Prospective evaluation of micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma: 1 year results / Avaliação prospectiva do laser de diodo micropulsado em pacientes com glaucoma refratário: resultados de um ano de seguimento

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness in in­traocular pressure reduction and safety of micropulse trans­scleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a case series of 21 eyes of 21 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma treated with micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation at 12-month follow-up. The total treatment time was at the discretion of the surgeon, considering baseline and target intraocular pressure and glaucoma diagnosis. Intraocular pressure, inflammation, visual acuity, and number of medications were monitored. Success was defined as intraocular pressure between 6 and 21 mmHg and/or 30% reduction from baseline intraocular pressure with or without the use of antiglaucoma medications. Visual acuity loss was defined as a loss of ≥2 lines of vision on the Snellen chart or a ≥2-level decrease in visual function in patients with nonmeasurable chart acuity. Results: The mean age was 61.04 ± 12.99 years, and 11 (52.4%) patients were male, with most (95%) patients showing low visual acuity at baseline (count fingers or worse). The mean intraocular pressure was 33.38 ± 15.95 mmHg, and the mean number of medications was 3.5 ± 1.1 at baseline. After 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, 76.19%, 57.14%, 55.56%, and 66.67%, respectively, of the patients were classified as treatment successes. Seven (33.3%) patients required new laser treatment and were considered treatment failures. The mean intraocular pressure reduction was 44.72% ± 29.72% in the first week and 41.59% ± 18.93% at the end of follow-up (p=0.006). The mean number of medications significantly dropped to 2.00 ± 1.7 at the 12-month visit (p=0.044). Complications included hypotony (4.8%), intraocular inflammation after 1 month (19%), and visual acuity loss (4.8%). Conclusions: Micropulse transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation was safe and effective for reducing intraocular pressure in eyes with refractory and advanced glaucoma, with reduced need for ocular antihypertensive medication.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia na redução da pressão intraocular e na segurança da ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral em glaucoma refratário. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente uma série de casos de 21 olhos de 21 pacientes com glaucoma refratário tratados com ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral com acompanhamento por 12 meses. O tempo total de tratamento ficou a critério do cirurgião, considerando a pressão intraocular inicial e alvo e o tipo de glaucoma. Pressão intraocular, inflamação, acuidade visual e número de medicamentos foram monitorados. O sucesso foi definido como pressão intraocular entre 6 e 21 mmHg e/ou redução de 30% da pressão intraocular basal com ou sem o uso de medicamentos glaucomatosos. Perda da acuidade visual foi definida como perda de ≥2 linhas de visão na tabela de Snellen ou uma diminuição de ≥ 2 níveis na função visual em pacientes com acuidade do gráfico não mensurável. Resultados: A idade média foi de 61,04 ± 12,99 anos e 11 (52,4%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com a maioria (95%) dos pacientes apresentando baixa acuidade visual inicialmente (conta dedos ou pior). A pressão intraocular média foi de 33,38 ± 15,95 mmHg, e o número médio de medicamentos foi de 3,5 ± 1,1, no início do estudo. Após 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses, 76,19%, 57,14%, 55,56% e 66,67%, respectivamente, dos pacientes foram classificados como sucesso do tratamento. Sete (33,3%) pacientes necessitaram de novo tratamento com laser e foram considerados falhas no tratamento. A redução média da pressão intraocular foi de 44,72% ± 29,72% na primeira semana e 41,59% ± 18,93% no final do seguimento (p=0,006). O número médio de medicamentos diminuiu significativamente para 2,00 ± 1,7 na visita de 12 meses (p=0,044). As complicações incluíram hipotonia (4,8%), inflamação intraocular após 1 mês (19%) e perda de acuidade visual (4,8%). Conclusões: A ciclofotocoagulação com laser de diodo transescleral foi segura e eficaz para reduzir a pressão intraocular em olhos com glaucoma refratário e avançado, com necessidade reduzida de hipotensores oculares.

Clinical Efficacy of Ciliary Ring Incision Combined with Modified Partial Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Malignant Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND Currently, safe and effective surgical treatment of malignant glaucoma is still under investigation. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of ciliary ring incision combined with modified partial pars plana vitrectomy in the treatment of malignant glaucoma. The technique is particularly useful in the treatment of "phakic" patients with malignant glaucoma, especially those who wish to preserve the natural lens. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 13 cases (16 eyes) of malignant glaucoma in which patients underwent ciliary ring incision combined with modified partial pars plana vitrectomy based on follow-up data collected from May 2004 to March 2017. The data we analyzed included postoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), optic cup changes, and surgical complications; some patients underwent visual field tracking. The mean follow-up period was 33.1±10.6 (range, 19-46) months. RESULTS A statistically significant number of eyes had improved visual acuity 1 year after surgery compared with the preoperative difference (Z=-3.853, P=0.000). Increases in the mean anterior chamber depth and decreases in the mean IOP measured at the 1-week and the 1-year follow-ups were also statistically significant. There were no serious complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Ciliary ring incision combined with modified partial pars plana vitrectomy for malignant glaucoma not only provided a clear and reliable intraoperative vitrectomy channel, but it also caused less disturbance of intraocular tissue structure and fewer complications. It also has the advantage of preserving the lens and avoiding further damage to the anatomy in the anterior segment of the eye.

Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation: Initial Results in Refractory Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC), a new and increasingly popular treatment, in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent a MP-TSCPC at the Glaucoma Associates of Texas. RESULTS: A total of 84 eyes were treated with MP-TSCPC in this study with a mean follow-up time of 4.3 months. The mean age of treated patients was 74 years and 48 (57%) were female. Preoperatively, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 27.7 mm Hg and mean number of ocular antihypertensive medications used was 3.3. Mean postoperative IOP at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 were lowered to 16.3 mm Hg (41.2% reduction), 14.6, 13.0, and 11.1 mm Hg, respectively. Postoperative ocular antihypertensive medication use was also lowered to 1.9, 2.0, 2.0, and 2.3 medications at months 1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively. Five patients required further laser or surgical intervention for adequate IOP control. Complications included hypotony, IOP spike, hyphema, serous choroidal detachment, persistent inflammation, and vision loss. At 3 months, inflammation was still present in 46% of eyes and vision loss of at least 1 line was present in 41% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: MP-TSCPC is effective at lowering IOP and decreasing the need for ocular antihypertensive medications. Eyes with limited visual potential or at high risk for incisional glaucoma surgery can successfully be treated with MP-TSCPC as a reasonable and effective alternative to traditional CPC. These results present short-term data and both longer follow-up and further studies are necessary.

Computer-animated model of accommodation and presbyopia.

PURPOSE: To understand, demonstrate, and further research the mechanisms of accommodation and presbyopia. SETTING: Private practice, Little Silver, New Jersey, USA. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: The CAMA 2.0 computer-animated model of accommodation and presbyopia was produced in collaboration with an experienced medical animator using Autodesk Maya animation software and Adobe After Effects. RESULTS: The computer-animated model demonstrates the configuration and synchronous movements of all accommodative elements. A new classification of the zonular apparatus based on structure and function is proposed. There are 3 divisions of zonular fibers; that is, anterior, crossing, and posterior. The crossing zonular fibers form a scaffolding to support the lens; the anterior and posterior zonular fibers work reciprocally to achieve focused vision. The model demonstrates the important support function of Weiger ligament. Dynamic movement of the ora serrata demonstrates that the forces of ciliary muscle contraction store energy for disaccommodation in the elastic choroid. The flow of aqueous and vitreous provides strong evidence for our understanding of the hydrodynamic interactions during the accommodative cycle. The interaction may result from the elastic stretch in the choroid transmitted to the vitreous rather than from vitreous pressue. The model supports the concept that presbyopia results from loss of elasticity and increasing ocular rigidity in both the lenticular and extralenticular structures. CONCLUSION: The computer-animated model demonstrates the structures of accommodation moving in synchrony and might enhance understanding of the mechanisms of accommodation and presbyopia. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Goldberg is a consultant to Acevision, Inc., and Bausch & Lomb.

Micropulse versus continuous wave transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma: a randomized exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of micropulse and continuous wave diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. DESIGN: Randomized, comparative, exploratory study in a tertiary hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with refractory, end-stage glaucoma. METHODS: Forty-eight patients were randomized to either treatment. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity, number of medicines and repeat treatment were monitored for 18 months. Complications that include visual acuity decline, prolonged anterior chamber inflammation, phthisis bulbi, scleral thinning and ocular pain were noted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Intraocular pressure between 6 and 21 mmHg and at least a 30% reduction with or without anti-glaucoma medications after 18 months. RESULTS: A successful primary outcome was achieved in 75% of patients who underwent micropulse cyclophotocoagulation and 29% of patients who received continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation after 12 months (P < 0.01). At 18 months, successful outcome was 52% and 30% (P = 0.13), respectively. The mean intraocular pressure was reduced by 45% in both groups (P = 0.70) from a baseline of 36.5 mmHg and 35.0 mmHg (P = 0.50) after 17.5 ± 1.6 months (range 16-19) follow up. No significant difference in retreatment rates or number of intraocular pressure lowering medications was noted. The ocular complication rate was higher in continuous wave treated eyes (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in both micropulse and continuous modes was effective in lowering intraocular pressure. The micropulse mode provided a more consistent and predictable effect in lowering intraocular pressure with minimal ocular complications.

Study of microcirculation of the ocular ciliary body in experimental kidney disease.

We studied disorders in ciliary body microcirculation in experimental chronic glomerulonephritis with tubulointerstitial nephritis and evaluated the hemodynamic effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field in this pathology. Laser Doppler flowmetry demonstrated vasospasm with reduced nutrient blood fl ow in the ciliary body of animals with experimental chronic glomerulonephritis with tubulointerstitial nephritis. The exposure to low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field using developed technology will lead to significant reduction of the vascular tone and improve arterial blood supply to the microcirculatory bed.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha induces a serotonin dependent early increase in ciliary beat frequency and epithelial transport velocity in murine tracheae.

The tracheal epithelium prevents via its highly effective clearance mechanism the contamination of the lower airways by pathogens. This mechanism is driven by ciliary bearing cells which are not only in contact with the gas phase; in addition they are also influenced by inflammatory mediators. These mediators can alter the protective function of the epithelium. Since the pro-inflammatoric cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a pivotal role within the inflammatory cascade, we investigated its effect onto the tracheal epithelium measured by its ciliary beat frequency and the particle transport velocity. In organ explant experiments the ciliary beat frequency and the particle transport velocity were measured under the application of TNF-α using tracheae from male C57BL6J mice. We observed a dose dependent TNF-α induced increase of both particle transport velocity and ciliary beat frequency. Knock out mice experiments made evident that the increase was depended on the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1). The increases in ciliary beat frequency as well as the accelerated particle transport velocity were either inhibited by the unspecific serotonin antagonist methysergide or by cyproheptadine a specific 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. Thus, acetylcholine antagonists or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors failed to inhibit the TNF-α induced activation. In conclusion, TNF-α may play a pivotal role in the protection of lower airways by inducing ciliary activity and increase in particle transport velocity via TNF-R1 and 5-HT2 receptor.

[Accommodation examination in myopia associated with nondifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia].

Features of accommodative response in children with myopia associated with nondifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (NCTD) were studied using computered accommodography. A variety of accommodative response patterns were found in myopia associated with NCTD, that is indicative of a great functional potential of ciliary muscle. Theoretic side is discussed for normal accommodative response and for muscle fibers hyperfunction as well.

New concepts in accommodation and presbyopia / Novos conceitos em acomodação e presbiopia

The authors conducted a review of classical and conflicting theories of accommodation and presbyopia. They make a critical comparison with the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that have been developed in recent decades. Based on these studies, formulates a new approach on the subject, shifting the focus of the discussion of the lens to the posterior pole of the eye.

Os autores revisaram as teorias clássicas e conflitantes sobre acomodação e presbiopia. E as compararam criticamente com os achados de imagem por ressonância magnética (MRI) que têm se desenvolvido nas últimas décadas. Baseado nestes estudos, formulam uma nova abordagem sobre o tema, mudando o foco da discussão do cristalino para o polo posterior do olho.

[Multifocal, toric, and aspheric intraocular lenses for glaucoma patients]. / Implants multifocaux, toriques et asphériques pour les patients glaucomateux.

Cataract surgery has greatly developed over recent years, mainly due to the introduction and availability of newer intraocular lenses (IOLs) with modern platforms and better visual outcomes. Aspheric, multifocal, and toric lenses are among these new lenses. Glaucomatous eyes have a number of particularities that can influence the way these implants are indicated and used. Contrast sensitivity is usually reduced in eyes with glaucoma and, sometimes, a poor IOL choice can aggravate the disease. Small pupils and zonular weakness are frequently associated with certain types of glaucoma (e.g. pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) and can limit the indication of some of the newer IOLs. Lastly, in some cases of combined surgery, the postoperative axial length and anterior chamber depth can change after surgery, requiring adjustments in the IOL power calculation. The purpose of this article is to quickly review some of the specific features of cataract surgery in the glaucomatous eye, some of the IOL choices, and the necessary precautions for these eyes.

Accommodating intraocular lenses: a review of design concepts, usage and assessment methods.

The correction of presbyopia and restoration of true accommodative function to the ageing eye is the focus of much ongoing research and clinical work. A range of accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) implanted during cataract surgery has been developed and they are designed to change either their position or shape in response to ciliary muscle contraction to generate an increase in dioptric power. Two main design concepts exist. First, axial shift concepts rely on anterior axial movement of one or two optics creating accommodative ability. Second, curvature change designs are designed to provide significant amplitudes of accommodation with little physical displacement. Single-optic devices have been used most widely, although the true accommodative ability provided by forward shift of the optic appears limited and recent findings indicate that alternative factors such as flexing of the optic to alter ocular aberrations may be responsible for the enhanced near vision reported in published studies. Techniques for analysing the performance of AIOLs have not been standardised and clinical studies have reported findings using a wide range of both subjective and objective methods, making it difficult to gauge the success of these implants. There is a need for longitudinal studies using objective methods to assess long-term performance of AIOLs and to determine if true accommodation is restored by the designs available. While dual-optic and curvature change IOLs are designed to provide greater amplitudes of accommodation than is possible with single-optic devices, several of these implants are in the early stages of development and require significant further work before human use is possible. A number of challenges remain and must be addressed before the ultimate goal of restoring youthful levels of accommodation to the presbyopic eye can be achieved.

Model of accommodation: contributions of lens geometry and mechanical properties to the development of presbyopia.

PURPOSE: To determine the relative importance of lens geometry and mechanical properties for the mechanics of accommodation and the role of these elements in the causes and potential correction of presbyopia. SETTING: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Finite element methods and ray-tracing algorithms were used to model the deformation and optical power of the human crystalline lens during accommodation. The mechanical model treats the lens as an axisymmetric object, and the optical model incorporates a gradient refractive index. Using these models, the accommodation of a broad range of lenses with different geometries and mechanical properties were investigated. RESULTS: The most significant result was that reshaping the 45-year-old lens to the geometry of the 29-year-old lens, while retaining the mechanical properties, restored the former's accommodation amplitude to 72% to 94% of that of the 29-year-old lens, depending on ciliary body displacement. That is, reshaping can add 1.8 to 3.7 diopters of accommodation. A sensitivity analysis showed that this result was robust over a wide range of mechanical and geometrical properties. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that a significant amount of the loss of accommodation is due to changes in lens geometry.

Patency of superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes: an ultrasound biomicroscopy study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the patency of the superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). DESIGN: Prospective interventional series. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients were included in this study. METHODS: Twelve aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes were evaluated using UBM. The UBM examination of the anterior segment was performed using the Humphrey Instruments UBM equipped with a high-frequency (50 MHz), high-resolution (50 microm) transducer. The patients were placed in a semisitting position in which their backs were inclined to a suitable angle (about 50 degrees ). They were also asked to look straight ahead, to bring the superior ciliary sulcus to the highest point of the globe. The probe approached the patients' eyes superiorly at a slight angle (about 10 degrees ). Images of the superior ciliary sulcus were captured and analyzed. RESULTS: The UBM images demonstrated an intact curved aqueous-silicone oil interface that appeared at some distance from and not filling the ciliary sulcus. A patent superior ciliary sulcus was thus found in all patients, even in those with a widely opened ciliary sulcus. CONCLUSIONS: The superior ciliary sulcus maintained its patency in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes. These findings indicate that an iridectomy in a superior position may also be effective, although this has not been tested clinically in this report.

Effect of patient motivation on near vision in pseudophakic patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of 'training' the patients' near vision and motivating them towards a spectacle-independent outcome on near vision performance in pseudophakic patients with standard intraocular lens (IOL). DESIGN: Prospective randomized, controlled, examiner-masked clinical trial. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 40 patients with standard cataract surgery were randomly assigned to a "motivated" or "control" group. In the motivated group, subjects were told that they are taking part in a special protocol to improve their near-reading ability after cataract surgery and were instructed not to use reading glasses for at least three months and received cycloplegic eye drops for 10 days after surgery. Follow-up examinations at three months included best-corrected distance visual acuity (VA), distance-corrected near VA, best-corrected near VA, assessment of the defocus curve, and reading speed, as well as pilocarpine-, cyclopentolate- and nearpoint-induced IOL shift assessed with partial coherence interferometry. Additionally, a questionnaire evaluating patients' postoperative satisfaction, independency of reading glasses, and daily-life performance without glasses was carried out three months and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: No difference in reading ability and IOL shift between "motivated" and "control" patients could be detected. However, the motivated patients were less dependent on reading glasses and their ability to be able to perform activities of daily life without glasses was significantly better. CONCLUSION: There was no improvement of ciliary body function in pseudophakic patients with a special training protocol. However, near vision training made patients more independent of reading glasses.

[Presbyopia treatment using a femtosecond laser]. / Presbyopietherapie mit Femtosekundenlaser.

Presbyopia is by far the most common refractive error worldwide, with no permanent therapeutic option available. All efforts to restore accommodation by the use of surgery have not led to a generally accepted therapy. However, there is evidence from an animal model that the use of a femtosecond (fs) laser might influence the modulus of elasticity in the lens. Fs-laser impulses can create intralenticular disruption in animal eyes as well as human cadaver lenses and improve elasticity. The concept of treating presbyopia with fs-laser requires a new, complex theory combining the optical and the mechanical aspects of accommodation in the eye. Diagnostic tools for measuring optical change in power and geometrical modification as the eye views from far to near are needed to obtain objective clinical data. A non-invasive treatment of presbyopia to restore accommodation might be possible in the future.