Subtenon triamcinolone as an adjuvant in mitomycin-C-enhanced trabeculectomy in non-inflammatory glaucomas: A randomized clinical trial.

This unicentric randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the surgical outcomes of mitomycin C-enhanced trabeculectomy (MMC-TRAB) with and without subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC) injection in patients with non-inflammatory glaucomas. This trial is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) under the register number RBR-53f8nh. Consecutive non-inflammatory glaucoma patients requiring surgical intervention were randomized into two groups. In the control group, eyes underwent standard MMC-TRAB, while in the intervention group, besides the standard MMC-TRAB, these eyes also received a subtenon TAAC injection (4mg) close to the bleb site at the end of the surgery. The main outcomes of the study were surgical success rates, intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of medications at all timepoints. Success was defined as IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and subdivided in complete or qualified according to the need of medication. A total of 75 eyes of 63 different patients were included (intervention group = 39 eyes; control group = 36 eyes). There was no difference between groups at baseline (p>0.11). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that IOP levels were significantly lower in the intervention group at 18 and 24 months of follow-up when number of medications was considered as a covariate (P<0.001). Complete success rates were higher in the intervention group at 06 (90.9% vs 68.7%; p = 0.03), 12 (87.2% vs 66.7%; p = 0.02) and 18 months (87.2% vs 66.7%; p = 0.02). Additionally, although success rates at 24 months were higher in the intervention group (82.0% vs 66.7%; p = 0.09), this difference did not reach statistical significance. Qualified success rates did not significantly differ between groups at all timepoints. In conclusion, this study found significantly lower IOPs levels at 18 and 24 months of follow-up and higher complete success rates until 18 months of follow-up, with the use of subtenon TAAC as an adjuvant to standard MMC-TRABs in non-inflammatory glaucoma patients.

Clinical Profiles of Glaucomatous Patients With High-tension and Low-tension Optic Disc Hemorrhages: A Comparative Study.

PRCIS: Patients with low-tension optic disc hemorrhages (DHs) are more frequently women, have a diagnosis of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) diagnosis and greater visual field (VF) loss. Symptoms of vascular dysregulation and Asian race also seem to be more prevalent in this clinical subtype. PURPOSE: Optic DH is an important glaucoma risk factor, and occurs in a wide intraocular pressure (IOP) range. We sought to characterize distinct clinical subtypes of patients with high-tension disc hemorrhage (HTDH) and low-tension disc hemorrhage (LTDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, treated glaucomatous patients with DHs from 2 glaucoma services were consecutively enrolled. Disc photographs were evaluated for the presence of DH by 2 glaucoma specialists. After inclusion, patients were classified on HTDH (IOP≥16 mm Hg) and LTDH (IOP<16 mm Hg; median split). Clinical and ocular data from the time of DH detection were compared between groups. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three DH patients were included (LTDH=66 eyes; HTDH=67 eyes). Patients with LTDH were more often women than those with HTDH (77% vs. 42%; P=0.030). There was also a trend for a higher prevalence of Asian descendants (24% vs. 9%; P=0.058) and symptoms suggestive of vascular dysregulation (34% vs. 14%; P=0.057) in LTDH patients. Eyes with LTDH also had worse VF mean deviation index (P=0.037), higher prevalence of NTG diagnosis (46% vs. 17%; P<0.001), and tended to have thinner central corneas (P=0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Patients developing DHs with treated IOPs in the low teens seem to more frequently fit in a profile represented by women, NTG diagnosis and greater VF loss. The presence of symptoms suggestive of vascular dysregulation and race also seem to differ between these 2 clinical subtypes. A closer optic disc surveillance is recommended for patients with the LTDH subtype, as they may develop DHs despite seemingly well-controlled IOP.

Optic Nerve Head Hemoglobin Levels in Glaucoma: A Structural and Functional Correlation Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate structural and functional correlations in glaucoma patients using optic nerve head hemoglobin (ONH Hb) measurements as determined by automated colorimetric analysis of conventional retinography. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled healthy participants and glaucomatous patients with a wide range of disease stages. All participants underwent visual field (VF) testing (standard automated perimetry, SAP), color fundus imaging (mydriatic retinography), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) assessment through spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Software Laguna ONhE was used to estimate the amount of ONH Hb and to determine the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) index. Scatter plots were constructed, and regression analysis was used to investigate the correlations between GDF, average pRNFL thickness, and VF mean deviation (VFMD) index values. A secondary analysis was performed to compare each parameter between three different glaucoma groups divided according to VFMD values (mild, >-6 dB; moderate, -6 to -12 dB; and advanced, <-12 dB). RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six eyes from 123 participants (69 with glaucoma and 54 controls) were enrolled. Overall, all parameters evaluated differed significantly between glaucomatous and control eyes (p ≤ 0.001). The comparison of each parameter according to groups of disease stages revealed significant differences between controls and each of the glaucomatous groups (p < 0.001). More pronounced changes in GDF values were observed in early disease stages. We found significant nonlinear correlations between GDF and VFMD values (R 2 = 0.295, p < 0.001) and between pRNFL thickness and VFMD (R 2 = 0.598, p < 0.001). A linear correlation was found between GDF and pRNFL thickness values (R 2 = 0.195, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed significant associations between ONH Hb values and both structural and functional damage in glaucoma obtained by SD-OCT and SAP, respectively. The nonlinear correlation we found and the GDF behavior along different disease stages suggest that ONH Hb levels' reduction may precede visual function changes in early glaucoma stages.

Comparison between provocative test-based and long-term intraocular pressure parameters in patients with stable open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare provocative test-based and long-term intraocular pressure variation parameters in patients with stable open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out in which stable open-angle glaucoma patients (⩾3 years of follow-up without any changes on current medical regimen) were consecutively enrolled. All patients were submitted to a water-drinking test. Long-term intraocular pressure parameters were obtained from isolated intraocular pressure measurements from each visit (⩾5 visits). We investigated the correlation and agreement between the following water-drinking test and long-term intraocular pressure parameters: mean, peak, and fluctuation. In addition, the percentage of eyes with significant intraocular pressure peaks during the water-drinking test (defined as a difference ⩾25% between water-drinking test intraocular pressure peak and mean long-term intraocular pressure) was assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-three eyes from 63 open-angle glaucoma patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 11.8 years) were included. Mean and water-drinking test intraocular pressure peak correlated significantly with mean (r = 0.67) and maximum long-term intraocular pressure (r = 0.52), respectively (p < 0.01). The correlation between water-drinking test intraocular pressure fluctuation and long-term intraocular pressure fluctuation was not significant (p = 0.45). Limits of agreement from Bland-Altman plots exceeded the maximum allowed difference between methods (3 mm Hg) for all the intraocular pressure parameters analyzed, suggesting poor agreement between water-drinking test-derived and long-term intraocular pressure values. Overall, significant water-drinking test intraocular pressure peaks were observed in 39.7% of these eyes with stable open-angle glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Although some water-drinking test-based and long-term intraocular pressure parameters correlate significantly, water-drinking test results may not reflect the long-term intraocular pressure profile of stable open-angle glaucoma patients, as their agreement is poor. Many of these patients may experience significant water-drinking test intraocular pressure peaks, despite long-standing stable disease and unchanged medical regimen.

Retinal Sensitivity Thresholds Obtained Through Easyfield and Humphrey Perimeters in Eyes with Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare global retinal sensitivity thresholds obtained through the Easyfield perimeter (EF) and Humphrey visual field analyzer (HFA). DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Glaucomatous patients and glaucoma suspects enrolled between October 2018 and April 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All participants underwent EF (SPARK Precision) and HFA perimetry (SITA-Standard). After inclusion, demographic and ocular data were collected, including measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness obtained from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Global indices (mean deviation, MD; pattern standard deviation, PSD) values were compared between perimeters, and their correlation and agreement were evaluated. We used regression analysis to investigate structure-functional correlations between SD-OCT measurements and MD index of each perimeter. RESULTS: We investigated 111 eyes from 69 patients. Mean MD (mean difference=1.49dB) and PSD values (mean difference=0.42dB) from the HFA were significantly larger than those from the EF perimeter (p<0.001). There were significant linear correlations between EF-MD and HFA-MD (r=0.56), and EF-PSD and HFA-PSD (r=0.38; p<0.001). We found significant non-linear associations between average RNFL thickness and MD values derived from both EF (R2=0.41) and HFA (R2=0.17) perimeters (p≤0.012). A difference <2dB between EF-MD and HFA-MD was found in 53% of the eyes, while 71% of them had a difference <1dB between EF-PSD and HFA-PSD. CONCLUSION: While we found a moderate correlation and a small mean sensitivity difference between test results, EF's correlation with structural measurements was at least comparable to that of the HFA. Our findings suggest that although these tests should not be used interchangeably, EF SPARK Precision could be used as an alternative for functional assessment in eyes with mild glaucoma.

Peak, Fluctuation, or Mean? A Correlation Analysis of Long-term Intraocular Pressure Variation Parameters in Patients with Stable Glaucoma.

AIM: To perform a correlation analysis between long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) variation parameters (mean, peak, and fluctuation) in patients with stable open-angle glaucoma (OAG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, in which patients with stable OAG were consecutively enrolled. All patients had to have glaucomatous optic neuropathy and characteristic visual field (VF) defects. Key inclusion criteria were ≥5 VF tests, ≥3 disc photographs, and ≥3 years of follow-up without any changes in current medical regimen. Stable OAG was defined as nonprogressive VF results and absence of anatomical changes for at least 3 years. Long-term IOP variation parameters were obtained from isolated IOP measurements from each visit (minimum of five IOP measurements). The main outcome measure was the correlation between these IOP variation parameters. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients studied, 37 (59%) were women, and the mean age was 61 ± 12 years. Among all the analyses, IOP mean and peak had the strongest correlation (r = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.92-0.97; p < 0.001). There were also significant correlations between IOP peak and IOP fluctuation (r = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.75-0.90; p < 0.001), and mean IOP and IOP fluctuation (r = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.43-0.75; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Most long-term IOP variation parameters evaluated seem to be highly correlated. Notably, the correlation between mean IOP and IOP peak was the strongest one. We believe this fact should be taken into consideration as their inclusion as individual variables in a multiple regression model could lead to misinterpretation of the data. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Different well-designed studies are conflicting regarding which long-term IOP variation parameter is more clinically relevant. Our findings suggest that collinearity issues could explain in part the discrepant results among these studies evaluating the relationship between long-term IOP variation parameters and glaucoma prognosis. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Scoralick ALB, Gracitelli CPB, et al. Peak, Fluctuation, or Mean? A Correlation Analysis of Long-term Intraocular Pressure Variation Parameters in Patients with Stable Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2019;13(1):28-31.

Eyes with Suspicious Appearance of the Optic Disc and Normal Intraocular Pressure: Using Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics to Differentiate Those with and without Glaucoma.

Among all glaucoma suspects, eyes with optic nerve head features suspicious or suggestive of early glaucoma are probably those that offer the greatest challenge for clinicians. In contrast with the robust longitudinal data published on ocular hypertension, there is no specific management guideline for these patients. Therefore, evaluating eyes with suspicious optic disc appearance and normal intraocular pressure (IOP), we sought to investigate potential differences in clinical and epidemiological characteristics to differentiate those with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) from those with presumed large physiological optic disc cups (pLPC). In this observational case-control study, we consecutively enrolled individuals with pLPC and NTG. All eyes had vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR)≥0.6 and untreated IOP<21 mmHg. Glaucomatous eyes had reproducible visual field defects. Eyes with pLPC required normal visual fields and ≥30 months of follow-up with no evidence of glaucomatous neuropathy. Clinical and epidemiological parameters were compared between groups. Eighty-four individuals with pLPC and 40 NTG patients were included. Regarding our main results, NTG patients were significantly older and with a higher prevalence of Japanese descendants (p<0.01). Not only did pLPC eyes have smaller mean VCDR, but also larger optic discs (p≤0.04). There were no significant differences for gender, central corneal thickness, and spherical equivalent (p≥0.38). Significant odds ratios (OR) were found for race (OR = 2.42; for Japanese ancestry), age (OR = 1.05), VCDR (OR = 5.03), and disc size (OR = 0.04; p≤0.04). In conclusion, in patients with suspicious optic disc and normal IOP, those with older age, Japanese ancestry, smaller optic discs, and larger VCDR are more likely to have NTG, and therefore, deserve deeper investigation and closer monitoring.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty as an initial treatment option for open-angle glaucoma.

Although eye drops are frequently used as an initial treatment option for open angle glaucoma (OAG), side effects, and poor adherence, among others, may compromise treatment efficacy. In this scenario, laser trabeculoplasty is an interesting therapeutic option for open angle glaucoma cases. Commonly used for many years as a last alternative prior to glaucoma incisional surgery, laser trabeculoplasty has been changing its indication after the advent of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). In the current review, we critically evaluated the published data regarding the use of laser trabeculoplasty as a first treatment option for open angle glaucoma patients. Studies using SLT as a first-line treatment have encouraging findings. One-year efficacy results are comparable to those obtained with prostaglandin analogues, with a good safety profile. Although the laser´s effect is known to be transitory, recent data suggest it can be successfully repeated in cases with good response to the first SLT treatment.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty as an initial treatment option for open-angle glaucoma / Trabeculoplastia seletiva como opção terapêutica inicial para o tratamento do glaucoma de ângulo aberto

ABSTRACT Although eye drops are frequently used as an initial treatment option for open angle glaucoma (OAG), side effects, and poor adherence, among others, may compromise treatment efficacy. In this scenario, laser trabeculoplasty is an interesting therapeutic option for open angle glaucoma cases. Commonly used for many years as a last alternative prior to glaucoma incisional surgery, laser trabeculoplasty has been changing its indication after the advent of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). In the current review, we critically evaluated the published data regarding the use of laser trabeculoplasty as a first treatment option for open angle glaucoma patients. Studies using SLT as a first-line treatment have encouraging findings. One-year efficacy results are comparable to those obtained with prostaglandin analogues, with a good safety profile. Although the laser´s effect is known to be transitory, recent data suggest it can be successfully repeated in cases with good response to the first SLT treatment.

RESUMO Embora a terapia tópica seja frequentemente usada como primeira opção para o tratamento inicial do glaucoma de ângulo aberto (GAA), efeitos colaterais, baixa adesão, entre outros fatores podem comprometer a eficácia do tratamento. Nesse cenário, a trabeculoplastia a laser surge como uma opção terapêutica interessante. Comumente usada como última alternativa antes da cirurgia antiglaucomatosa incisional por muitos anos, a trabeculoplastia a laser tem sido indicada cada vez mais cedo com o advento da trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser (SLT). Nessa revisão, nós avaliamos criticamente as publicações sobre trabeculoplastia a laser como primeira opção para glaucoma de ângulo aberto. Os estudos de SLT como primeira opção terapêutica têm apresentado dados animadores. Os resultados de um ano de acompanhamento mostram eficácia semelhante àquela obtida com análogos de prostaglandinas. Embora o efeito do laser seja transitório, estudos recentes sugerem que o procedimento pode ser repetido com sucesso nos casos que tiveram boa resposta ao primeiro tratamento com SLT.