Trends in glaucoma surgical procedures in Ontario: 1992-2012.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends in the surgical management of glaucoma in Ontario over the past 2 decades. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of health records. METHODS: Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing service claims between 1992 and 2012 were analyzed for the yearly number of glaucoma laser and incisional surgical procedures. The yearly number of Ontarians with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was estimated by applying composite prevalence curves to published population data and the yearly number of procedures per 1000 Ontarians with POAG was calculated. RESULTS: Per 1000 people with POAG, laser trabeculoplasty (LT) rates increased nearly 2-fold (185%) from 1992 to 2012, with the rates stabilizing between 2008 and 2012, and total glaucoma filtration procedure (GFP) rates (trabeculectomy, aqueous shunts, and combined GFP and cataract extraction) in 2012 were similar to those in 1992, with a peak rate noted in 1996. Shunts represented 0.9% of GFP in 1992 and 33% in 2012. Data for combination codes billed on the same day for the same patient were available from 2000. From 2000 to 2012 the rates of trabeculectomy alone remained unchanged, the number of aqueous shunts alone increased more than 5-fold, combined trabeculectomy and cataract extraction decreased 81%, whereas combined shunts and cataract extraction increased from 6 in 2000 to 420 in 2012. Combined aqueous shunts and cataract extraction represented 0.4% of combined cataract extractions in 2000 and 26.3% in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 2 decades there was an overall increase in the rate of LT, no change in the rate of trabeculectomies, and a significant increase in aqueous shunt surgery.

National survey of ophthalmologists in Singapore for the assessment and management of asymptomatic angle closure.

PURPOSE: Approximately 10% of Chinese people older than 50 years in Singapore have asymptomatic narrow angles [also termed primary angle closure suspects (PACS)]. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and practices of ophthalmologists in Singapore regarding the management of these patients. METHODS: A nation wide questionnaire-based survey was conducted on all registered, practicing ophthalmologists in Singapore by electronic mail and post. An ophthalmologist was defined as a doctor who had completed at least 3 years of specialist training in ophthalmology and had passed the Master's Degree in Ophthalmology or equivalent examinations. The survey asked the ophthalmologists about the methods and criteria used for the diagnosis of angle closure. It also inquired about the management of PACS and opinions on the effectiveness of prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in preventing both acute and chronic angle closure. RESULTS: A total of 126 out of 158 ophthalmologists responded (79.7% response rate). Of the respondents, 84.9% would advise prophylactic LPI for asymptomatic PACS; 84.9% believed that prophylactic LPI would prevent acute angle closure but only 44% thought that it could prevent the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. The preferred method of prophylactic LPI was sequential argon-YAG LPI. In assessing patients for angle closure, 85.4% used gonioscopy, 92.9% assessed anterior chamber depth, and 17.5% performed provocative tests. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists in Singapore vary in the method of assessment of patients with angle closure. Most believe that prophylactic LPI should be performed for asymptomatic PACS.

Removal of intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies with intraocular magnet.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of conservation of the lens after removal of intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies with intraocular magnet. METHODS: Intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies of 15 patients were removed by using an intraocular magnet. The lens of each injury eye was conserved. Follow-up observation of these cases ranged from one to four years. RESULTS: The intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies of 15 patients were successfully removed. The lens of each injury eye was conserved and the transparence of the lens was properly maintained. Sizes of these foreign bodies were measured, ranging from 0.3 mm to 3 mm in diameter. The follow-up observation showed that the corrected visual acuity of 14 cases was not changed after operation. CONCLUSIONS: The intraocular magnet is very helpful for removal of magnetic foreign bodies from the transparent lens. This magnet allows removing of the foreign body by the surgeon and no damage to the lens was induced during the operation. Thus, maintenance of visual acuity of most of the patients can be achieved.

Chronic angle closure glaucoma secondary to frail zonular fibres and spherophakia.

PURPOSE: We describe a 39-year-old Japanese woman with chronic angle closure glaucoma secondary to spherophakia and frail zonular fibres. The patient was 143 cm in height with short fingers and had no family history of eye problems. High intraocular pressure, total optic disc cupping and severe visual field constriction were found in the right eye. METHODS: The patient was treated successfully with trabeculectomy in the right eye and laser iridotomy in the left eye. CONCLUSION: The clinical findings imply that this was a borderline case of Weil-Marchesani syndrome.

Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty versus conventional systemic medical therapy in treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma : a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) is as effective and safe as conventional systemic medications in treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) when immediate laser peripheral iridotomy is neither possible nor safe. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three eyes of 64 consecutive patients with their first presentation of acute PACG, with intraocular pressure (IOP) levels of 40 mmHg or more, were recruited into the study. INTERVENTION: The acute PACG eye of each consenting patient received topical pilocarpine (4%) and topical timolol (0.5%). The patients were then randomized into one of two treatment groups. The ALPI group received immediate ALPI under topical anesthesia. The medical treatment group was given 500 mg of intravenous acetazolamide, followed by oral acetazolamide 250 mg four times daily, and an oral potassium supplement until IOP levels normalized. Intravenous mannitol also was administered to the latter group if the presenting IOP was higher than 60 mmHg. The acute PACG eye of both groups continued to receive topical pilocarpine (1%) until peripheral iridotomy could be performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure profile, corneal clarity, symptoms, visual acuity, angle status by indentation gonioscopy, and complications of treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-three acute PACG eyes of 32 patients were randomized to receive immediate ALPI, whereas 40 acute PACG eyes of 32 patients had conventional systemic medical therapy. Both treatment groups were matched for age, duration of attack, and IOP at presentation. The ALPI-treated group had lower IOP levels than the medically treated group at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour after the start of treatment. The differences were statistically significant. The difference in IOP levels became statistically insignificant from 2 hours onward. The duration of attack did not affect the efficacy of ALPI in reducing IOP in acute PACG. No serious laser complications occurred, at least in the early postlaser period. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty significantly is more effective than conventional systemic medications in reducing IOP levels in acute PACG in eyes not suitable for immediate laser peripheral iridotomy within the first 2 hours from the initiation of treatment. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is a safe and more effective alternative to conventional systemic medications in the management of acute PACG not amenable to immediate laser peripheral iridotomy.

Effects of nilvadipine, nicardipine and verapamil on acute rise of aqueous flare induced by iris photocoagulation or intravenous lipopolysaccharides in pigmented rabbits.

The effects of nilvadipine, nicardipine and verapamil on the acute rise of aqueous flare induced by argon laser photocoagulation of the iris or by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 0.5 microg/kg) were investigated in pigmented rabbits. Nilvadipine, nicardipine and verapamil were injected intravenously. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare cell meter. Following photocoagulation, aqueous flare increased, reached its maximum at 45-75 min and then decreased. After administration of LPS, aqueous flare increased, reached its maximum at 4 h and then returned to baseline levels at about 24 h. Flare reactions were inhibited by nilvadipine in a dose-dependent manner. The elevations were maximally inhibited by nilvadipine 30 min before photocoagulation or intravenous LPS. Two hundred micrograms per kilogram of nilvadipine inhibited 81% of photocoagulation-induced flare elevation, while the same dose of nicardipine and verapamil inhibited 19 and 9% of the elevation, respectively. The same dose of nilvadipine inhibited 51% of LPS-induced flare elevation, while the same dose of nicardipine and verapamil inhibited 6 and 4% of the elevation, respectively. In conclusion, nilvadipine inhibited the experimental elevation of aqueous flare more effectively than did nicardipine and verapamil.

Small incision single-suture-loop pupilloplasty for postoperative atonic pupil.

In this small incision technique to correct postoperative atonic pupil in the aphakic or pseudophakic eye, the pupil is sutured and constricted with a 10-0 polypropylene loop through 3 1.0 mm stab incisions. The surgery is easier to perform than previous methods, appears safe and reproducible, and requires little special equipment. Although the pupil's shape may become slightly irregular, its size is fairly easy to regulate. This new method should be useful in correcting postoperative atonic pupil, and the small incision technique will likely minimize surgical trauma and induced astigmatism.

Management of ophthalmic complications of homocystinuria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of surgical versus medical management in the treatment of ophthalmic complications of homocystinuria, and also to document ocular complications of homocystinuria other than lens dislocation. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five patients with ophthalmic complications of homocystinuria participated. INTERVENTION: Eighty-four surgical procedures were performed on 40 patients. There were 82 procedures done with the patients under general anesthesia and 2 with the patients under local anesthesia. Medical therapy was attempted initially in all patients with lens dislocation and was the sole therapy used for five patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications resulting from medical or surgical treatment and final visual acuity were studied. RESULTS: All patients had a history of lens subluxation or dislocation. Fourteen (31%) were receiving dietary treatment at the time of presentation and 29 (64%) were mentally retarded. Eighty-two procedures were performed with the patients under general anesthesia with 2 surgical complications and 1 postsurgical complication. Lens dislocation into the anterior chamber was the most frequent indication for surgery (50%) followed by pupillary block glaucoma (12%). Prophylactic peripheral iridectomy was not successful in preventing lens dislocation into the anterior chamber in five patients. Anesthetic precautions such as stockings to prevent deep venous thrombosis, preoperative hydration, or aspirin were given in 85% of cases. Other common ophthalmic complications found include optic atrophy (23%), iris atrophy (21%), anterior staphylomas (13%), lenticular opacities (9%), and corneal opacities (9%). CONCLUSION: Laser iridectomy was unsuccessful in preventing lens dislocation into the anterior chamber. With appropriate anesthetic precautions and modern microsurgical techniques, the risks associated with the surgical management of ocular complications of homocystinuria are reduced. Surgical treatment should be considered, especially for cases of repeated lens dislocation into the anterior chamber or pupillary block glaucoma. If a conservative, nonsurgical approach is undertaken, these patients must be observed carefully for repeat episodes of lens dislocation.

Consultation section. Cataract surgical problem.

A 68-year-old diabetic Pakistani presented with a 3 year history of progressive bilateral painless loss of vision. Although he was previously untreated for glaucoma, his examination revealed the following: visual acuity, finger counting in the right eye and 20/60 in the left; intraocular pressure (IOP), 41 and 31 mm Hg, respectively. Physical findings included bilateral shallow anterior chambers, minimal nuclear and cortical cataract formation, and extensive glaucomatous optic nerve cupping and atrophy worse in the right eye than in the left. Gonioscopy revealed angles narrowed to grade 1 for 360 degrees in both eyes. Visual field analysis was commensurate with the marked degree of optic nerve damage and reduced visual acuity. Bilateral laser iridotomies and a combination of topical antiglaucoma agents reduced IOP to the mid-20s in both eyes. Subsequently, the right eye had an uneventful trabeculectomy with application of intraoperative mitomycin. Postoperatively, the patient developed posterior aqueous entrapment and was managed with topical cycloplegics, aqueous suppressants, and corticosteroids. After a few weeks, a shallow anterior chamber was present centrally, a filtration bleb was noted, and IOP was 9 mm Hg. Unexpectedly, the patient returned to his native country, discontinued medications, and was lost to follow-up for 1 year. Upon his return, he presented with these findings: visual acuity, hand motion in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye; IOP, 10 and 30 mm Hg, respectively. Physical findings in the right eye (Figure 1) included a superiorly oriented, thin-walled filtration bleb, a formed anterior chamber with multiple broad peripheral and midperipheral synechias, and a bound pupil covering a dense nuclear sclerotic cataract. The left eye had progressive glaucomatous optic nerve changes. Given the patient's history, now would you manage the glaucoma in the left eye, and what surgical methods would you plan for the right eye, assuming cataract surgery is indicated?

Argon laser iridoplasty: a primary mode of therapy in primary angle closure glaucoma.

Argon laser iridoplasty was performed in 40 eyes of 33 patients of primary angle closure glaucoma. There were 12 male and 21 female patients. The mean ages of the male and female patients were 51 years and 48.4 years respectively. Forty eyes were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of ten eyes of subacute angle closure glaucoma and group II included thirty eyes of chronic angle closure glaucoma. Argon laser iridoplasty was performed with Coherent 9000 model using laser settings of spot size 200 micron, duration 0.2 second and power 0.7 watt. A total of 80 spots were applied over 360 degree circumference. The intraocular pressure control (below 22 mm Hg) was achieved after iridoplasty in all the eyes (100%) in group I, where as in group II the intraocular pressure was controlled in 70% eyes. The follow up period varied from 3 months to one year with a mean of eight months. The success rate with iridoplasty was directly related to the extent of peripheral anterior synechiae, optic disc cupping and presence of visual field changes.

[Evaluation of glaucomas. Frequently misdiagnosed glaucoma conditions]. / Evaluation der Glaukome. Häufig verkannte Glaukomsituationen.

On the basis of a number of examples the authors describe specific glaucomas which have often reached their final stages by the time the patients are referred to the clinic. They include sub-acute and chronic angle-closure glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and pigmentary glaucoma. An unpleasant feature of these glaucomas is that, somehow or other, treatment comes too late: complete cupping of the optic disk when the ophthalmologist is first consulted, increased intraocular pressure in exfoliation syndrome detected too late, or a tardy decision to perform an iridotomy or a fistulizing operation. The following are some important points: gonioscopy should be performed not only at the initial examination but also at subsequent ones; subacute and chronic pupillary or angle-closure glaucomas are progressive diseases for which the sensible therapy is not miotics but laser iridotomy; because papillary changes usually precede visual field changes (automated perimetry notwithstanding), particular attention must be paid to the former. This can only be accomplished with exact documentation. Therefore, glaucoma follow-up means pressure measurement and gonioscopy and examination of the optic disk and visual field. In conclusion, aids for decision-making and a follow-up schedule are presented.

Effects of benzydamine eye drops on the rabbit's eye reaction to surgical, physical, and chemical stimuli.

The effects of benzydamine eye drops on the ocular reaction to different irritating stimuli in rabbits are reported. Benzydamine at the concentration of 0.1% reduces inflammatory tissue changes induced by AgNO3 burning of the cornea and inhibits the blood-aqueous barrier breakdown due to peripheral iridectomy or laser irradiation of the iris. Benzydamine reduces the aqueous PGE2 concentration to a similar extent as a 0.5% commercially available eye drop formulation of piroxicam. This result is in contrast with previous in vitro results demonstrating that benzydamine is devoid of any effects on PG synthesis. The possibility that PGE2 reduction is an indirect effect due to other biochemical activities of benzydamine is discussed. In the normal eye benzydamine manifests a local anaesthetic effect which is not accompanied by irritative changes in the anterior segment of the eye, changes in the intraocular pressure or pupillary size. It is suggested that in the clinical use of benzydamine eye drops the local anaesthetic activity may contribute to reducing both the neurogenic component of ocular inflammation and acute pain following injuries to the eye.

[Surgical indications in glaucoma]. / Zur Operationsindikation beim Glaukom.

A number of aspects of glaucoma surgery are discussed. Complete drainage of the aqueous via the subconjunctival space results in underperfusion of the trabecular meshwork, leading to significant impairment of the trabecular function. In certain cases, therefore, we prefer trabeculotomy, even though its pressure-lowering effect is inferior to that of fistulizing surgery: trabeculotomy preserves the unaffected trabecular meshwork. Laser trabeculoplasty has the advantage of increasing the outflow facility. In angle-closure glaucoma, iridectomy is performed as an initial procedure in every case in order to eliminate pupillary block. The transcorneal approach ensures watertight wound closure and preserves the conjunctiva for fistulizing surgery if necessary. Glaucoma surgery can usually be performed in lid akinesia and subconjunctival infiltration. This alternative helps to avoid retrobulbar injection when the optic nerve is already severely damaged by glaucoma.

Laser iridectomy in the management of chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

Nineteen eyes of 16 patients (12 men and four women ranging in age from 41 to 75 years) underwent laser peripheral iridectomy for treatment of uncontrolled chronic angle-closure glaucoma (25 to 62 mm Hg). Five of eight eyes (62.5%) with glaucomatous cupping but full visual fields attained postiridectomy intraocular pressures of less than 22 mm Hg with medical therapy. Seven of nine eyes (77.7%) that had both glaucomatous optic disk damage and visual field loss before iridectomy had controlled intraocular pressures with medical therapy after iridectomy. Because laser iridectomy is safer than trabeculectomy, we recommend that it be the initial procedure in the treatment of chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

Pressure profile of ophthalmic surgical procedures: an experimental study on the rabbit eye.

A balloon sensor was implanted in the posterior wall of the rabbit eye, and pressure fluctuation during several surgical procedures was monitored. Temporary IOP increase during digital massage sometimes reached near 100 mm Hg. Pressure increase during incision on the cornea was quite high, while corneal suturing, lens extraction, iridectomy, and open-sky vitrectomy induced minor fluctuating pressure on the posterior wall. Diathermy coagulation and scleral incision during simulated retinal detachment surgery increased IOP, exceeding 50 mm Hg and sometimes reaching 100 mm Hg.

[Surgery on the eye under anticoagulative therapy (author's transl)]. / Operation am Auge unter Therapie mit Anti-koagulantien.

Surgery on the eye of patients on long term anticoagulation therapy is possible. To avoid bleeding suprarenin solution 1:1000, coagulation of conjunctival and scleral blood vessels, incision into the cornea when removing cataracts and iridectomy under the operating microscope are recommended. Local anaesthesia is advisable, has however the risk of a retrobulbar hematoma. Thromboplastin time (Quick) under 15% of the norm should be avoided, and only raised in cooperation with the responsible internist.

Intraocular lens fixation with dacron.

To overcome the problem of postoperative lens dislocation, we evaluated a new means of lens fixation. Our experimental studies in rabbits and primates demonstrated that Dacron polyethylene terephtalate induced a cellular reaction from either the anterior or posterior iris surface when placed in contact with the iris, thereby establishing a bond between the Dacron fibers and the iris. Dacron mesh can be attached to the distal portion of either the anterior or posterior loops of a Binkhorst iris clip (4-loop) lens. In the rabbit eye, lens fixation occurred within five days; in the primate eye, 30 days. When combined with silk, Dacron produced tissue ingrowth in the primate eye within 14 days. No unwanted reaction occurred in any animal with the Dacron and silk combination. Being biodegradable, the silk induced faster cellular ingrowth than the Dacron. However, Dacron, which is not biodegradable, provided a permanent means of fixation.