Challenging the "Topical Medications-First" Approach to Glaucoma: A Treatment Paradigm in Evolution.

Topical glaucoma medications are effective and safe, but they have numerous well-documented limitations that diminish their long-term utility and sustainability. These limitations can include high rates of nonadherence (with associated glaucoma progression), concerning side effects, inconsistent circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) control, complex dosing regimens, difficulty with self-administration, costs, and decreased quality of life. Despite these limitations, topical medications traditionally have been first-line in the glaucoma treatment algorithm, as no other minimally invasive treatment alternatives existed. In recent years, however, novel interventional therapies-including sustained-release drug-delivery platforms, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery procedures-have made it possible to intervene earlier without relying on topical medications. As a result, the topical medication-first treatment approach is being reevaluated in an overall shift toward earlier more proactive interventions.

Managing primary open-angle glaucoma in the setting of suboptimal surgical outcomes in the fellow eye.

A 62-year-old woman with mild myopia presented to her local optometrist for a routine examination and was found to have intraocular pressure (IOP) of 30 mm Hg in both eyes and cupped nerves. She had a family history of glaucoma in her father. She was started on latanoprost in both eyes and was referred for a glaucoma evaluation. On initial evaluation, her IOP was 25 mm Hg in the right eye and 26 mm Hg in the left eye. Central corneal thickness measured 592 µm in the right eye and 581 µm in the left eye. Her angles were open to gonioscopy without any peripheral anterior synechia. She had 1+ nuclear sclerosis with a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25 in the right eye and 20/30- in the left eye and uncorrected near visual acuity of J1+ in each eye. Her nerves were 0.85 mm in the right eye and 0.75 mm in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed retinal nerve fiber layer thinning and a dense superior arcuate scotoma into fixation in her right eye, and superior and inferior arcuate scotomas in her left eye (Figures 1 and 2JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202307000-00019/figure1/v/2023-06-26T195222Z/r/image-tiffJOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202307000-00019/figure2/v/2023-06-26T195222Z/r/image-tiff, Supplemental Figures 1 and 2, available at http://links.lww.com/JRS/A882 and http://links.lww.com/JRS/A883). She was successively trialed on fixed combination brimonidine-timolol, dorzolamide, and netarsudil, in addition to her latanoprost, but her IOP remained in the mid- to upper 20s in both eyes. The addition of acetazolamide lowered the pressure to 19 mm Hg in both eyes, but she tolerated it poorly. Methazolamide was also attempted with similar side effects. We elected to perform left eye cataract surgery combined with 360-degree viscocanaloplasty and insertion of a Hydrus microstent (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.). Surgery was uncomplicated with IOP of 16 mm Hg on postoperative day 1 with no glaucoma medications. However, by postoperative week 3, IOP returned to 27 mm Hg, and despite restarting latanoprost-netarsudil and finishing her steroid taper, IOP remained at 27 mm Hg by postoperative week 6. Brimonidine-timolol was added back to her left eye regimen and at postoperative week 8, IOP had elevated to 45 mm Hg. Maximizing her therapy with the addition of topical dorzolamide and oral methazolamide brought her IOP back down to 30 mm Hg. At that point, the decision was made to proceed with trabeculectomy of the left eye. The trabeculectomy was uneventful. However, postoperative attempts to augment filtration were rendered less successful by extremely thick Tenon layer. At her most recent follow-up the pressure in the left eye was mid-teens with brimonidine-timolol and dorzolamide. Her right eye IOP is in the upper 20s on maximum topical therapy. Knowing her postoperative course in the left eye, how would you manage the right eye? In addition to currently available options, would you consider a supraciliary shunt such as the MINIject (iSTAR) if such a device were U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved?

A mysterious myopic surprise.

A 73-year-old man with an ocular history of inactive age-related macular degeneration and chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) in both eyes recently underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery/phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with simultaneous Hydrus microstent (Ivantis, Inc.) implantation in the left eye. Although there was some reported subincisional iris prolapse due to intraoperative floppy iris, the case was otherwise uneventful according to the referring surgeon. Two months postoperatively, he was referred to our office for a myopic surprise of approximately 2.0 diopters (D) in the left eye (Figure 1JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202202000-00022/figure1/v/2022-01-26T192641Z/r/image-tiff). Of note, he has a distant history of acute ACG and complicated cataract surgery in the right eye with a failed trabeculectomy. He subsequently had laser peripheral iridoplasty to pull the iris away from the angle in the right eye (Figure 2JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202202000-00022/figure2/v/2022-01-26T192641Z/r/image-tiff). His topical intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications at presentation included dorzolamide-timolol 1 drop twice daily in the left eye and 1 drop of timolol in the right eye once daily. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and his oral medications include Tamsulosin (Flomax), Irbasartan (Avapro), and Atenolol. On examination, he had an UCDVA of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/80 in the left eye, and a BCDVA of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. His manifest refraction was plano in the right eye and 1.50 -0.75 × 90 in the left eye. IOP measured 19 mm Hg in the right eye and 26 mm Hg in the left eye. Pupil examination revealed a nonreactive pupil in the right eye and a round sluggish pupil in the left eye without an obvious relative afferent pupillary defect. Extraocular motility and confrontational visual fields were full in both eyes. On slitlamp examination, pertinent findings included the following: 1+ corneal guttata without edema in both eyes; anterior chambers were shallow but adequate in both eyes with scattered peripheral anterior synechiae in the right eye and a uniformly shallow but adequate chamber in the left eye; there was no cell or flare in either eye. Iris findings included a surgical pupil with a fibrotic pupillary membrane, laser iridoplasty scars with scattered temporal transillumination defects (TIDs) in the right eye, and 2.5 clock hours of TIDs and a patent peripheral iridotomy at 1 o'clock in the left eye; lens examination revealed centered posterior chamber IOLs with open posterior capsules in both eyes and lens pitting in the left eye. Pertinent findings on dilated fundus examination included a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.3 in both eyes with good neuroretinal rims and macular examination revealed medium-sized drusen with pigment clumping in both eyes and no active choroidal neovascular membranes. The remainder of the examination was unremarkable. What is the etiology of this myopic surprise? What diagnostic testing will help confirm the diagnosis and what are the best management options for this patient?

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in a patient with iris-fixated intraocular lens and prior radial keratotomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Anterior segment surgeries such as cataract surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) repositioning, and radial keratotomy (RK) may hasten endothelial dysfunction, particularly in the context of pre-existing Fuchs dystrophy, necessitating future corneal transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old woman with a history of RK with associated irregular astigmatism in both eyes and iris-fixated intraocular lens (IF-IOL) in the left eye presented with six months of decreased vision in the left eye. She was found to have Fuchs dystrophy and underwent DMEK surgery. She had an uncomplicated postoperative course, with uncorrected visual acuity improving to 20/20 three months after surgery. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a highly successful DMEK surgery in a patient with prior RK and IF-IOL.

Targeted Lens Pitting to Treat Negative Dysphotopsia.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with negative dysphotopsia who underwent a novel non-invasive technique that uses the Nd:YAG laser to induce nasal light scattering through targeted lens pitting. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Symptoms of negative dysphotopsia resolved after targeted lens pitting. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted lens pitting with Nd:YAG laser is a potential technique that may help treat negative dysphotopsia in a manner that preserves intraocular anatomy. Further study is warranted to explore targeted lens pitting in both patients with and without prior retinal surgery as a treatment for negative dysphotopsia. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(3):212-214.].

Evaluation of the IOP-Lowering Effect of a Multi-Pressure Dial at Different Negative Pressure Settings.

Purpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of a multi-pressure dial (MPD) at targeted negative pressure settings. Methods: Prospective, intrasubject controlled study of 65 healthy subjects randomized to receive no negative pressure for 60 minutes or negative pressure application at designated levels of 25%, 50%, and 75% of baseline IOP for 20 minutes each. The main outcome measure was mean IOP with application of negative pressure. Results: In the study eye group, from a baseline IOP of 15.8 ± 3.6 mm Hg, the mean IOP was 13.5 ± 3.4, 11.5 ± 3.1, and 10.2 ± 2.7 mm Hg with negative pressure settings of 25%, 50% and 75%, respectively. In the control eye group, from a baseline IOP of 15.5 ± 3.0 mm Hg, the mean IOP values at the same time points, without negative pressure, were 15.6 ± 3.0, 15.5 ± 2.5 and 15.3 ± 2.4 mm Hg. The difference between the mean IOPs of the two groups was significantly different at all negative pressure settings (P < 0.001) in comparison with baseline. There was one minor adverse event, a corneal abrasion, that was unrelated to device wear. Conclusions: Negative pressure application to the periocular space with a multi-pressure dial can produce titratable IOP reduction while the device is worn with active negative pressure. To our knowledge, this technology represents the first nonpharmacologic, nonlaser, nonsurgical method for IOP reduction. Translational Relevance: This represents the first study demonstrating the IOP-lowering ability of the multi-pressure dial, a device that uses a novel IOP-lowering strategy by delivering negative pressure to the periocular region.

Application of the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative Ophthalmology Data Repository for Triaging Patients With Glaucoma and Clinic Appointments During Pandemics Such as COVID-19.

Importance: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, eye care professionals caring for patients with sight-threatening diseases, such as glaucoma, have had to determine whether some patient appointments could safely get postponed, weighing the risk that the patient's glaucoma could worsen during the interim vs the morbidity risk of acquiring COVID-19 while seeking ophthalmic care. They also need to prioritize appointment rescheduling during the ramp-up phase (when pandemic-associated service reductions are eased). Objective: To describe a flexible and scalable scoring algorithm for patients with glaucoma that considers glaucoma severity and progression risk vs the presence of high-risk features for morbidity from COVID-19, using information from a large data repository. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional study, patients with upcoming clinic appointments for glaucoma from March 16, 2020, to April 16, 2020, at an academic institution enrolled in the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative (SOURCE) Ophthalmology Electronic Health Record Data Repository were identified. A risk stratification tool was developed that calculated a glaucoma severity and progression risk score and a COVID-19 morbidity risk score. These scores were summed to determine a total score for each patient. Main Outcomes and Measures: Total scores and percentages of clinic appointments recommended for rescheduling. Results: Among the 1034 patients with upcoming clinic appointments for glaucoma, the mean (SD) age was 66.7 (14.6) years. There were 575 women (55.6%), 733 White individuals (71%), and 160 Black individuals (15.5%). The mean (SD) glaucoma severity and progression risk score was 4.0 (14.4) points, the mean (SD) COVID-19 morbidity risk score was 27.2 (16.1) points, and the mean (SD) total score was 31.2 (21.4) points. During pandemic-associated reductions in services, using total score thresholds of 0, 25, and 50 points would identify 970 appointments (93.8%), 668 appointments (64.6%), and 275 appointments (26.6%), respectively, for postponement and rescheduling. The algorithm-generated total scores also helped prioritize appointment rescheduling during the ramp-up phase. Conclusions and Relevance: A tool that considers the risk of underlying ophthalmic disease progression from delayed care receipt and the morbidity risk from COVID-19 exposure was developed and implemented, facilitating the triage of upcoming ophthalmic appointments. Comparable approaches for other ophthalmic and nonophthalmic care during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar crises may be created using this methodology.

Cyclodialysis cleft repair with goniotomy for the control of post-operative ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: In this case of iatrogenic cyclodialysis cleft, we describe a technique in which a nasal goniotomy is coupled with indirect cyclodialysis cleft (CDC) repair in order to minimize acute post-operative ocular hypertension, which is common following cyclodialysis cleft closure. OBSERVATIONS: This novel technique was simple, convenient, and effective in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) for the patient. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: IOP frequently spikes to dangerously high levels following CDC closure. Pairing CDC repair with goniotomy may help prevent acute post-operative ocular hypertension in these patients.

Slit-lamp Pars Plana Needle Hyaloidotomy-Zonulotomy-Iridotomy for the Treatment of Spontaneous Malignant Glaucoma.

An 88-year-old woman with a history of recent complicated pacemaker insertion presented with acute-onset malignant glaucoma recalcitrant to conservative medical therapy. Surgical intervention was discussed; however, given her complex cardiac history and recent postoperative state, the risk of anesthesia-related systemic adverse events was deemed unacceptably high. As such, a slit-lamp procedure was recommended to break the attack of malignant glaucoma. Here within, we report a novel technique of breaking an attack of malignant glaucoma by needling the anterior hyaloid face at the slit lamp. With this technique, a 25-G needle was entered through the pars plana and was advanced through the anterior hyaloid face, zonules, and peripheral iridotomy to create a unicameral eye and successfully break the malignant closure attack.

Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery - an interventional glaucoma revolution.

The glaucoma surgical landscape has changed dramatically over the last decade with the introduction and integration of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques. These modalities target physiologic outflow pathways or optimize previously utilized glaucoma surgical methods in order to deliver safety, efficacy, and individualized care to the patient. MIGS techniques can be classified based on anatomical location as well as method of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. This review will focus on MIGS optimizing the conventional outflow pathway via intervention at Schlemm's canal, MIGS optimizing the uveoscleral outflow pathway via suprachoroidal shunting, and MIGS optimizing the transscleral or subconjunctival outflow pathway which has long been utilized by glaucoma surgeons performing traditional filtration procedures. The wide array of currently available MIGS modalities can be staggering to the glaucoma care provider, but an understanding of the landscape and the large classes of interventional strategies can allow for clinical decision making based on the specifics of the patient's needs and the pathophysiology of their disease.

Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) is An Effective Procedure for Steroid-induced Glaucoma.

PRECIS: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is a novel technique that lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by fracturing the trabecular meshwork. In this retrospective chart review, GATT was found to be effective at lowering the intraocular pressure for steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG). PURPOSE: GATT is a novel microinvasive glaucoma surgery that builds on traditional trabeculotomy techniques to decrease the proximal resistance of conventional outflow, and it is proposed to be an effective surgical treatment for SIG. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of GATT for lowering the IOP in SIG. METHODS AND PATIENTS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all GATT procedures performed on patients with a predominant diagnosis of steroid-induced glaucoma between March 1, 2016 and March 30,2018 at the University of Michigan. Primary outcome measures include IOP, the number of IOP-lowering medications prescribed, and the topical steroid dosing over the duration of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients with steroid-induced glaucoma underwent the GATT procedure. There was a significant reduction in the mean IOP at all postoperative visits. The average IOP decreased by 16.4 (55%) to 19.5 mm Hg (63%) between 3 and 24 months postoperatively. By 24 months, all patients had a reduction in IOP of >20%. The number of glaucoma medications also decreased significantly from an average of 3.1 medications preoperatively to an average of 0.8 medications at last follow-up. The majority of patients (>67%) required continued use of steroids at all postoperative visits. The most common postoperative complication was a transient hyphema (38%). No patients required a repeat glaucoma surgery or anterior chamber washout. CONCLUSIONS: This small case series suggests that GATT is an effective and safe surgical technique to decrease IOP and decrease medication burden in patients with predominantly steroid-induced glaucoma. To our knowledge, this is the first study looking specifically at the efficacy of GATT for predominantly SIG.

Midterm failure of combined phacoemulsification with trabecular microbypass stenting: Clinicopathological analysis.

A propagation of microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques and devices has resulted in the availability of multiple new modalities for surgical intervention for open-angle glaucoma. As MIGS devices and methods approach a new phase in maturity, midterm failures will inevitably be reported. Although MIGS techniques prioritize safety, an understanding of the potential mechanisms of failure is paramount. In this case of a midterm failure of a trabecular microbypass, clinical findings and pathological correlates allow for a comprehensive understanding of the means by which MIGS devices might fail and offer the opportunity for intervention and potential prevention.

Late Spontaneous Dislocation of an Ab Interno Gelatin Microstent.

PURPOSE: To report a case of spontaneous dislocation of a gelatin microstent 6 months after the initial uncomplicated surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe a 73-year-old man with a history of advanced primary open-angle glaucoma who had previously undergone an unsuccessful micropulse transcleral cyclophotocoagulation of the left eye. He underwent an uncomplicated combined phacoemulsification with an ab interno gelatin microstent, but was noted to have a spontaneous dislocation of the microstent 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: His postoperative course was largely unremarkable. He underwent a total of 5 bleb needlings, 1 immediately postoperatively because of intra-Tenon's positioning of the microstent. At his 6-month follow-up, he had a needling with both 5-flurouracil and subconjunctival bevacizumab. Despite postprocedural gonioscopy confirmation of the microstent positioning, the patient returned 1 week later with a fully dislocated microstent. The dislocation was asymptomatic, and his intraocular pressure remained in the single digits. CONCLUSIONS: The ab interno gelatin microstent is a promising new procedure, but presents unique challenges. As the procedure is still new, more complications are expected to come to light. Although gelatin microstent migration and dislocation appears to be rare, it is important to recognize this postoperative complication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a spontaneous dislocation of the gelatin microstent without a clear inciting event. This case reiterates the importance of continued follow-up of these cases, and will hopefully help begin to shed light on preoperative considerations and patient selection.

Effect of endocyclophotocoagulation on refractive outcomes in angle-closure eyes after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative refractive outcomes in angle-closure eyes having phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with or without endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP). SETTING: Single tertiary-level ophthalmology practice. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. METHODS: Primary angle-closure suspect (PACS), primary angle-closure (PAC), or primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes that had phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with or without ECP from 2012 to 2014 were studied. Clinical data collected included axial length (AL), minimum and maximum keratometry (K) values, corneal powers, anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal white-to-white (WTW), implanted IOL power, and postoperative manifest refraction. The Holladay 1 formula was used for IOL calculations. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the mean absolute error (MAE) and mean arithmetic error, respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eyes with ECP and 71 eyes without ECP were included. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in age, sex, eye side, ethnicity, AL, minimum or maximum keratometry values, ACD, WTW, or implanted IOL power. The MAE was lower in the non-ECP group (0.47 ± 0.32D versus 0.62 ± 0.43D; P = .0285). The mean arithmetic error showed a more myopic result in the ECP group (-0.54 ± 0.53D versus -0.26 ± 0.52D; P = .0017). CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with PACS, PAC, or PACG having phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with ECP had decreased predictability of the postoperative refraction and a small myopic shift compared with those without ECP. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Ahmed is a consultant to Alcon, Advanced Medical Optics, Bausch & Lomb, and Carl Zeiss. None of the other authors has a proprietary or financial interest in any material or method mentioned.

Glaucoma and cataract surgery: two roads merging into one.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the increasing utilization of cataract extraction in the management of glaucoma and to highlight advances in surgical care that can promote synergistic treatment of these comorbid conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent years have demonstrated significant advances in the management of glaucoma through the use of novel microinvasive glaucoma devices. Furthermore, an increased understanding of the role of cataract surgery in the treatment of various glaucomas warrants review. Nevertheless, cataract surgery in the glaucoma patient warrants specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative planning to optimize visual function and quality of life while mitigating potential risk factors for adverse events. SUMMARY: Although the challenges of performing cataract extraction on glaucoma patients exist, the potential benefit to these patients is substantial. With attention to pre- and perioperative surgical planning and intraoperative technique, as well as with awareness and potential utilization of novel devices and treatment strategies, cataract extraction offers a unique platform for anatomical and functional improvement in this increasingly common cohort of patients.