APOE ε2-Carriers Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma in Patients of Saudi Origin.

This study investigated the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) in a Saudi cohort. Genotyping of 437 DNA samples (251 controls, 92 PACG, 94 PXG) was conducted using PCR-based Sanger sequencing. The results showed no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of rs429358 and rs7412 between the PACG/PXG cases and controls. Haplotype analysis revealed ε3 as predominant, followed by ε4 and ε2 alleles, with no significant variance in PACG/PXG. However, APOE genotype analysis indicated a significant association between ε2-carriers and PACG (odds ratio = 4.82, 95% CI 1.52-15.26, p = 0.007), whereas no notable association was observed with PXG. Logistic regression confirmed ε2-carriers as a significant predictor for PACG (p = 0.008), while age emerged as significant for PXG (p < 0.001). These findings suggest a potential role of ε2-carriers in PACG risk within the Saudi cohort. Further validation and larger-scale investigations are essential to elucidate the precise role of APOE in PACG pathogenesis and progression.

Bilateral Multiple Ciliary Body Cysts with Angle-Closure Glaucoma in an 18-Year-Old Patient.

We present the rare case of an 18-year-old medically free male who had a history of decrease in vision in the left eye (LE) in the last 4 years. On examination, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye (RE) and counting fingers 3 feet in the LE. Intraocular pressure was 34 and 40 mmHg in RE and LE, respectively. Fundus examination showed cupping of 0.7 on the RE and 0.9 on the LE. Gonioscopy revealed bilateral angle closure with a double-hump sign. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed multiple ciliary body cysts replacing ciliary body sulcus space bilaterally.

Prevalence of Plateau Iris Syndrome among Patients Presenting with Primary Angle Closure and Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma in a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and plateau iris syndrome (PIS) is the most common nonpupillary block mechanism of angle closure. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PIS among Saudi population. METHODS: It is a prospective observational study that examined patients previously diagnosed with chronic angle closure. Those patients already underwent peripheral laser iridotomy (PLI) and were assessed clinically and by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). RESULTS: A total of 147 eyes in 77 patients were included in this study. The mean age among subjects was 61.2 years, and almost 69% were females. Chronic angle closure was noted to be bilateral in 91% of patients, whereas 5% had their left eye involved and 4% had right eye involved. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before PLI and after laser treatment was 19.3 and 16.2, respectively. The mean visual acuity before and after PLI was 0.3 logMAR. After UBM examination, plateau iris was found in 41.5% of subjects. The anterior chamber (AC) depth was noted to be deeper in PIS patients (P = 0.046). Other risk factors were observed in our study including place of residency (P = 0.048) and preintervention IOP (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: PIS is the most common mechanism of nonpupillary block angle closure. In addition to clinical findings, UBM is important to reach the appropriate diagnosis. This study reviewed the prevalence of PIS with the aid of UBM; it was found consistent with previous reports. In addition, PIS risk factors included AC depth, place of residency, and preintervention IOP.

Primary open angle glaucoma management in a tertiary eye care center in Saudi Arabia: a best practice implementation pilot project.

AIM: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of permanent visual loss affecting significant numbers in Saudi Arabia. There is no cure for glaucoma but there is mounting evidence to guide ophthalmologists in diagnosing and managing this disease. The aim of this pilot project was to assess the compliance with evidence-based criteria and to implement an adapted clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of patients with POAG at a tertiary eye care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that will lead to improving quality, consistency and optimizing patients' care. METHODS: The project consisted of three phases using audit and feedback strategy. It has utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool. Eleven evidence-based audit criteria were developed. A baseline audit was then conducted. Barriers behind areas of noncompliance were identified and a number of strategies were implemented to overcome them. A follow-up postimplementation audit was then conducted. RESULTS: Twenty electronic medical files were randomly selected for baseline audit. The results of the audit have identified a number of possible areas to improve in the diagnosis and management of POAG in compliance with the adapted CPG with compliance rate as low as 20% (4/20) in some criteria. Multifaceted interventions were implemented targeting mainly attitude and lack of knowledge and time and resource barriers. Significant improvement occurred in most criteria audited postimplementation. CONCLUSION: The project demonstrates that audit and feedback is a feasible and effective tool to change glaucoma practice in a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. The success was due to multifaceted interventions including clear communication to promote awareness, an easily accessible CPG, and regular reminders to improve knowledge and change behavior. We propose our pilot implementation to be generalized to promote implementing evidence-based ophthalmology.