Comparative study of 2-year outcomes for Hydrus or iStent inject microinvasive glaucoma surgery implants with cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare real-world 24-month outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with either iStent inject or Hydrus Microstent. METHODS: Analysis of data from the Fight Glaucoma Blindness (FGB) international registry. Anonymized data from 344 eyes with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma or ocular hypertension that underwent phacoemulsification combined with either iStent inject (224) or Hydrus Microstent (120) were included. Data were adjusted for baseline characteristics using linear regression and propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was a comparison of mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 24 months. RESULTS: At 24 months, there was no significant difference in IOP reduction between the two groups, consistent across all analyses. The matched cohort showed iStent inject achieved 3.1 mmHg reduction and Hydrus a 2.3 mmHg reduction (p = 0.530) and a mean medication reduction of 1.0 for iStent inject versus 0.5 for Hydrus (p = 0.081). 5.4% of eyes in the iStent inject group and 7.5% of eyes in the Hydrus group required subsequent procedures to improve IOP control within 24 months. Complications were rare with no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four-month outcomes showed sustained IOP reduction with a good safety profile for both groups. There was no significant difference in IOP outcomes between the groups. There may be a small additional reduction in glaucoma medication usage following cataract surgery with iStent inject compared to Hydrus.

Comparison of bleb morphology between trabeculectomy and deep sclerectomy using a clinical grading scale and anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

IMPORTANCE: The role of the filtration bleb for IOP management following trabeculectomy (TRAB) and deep sclerectomy (DS) in glaucoma is highlighted in this study. BACKGROUND: This study serves to analyse the bleb morphology and IOP using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS) and the anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) postoperatively and at 3 months. DESIGN: The retrospective study was performed by a single surgeon. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight patients with open-angle glaucoma were recruited into the study, 14 in each of the TRAB (fornix) and DS groups. METHODS: The surgical intervention was dependent on the irido-corneal angle configuration on gonioscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre-operatively, we collected visual acuity, medications and IOP. Three months postoperatively, we used the IBAGS to assess bleb morphology, including bleb height, extent, vascularity and leak. AS-OCT was also used to assess bleb height, thickness, cyst presence and posterior and intrascleral fluid. RESULTS: Central corneal thickness and mean IOP at 3 months postoperatively were significantly lower in the TRAB group (7.75 vs. 12.27 mmHg; P = 0.005). Blebs that were significantly higher, broader and less vascular compared with DS were displayed by TRAB eyes. The AS-OCT measurements confirmed TRAB eyes had significantly higher blebs and increased intrascleral fluid compared with DS eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Significant differences in bleb morphology, correlating with improved IOP outcomes in TRAB eyes compared with DS eyes in patients with open-angle glaucoma, were showed by both the IBAGS and AS-OCT. Despite the limitations of each classification system, a higher bleb with an increased aqueous reservoir is associated with optimal IOP results.

New trends in glaucoma risk, diagnosis & management.

Recent advances have seen a surge of new ideas and technologies to aid in the detection, treatment and further understanding of glaucoma. These technologies and advances are discussed to provide information on risk-factors, diagnosis and treatment. Glaucoma has never before seen such an advance in research and therapies coming forward in to the clinical workplace. It is an exciting time for physicians and researchers alike and over the next decade will certainly see advances in early detection, efficacious treatments and neuroprotection.

Combining phacoemulsification with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation to manage cataract and glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To examine the outcome and complications of combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation as surgical management of cataract and glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective uncontrolled case series from the glaucoma unit, Western Eye Hospital, London, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three eyes from 59 patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma. METHODS: Patients underwent routine phacoemulsification followed by 270-360 degree endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation as a single procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure, number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications, logMAR visual acuity, recorded complications. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics included mean age (77.3 ± 11.1 years), mean logMAR visual acuity (1.01 ± 0.98), mean intraocular pressure (21.13 ± 6.21 mmHg) and mean number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications, (2.71 ± 1.06). Twelve months after phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, mean intraocular pressure had reduced to 16.09 ± 5.27 mmHg (P < 0.01), number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications reduced to 1.47 ± 1.30 (P < 0.01) and mean logMAR acuity improved to 0.33 ± 0.22 (P < 0.01). Success, defined as an intraocular pressure reduction > 20% with intraocular pressure 6-21 mmHg, was achieved in 55.5% of eyes at 12 months. Complications included fibrinous uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure, posterior vitreous detachment and induced astigmatism. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is both safe and effective as surgical management for cataract and glaucoma. Larger intraocular pressure reductions can be achieved in older patients and those with higher baseline intraocular pressure.

Non-traumatic subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage secondary to barotrauma.

PURPOSE: To report a case of non-traumatic subperiosteal hemorrhage (NTSOH) secondary to barotrauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 42-year-old female presented with right proptosis with bilateral petechial lid hemorrhages, chemosis and diplopia following scuba diving. This occurred in the context of a tight facemask resulting in 'mask squeeze', and performance of Valsalva maneuver to equalize ear pressure. Clinically, there were no signs of optic nerve involvement. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated signs consistent with right subperiosteal hematoma adjacent to the orbital roof with inferolateral displacement of the superior rectus. Patient recovered well after being admitted for intravenous dexamethasone without surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: NTSOH from barotrauma can result from 'mask squeeze' under a tight-fitting mask and exacerbated by use of Valsalva maneuvers. This may be prevented with frequent pressure equalization during diving.

Standalone iStent Trabecular Micro-bypass Glaucoma Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PRECIS: Standalone trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery with the iStent devices is associated with clinically relevant reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) sustained over a reasonably long-term while simultaneously reducing medication burden and a relatively favorable safety profile. PURPOSE: While there is a relatively large body of evidence supporting the implantation of the iStent trabecular micro-bypass devices during phacoemulsification in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), its efficacy as a standalone procedure has been less widely reported. The aims of this study were to systematically identify and quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of iStent devices (iStent and iStent inject) when performed independently of cataract surgery in patients with OAG. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken in August 2019 to identify studies of standalone trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery with iStent devices in patients with OAG. All randomized trials were considered and nonrandomized studies that included at least 6 months of follow-up or more than 10 eyes. Key efficacy analyses included postoperative IOP and medication use, which were used to evaluate weighted mean differences from baseline, and the proportion of eyes free of ocular medication. Postoperative adverse events were descriptively summarized. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were identified including 4 randomized controlled trials and 9 nonrandomized or single-arm studies providing data for 778 eyes. In eyes implanted with iStent devices, a weighted mean IOP reduction of 31.1% was observed at 6 to 12 months. In studies reporting longer-term outcomes (36 to 48 mo or 60 mo), the weighted mean IOP reduction was 30.4% and 32.9%, respectively. The pooled weighted mean reduction in IOP from baseline across all studies at 6 to 12 months and 36 to 60 months poststent implantation was 7.01 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 5.91, 8.11) and 6.59 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 5.55, 7.63), respectively. Medication burden was reduced by ~1.0 medication at 6 to 18 months and 1.2 medications at 36 to 60 months. Adverse events reported in more than 5% of participants were progression of pre-existing cataract/cataract surgery and loss of best-corrected visual acuity but these rates were no different to those reported in comparator medical therapy study arms. CONCLUSIONS: The results from these studies support the independent effect of the iStent trabecular bypass devices on IOP and medication burden over a duration of follow-up of up to 5 years.

One-year outcomes following implantation of second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents in conjunction with cataract surgery for various types of glaucoma or ocular hypertension: multicenter, multi-surgeon study.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility and safety of implanting two second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents following cataract surgery in eyes with mild to advanced glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of iStent®inject trabecular micro-bypass implantation with cataract surgery by five surgeons at five sites in Australia. Eyes had mild to advanced glaucoma (predominantly primary open-angle, appositional angle-closure, or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) or OHT and cataract requiring surgery. Effectiveness measures included intraocular pressure (IOP); medication burden; and proportions of eyes with no medications, ≥2 medications, stable or decreased medications vs preoperative, and IOP ≤18 mmHg. Safety measures included visual acuity, cup-to-disc ratio (CDR), visual field (VF), complications, adverse events, and secondary surgical interventions. Patients have been followed for 12 months, and follow-up is ongoing. RESULTS: Of the 290 total eyes that underwent surgery, 165 eyes had 12-month outcomes at the time of data collection and are included in this report. In these eyes, mean Month 12 IOP reduced by 23.2% from 18.27±5.41 mmHg preoperatively to 14.04±2.98 mmHg (P<0.001), with 95.8% of eyes achieving Month 12 IOP of ≤18 mmHg vs 60.6% preoperatively. Mean number of medications at 12 months decreased by 71.5%, 0.47±0.95 vs 1.65±1.28 preoperatively; 76.4% of eyes were on zero medications vs 17.6% preoperatively (P<0.001); 14.5% of eyes were on ≥2 medications vs 46.7% preoperatively (P<0.001); and 98.2% of eyes maintained or reduced medications vs their preoperative regimen. Favorable safety included no stent-related intraoperative complications; limited and transient postoperative adverse events; and stable CDR, VF, and visual acuity. Three eyes with more advanced disease underwent additional glaucoma surgeries. CONCLUSION: iStent inject implantation with cataract surgery significantly and safely reduced medications and IOP in eyes with various types and severities of glaucoma within a multicenter, multi-provider, real-life setting.

Evaluation of the Early to Mid-term Efficacy and Safety of Deep Sclerectomy without an Intrascleral Spacer for Open-angle Glaucoma in an Australian Population.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the early to the midterm efficacy of deep sclerectomy (DS) without an intra-scleral spacer for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 99 eyes (88 patients) with open-angle glaucoma who underwent DS were recruited in a consecutive order following informed consent. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was collected up to 60 months post operation (mean 19.87 ± 15.13 months). Criteria of success were defined as the qualified success (QS) or complete success (CS) with IOP level less than 21, 18 and 15 mm Hg and a reduction of more than 20% IOP from baseline. QS includes additional medication post-DS, while CS requires no other medications or surgery post-DS. Further analysis includes comparing the criteria of success based on several factors. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 21) statistical software. RESULTS: The QS at 60 months for IOP less than 21, 18 and 15 mm Hg is 71.3% (45.12 ± 2.46), 63.9% (40.41 ± 2.75) and 48.7% (35.62 ± 2.85), respectively. The CS at 60 months for IOP less than 21, 18 and 15 mm Hg are 69.3% (47.51 ± 2.77), 57.9% (40.41 ± 2.75) and 45.2% (35.62 ± 2.85), respectively. There was no significant difference between QS and DS post-DS based on the level of experience of the surgeons; intraoperation complication; age and gender. There was a significant reduction in IOP post operation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DS is observed to be an effective surgical method with a favorable safety profile to manage patients with open-angle glaucoma. It has a better safety profile compared to trabeculectomy (TE) and can be performed by surgeons of different experience safely and successfully. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first report of DS in an Australian population with up to 60 months of follow-up. It is an effective procedure for IOP control in patients with OAG and has fewer complications compared to TE. DS is less popular than TE primarily due to a perceived steep learning curve, but most of the literature on DS describe single surgeon results. Our study compared the outcome of five surgeons with a variety of experience and found no significant differences in the rate of success for all levels of IOP. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Hui MM, Clement CI. Evaluation of the Early to Mid-term Efficacy and Safety of Deep Sclerectomy without an Intrascleral Spacer for Open-angle Glaucoma in an Australian Population. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(3):107-112.

Incidence of Intraocular Pressure Elevation following Intravitreal Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for Age-related Macular Degeneration.

AIM: The aim of this article is to evaluate the rate of patients developing sustained elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after ranibizumab (Lucentis) intravitreal (IVT) injections. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Charts of 192 consecutive patients receiving Lucentis for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were retrospectively reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients with at least two IOP measurements between injections. Elevated IOP was defined as >21 mm Hg with an increase of at least 20% from baseline. Noninjected contralateral eyes of the same patient cohort were used as control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was defined as elevated IOP. Secondary outcomes were presence and type of glaucoma, number of injections, and time to IOP elevation. RESULTS: Elevated IOP occurred at a significantly higher rate in eyes receiving IVT ranibizumab (7.47%; n = 9) compared with control (0.93%; n = 1). Patients with preexisting glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) were more likely to develop elevated IOP after IVT ranibizumab injection. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal ranibizumab injections are associated with sustained IOP elevation in some eyes. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Reis GMSM, Grigg J, Chua B, Lee A, Lim R, Higgins R, Martins A, Goldberg I, Clement CI. The Incidence of Intraocular Pressure Elevation following Intravitreal Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for Age-related Macular Degeneration. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):3-7.

Intra-Ocular Pressure Measurement in a Patient with a Thin, Thick or Abnormal Cornea.

Accurate measurement of intra-ocular pressure is a fundamental component of the ocular examination. The most common method of measuring IOP is by Goldmann applanation tonometry, the accuracy of which is influenced by the thickness and biomechanical properties of the cornea. Algorithms devised to correct for corneal thickness to estimate IOP oversimplify the effects of corneal biomechanics. The viscous and elastic properties of the cornea influence IOP measurements in unpredictable ways, a finding borne out in studies of patients with inherently abnormal and surgically altered corneal biomechanics. Dynamic contour tonometry, rebound tonometry and the ocular response analyzer provide useful alternatives to GAT in patients with abnormal corneas, such as those who have undergone laser vision correction or keratoplasty. This article reviews the various methods of intra-ocular pressure measurement available to the clinician and the ways in which their utility is influenced by variations in corneal thickness and biomechanics.

Does Chronic Hypotony following Trabeculectomy Represent Treatment Failure?

PURPOSE: To measure the rate of complications from chronic hypotony following trabeculectomy and clarify the definition of postoperative hypotony. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, the rate of complications was compared between 34 eyes with chronic hypotony and 34 eyes without hypotony. Chronic hypotony was defined as those eyes with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of less than 6 mm Hg on two consecutive clinic visits at least 3 months after trabeculectomy. Cases were identified from a database of two glaucoma surgeons between 2010 and 2013. Outcomes measured included visual acuity, presence of choroidal effusion, hypotensive maculopathy and cataract development/progression. Factors associated with the development of hypotony were considered using analysis of variance (ANOVA) multivariate regression. RESULTS: Maculopathy was seen in 23.5% of hypotony eyes but not in controls (p < 0.01). No significant difference in the rate of choroidal effusion or cataract was documented between groups. Control eyes were more likely to remain complication free (58.8 vs 32.4%, p < 0.03). Spontaneous recovery from hypotony occurred in 32.4% of hypotony eyes. CONCLUSION: Sight threatening complications occur more frequently in eyes with chronic hypotony following glaucoma surgery. However, not all eyes with chronic hypotony develop sight threatening complications. A definition of hypotony that combines IOP criteria with the presence of structural and/or functional changes is recommended. How to cite this article: Yun S, Chua B, I Clement C. Does Chronic Hypotony following Trabeculectomy Represent Treatment Failure? J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2015;9(1):12-15.

New perspectives on target intraocular pressure.

The evidence in support of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering to reduce risk of glaucoma onset or progression is strong, although the amount and quality of IOP reduction is less well defined. The concept of a target IOP includes a percentage reduction, calculated IOP, or a predetermined IOP figure or range. Yet none of these strategies have been validated. In addition, our understanding of the way IOP influences glaucoma risk is continuously evolving. Examples of this include the data on IOP fluctuation and lamina cribrosa and cerebrospinal fluid pressure differentials. That these variables are not included in target IOP calculation potentially undermines its accuracy and usefulness. We summarize the evidence for target IOP, new developments in our understanding of IOP and glaucoma pathogenesis, as well as emerging strategies for setting targets and assessing response to treatment.

A comparison between tube surgery, ND:YAG laser and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by 3 treatment modalities, (a) glaucoma tube implants, (b) noncontact YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation (cycloYAG), and (c) contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (cyclodiode), in cases of advanced glaucoma refractory to alternative treatments. METHODS: A consecutive group of 45 eyes that received cycloYAG were matched against two control groups of patients who had received tube surgery or cyclodiode, each control group having been derived from a database of patients. RESULTS: Mean pretreatment IOP improved from 41.3, 38.6, and 32.0 mmHg for the tube, cycloYAG, and cyclodiode groups, respectively, to 16.4, 22.1, and 19.3 mmHg, respectively. Treatment success was achieved in 78%, 69%, and 71% of the tube, cycloYAG, and cyclodiode groups, respectively. Visual acuity deteriorated 2 or more Snellen lines in 16%, 7%, and 9% of the patients in the tube, cycloYAG, and cyclodiode groups, respectively. Complications included retinal detachment, hypotony, and phthisis. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 methods provided acceptable IOP lowering in the short and medium term. Control of IOP was best in patients receiving tube surgery. Cyclodiode and cycloYAG treatments were similarly effective in lowering IOP. Tube surgery was associated with a greater incidence of sight threatening complications.

Initial Treatment: Prostaglandin Analog or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.

Prostaglandin analogs (PGA) have been the initial treatment of choice in many patients with glaucoma. However, there is an increasing awareness that non adherence and disruption of the ocular surface may limit PGA utility and tolerability respectively in some patients. In an eye with an open iridocorneal angle, these issues can potentially be addressed with the use of laser trabeculoplasty (LT). This therapy can achieve long-term intraocular pressure reduction following 1 to 2 treatment sessions without the ongoing need to apply medication (and preservatives) to the ocular surface. Whether PGAs or LT should be used in a given individual will also be influenced by other important factors including efficacy, response rate, tolerability, complications, cost and accessibility. This review examines these issues in relation to the initiation of primary therapy. How to cite this article: Clement CI. Initial Treatment: Prostaglandin Analog of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. J Current Glau Prac 2012;6(3):99-103.

The Anti-VEGF Epidemic: What are the Implications for Glaucoma Services?

The early reports on intraocular bevacizumab injections talked about a transient predictable probably volume-related rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). As the usage of the drug increased across the globe, sustained IOP elevation was noted. This article provides an insightly into the causes of IOP spikes and its impact on glaucoma practice. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Skalicky SE, I Clement C. The Anti-VEGF Epidemic: What are the Implications for Glaucoma Services? J Current Glau Prac 2012;6(2):55-57.

Plasma homocysteine, MTHFR gene mutation, and open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated plasma homocysteine has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The association between open-angle glaucoma and cardiovascular disease has recently stimulated interest in the role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Some studies report elevated plasma homocysteine in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXFG), but have not found this association consistently in other types of open-angle glaucoma. In this study, we have measured plasma homocysteine and C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation, the commonest genetic cause of elevated plasma homocysteine, in patients with PXFG, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients with PXFG, 36 patients with POAG, 34 patients with NTG, and 42 controls without glaucoma. METHODS: Fasting venous blood samples from each participant were analyzed for plasma homocysteine and the C677T MTHFR gene mutation. MAIN OUTCOME OF INTEREST: Mean plasma homocysteine levels, number of individuals with homocysteine above the reference range, and percentage of individuals with heterozygous or homozygous C677T MTHFR gene mutations. RESULTS: Mean plasma homocysteine was significantly higher in PXFG (11.77+/-4.18 micromol/L), POAG (11.21+/-2.84 micromol/L), and NTG (11.74+/-3.79 micromol/L) compared with control (9.82+/-1.75 micromol/L). Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 27.1% of PXFG patients, 30.6% of POAG patients, and 29.4% of NTG patients. There was no significant difference in frequency of MTHFR C677T gene mutation between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma homocysteine was elevated in PXFG, POAG, and NTG. Elevated plasma homocysteine seems to be associated with glaucoma in these patients.