Adjunctive use of netarsudil 0.02% in the treatment of refractory glaucoma: a one year analysis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the long-term adjunctive use of netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% in lowering IOP in patients with refractory glaucoma. METHODS: This retrospective chart review study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Patients who were prescribed add-on netarsudil therapy and on ≥ 3 topical glaucoma medications from 01/01/2018 to 08/31/2020 were reviewed. 47 patients (69 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Baseline IOPs prior to the addition of netarsudil were compared to IOPs measured at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. Any patients with inadequate follow-up or who had glaucoma surgery after netarsudil initiation were excluded. RESULTS: Median baseline IOP (± SD) was 21 ± 5.8 mmHg (median of 2 visits prior to initiation of netarsudil). At 3-month follow-up, 64 eyes had a median IOP of 16 ± 6.7 mmHg (p < 0.01). At 6-month follow-up, 56 eyes had a median IOP of 18 ± 4.6 mmHg (p < 0.01). At 12-month follow-up, 44 eyes had a median IOP of 15 ± 6.8 mmHg (p < 0.01). At the conclusion of the study, 64% of eyes reached 1 year follow-up due to several reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with refractory glaucoma showed statistically and clinically significant IOP reductions on netarsudil. IOP reduction was stable long-term with the largest decrease in IOP seen at 12 months. Although some patients will still go on to require further laser or incisional surgery, for most patients netarsudil is an effective treatment for adjunctive use in refractory glaucoma.

Descemetocele Management With Therapeutic Scleral Lens Wear.

OBJECTIVES: This case reports on the use of scleral lens therapy for a patient with a descemetocele secondary to exposure and neurotrophic keratopathy. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 31-year-old man had undergone emergency surgery to repair a ruptured arteriovenous malformation resulting in left facial and trigeminal nerve palsies. The patient reported to our clinic with a central descemetocele secondary to exposure and neurotrophic keratopathy. Given the poor prognosis of a therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in this case, the descemetocele was treated with therapeutic scleral lens wear. After 1 year, the patient has remained stable without corneal perforation. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the use of extended scleral lens wear, followed by maintenance with daily scleral lens wear, to manage a descemetocele in a patient with neurotrophic and exposure keratopathy. For patients at high risk of postsurgical complications, therapeutic scleral lens wear may be used as an alternative or as a supplement to corneal transplantation and tarsorrhaphy in patients with descemetocele formation.

Iris Melanoma Outcomes Based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer Classification (Eighth Edition) in 432 Patients.

PURPOSE: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification was updated to the eighth edition in January 2017, providing staging for iris melanoma. This study evaluated outcomes of iris melanoma per the AJCC classification, eighth edition. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirty-two patients with iris melanoma. METHODS: Management including tumor resection, plaque radiotherapy, or enucleation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Local tumor recurrence, melanoma-related systemic metastasis, and melanoma-related death. RESULTS: Of 432 patients with iris melanoma, AJCC classification was category T1 (n = 324 [75%]), T2 (n = 83 [19%]), T3 (n = 2 [<1%]), and T4 (n = 23 [5%]). There was no difference in age, race, gender, eye, or iris color among T categories. Overall, Kaplan-Meier analysis of outcomes (at 5 and 10 years) revealed visual acuity reduction by 3 lines or more (42% and 54%, respectively), secondary glaucoma (29% and 33%, respectively), local recurrence (8% and 17%, respectively), secondary enucleation (12% and 19%, respectively), lymph node metastasis (1% and 1%, respectively), melanoma-related systemic metastasis (5% and 10%, respectively), and melanoma-related death (3% and 4%, respectively). Compared with T1 category, the hazard ratio (HR) for local recurrence in nonenucleated eyes was 1.31 for T2, not evaluable (NE) for T3 (because of small cohort), and 6.61 for T4; the HR for metastasis was 3.41 for T2, NE for T3 (because of small cohort), and 25.6 for T4; the HR for death was 7.51 for T2, NE for T3 (because of small cohort), and 26.5 for T4; and the odds ratio for enucleation was 1.23 for T2, 3.63 for T3, and 4.72 for T4. Features predictive of melanoma-related metastasis (multivariate analysis) included secondary glaucoma (P < 0.001; HR, 4.51), T2 category (vs. T1; P = 0.01; HR, 4.09), and T4 category (vs. T1; P < 0.001; HR, 30.8). Features predictive of melanoma-related death (multivariate analysis) included older age (P = 0.008; HR, 2.16 per 10-year increase), T2 category (vs. T1; P = 0.005; HR, 8.07), and T4 category (vs. T1; P < 0.001; HR, 20.3). CONCLUSIONS: The AJCC eighth edition classification provides prognostic stratification of iris melanoma. By multivariate analysis, the ratio for melanoma-related metastasis was 4 times greater in category T2 and 31 times greater in T4 compared with T1. The ratio for melanoma-related death was 8 times greater in category T2 and 20 times greater in T4 compared with T1. The cohort size for T3 was too small to provide useful information.

Use of Latanoprostene Bunod as Adjunctive Glaucoma Therapy in Refractory Glaucoma.

Aim: To investigate the long-term efficacy of adjunctive use of latanoprostene bunod (LBN), a new nitric oxide donating prostaglandin medication, in refractory cases of glaucoma at a tertiary care center. Materials and methods: A review for patients who received add-on LBN was conducted from 1st January 2018 to 31st August 2020. A total of 33 patients (53 eyes) met the inclusion criteria of being on ≥3 topical medications, having an intraocular pressure measurement prior to starting LBN, and having adequate follow-up. Baseline demographics, prior treatments, adverse effects, and intraocular pressures measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months were recorded. Results: Mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) [mm Hg ± standard deviation (SD)] was 19.9 ± 6.0. At 3 months, 49 eyes had a mean IOP of 17.3 ± 5.5 (p < 0.01) with an absolute reduction of 2.6 ± 6.6 and a percent reduction of 9 ± 28%. At 6 months, 35 eyes had a mean IOP of 17.2 ± 4.7 (p < 0.01) with an absolute reduction of 3.6 ± 7.4 and a percent reduction of 11 ± 30%. At 12 months, 28 eyes had a mean IOP of 16 ± 4.5 (p < 0.01) with an absolute reduction of 5.8 ± 7.4 and a percent reduction of 19 ± 38%. Over the course of the study, 18 eyes were lost to follow-up. Three eyes had a laser trabeculoplasty, and four eyes required incisional surgery. No eyes discontinued the medication due to adverse effects. Conclusion: Adjunctive use of LBN in refractory glaucoma showed clinically and statistically significant IOP reductions at 3, 6, and 12-month time points. IOP reduction in patients was stable throughout the course of the study, with the largest decreases seen at the 12-month interval. Clinical significance: LBN was well tolerated by patients and may be useful as an additive agent in providing long-term intraocular pressure reduction for patients with severe glaucoma on maximal therapy. How to cite this article: Zhou B, Bekerman VP, Khouri AS. Use of Latanoprostene Bunod as Adjunctive Glaucoma Therapy in Refractory Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(3):166-169.

Late Onset Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema Syndrome with Out-the-bag Placement of Intraocular Lens.

Aim: To report a case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome secondary to a tilted toric intraocular lens (IOL). Background: Over the past few decades, upgrades in lens design, surgical techniques, and posterior chamber IOLs have drastically decreased the incidence of UGH syndrome. We present a rare case of UGH syndrome developing 2 years after a seemingly uneventful cataract surgery and its subsequent management. Case description: A 69-year-old female presented with episodes of sudden visual disturbance in her right eye 2 years after a seemingly uneventful cataract surgery with placement of a toric IOL. Workup included ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), which revealed a tilted IOL and confirmed haptic-induced iris transillumination defects consistent with the diagnosis of UGH syndrome. The patient underwent surgical repositioning of the IOL, which led to the resolution of UGH. Conclusion: Uuveitis-glaucoma-hyphema developed from a tilted toric IOL inducing posterior iris chaffing. Careful examination and UBM revealed the IOL and haptic out of the bag position, which was critical in determining the underlying UGH mechanism. The surgical intervention led to the resolution of UGH syndrome. Clinical significance: In patients with a history of uneventful cataract surgery who develop UGH-like symptoms, continued examination of implant orientation and haptic position is critical in preventing the need for future procedures. How to cite this article: Zhou B, Bekerman VP, Chu DS, et al. Late Onset Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema Syndrome with Out-the-bag Placement of Intraocular Lens. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(3):205-207.

Photodynamic Therapy for Retinal Hemangioblastoma: Treatment Outcomes of 17 Consecutive Patients.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for management of retinal hemangioblastoma. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT. METHODS: The medical records of 17 patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT were reviewed, and treatment outcomes were assessed. Photodynamic therapy was performed with 6 mg/m2 body surface area of verteporfin infused intravenously over 10 minutes activated by 50 J/cm2 laser light at 689 nm for 83 or 166 seconds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tumor control, subretinal and intraretinal fluid resolution, and visual outcome. RESULTS: Eighteen retinal hemangioblastomas in 17 eyes were treated with PDT. Median patient age was 31 years (mean, 36 years; range, 7-66 years), and median follow-up was 51 months (mean, 61 months; range, 2-144 months). Genetic testing confirmed von Hippel-Lindau disease in 8 of 17 patients (47%). The tumors were unilateral in all patients and unifocal in most patients (n = 13/17 [76%]). The tumor median basal diameter was 3.5 mm (mean, 3.4 mm; range, 1.5-6.0 mm) and median thickness was 2.1 mm (mean, 2.3 mm; range, 1.0-5.0 mm). The tumor location was juxtapapillary in 9 of 18 cases (50%). Associated findings included subretinal fluid (n = 14/17 [82%]) and macular edema (n = 12/17 [71%]). The median number of PDT sessions was 1.5 (mean, 1.8; range, 1.0-4.0). Standard duration of PDT (83 seconds) was used in all cases except 2, in which double duration (166 seconds) was used. Outcomes revealed tumor control in 13 of 18 tumors (72%), partial or complete resolution of subretinal fluid in 10 of 14 eyes (71%), and partial or complete resolution of macular edema in 7 of 12 eyes (58%), and stable or improved visual acuity in 12 of 17 eyes (71%). Photodynamic therapy-related transient exudative response was noted in 4 of 17 eyes (24%). CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for both juxtapapillary and peripheral retinal hemangioblastomas, providing satisfactory rates of tumor control and visual stabilization and improvement. Patients should be monitored for PDT-related transient exudative response.

Visual Outcome and Millimeter Incremental Risk of Metastasis in 1780 Patients With Small Choroidal Melanoma Managed by Plaque Radiotherapy.

Importance: Early detection of choroidal melanoma at a small tumor size is emphasized in the literature. However, there is little published information on the specific risks of plaque-irradiated small choroidal melanoma on visual acuity and metastasis. Objective: To analyze outcomes of plaque radiotherapy for small choroidal melanoma 3 mm in thickness or less. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective noncomparative series at a tertiary referral center included 1780 consecutive patients who had received plaque radiotherapy treatment for small choroidal melanoma. Main Outcomes and Measures: Visual acuity outcomes and melanoma-associated metastasis, assessed by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Results: The mean (SD) patient age at melanoma diagnosis was 58 (14) years. Of 1780 patients, 908 were female (51.0%), and 1752 were white (98.4%). Visual acuity was 20/40 OU or better in 1276 of the patients (71.7%), and the mean (SD) visual acuity was 20/40 (20/50) OU (median, 20/30; range, 20/20 to counting fingers). The mean (SD) tumor basal dimension was 8.8 (2.9) mm (median, 8.0 mm; range, 2.0-20.0 mm) and mean (SD) tumor thickness was 2.6 (0.5) mm (median, 2.7; range, 0.2-3.4 mm). Mean (SD) distance to the foveola was 3.4 (3.9) mm and to the optic disc was 3.7 (3.7) mm. The Kaplan-Meier rate of visual acuity loss (≥3 Snellen lines) was 9.5% (95% CI, 8.2%-11.0%) at 1 year, 39.2% (95% CI, 36.5%-42.0%) at 5 years, and 48.9% (95% CI, 45.6%-52.3%) at 10 years, whereas poor visual acuity (≤20/200) was 7.1% (95% CI, 5.9%-8.4%) at 1 year, 38.2% (95% CI, 35.5%-41.1%) at 5 years, and 53.5% (95% CI, 50.1%-57.1%) at 10 years. Regarding melanoma-associated metastasis, the rate was 0.2% (95% CI, 0.09%-0.6%) at 1 year, 4.5% (95% CI, 3.4%-5.9%) at 5 years, and 8.8% (95% CI, 6.9%-11.1%) at 10 years. Using 1.0-mm thickness increments, the 10-year risk for metastasis was 25.0% (95% CI, 3.9%-87.2%) at 0-mm to 1.0-mm thickness, 5.9% (95% CI, 2.5%-13.5%) at 1.1-mm to 2.0-mm thickness, 8.1% (95% CI, 5.9%-11.0%) at 2.1-mm to 3.0-mm thickness, and 13.4% (95% CI, 8.7%-20.4%) at thicknesses greater than 3.0 mm. The greater relative risk (RR) for metastasis in thinnest tumors was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.09-3.07), which likely represented more aggressive diffuse (flat) melanoma. By multivariable analysis, clinical features predictive of melanoma-associated metastasis included increasing patient age (RR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.07-1.63] per decade; P = .01), tumor diameter (RR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.06-1.24] per mm; P < .001), tumor thickness (RR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.22-4.05] per mm; P = .01), photopsia symptoms (RR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.35-4.43]; P = .003), and prior treatment before plaque radiotherapy (RR, 3.31 [95% CI, 1.31-8.33]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: This retrospective study suggests that small choroidal melanoma treated with plaque radiotherapy has a 10-year risk for visual acuity loss of 48.9% (95% CI, 45.6%-52.3%) and a 10-risk of systemic metastasis of 8.8% (95% CI, 6.9%-11.1%). In this analysis, each millimeter of increasing thickness and diameter contributed risk for metastatic disease.