Test-retest repeatability of the pattern electroretinogram and flicker electroretinogram.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the repeatability of the steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and full-field flicker electroretinogram (Flicker ERG) protocols, delivered by the office-based Neuro Optic Vision Assessment (NOVA)™ testing platform, in healthy subjects. METHODS: Healthy individuals underwent PERG (16° and 24°) and Flicker ERG [fixed luminance (FL) and multi-luminance (ML)] testing protocols. Test-retest repeatability of protocols was calculated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Reference values of the parameters of the aforementioned tests were also calculated. RESULTS: The ICCs for the PERG parameters ranged from 0.793 to 0.911 (p < 0.001). The ICCs for the Flicker ERG parameters ranged from 0.968 to 0.994 (p < 0.001). A linear regression analysis was applied to assess the impact of age on ERG responses. Age had a significant impact on all PERG parameters (16° or 24°). The phase response of the FL Flicker ERG significantly decreased with age (ß = - 0.837, p ≤ 0.001). The FL Flicker ERG Magnitude was also impacted with a significant quadratic effect of age (ß = - 0.0047, p = 0.0004). Similarly, the Phase Area Under the Curve (Phase AUC) of the ML Flicker ERG significantly declined with age (ß = - 0.007, p = 0.009), and the impact on the Magnitude AUC was significant as well, with a negative quadratic age effect. CONCLUSIONS: The PERG and Flicker ERG protocols, delivered by an office-based testing platform, were shown to have good-to-excellent test-retest repeatability when tests were performed in the same order and in immediate succession.

Validation of the structure-function correlation report from the heidelberg edge perimeter and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic assessment of glaucoma specialists with an automated structure-function correlation report combining visual field (VF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imagining in subjects with glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Subjects with glaucoma received ophthalmic examination, VF testing, and SD-OCT imaging. An automated report was generated describing structure-function correlations between the two structural elements [retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (MRW)] and VF sectors. Three glaucoma specialists masked to the automated report and to each other identified clinically significant structure-function correlations between the VF and SD-OCT reports. Raw agreement and chance-corrected agreement (kappa statistics) between the automated report and the clinical assessments were compared. RESULTS: A total of 53 eyes from 45 subjects with glaucoma were included in this study. The overall agreement between the automated report and clinical assessment comparing MRW and VF was good at 74.8% with a kappa of 0.62 (95% CI 0.55-0.69). Agreements for the six different MRW sections were moderate to good with kappa values ranging from 0.54 to 0.69. For mean RNFL thickness and VF comparisons, agreement between the automated report and clinical assessment was 75.4% with a kappa of 0.62 (95% CI 0.54-0.70). For different RNFL sectors, kappa values ranged from 0.47 (moderate agreement) to 0.80 (good agreement). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the automated structure-function report combining results from the SD-OCT and the HEP may assist in the evaluation and management of glaucoma.

Steady-state pattern electroretinogram and short-duration transient visual evoked potentials in glaucomatous and healthy eyes.

IMPORTANCE: This study evaluates two rapid electrophysiological glaucoma diagnostic tests that may add a functional perspective to glaucoma diagnosis. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the ability of two office-based electrophysiological diagnostic tests, steady-state pattern electroretinogram and short-duration transient visual evoked potentials, to discern between glaucomatous and healthy eyes. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study in a hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one patients with glaucoma and 41 healthy volunteers participated in the study. METHODS: Steady-state pattern electroretinogram and short-duration transient visual evoked potential testing was conducted in glaucomatous and healthy eyes. A 64-bar-size stimulus with both a low-contrast and high-contrast setting was used to compare steady-state pattern electroretinogram parameters in both groups. A low-contrast and high-contrast checkerboard stimulus was used to measure short-duration transient visual evoked potential parameters in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Steady-state pattern electroretinogram parameters compared were MagnitudeD, MagnitudeD/Magnitude ratio, and the signal-to-noise ratio. Short-duration transient visual evoked potential parameters compared were amplitude and latency. RESULTS: MagnitudeD was significantly lower in glaucoma patients when using a low-contrast (P = 0.001) and high-contrast (P < 0.001) 64-bar-size steady-state pattern electroretinogram stimulus. MagnitudeD/Magnitude ratio and SNR were significantly lower in the glaucoma group when using a high-contrast 64-bar-size stimulus (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). Short-duration transient visual evoked potential amplitude and latency were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Steady-state pattern electroretinogram was effectively able to discern between glaucomatous and healthy eyes. Steady-state pattern electroretinogram may thus have a role as a clinically useful electrophysiological diagnostic tool.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profile of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Refractory Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety profile of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) in patients with refractory glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series of 79 consecutive patients who underwent MP-CPC at the Wills Eye Hospital from March 23, 2014 to June 23, 2016 and who had at least 3 months of follow-up. Treatment success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 6 to 21 mm Hg or a reduction of IOP by 20%. Failure was defined as an inability to meet the criteria for success, need for retreatment >3 times, or need for incisional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: Patients had a mean follow-up time of 7.8±4.5 months. The mean IOP before MP-CPC was 31.9±10.2 mm Hg. The IOP was reduced by an average of 51% at the last follow-up and the mean number of IOP lowering medications was reduced from 2.3 at baseline to 1.5 at last follow-up. Treatment success rates were 75% at 3 months, 66% at 6 months, and 67% at last follow-up. Complications of MP-CPC included 7 patients with hypotony (8.8%), 21 patients with prolonged anterior chamber inflammation (1+ cell or flare for >3 mo, 26%), 13 patients with loss of ≥2 lines of best-corrected visual acuity at 3 months (17%), 4 patients with macular edema (5%), 2 patients with corneal edema and 2 patients with phthisis. CONCLUSIONS: MP-CPC is an effective treatment for patients with refractory glaucoma. Shorter treatment times with more frequent repeat treatments, if necessary, should be considered given the incidence of significant vision loss in this study.

Efficacy of the Canabrava Ring (pupil expansion device) in cataract surgery for eyes with small pupils: the first 30 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of the first 30 cataract surgeries performed with a new disposable, injector-free, small-pupil expansion device. METHODS: This consecutive case series included 30 eyes from 29 patients who underwent cataract surgery using a new disposable small-pupil expansion device called the Canabrava Ring (AJL Ophthalmic S.A, Spain). It is the first iris expansion ring produced with indents that do not align with each other in the superior and inferior regions, resulting in a small vertical length (0.4 mm) that minimizes the risk of endothelial contact. All eyes had poorly dilated pupils of less than 5 mm preoperatively. Fifteen eyes had significant infective or traumatic pathologies preoperatively. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.8 (standard deviation) years. The Canabrava Ring remained engaged throughout all surgeries, except one. All pupils were intraoperatively expanded to a diameter of 6.3 mm. Although preexisting pathology on the innervation of the pupils, the mean pupil diameter returns to a close preoperative size after 1 month surgery. The mean pupil diameters postoperatively and preoperatively were 4.41 and 3.77 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (one toxoplasmosis reactivation, one retinal detachment, one posterior capsule rupture, one posterior capsule opacification, and four posterior synechiae). These complications occurred in eyes with preexisting traumatic or infective pathologies or synechiae. CONCLUSION: The Canabrava Ring is effective for expanding and maintaining expansion of small pupils in cataract surgery. The increase in postoperative pupil diameter is clinically diminutive and can most likely be attributed to preexisting pathologies affecting pupil innervation. Further large-scale studies are required to support the present findings.

Visual Field Changes in Professional Wind versus Non-wind Musical Instrument Players in the Philadelphia Orchestra.

PURPOSE: We compare the prevalence of glaucoma in professional wind versus non-wind instrument players in the Philadelphia Orchestra. Visual field changes in individuals with glaucoma and glaucoma suspects were evaluated, and the results were correlated with cumulative practice time. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, observational study, fifty-one Philadelphia Orchestra musicians were enrolled and categorized as wind or non-wind instrument players. All study participants underwent screening fundus photography. Participants with optic discs suspicious for glaucoma underwent further evaluation, including standard automated visual field perimetry and a comprehensive eye examination by a glaucoma specialist. RESULTS: Of the 51 musicians enrolled, 9 of the 21 wind instrument players (43%) and 8 of the 30 non-wind instrument players (27%) were suspected of developing glaucoma in at least one eye (P = 0.25), with examinations performed on 12 of the 17 returning musicians (71%) for further confirmation. Wind instrument players exhibited significantly higher Octopus visual field mean defect scores (1.08 ± 1.5 dB) than non-wind instrument players (-0.43 ± 0.7 dB; P < 0.001). There was a significant association between cumulative hours playing wind instruments and visual field mean defect (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the difference in prevalence of glaucoma suspicious optic discs between wind and non-wind instrument players was not significant. The clinical significance of the greater visual field mean defect found in wind instrument players, and the association between the degree of visual field mean defect and the cumulative practice-time of playing wind instruments, needs further investigation.

Surgical Outcomes of Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) in Patients With Open-angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with open-angle glaucoma. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent GATT due to inadequately controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) or intolerance to medication. Main outcome measures were success rate, IOP, and number of glaucoma medications. Success was defined as IOP reduction >20% from baseline or IOP between 5 to 21 mm Hg, and no need for further glaucoma surgery. When success criteria were not met for any postoperative visit >3 months after surgery, failure was determined. RESULTS: In total, 66 patients, average age 62.9±14.9 years (50.8% female) were included in the analysis. Average follow-up was 11.9 months (range, 3 to 30 mo) and overall success rate was 63.0%. Mean IOP was 26.1±9.9 mm Hg preoperatively and 14.6±4.7 mm Hg at 12 months (44% IOP decrease; P<0.001). Mean number of medications decreased from 3.1±1.1 preoperatively to 1.2±0.9 at 12 months (P<0.001). No significant differences between patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and other types of glaucoma were found.The rate of hyphema at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively was 38% and 6%, respectively. Overall GATT success rate among white and black patients was 69% and 42%, respectively, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The future of GATT as a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in adults seems promising. This position is supported by its low rate of long-term complications and the conjunctiva-sparing nature of the surgery.

Adherence to Follow-up Recommendations Among Individuals in the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rates of adherence to free follow-up eye exam appointments among participants in the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ophthalmologists and testing equipment were brought directly to participants at risk for glaucoma at 43 community sites in Philadelphia. Those diagnosed with glaucoma-related pathology were recommended to return for follow-up to be reexamined on site. Rates of adherence and clinical and demographic risk factors for adherence were evaluated. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-one participants were diagnosed with glaucoma-related conditions and recommended to attend community-based follow-up exams. Follow-up adherence rate was 61.2% (n=325/531). Significant factors associated with greater eye exam appointment adherence, based on our univariable analysis, included final diagnosis of glaucoma (risk ratio [RR]=1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.57), male sex (RR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.04-1.36), white race (RR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48), age (RR=1.17; 95% CI, 1.00-1.37) recommendation for glaucoma medication (RR=1.52; 95% CI, 1.35-1.71), recommendation for laser peripheral iridotomy (RR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.35), diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (RR=1.42; 95% CI, 1.13-1.77) and an increased intraocular pressure (>22 mm Hg in the worse eye) (RR=1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42). On the basis of our multivariable model, diagnosis, sex, and recommended glaucoma medications were significantly associated with follow-up adherence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that individuals living in underserved urban communities would take advantage of free eye exams in community sites and return for follow-up eye exams in these same settings. Future studies could investigate interventions to improve eye exam appointment adherence in community-based settings to detect glaucoma-eye conditions.

Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study: Methods and Screening Results.

PURPOSE: To describe methodology and screening results from the Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study. DESIGN: Screening program results for a prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Individuals were recruited who were African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian over age 40 years; white individuals over age 65 years; and any ethnicity over age 40 years with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes. Primary care offices and Federally Qualified Health Centers were used for telemedicine (Visit 1). Two posterior fundus photographs and 1 anterior segment photograph were captured per eye in each participant, using a nonmydriatic, autofocus, hand-held fundus camera (Volk Optical, Mentor, Ohio, USA). Medical and ocular history, family history of glaucoma, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure measurements using the ICare rebound tonometer (ICare, Helsinki, Finland) were obtained. Images were read remotely by a trained retina reader and a glaucoma specialist. RESULTS: From April 1, 2015, to February 6, 2017, 906 individuals consented and attended Visit 1. Of these, 553 participants were female (61.0%) and 550 were African-American (60.7%), with a mean age of 58.7 years. A total of 532 (58.7%) participants had diabetes, and 616 (68%) had a history of hypertension. During Visit 1, 356 (39.3%) participants were graded with a normal image. Using image data from the worse eye, 333 (36.8%) were abnormal and 155 (17.1%) were unreadable. A total of 258 (28.5%) had a suspicious nerve, 62 (6.8%) had ocular hypertension, 102 (11.3%) had diabetic retinopathy, and 68 (7.5%) had other retinal abnormalities. CONCLUSION: An integrated telemedicine screening intervention in primary care offices and Federally Qualified Health Centers detected high rate of suspicious optic nerves, ocular hypertension, and retinal pathology.

iStent® Trabecular Microbypass Stent: An Update.

Due to the high rates of complications and failure experienced with current glaucoma procedures, there is a continuous search for a safer and more effective glaucoma surgery. A new class of procedures termed minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) aim to fill this void by offering an alternative method of IOP reduction associated with markedly reduced complication rates and shorter recovery times. The iStent, a trabecular microbypass stent, is a MIGS device that has quickly gained popularity. The device allows aqueous humor to directly drain from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal by bypassing an obstructed trabecular meshwork. This review examines publications about the iStent, focusing on the device's efficacy, safety, and cost when a single iStent or multiple iStents are implanted in combination with cataract surgery or as a solo procedure. Current data suggest that the iStent is a safe and effective tool in the management of mild-to-moderate glaucoma, notable for its limited complications and absence of serious adverse events following implantation. As valuable experience is gained performing ab interno MIGS, increasing familiarity with angle anatomy and iStent placement, and as newer stent designs are developed, there is promise of continual improvement in the surgical management of glaucoma.

Ahmed Versus Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Implantation in Patients With Markedly Elevated Intraocular Pressure (≥30 mm Hg).

PURPOSE: Glaucoma patients with markedly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are at risk for developing severe hypotony-related complications. The goal of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) and the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant (BGI) in this patient population. METHODS: Patients with preoperative IOP≥30 mm Hg were included. Outcome measures were: (1) surgical failure (IOP>21 mm Hg or <30% reduction from baseline or IOP≤5 mm Hg on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after 3 mo, or additional glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception) and (2) surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included: 37 in the AGV group and 38 in the BGI group. The mean±SD follow-up was 2.3±1.6 years for the AGV group and 2.4±1.7 years for the BGI group (P=0.643). Mean preoperative IOP was 38.7±6.5 mm Hg for the AGV group and 40.8±7.6 mm Hg for the BGI group. At the last follow-up, 10 (27.0%) patients failed in the AGV group compared with 6 (15.8%) patients in the BGI group (P=0.379). The BGI group had higher rate of flat or shallow anterior chamber (n=4, 10%) compared with the AGV group (n=0, 0%) (P=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Failure rates of AGV and BGI in patients with IOP≥30 mm Hg were comparable. There were more early hypotony-related complications in the BGI group; however, none were vision threatening. Both glaucoma drainage implants were effective in treating patients with uncontrolled glaucoma in an emergency setting.

Efficacy of the Canabrava Ring (pupil expansion device) in cataract surgery for eyes with small pupils: the first 30 cases / Eficácia do dispositivo de expansão pupilar Anel de Canabrava em cirurgia de catarata com pupilas pequenas: 30 primeiros casos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the first 30 cataract surgeries performed with a new disposable, injector-free, small-pupil expansion device. Methods: This consecutive case series included 30 eyes from 29 patients who underwent cataract surgery using a new disposable small-pupil expansion device called the Canabrava Ring (AJL Ophthalmic S.A, Spain). It is the first iris expansion ring produced with indents that do not align with each other in the superior and inferior regions, resulting in a small vertical length (0.4 mm) that minimizes the risk of endothelial contact. All eyes had poorly dilated pupils of less than 5 mm preoperatively. Fifteen eyes had significant infective or traumatic pathologies preoperatively. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively. Results: The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.8 (standard deviation) years. The Canabrava Ring remained engaged throughout all surgeries, except one. All pupils were intraoperatively expanded to a diameter of 6.3 mm. Although preexisting pathology on the innervation of the pupils, the mean pupil diameter returns to a close preoperative size after 1 month surgery. The mean pupil diameters postoperatively and preoperatively were 4.41 and 3.77 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (one toxoplasmosis reactivation, one retinal detachment, one posterior capsule rupture, one posterior capsule opacification, and four posterior synechiae). These complications occurred in eyes with preexisting traumatic or infective pathologies or synechiae. Conclusion: The Canabrava Ring is effective for expanding and maintaining expansion of small pupils in cataract surgery. The increase in postoperative pupil diameter is clinically diminutive and can most likely be attributed to preexisting pathologies affecting pupil innervation. Further large-scale studies are required to support the present findings.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a estabilidade intraoperatória, segurança e eficácia dos 30 primeiros casos operados com um novo anel expansor de pupilas. Métodos: Série de casos de 30 olhos de 29 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de catarata com Anel de Canabrava (AJL Oftalmic, SPAIN). Trata-se do primeiro anel expansor de íris produzido com indentações não alinhadas entre as regiões superiores e inferiores. Devido a isso, apresenta altura vertical de 0,4 mm, diminuindo os riscos de toque endotelial. O diâmetro pupilar dos pacientes era menor que 5 mm. Os diâmetros verticais e horizontais foram avaliados antes, durante e um mês após a cirurgia. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 64 ± 11,8 (desvio padrão) anos. O anel permaneceu estável em todas as cirurgias, exceto uma. Todas as pupilas foram expandidas no intraoperatório para um diâmetro de 6,3 mm. Apesar de patologias pupilares pré-existentes, o diâmetro médio da pupila retornou a um tamanho próximo após 1 mês de cirurgia. Os tamanhos médios da pupila no pós-operatório e pré-operatório foram medidos em 4,41 e 3,77 mm, respectivamente (p<0,05). As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 8 olhos: 1 reativação de toxoplasmose, 1 descolamento de retina, 1 ruptura de cápsula posterior, 1 opacificação da cápsula posterior, 4 sinéquias posteriores. Essas complicações ocorreram nos olhos com patologias traumáticas, infecciosas ou sinéquias pré-existentes. Conclusão: O Anel de Canabrava parece efetivo na expansão e manutenção de pupilas pequenas submetidas à cirurgia de catarata. O aumento do diâmetro da pupila pós-operatória é clinicamente pouco relevante e provavelmente pode ser atribuído à patologias pré-existentes que afetam as inervações pupilares. Outros estudos em larga escala são necessários para suportar os achados do estudo.