[Incidence of primary angle-closure glaucoma in the Glaucoma Service of the São Geraldo Hospital]. / Incidência de glaucoma agudo primário no Serviço de Glaucoma do Hospital São Geraldo.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of the primary angle-closure glaucoma at the Glaucoma Service of São Geraldo Hospital, to establish the profile of these patients and to identify the possible risk factors. METHODS: Transversal study. Period of assessment: from September/2005 to August/2006. INCLUSION CRITERIA: diagnosis of primary angle-closure glaucoma. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: presence of cataracts that cause low visual acuity or index-myopia, secondary glaucoma, plateau iris. Number of visits, incidence of primary angle-closure glaucoma, age, gender, race, family history of glaucoma, keratometric, and biometric data were assessed. RESULTS: Of 879 attended patients, 20 (2.3%) had the diagnosis of primary angle-closure glaucoma, therefore, the incidence of the primary angle-closure glaucoma was 22.7 cases per 1000 attended. Of those patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma: 6 (30.0%) were men and 14 (70.0%) women; the age varied from 40 to 73 years (average: 60.4 +/- 8.1 years); 12 (60.0%) were leukodermics and 8 (40.0%) pheodermics; 5 (25.0%) with positive familiar history of glaucoma. The relative risk for women was 1.44 (95% IC). Eleven (55.0%) patients had primary angle-closure glaucoma of the right eye and 9 (45.0%) of the left. When biometric data and keratometry were compared between the affected and contralateral eye, no statistical significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the primary angle-closure glaucoma at the Glaucoma Service of São Geraldo Hospital was 22.7 cases per 1000 attended. It was more frequent in leukodermic women, without family history of glaucoma and with an average age of 60.4 years. The affected and contralateral eyes were biometrically similar.

[Comparative morphometric assessment between eyes with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma and contralateral eyes]. / Análise morfométrica comparativa entre olhos com glaucoma agudo primário e olhos contralaterais.

PURPOSE: To establish the profile of patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (APACG) and to assess comparatively clinical and morphometric parameters between eyes with APACG and contralateral eyes (CLEs). METHODS: Prospective study including patients attended from September 2005 to March 2007. INCLUSION CRITERIA: diagnosis of APACG. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: presence of cataract (except for "glaukomflecken") that may cause low visual acuity or myopization, secondary glaucoma, previous APAGC or surgical procedure in the (CLE), no possibility to control the acute crisis of glaucoma clinically, plateau iris. The following were evaluated: incidence of APACG, age, gender, race, family history of glaucoma, corrected visual acuity (CVA) and uncorrected visual acuity (UVA), spherical equivalent (SE), cup/disc ratio (C/D), gonioscopy, keratometry (K), central corneal thickness (CCT), and echobiometric data [anterior central chamber depth (ACCD), axial length (AL), lens thickness (LT)] and relation between lens thickness and axial length (LT/AL). RESULTS: One thousand and three hundred and forty-three patients were examined from September 2005 to March 2006; 28 (2.1%) had the diagnosis of APACG. The incidence of the APACG was 20.8 cases per 1000 patients. The patients with APACG were manly white women with a negative familial history of glaucoma and with an average age of 59.6 years. When clinical aspects were compared between eyes with APACG and CLEs, statistical significance was observed: UVA (APACG: 0.27 +/- 0.32; CLE: 0.57 +/- 0.33, p=0.000); CVA (APACG: 0.53 +/- 0.44; CLE: 0.88 +/- 0.23, p=0.000); SE (APACG: +0.49 +/- 1.98; CLE: +1.21 +/- 2.03, p=0.007); C/D (APACG: 0.51 +/- 0.28; CLE: 0.42 +/- 0.20; p=0.031). Also, by gonioscopy, eyes with APACG demonstrated more frequently angle closure than CLEs. The eye of the crisis showed the following characteristics: average K of 45.21 +/- 1.96 D, average CCT of 534.46 +/- 34.15 mm, average ACCD of 2.43 +/- 0.28 mm, average AL of 21.68 +/- 0.96 mm, average LT 4.85 +/- 0.32 mm and average LT/AL of 2.24 +/- 0.16. The CLE presented average K of 44.92 +/- 1.86 D, average CCT of 533.18 +/- 31.41 microm, average ACCD of 2.51 +/- 0.29 mm, average AL of 21.82 +/- 0.92 mm, average LT 4.85 +/- 0.36 mm and average LT/AL of 2.23 +/- 0.18. There were statistically significant differences only in two parameters (K and ACCD) when affected and the CLE were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the APACG was 20.8/1000. It was more frequent in white women, leu kodermics, without family history of glaucoma and with an age average of 59.6 years. The eyes with APACG showed, with statistical significance, worse visual acuity, higher C/D, lower hypermetropic SE, higher average K, and lower ACCD than CLEs.

Visual field (Octopus 1-2-3) in normal subjects divided into homogeneous age-groups.

PURPOSE: To determine the values in decibels of retinal sensitivity within the central 26 degrees of the visual field of normal subjects divided into homogenous age groups using the Octopus 1-2-3; to compare the values of retinal sensitivity we have found with those considered normal in the statistical package obtained by a multicenter study performed in 1994 with Octopus 201. METHODS: 181 subjects divided into 6 homogeneous age groups (10 to 19 yr; 20 to 29 yr; 30 to 39 yr; 40 to 49 yr; 50 to 59 yr and 60 year-old or older) were evaluated. Data on visual sensitivity and age, average sensitivity of central and paracentral regions and eccentricity were calculated. RESULTS: The average visual sensitivity of all groups was 26.77 +/- 1.74 dB. Correlation between visual sensitivity and age evaluated by linear regression was 28.4 - 0.040 x (age) for the whole sample and 28.7 - 0.050 x (age) for subjects aged 20 or more. Sensitivity reduction by eccentricity was -0.30 dB/degree for the whole sample and for subjects aged 20 or more. CONCLUSIONS: Correlation between retinal sensitivity values and age based on the autoperimeter Octopus 201 (average sensitivity of 31.2 - 0.064 x age) is different from that found in this study: average sensitivity of 28.4 - 0.040 x (age) for the whole sample; 28.7 - 0.050 x (age) for subjects aged 20 or more. Values obtained with the Octopus 1-2-3 autoperimeter cannot be compared with those by other Octopus models (101, 201 and 500) due to their distinct features.

[Central and peripheral corneal thickness: influence on the iop measurement by Tonopen]. / Espessura central e periférica da córnea: influência na medida da pressão intra-ocular pelo Tonopen.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of central and peripheral corneal thickness on the IOP measurement by Tonopen. METHODS: The IOP of 58 eyes from suspected and glaucomatous patients was evaluated by Goldmann's tonometry (GT) and, by Tonopen XL on the central (TC) and peripheral (TP) regions of the cornea. Using the DGH 5100e pachymeter, we also measured the corneal thickness in its central (CCT) and peripheral (at 6:00 h) regions (PCT). Patients with any corneal changes were excluded. The mean values of all measurements was comparatively analyzed (GT x TC; GT x TP; TC x TP; CCT x PCT) by the paired t test and by regression and correlation analysis. RESULTS: The means (+/- standard deviation) of IOP obtained with GT, TC and TP were respectively 14.6 (+/-) mmHg; 18.9 (+/-2.9) mmHg and 20.7 (+/-3.7) mmHg with a statistical highly significant difference (p<0.001). The means (+/- standard deviation) of central and peripheral corneal thickness were respectively 526 (+/-42.3) and 639 (+/-52.9) microm, also with a statistical highly significant difference (p<0.001). The correlation coefficients (r) between the measurements were 0.71 (p<0.001) for GT and TC; 0.65 (p<0.001) for GT and TP and 0.64 (p<0.001) for TC and TP. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between the measurements performed with Tonopen XL and Goldmann's tonometer at the central region of the cornea and the mean IOP was higher with Tonopen XL. The mean IOP obtained by TP was higher than that obtained by TC. These data showed that Tonopen XL, besides providing higher IOP readings than those with Goldmann's tonometer, is influenced by the corneal thickness presenting higher IOP readings in the periphery than in the central region of the cornea.

[Iridociliary cysts on ultrasound biomicroscopic examinations]. / Prevalência de cistos iridociliares em exames de biomicroscopia ultra-sônica.

PURPOSE: To present the prevalence of iridociliary cysts in eyes of patients submitted to UBM examination. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the UBM images of 1157 patients in the period from September 1995 to June 2004. The inclusion criterion was the UBM examination had been made on the four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal) of the eyes. The cysts were assessed and classified in relation to their number in each quadrant; localization and morphology. Using the UBM Pro 2000 software we took the measurements of the largest diameter, wall thickness and area of the cysts besides the angle recession area (ARA). RESULTS: The prevalence of the cysts was 4.9%. No statistical difference was found between the prevalence of cysts regarding gender or between the right and left eyes. They were more prevalent in the inferior (39.8%) and temporal (29.1%) quadrants. The cysts with the largest diameter and area were located in the temporal and superior quadrants. No difference was found in relation to cysts' wall thickness in all quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: No statistical difference was found between the prevalence of cysts as concerns gender or between the right and left eyes. However, the cysts were more prevalent in the inferior and temporal quadrants. The locations of the largest cysts are preferentially the temporal and superior quadrants. The angle recession area was smaller in the temporal and superior quadrants. The cysts' wall thickness is practically the same in all quadrants. The diagnosis of iridociliary cysts was an occasional finding in 64.3% of the patients.

Corneal thickness and daily curve of intraocular pressure in suspected and glaucomatous patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in suspected and glaucomatous patients the correlation between central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), measured during the daily curve of intraocular pressure (DCPo), including CCT and IOP measurements in bed at 6 am. The ocular axial length was also compared. METHODS: 114 eyes from 73 patients, 30 eyes suspected of glaucoma (group I) and 84 eyes with chronic open-angle glaucoma (group II) were prospectively studied. Both groups were subjected to DCPo with measurements of IOP at 9 am, 12 pm, 6 pm, 10:30 pm and on the next day at 6 am in bed and in darkness before the patient gets up. Using the ultrasonic DGH 5100 device, CCT measurements were performed at 9 am, 6 pm, 10:30 pm and the next day at 6 am in bed before the patient gets up. The ocular axial length was also measured. RESULTS: In the total sample and, separately in each group, the mean IOP was more elevated in bed at 6 am. There were no significant CCT changes during the day within each group or between both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean ocular axial length of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In suspected and glaucomatous patients, there were no statistically significant CCT variations during the day; therefore, only one CCT measurement is sufficient. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between ocular axial length of both groups.

[Intraobserver reproducibility in anterior segment morphometry of normal eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)]. / Reprodutibilidade intra-observador de medidas morfométricas do segmento anterior em olhos normais pela biomicroscopia ultra-sônica (UBM).

PURPOSE: To systematically study the anterior segment morphometric measurements by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in a large population of normal eyes, to evaluate their intra-observer reproducibility. Two new measurements are proposed and also tested concerning their intra-observer reproducibility. METHODS: One hundred ninety eyes of 101 patients with normal ophthalmic examination were studied by UBM. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) along with 11 different morphometric parameters that characterize the anterior segment morphometry were measured in the superior, nasal, inferior and temporal meridians. All measurements were performed twice with a minimum interval of four weeks between them. RESULTS: There were no statistical significant differences between the first (M1) and second (M2) measurements and regarding each studied parameter except for 2 variables in 2 meridians in the right eyes (OD) and 2 variables of one meridian in the left eyes (OS). Even in these cases, the largest difference between M1 and M2 was less than 0.006 mm, which was not clinically significant. The new tested parameters also presented a good intra-observer reproducibility. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the good intra-observer reproducibility of the variables that characterize anterior segment morphometry by UBM.

Oculodentodigital dysplasia: study of ophthalmological and clinical manifestations in three boys with probably autosomal recessive inheritance.

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is a rare inherited disorder affecting the development of the face, eyes, teeth, and limbs. The majority of cases of ODDD are inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. There are few reports of probable autosomal recessive transmission. Affected patients exhibit a distinctive physiognomy with a narrow nose, hypoplastic alae nasi, and anteverted nostrils, bilateral microphthalmos, and microcornea. Sometimes iris anomalies and secondary glaucoma are present. There are malformations of the distal extremities such as syndactyly. In addition, there are defects in the dental enamel with hypoplasia and yellow discoloration of the teeth. Less common features include hypotrichosis, intracranial calcifications, and conductive deafness secondary to recurrent otitis media. We describe three brothers with ODDD. Their parents are first cousins and present no features of ODDD. These data are in favor of autosomal recessive inheritance and suggest genetic heterogeneity for this entity.

Effect of intraocular pressure control on central corneal thickness, horizontal corneal diameter, and axial length in primary congenital glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) control on central corneal thickness (CCT), horizontal corneal diameter (HCD), and axial length (AL) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). METHODS: The medical records of children under 10 years of age surgically treated for PCG from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with IOP of ≤12 mm Hg with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up. Pre- and post-treatment IOP, CCT, HCD, and AL values were correlated and compared with those of healthy age-matched controls. RESULTS: A total of 131 controls and 20 patients (12 bilateral; 8 unilateral) were included. Mean follow-up was 32.4 months. In 24 eyes IOP was controlled by 1 trabeculotomy, with 6 eyes requiring antiglaucoma medication; in 5 eyes, by 2 trabeculotomies, without medication; and in 3 eyes, by 2 trabeculotomies plus 1 with mitomycin-C and 2 eyes requiring antiglaucomatous medication. The mean IOP was 15.69 ± 5.31 mm Hg preoperatively and 6.16 ± 2.42 mm Hg at final follow-up. Mean pre- and postoperative CCT values were, respectively, 614.38 ± 89.41 µm and 548.56 ± 63.12 µm; HCD, 13.45 ± 1.00 mm and 13.98 ± 1.01 mm, respectively; AL, 24.57 ± 2.71 mm and 25.37 ± 2.66 mm, respectively. All differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.002). In 40% of patients, post-treatment CCT values were comparable to those of controls; in 6.2%, HCD measurements; and in 26%, AL measurements. Pre- and post-treatment measurements were positively correlated (P ≤ 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Controlling IOP had a positive effect on the CCT, HCD, and AL in patients with congenital glaucoma.

Importance of intraocular pressure measurement at 6:00 a.m. in bed and in darkness in suspected and glaucomatous patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the importance of intraocular pressure measurement obtained at 6:00 a.m. in bed and darkness for the diagnosis and intraocular pressure control of primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the daily curve of intraocular pressure of suspects and glaucomatous patients under treatment. Suspects were classified as intraocular pressure values ranging from 19 to 24 mmHg in isolated measurements and/or cup/disc ratio > 0.7 in one or both eyes and/or asymmetry of cup/disc ratio > 0.3 and a normal visual field. Each daily curve of intraocular pressure comprised five to seven IOP measurements with Goldmann applanation tonometer at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 and/or 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. and/or 12:00 a.m. and in the following day morning at 6:00 a.m. in supine position in bed and in darkness with Perkins tonometer before the patient had stood up. Only the daily curves of intraocular pressure that presented an intraocular pressure peak (difference between the higher and the lesser intraocular pressure value) >6 mmHg were analyzed. In these daily curves, the average intraocular pressure and the standard deviation were calculated. The average intraocular pressure and standard deviation values were compared with the normal superior limits: average + two standard deviation of average intraocular pressure and standard deviation of intraocular pressure daily curve from normal patients of the same age group. Daily curves were considered abnormal when their average intraocular pressure and standard deviation values were above the normal superior limits. Secondary and congenital glaucoma were excluded. RESULTS: Daily curves of intraocular pressure of 565 eyes were analyzed; 361 suspected eyes and 204 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. In suspects, 64.3% presented an intraocular pressure peak at 6:00 a.m. in bed. In primary open-angle glaucoma, 68.6% presented an intraocular pressure peak at 6:00 a.m. in bed. In 5.3% of the suspects and in 5.9% of primary open-angle glaucoma patients, the daily curve of intraocular pressure profile was inverted (lesser intraocular pressure at 6:00 a.m.). CONCLUSION: Intraocular pressure peaks at 6:00 a.m. were responsible for the diagnosis of preperimetric glaucoma in 64.3% of suspects and revealed inadequate intraocular pressure control in 68.6% of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. The daily curve of intraocular pressure including the intraocular pressure measurement at 6:00 a.m. in bed and in darkness is of vital importance in doubtful cases in order to confirm the diagnosis of preperimetric glaucoma in suspects as well as for the adequate intraocular pressure evaluation of antiglaucomatous treatment.

New considerations on pupillary block mechanism.

PURPOSE: To study the mechanisms of pupillary block in eyes with occludable angle by ultrasound biomicroscopy. METHODS: Initially, a pilot study of 13 eyes with acute primary angle-closure without medication was executed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of the angle, posterior chamber depth and iris thickness were performed in the temporal quadrant under light and dark conditions. Afterwards, ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of iris-lens contact distance and iris-lens angle in the temporal quadrant and central anterior chamber depth were made in 32 eyes with acute primary angle-closure or intermittent primary angle-closure without medication, under light and dark conditions before and after laser peripheral iridectomy. RESULTS: In the pilot study, a significant decrease in the angle as well as a significant increase in the iris thickness occurred when comparing light to dark conditions. Before and after laser peripheral iridectomy (second study), significant differences were found in iris-lens contact distance (P<0.001) and iris-lens angle (P<0.001) under light and dark conditions. Also, significant differences were found in light and dark conditions, before laser peripheral iridectomy, in iris-lens angle (P=0.005), and after laser peripheral iridectomy, in iris-lens contact distance (P<0.001). No significant change occurred with anterior chamber depth. CONCLUSIONS: A decreased angle was correlated to an increase in iris thickness. After laser peripheral iridectomy, acute primary angle-closure or primary angle-closure eyes had an increased iris-lens contact distance and a decreased iris-lens angle. The anterior chamber depth did not change. These findings contradict the theory that pupillary block is the mechanism of acute primary angle-closure.

New comparative clinical and biometric findings between acute primary angle-closure and glaucomatous eyes with narrow angle.

PURPOSE: To compare, clinically and biometrically, affected and fellow acute primary angle-closure (APAC) eyes and glaucomatous eyes with narrow angle (NA). METHODS: Comparative case series; 30 patients with APAC and 27 glaucomatous patients with NA were evaluated. Keratometry (K), central corneal thickness (CCT), lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured. Parameters defined as lens posisiton (LP) and relative lens position (RLP) were calculated. RESULTS: Biometric difference between APAC-affected and fellow eyes was found only in LP (P=0.046). When fellow eyes were compared to glaucomatous eyes with NA, differences were found in ACD (P=0.009), AL (P=0.010), and LT/AL (P=0.005). The comparison between APAC-affected and glaucomatous eyes with NA showed significant differences in almost all biometric parameters, except for LT (P=0.148) and RLP (P=0.374). We found that the logistic regression model (LRM), built with three parameters (K, CCT and LT/AL), higher than 0.334 could be a reasonable instrument to differentiate APAC eyes from glaucomatous eyes with NA. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that APAC-affected and fellow eyes have similar biometric features, and glaucomatous eyes with NA have a less crowded anterior segment. The LRM built showed promising results in distinguishing APAC from glaucomatous eyes with NA.

Plateau iris configuration in eyes with narrow-angle: an ultrasound biomicroscopic study.

PURPOSE: To investigate, through ultrasound biomicroscopy images, the presence of plateau iris configuration in eyes with narrow-angle from patients with open-angle glaucoma and in eyes with previous acute primary angle-closure and compare the biometric features of eyes with plateau iris configuration with those of normal eyes. METHODS: Ultrasound biomicroscopic images from 196 patients with open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle and 32 patients with acute primary angle-closure were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion and specific criteria for the diagnosis of plateau iris configuration was the presence of an anterior positioning of the ciliary processes, supporting the peripheral iris so that it was parallel to the trabecular meshwork; the iris root had a steep rise from its insertion point, followed by a downward angulation from the corneoscleral wall; presence of a central flat iris plane; an absent (complete plateau iris configuration) or partially absent (incomplete plateau iris configuration) ciliary sulcus. The ultrasound biomicroscopic parameters were compared between complete and incomplete plateau iris configuration. The same parameters of both groups were compared with those of normal eyes. The following measurements were performed: anterior chamber depth; angle opening distance at 500 microm from the scleral spur; peripheral iris thickness at 500 microm from the scleral spur; iris-ciliary process distance; trabecular-ciliary process distance and angle recess area. RESULTS: Plateau iris configuration was found in 33 eyes of 20 (10.2%) out of 196 patients with open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle and in 4 eyes of 2 (6.3%) out of 32 patients with acute primary angleclosure. Seventeen (77.3%) patients with plateau iris configuration were female and 5 (22.7%) male. Twenty-three (62.2%) out of 37 eyes had complete plateau iris configuration, and 14 (37.8%) had incomplete plateau iris configuration. Complete and incomplete plateau iris configuration presented similar biometric features with the exception of the iris-ciliary process distance. All plateau iris configuration eyes showed biometric parameters completely different from those of normal eyes except for peripheral iris thickness at 500 microm from the scleral spur. CONCLUSIONS: Plateau iris configuration was present in 10.2% of patients with open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle and in 6.3% of patients with acute primary angle-closure. Biometric features were similar in eyes with complete and incomplete plateau iris configuration with the exception of iris-ciliary process distance. Compared to normal eyes, all plateau iris configuration eyes showed biometric parameters completely different except for peripheral iris thickness at 500 microm from the scleral spur.

Comparative biometric study between plateau iris configuration and primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle.

PURPOSE: To investigate biometrically the differences between plateau iris configuration (PIC) eyes and primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes. METHODS: A comparative study involving a case series with 20 eyes of 11 plateau iris configuration patients and 45 eyes of 27 primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes patients was done. The following measurements were taken: corneal curvature, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), lens thickness and axial length ratio, lens position (LP) and relative lens position (RLP). RESULTS: The plateau iris configuration eyes presented a higher corneal cuvature value than primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes eyes but not with clinical and statistical difference (P=0.090). The plateau iris configuration eyes demonstrated a higher central corneal thickness, with statistical significance, when compared to primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes (P=0.010). Statistical significant difference between plateau iris configuration and primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes was found in axial length (21.69 +/- 0.98 vs. 22.42 +/- 0.89; P=0.003). No significant difference was found when anterior chamber depth (2.62 +/- 0.23 vs. 2.71 +/- 0.31; P=0.078), LT (4.67 +/- 0.36 vs. 4.69 +/- 0.45; P=0.975), LT/AL (2.16 +/- 0.17 vs. 2.10 +/- 0.21; P=0.569), LP (4.95 +/- 0.25 vs. 5.06 +/- 0.34; P=0.164) and RLP (0.23 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.14; P=0.348) were evaluated. CONCLUSION: The eyes with plateau iris configuration presented statistical significantly shorter axial length and higher central corneal thickness than primary open angle glaucoma with narrow angle eyes.

Intraocular pressure and ocular rigidity after LASIK.

PURPOSE: To assess the intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular rigidity (E) at 1, 3, 6 and 24 postoperative months in eyes that underwent LASIK. METHODS: The IOP measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and by the 5.5 and 10 gm. weights of a standardized Schioetz tonometer (ST) and the E measured by differential tonometry (the 5.5 and 10 gm. of ST) were assessed before and after LASIK (at 1, 3, 6 and 24 month) in 23 eyes. The volume of the corneal indentation (Vc) and IOP with ST resting on the eye (tonometric pressure - Pt) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The average IOP (GAT) at 6 and 24 months after LASIK was lower than at 1 and 3 months and before LASIK. A statistically significant difference of E was found at 1, 3, 6 and 24 months. The reduction of the central corneal thickness (CCT) by LASIK was the cause of increasing values of Vc and decreased values of Pt. In turn, the changes in Vc and Pt were responsible for the lower IOP measurements by GAT and E changes. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK reduces IOP readings by GAT but not the ones by ST (differential tonometry). LASIK also diminishes E. IOP (GAT) values are lower at 6 and 24 months. IOP evaluation by ST is more accurate than that by GAT. At 6 months, Vc, Pt and E parameters are stabilized (no changes relatively to 24 months measurements.

[Efficacy of latanoprost versus travoprost assessed by daily intraocular pressure curve]. / Eficácia do latanoprosta x travoprosta avaliada pela curva diária de pressão intraocular.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of latanoprost (L) and travoprost (T) as monotherapy as well as both drugs associated with 0.5% timolol maleate twice a day regarding the daily curve of intraocular pressure (DCPo) with the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 am in bed. METHODS: Retrospective study analyzing the daily curve of intraocular pressure of patients treated with L or T with or without 0.5% Tim. Patients who did not correctly follow the treatment were excluded. We also excluded the patients who used the prostaglandin analog associated with any other antiglaucomatous drug different from 0.5% Tim and those who were treated with more than two antiglaucomatous drugs. Statistical analysis was made through the SPSS 11.0 program calculating mean intraocular pressure (Pm), variability (V), p value and standard deviation. Ethnic aspects or type of glaucoma were no criteria of inclusion or exclusion in this study. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (142 eyes) were included. The average age was 61.7 years. Thirty-three (44.0%) patients were male and 42 (56.0%) were female. Thirteen patients (26 eyes 18.3%) used L, 18 patients (33 eyes - 23.2%) were treated with T, 18 patients (32 eyes - 22.5%) used latanoprost and 0.5% timolol (L 0.5%Tim) and 26 patients (51 eyes - 35.9%) used travoprost and 0.5% timolol (T 0.5%Tim). Chronic simple glaucoma was the most common type (92.0%), followed by congenital glaucoma (6.7%) and glaucoma secondary to cataract surgery (1.3%). Pm was 15.2 (+/- 4.2) mmHg among those treated with L and 14.8 (+/- 3.2) mmHg among the T users. Those patients showed a V of 2.0 (+/- 1.2) and 3.2 (+/- 1.9). In the group of L 0.5%Tim and T 0.5%Tim the Pm and V were 14.9 (+/- 2.2) mmHg, 15.0 (+/- 3.2) mmHg, 2.4 (+/- 1.2) and 2.8 (+/- 1.6) respectively. No statistical significant difference was found in the Pm neither with the drugs used as monotherapy nor with them associated with 0.5% timolol maleate as well as in the V with both drugs associated with 0.5% timolol maleate. However, V showed a significant statistically difference when we considered the drugs in monotherapy, the IOP fluctuation being lower with L (t= -2.9; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In the daily curve of intraocular pressure performed with the measurement of intraocular pressure at 6 am in bed, L and T associated with 0.5% timolol maleate had a similar efficacy; however, in monotherapy, Pm was similar in both drugs but the V obtained with L was lower the difference being statistically significant.

Prognosis of glaucoma in relation to blindness at a university hospital.

PURPOSE: To assess the prognosis of different types of glaucoma in relation to unilateral and bilateral blindness at a University Hospital. METHODS: Charts of glaucomatous patients which presented complete data of clinical history, visual acuity, visual field, fundus examination and diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified as: not blind, legally blind (best corrected visual acuity <20/200 and/or visual field <20 masculine), or totally blind (no light perception) in one or both eyes. Patients with blindness due to congenital glaucoma and other no glaucomatous causes, and incomplete charts were excluded. RESULTS: 3,786 (76.3%) of 4,963 charts fulfilled the criteria. In 3,786 glaucomatous patients, 1,939 (51.2%) were not blind and 1,847 (48.8%) were blind. 1,359 patients (73.6%) were legally blind and 488 (26.4%) totally blind, 1,333 (72.2%) had unilateral blindness and 514 (27.8%), bilateral blindness. 1,564 patients (84.7%) were already blind (74.9% with legal blindness and 25.1% with total blindness) when they arrived at the Service and 283 (15.3%) became blind after their inclusion in the Service. Neovascular glaucoma presented the highest proportion (95.6%) of blindness. Postsurgical glaucoma was second causing blindness in 72.7% and thirdly, primary angle-closure glaucoma with 67.4%. Primary open-angle glaucoma presented the lowest proportion (40.5%) of blindness. CONCLUSIONS: Neovascular glaucoma had the worst prognosis with the highest proportion of blindness. Primary angle-closure glaucoma caused blindness roughly 1.7 times more than primary open-angle glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma presented the best prognosis. The proportion of patients that became blind after their inclusion in the Service was relatively low in relation to the proportion of patients who were blind when they arrived at the Service.

Brimonidine tartrate effect on retinal spreading depression depends on Müller cells / O efeito do tartarato de brimonidina sobre a depressão alastrante retiniana depende das células de Müller

Objective: Demonstrate the Brimonidine effect over Retinal Spreading Depression (SD). Brimonidine is an alpha-2–adrenergic receptor agonist, used in the management of glaucoma. Alpha2-agonists have been shown to be neuroprotective in various experimental models, however the molecular and cellular targets leading to these actions are still poorly defined. The SD of neuronal electric activity is a wave of cellular massive sustained depolarization that damages the nervous tissue. Local trauma, pressure, ischemic injuries and other chemical agents as high extracellular potassium concentration or glutamate, can trigger SD, leading to exaggerated focal electrical followed by an electrical silence. Methods: Using chicken retina as model, we performed alpha2-receptor detection by Western Blotting and Immunohistochemistry. After that we obtained electrical signals of SD by microelectrodes on retina in the absence or presence of Brimonidine. For in vivo visualization we observed retina with optical coherence tomography on normal state, with SD passing, and with SD + Brimonidine. Results: Our data demonstrated that: (1) alpha2-adrenergic receptors are present in Müller cells, (2) the treatment with Brimonidine decreases the SD‘s velocity as well as the voltage of SD waves and (3) OCT revealed that SD creates a hyper reflectance at inner plexiform layer, but on retinal treatment with brimonidine, SD was not visualized. Conclusions: Our study about brimonidine possible pathways of neuroprotection we observed it reduces SD (a neuronal damage wave), identified a new cellular target – the Müller cells, as well as, firstly demonstrated SD on OCT, showing that the inner plexiform layer is the main optically affected layer on SD. .

Objetivo: Demonstrar o efeito do Tartarato de Brimonidina, um alfa2-agonista usado no manejo do glaucoma, sobre a depressão alastrante (DA) retiniana. Esses agonistas têm demonstrado ser neuroprotetores em vários modelos experimentais, contudo seus alvos celulares e moleculares continuam indefinidos. A DA da atividade elétrica neuronal é uma onda de despolarização celular massiva e sustentada que leva ao dano no tecido nervoso. Trauma local, pressão, isquemia e outros agentes químicos como o aumento do potássio extracelular e o glutamato podem disparar a DA, levando a uma atividade elétrica exagerada seguida de silêncio elétrico. Métodos: Usando a retina de pinto como modelo, realizamos a detecção do alfa2-receptor por Western Blotting e ensaio Imunohistoquímico. Após isso, obtivemos os sinais elétricos da DA através de microeletrodos inseridos na retina durante sua passagem na presença ou ausência de Brimonidina. Para visualização do tecido utilizamos o tomógrafo de coerência optica (OCT), analisando como é a retina no seu estado de repouso, durante a passagem da DA, e a DA + brimonidina. Resultados: Nossos dados demonstraram que: (1) os receptores alfa adrenérgicos presentes na retina são do subtipo-2A e estão localizados nas células de Müller; (2) o tratamento com Brimonidina diminui a velocidade e a voltagem da onda de DA; (3) A OCT demonstrou que a DA retiniana possui um sinal óptico de maior reflectância na camada plexiforme interna, fato não observado quando foi associada à Brimonidina. Conclusão: A Brimonidina foi capaz de reduzir a DA (uma onda de lesão neuronal) e identificamos um novo possível alvo celular – a célula de Müller e demonstramos pela primeira vez uma OCT da DA, visualizando a camada plexiforme interna como a mais afetada opticamente pelo fenômeno. .

New comparative ultrasound biomicroscopic findings between fellow eyes of acute angle closure and glaucomatous eyes with narrow angle.

PURPOSE: To compare morphometric features between fellow acute primary angle-closure (APAC) eyes and glaucomatous or suspect eyes with narrow angle (NA). METHODS: Fellow eyes of 30 patients with unilateral APAC and 30 with NA were evaluated by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) under light and dark conditions. UBM parameters such as anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance at 250 microm/500 microm from the scleral spur (AOD250/AOD500), trabecular ciliary process distance (TCPD) and iris-lens contact distance (ILCD) were measured in the superior (SQ) and inferior (IQ) quadrants. RESULTS: Significant differences between APAC fellow and NA eyes were found in ACD, P<0.001; AOD250 at SQ and IQ, P<0.001; AOD500 at SQ and IQ, P<0.001; TCPD light, P=0.010 and TCPD dark at SQ, P=0.031; and TCPD light at IQ, P=0.010. Significant differences between light and dark examinations of APAC fellow eyes were found in ILCD (P=0.009) at SQ and ILCD at IQ (P=0.006), and of NA eyes in ILCD at SQ (P=0.047) and ILCD at IQ (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: APAC fellow eyes have a more crowded anterior segment and shallower ACD than NA eyes. ILCD decreases in both groups when the illumination conditions change from light to dark.

Plateau iris.

The term plateau iris was first coined in 1958 to describe the iris configuration of a patient. Two years later the concept of plateau iris was published. In 1977, the plateau iris configuration was classically defined as presurgical changes of an eye with a relative normal central anterior chamber depth, flat iris by conventional biomicroscopy, but displaying an extremely narrow or closed angle on gonioscopic examination. On the other hand, the plateau iris syndrome was defined as an acute glaucoma crisis in one eye with a relative normal central anterior chamber depth and patent iridotomy on direct examination, presenting angle closure confirmed by gonioscopic examination after mydriasis. In 1992, the anatomic aspects of plateau iris were studied using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Finally, plateau iris has been considered an anatomic variant of iris structure in which the iris periphery angulates sharply forward from its insertion point and then again angulates sharply and centrally backward, along with an anterior positioning of the ciliary processes seen on ultrasound biomicroscopy. The clinical treatment of plateau iris syndrome is carried out with topical use of pilocarpine. However, the definitive treatment should be fulfilled by performing an argon laser peripheral iridoplasty.