications were similar in both groups during follow-up, with mean intraocular pressure at 2 years after surgery of 14.7 ± 4.6 mm Hg and 14.6 ± 7.1 mm Hg in the EX-PRESS and trabeculectomy groups, respectively (P = 0.927). At 2 years after surgery, the success rate was 83% and 79% in the EX-PRESS and trabeculectomy groups, respectively (P = 0.563). Although visual acuity (logMAR) was significantly decreased on day 1 in both groups, the vision was not significantly different compared with baseline at 1 month after EX-PRESS implant (P = 0.285) and 3 months after trabeculectomy (P = 0.255). The variance of early postoperative intraocular pressure values was similar between groups on the first postoperative day but higher after trabeculectomy compared with EX-PRESS implant on day 7 (P = 0.003). The total number of postoperative complications was higher after trabeculectomy than after EX-PRESS implantation (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Mean intraocular pressures, medication use, and surgical success were similar at 2 years after treatment with the EX-PRESS device and trabeculectomy. Vision recovery between groups was also similar throughout the study, although return to baseline vision was more rapid in the EX-PRESS group. Intraocular pressure variation was lower during the early postoperative period, and postoperative complications were less common after EX-PRESS implantation compared with trabeculectomy.

The role of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device in glaucoma surgery.

The Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device is a safe and effective alternative to standard trabeculectomy in the surgical management of glaucoma patients. This latest modification of glaucoma filtration surgery has been shown to be equally efficacious to trabeculectomy in lowering intraocular pressure. With its unique features of small incision surgery, consistent lumen size with more uniform filtration, and no tissue removal, this technique has been shown to reduce both intraoperative and postoperative complications. This review updates clinical outcomes of this new variation of glaucoma filtration surgery and its current role in the glaucoma surgical armamentarium.

Incidence and management of elevated intraocular pressure with antivascular endothelial growth factor agents.

PURPOSE: To review recent literature regarding ocular hypertension following intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF). METHOD: An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, OVID, and PubMed. Key search terms were elevated IOP, anti-VEGF, sustained IOP elevation in anti-VEGF, chronic intraocular pressure elevation in anti-VEGF, high IOP with anti-VEGF, acute elevation in intraocular pressure with anti-VEGF, glaucoma and anti-VEGF. RESULT: Transient elevation of intraocular pressure after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection is due to temporary increase in volume, and the acute spike generally does not affect a healthy eye. Caution should be taken in a glaucomatous eye, and pretreatment with an IOP-lowering medication is recommended. Persistent elevation of intraocular pressure is more common than previously thought and may be correlated to several factors including increased number of intravitreal injections. CONCLUSION: Persistent ocular hypertension may be associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Physicians should be aware of this condition and monitor their patients for persistent ocular hypertension, especially in eyes with preexisting glaucoma. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential loss of vision.

Surgical outcomes of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device in African American and white glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device in African American and white glaucoma patients. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. METHODS: This was a comparative case series of 36 eyes of 36 African Americans and 43 eyes of 43 whites that underwent placement of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device under a partial-thickness scleral flap for uncontrolled glaucoma. All eyes received intraoperative mitomycin C. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of postoperative glaucoma medications, and surgical success. Surgical success was defined as IOP between 5 and 18 mm Hg, with or without glaucoma medications, without further glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception vision. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 31.9 ± 9.8 (range, 14.6-47) months for African Americans and 30.7 ± 8.6 (range, 14.3-47) months for whites. At 33 months, surgical success was 80.0% in the African American group and 83.3% in the white group (P = 1.00). Reasons for surgical failure included increased IOP (3 eyes, 3.8%), persistent hypotony with maculopathy (1 eye, 1.3%), and further surgery (4 eyes, 5.06%). Compared with preoperative values, the mean postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications were significantly reduced in both groups, and no statistical difference was observed between the two groups at 33 months. Postoperative complications were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Similar surgical outcomes were observed in African American and white glaucoma patients after implantation of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device. This latest modification of glaucoma filtration surgery may be a better surgical option for African Americans given its potential advantages of no tissue removal, predictable outcomes related to consistent lumen size and controlled flow, fewer postoperative complications, and overall reduced inflammation.

Current variations of glaucoma filtration surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Trabeculectomy continues to be the most effective incisional surgery for uncontrolled glaucoma. Since its introduction by Cairns in 1968, the procedure has undergone numerous modifications. This article will summarize the current variations of glaucoma filtration surgery and evidence-based review of their potential advantages and disadvantages. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent innovations in glaucoma filtration surgery have focused on wound modulation to enhance long-term surgical outcomes and the search for a small incision surgery with more predictable outcomes, lower complication rates, and rapid visual recovery. Amniotic membranes, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, and tissue-engineered biodegradable implants are currently being investigated as alternatives to mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil to reduce inflammation and subsequent bleb failure with fewer complications. The Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device appears promising with its unique feature of small-incision surgery, fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications, and its ability to lower intraocular pressure significantly, which appears to be comparable with standard trabeculectomy. SUMMARY: Knowledge and surgical expertise in handling current variations of glaucoma filtration surgery are essential to offer an individualized approach with the overall goal of optimizing surgical outcomes and minimizing complications.

Trabeculectomy versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation in neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare surgical outcomes in neovascular glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative case series. We reviewed 40 eyes of 39 patients with underlying diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma, divided into two groups: Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (N = 20) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (N = 20). Surgical success was defined as 6 mm Hg ≤ intraocular pressure ≤21 mm Hg, with or without the use of glaucoma medications, with no further glaucoma surgery, and light perception or better vision. Early postoperative hypotony was defined as intraocular pressure <5 mm Hg during the first postoperative week. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 31 months (range 6-87 months) for the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve group and 25 months (6-77 months) for the trabeculectomy group. Although the mean number of postoperative intraocular pressure-lowering medications was significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group compared with the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve group at 3 and 6 month time points, there was no statistically significant difference at any other time point. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure. Success was 70% and 65% at 1 year and 60% and 55% at 2 years after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve and trabeculectomy, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant difference in success between the two groups (P = 0.815). Hyphema was the most common complication in both groups. CONCLUSION: We found similar results after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.

Bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma as a complication of facedown spine surgery.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Multiple studies have reported that facedown positioning can result in elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma. Before advances in diagnostic modalities, prone tests were popularly performed in ophthalmology practices as provocative tests for detecting potentially occludable angles. In patients with a positive test result, direct observation shows that the anterior chamber shallows and the angle closes over time, compromising aqueous humor outflow facility. Furthermore, the degree of angle narrowing is proportional to the rise in IOP. A common scenario involving a prone position is spine surgery, which can last several hours with the patient unconscious. PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient who developed bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma after facedown spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. METHODS: A 68-year-old Caucasian woman presented with persistent low back and left lower extremity pain. History was remarkable for L5 radicular pain, spinal stenosis, and an L3-L4 laminectomy performed 6 months previously. Plain films showed instability at the L4-L5 level and degenerative disc disease and scoliosis at L2-L4. The patient underwent spinal fusion surgery. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the patient complained of pain in the left eye accompanied with nausea and vomiting. Ophthalmology consultation confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma, requiring medical therapy initially followed by laser iridotomies in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma may occur as a complication of facedown spine surgery. It is essential for anesthesiologists and surgeons to be aware of this complication for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. A preoperative evaluation by an ophthalmologist should be considered for those individuals who are at increased risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma, such as certain ethnicities, including Asians, Canadians, and Eskimos; female gender; hyperopic eyes with a shorter axial length; family history; history of previous attacks in the subject; and so forth. Prophylactic laser iridotomy in eyes with potentially occludable angles is a simple and safe office procedure that can prevent potentially devastating visual outcomes.

Assessment of optic nerve cup-to-disk ratio changes in patients receiving multiple intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the transient intraocular pressure rise, frequent intraocular pressure fluctuations, or antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) effects of repeated intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents can lead to changes in the optic nerve vertical cup-to-disk ratio (C/D). METHODS: Patients with a known history of glaucoma and those receiving triamcinolone acetonide were excluded from the study. Fundus photographs were cropped to optic disk images only, which were then randomized and independently graded by two glaucoma specialists. In patients who received treatments in only one eye, the fellow eye was used as a control. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes of 21 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean change in C/D was -0.012 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.053 to 0.029) for the treated group and -0.006 (95% CI, -0.106 to 0.095) for the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.90). The mean change in C/D for eyes receiving < or =5 injections (n = 9) was 0.003 (95% CI, -0.089 to 0.095) in the treated group and 0.054 (95% CI, -0.033 to 0.142) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.33). In eyes receiving >5 injections (n = 14), the mean change in C/D was -0.021 (95% CI, -0.095 to 0.052) in the treated group and -0.057 (95% CI, -0.231 to 0.116) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.70). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant change in the vertical C/D of optic nerves in patients receiving multiple intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, regardless of whether they received fewer or more than five total injections. This suggests that the short-term intraocular pressure rise and frequent intraocular pressure fluctuation, as well as the anti-VEGF properties of these drugs, do not adversely change the optic nerve C/D. Additional prospective studies are warranted to confirm these conclusions.

Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome in a child.

The iridocorneal endothelial syndrome is an important and unusual cause of acquired glaucoma in adults. We report its occurrence in a child who presented with glaucoma. The patient required glaucoma surgery, and a goniotomy and trabeculectomy were performed. The patient's clinical findings and the results of surgeries are described.