Excimer laser trabeculotomy vs 180 degrees selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary open-angle glaucoma. A 2-year randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of excimer laser trabeculotomy (ELT) ab interno vs selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) over 24 months of follow-up in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) refractory to medical therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized study included 30 consecutive eyes assigned randomly to either ELT or SLT group. ELT was carried out using a XeCl Excimer Laser with an emission wavelength of 308 nm. Eight spots were equally distributed at a distance of 500 microm from one another over the anterior trabeculum. The SLT patients were treated with a frequency-doubled q-switched neodymium:yytrium-aluminum-garnet laser (wavelength 532 nm). Approximately 50 adjacent, but not overlapping, laser spots were distributed over 180 degrees of the trabecular meshwork, using an energy level ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 mJ per pulse. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering after ELT and SLT. Success was defined as >or=20% reduction in IOP without further glaucoma intervention. RESULTS: At 24 months, complete success rates were 53.3% for the ELT group and 40% for the SLT group (P=0.35, Fisher's exact test); qualified success rates were 33.3% for the ELT and 26.6% for the SLT group (P=0.5, Fisher's exact test).Mean IOP decreased from 25.0+/-1.9 to 17.6+/-2.2 mmHg (-29.6%; P<0.0001) in the ELT group and from 23.9+/-0.9 to 19.1+/-1.8 mmHg (-21%; P<0.0001) in the SLT group. CONCLUSIONS: Both ELT and SLT proved to be effective techniques in the treatment of POAG refractory to medical therapy.

Spontaneous extrusion of a stainless steel glaucoma drainage implant (Ex-PRESS).

PURPOSE: To report a case of spontaneous extrusion of a stainless steel glaucoma drainage implant (Ex-PRESS). METHODS: An Ex-PRESS was implanted under the conjunctiva in a 76-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma. RESULTS: Two years after implantation, the Ex-Press extruded spontaneously. Despite this adverse event, there was no increase in intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of spontaneous extrusion of an Ex-PRESS device. Implanting the device under a scleral flap should be considered to avoid adverse events such as extrusion or conjunctival erosion.

Effects of 2% ibopamine on pupil, refraction, anterior segment anatomy and intraocular pressure.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a dopaminergic drug, 2% ibopamine, on the pupil, intraocular pressure and other ocular and ultrasound biometric variables. Thirty healthy subjects and 15 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, aged from 40 to 78 years (mean age: 59.2 +/- 11), were included in two prospective open controlled trials. In the first, the mydriatic effect of 2% ibopamine and its inhibition and reversibility were evaluated in 15 healthy subjects using the alpha1-adrenergic drug, 0.5% dapiprazole. In the second, refraction, visual acuity, pupil diameter, intraocular pressure and 5 A-scan ultrasound biometric variables were evaluated in 15 healthy subjects and in 15 glaucoma patients. As early as forty min after administration of 2% ibopamine, a marked mydriatic effect (7.3 vs 3.9 mm; P < 0.0001), which was completely inhibited or reversed by 0.5% dapiprazole, was detected. The drug induced no changes in refraction, visual acuity or A-scan ultrasound biometric variables in any of the subjects examined. In healthy subjects, the intraocular pressure values were not changed to a statistically significant extent (13.8 vs 14.8 mm Hg; P = 0.668), whereas a slight, though significant, hypertensive effect (24 vs 22.2 mm Hg; P = 0.002) was observed in the glaucoma patients. The study confirms the intense mydriatic effect of 2% ibopamine with no changes in refraction, visual acuity or A-scan ultrasound biometric variables. The drug has no effect on intraocular pressure in healthy subjects, but induces a significant hypertensive effect in patients with initial glaucoma. This characteristic could be used for early diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Effects of 0.2% brimonidine on ocular anterior structures.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an alpha2-adrenergic agonist, 0.2% brimonidine, on a number of echobiometry and ultrasound biomicroscopy ocular parameters. Ten healthy subjects ranging in age from 20 to 40 years (mean age 29+/-3.39) were recruited into this prospective open-label trial. After instillation of 0.2% brimonidine eye drops, the following parameters were assessed: refraction, visual acuity, pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, five A-scan echobiometric parameters and 15 ultrasound biomicroscopy parameters. As early as the first hour after administration of the drug, a marked ocular hypotensive effect was detected associated with a miotic effect, without any refractive or visual acuity alterations. The A-scan echobiometry parameters were unchanged, while, as far as the ultrasound biomicroscopy variables were concerned, we observed an increase in iris-lens contact distance and a reduction in iris root thickness with a resulting increase in posterior chamber depth and in iris-ciliary process distances. No changes were observed in either the anterior chamber or the anterior iris profile. Brimonidine 0.2% proved to be an ocular hypotensive agent which is also endowed with a mild miotic effect, without giving rise to refractive or visual acuity alterations. The drug does not alter the thickness and position of the lens and does not facilitate pupil block; it reduces the iris thickness with an increase in posterior chamber depth and in iris-ciliary process distance but with no changes in anterior chamber depth or chamber angle width.

Association of xerophthalmia, flecked retina, and pseudotumor cerebri caused by hypovitaminosis A.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of hypovitaminosis A with bilateral papilledema and flecked retina that regressed after restoration of vitamin A deficiency. METHOD: Case report. A 27-year-old woman had undergone a biliopancreatic bypass for obesity in 1990. In 1995, she presented with bilateral xerophthalmia, bilateral papilledema, and bilateral flecked retina. RESULTS: Laboratory tests demonstrated low serum levels of vitamin A (0.8 micromol/l) and vitamin E (8.54 micromol/l). Xerophthalmia, papilledema, and flecked retina disappeared after restoration of normal vitamin A blood levels. CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis A after biliopancreatic bypass for obesity may be associated with xerophthalmia, pseudotumor cerebri, and flecked retina.

Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery for uveal melanoma: clinical results after 2 years.

We report on 36 cases of uveal melanoma treated at our center between March 1993 and September 1995. There were 16 men and 20 women, aged 57 +/- 11 years. The choroid was affected in 35 patients and the ciliary-body in 1. The same preoperative and follow-up protocol was adopted for all cases. The procedure included fixation and positioning of the eye with a retrobulbar injection of long-lasting anesthetic and two extraocular muscle sutures, application of the frame, computed tomography scan localization, dose planning and treatment with the Gamma Knife. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A: 10 patients with a follow-up of 24 +/- 4 months, treated with a high dose (surface dose 58 +/- 9 Gy, maximum dose 81 +/- 15 Gy, mean dose 66 +/- 11 Gy). Group B: 9 patients with a follow-up of 16 +/- 2 months, treated with a lower dose (surface dose 41 +/- 3 Gy, maximum dose 76 +/- 10 Gy, mean dose 53 +/- 11 Gy). Group C: 17 patients with a follow-up of 6 +/- 3 months, treated with a lower dose (surface dose 42 +/- 3 Gy, maximum dose 72 +/- 16 Gy, mean dose: 54 +/- 6 Gy). In group A, we observed marked tumor regression in 9 cases, tumor recurrence in 1 case and severe complications in 5 cases (neovascular glaucoma and/or radiation retinopathy and/or radiation optic neuropathy). In group B, significant local control of the tumor was obtained with minor complications (cotton wool spots hard exudates, intraretinal hemorrhages). In group C, to date we have observed a regression of the tumor in 7 cases and 1 severe complication (neovascular glaucoma). Our data show that uveal melanomas may be adequately controlled by a high radiosurgical dosage (50-70 Gy), though there are significant side effects. Comparable levels of local tumor control may be obtainable using lower doses (40-45 Gy) which would hopefully reduce the rate of complications. However, a longer follow-up is needed for further validation of these results.

Early management of the paralyzed upper eyelid using a gold implant.

One main goal in the management of a peripheral facial paralysis is to provide the patient with adequate protection to the cornea in order to avoid keratitis. Medical treatment, (ophthalmic drops, ointments, taping, etc.), often fails and surgery has to be considered. The various methods hitherto described, e.g. tarsorraphy, plastic strips, magnetic implants and wire springs, are associated with drawbacks such as infection, poor cosmetic outcome or need for a revision procedure. Between 1990 and 1992, 12 patients, suffering from an upper eyelid paralysis, as a consequence of a peripheral impairment of the homolateral facial nerve function, were operated on in our Department with the implant of a gold weight within the upper eyelid itself. This procedure yielded, in all cases, an excellent lid closure, corneal protection as well as a good cosmesis. The surgical technique is simple, if performed under local anesthesia, and the patient leaves the hospital on the same day of surgery. Should the natural eye function return, the implant can be easily removed.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery of primary and metastatic malignant brain tumors, a preliminary report.

Between February 1993 and March 1994, 75 metastases, 16 gliomas and 2 AIDS-related malignant lymphomas were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Metastatic brain tumors (54% lung cancer, 14% breast cancer, 13.5% melanoma) were the most frequent and clinically rewarding cases. So-called local control was achieved in almost all patients, the vast majority showing neurological improvement associated with radiological disappearance or dramatic shrinkage of the tumor within 9-12 weeks from treatment. According to our modified 'Pittsburgh' protocol, we have treated up to four distinct intracranial lesions, up to a total maximum volume of 20 cm3, with an average surface dose of 25 Gy, with or without additional whole brain radiotherapy (WBR). Preliminary follow-up data seem to confirm increased quality of life and survival rates. The results were particularly striking whenever primary tumors were under control, and were poorly influenced by associated WBR. Gamma Knife treatment was also performed in a selected group of patients with small-to-medium-sized, well-defined, histologically proven, cerebral gliomas. The main indications for radiosurgery were high-risk surgery, multifocal disease, ventricular seeding and unresected or recurrent tumor. The prescription doses ranged from 18 to 30 Gy, with a mean of 27 Gy. Low-grade astrocytomas (9/16 cases) showed the better clinical and radiological response to treatment, with neurological recovery and significant reduction in tumor volume within 3-5 months in 5 of the 9 patients. In 4 of 7 high-grade gliomas, there was little or no response. However, an impressive radiological regression with full clinical recovery was observed in 2 high-grade cases with small tumor volumes: a recurrent, anaplastic 'mixed glioma' of the pineal region and a double ventricular seeding of a previously operated anaplastic astrocytoma.

Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery of ocular metastases: a case report.

A case of a choroidal metastasis treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery is reported. A 48-year-old Caucasian man afflicted with lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) was referred to the University Hospital of Verona, Italy, for loss of vision in his left eye due to a choroidal mass with exudative retinal detachment. Clinical investigation was conclusive of a well-defined, bilobed choroidal metastasis located in the temporal and inferior portion of the posterior pole of the eye. The lesion was characterized by a maximum thickness of 5.2 mm and a maximum lateral extension of 14 mm. The staging was negative for other metastatic localizations. Using the Gamma Knife technique, a surface dose of 25 Gy was administered at the 50% isodose line using the 8-mm collimator (5 shots) with equally weighted fields. After a 3-month follow-up period, a marked reduction in the lesion size as well as in the exudative retinal detachment was observed. This improvement was unchanged 6 months after the treatment, and the lesion appeared completely controlled. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of an ocular metastasis treated with stereotactic Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Stereotactic radiosurgery of uveal melanomas: preliminary results with Gamma Knife treatment.

Twelve cases of uveal melanoma (T3N0M0:11 patients, T4N0M0:1 patient) treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery are reported. Our protocol includes preoperative ocular and systemic assessments with complete ocular examination, ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorangiography, standardized echography, CT and MRI, chest X-rays, liver echography and blood tests. The follow-up program is mainly based on echographic evaluation of tumor thickness and size. The procedures include fixation of the eye, application of the stereotactic Leksell frame G, CT/MRI localization of the melanoma, dose planning and treatment with the Gamma Knife (B type). A mean surface dose of 55 +/- 10 Gy was administered at the 60-90% isodose curve using 4- to 14-mm collimators and a number of shots ranging from 1 to 6. A significant reduction (10-41%) in echographic thickness of the tumor was shown in 6 cases with a follow-up of 3-12 months. In 4 patients, the tumor size was still unchanged after 1-10 months. The single high-dose radiation delivered to the target and the high spatial accuracy are the main advantages of stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of posterior uveal melanomas. A longer followup is needed to further validate this new application of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.