Netarsudil monotherapy as the initial treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Indian patients: A real-world evaluation of efficacy and safety.

Purpose: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting more than 64 million people aged 40-80. The best way to manage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP). Netarsudil is a Rho kinase inhibitor, the only class of antiglaucoma medications that reorganizes the extracellular matrix to improve the aqueous outflow through the trabecular pathway. Methods: An open-label, real-world, multicentric, observation-based 3-month study was performed for assessing the safety and ocular hypotensive efficacy of netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) in patients with elevated IOP. Patients were given netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) as a first-line therapy. Diurnal IOP measurements, best-corrected visual acuity, and adverse event assessments were recorded at each of the five visits (Day-1: screening day and first dosing day; subsequent observations were taken at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). Results: Four hundred and sixty-nine patients from 39 centers throughout India completed the study. The mean IOP at baseline of the affected eyes was 24.84 ± 6.39 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation). After the first dose, the IOP was measured after 2, 4, and 6 weeks, with the final measurement taken at 3 months. The percentage reduction in IOP in glaucoma patients after 3 months of once-daily netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution use was 33.34%. The adverse effects experienced by patients were not severe in the majority of cases. Some adverse effects observed were redness, irritation, itching, and others, but only a small number of patients experienced severe reactions, as reported in a decreasing order: redness > irritation > watering > itching > stinging > blurring. Conclusion: We found that netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution monotherapy when used as the first-line treatment in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension was both safe and effective.

Approach to primary congenital glaucoma: A perspective.

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) occurs worldwide and has a broad range of ocular manifestations. It poses a therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist. A proper diagnostic evaluation under anesthesia is advisable for all children who do not cooperate for an office examination. Medical therapy only serves as a supportive role, and surgical intervention remains the principal therapeutic modality. Angle incision surgery such as goniotomy or trabeculotomy ab externo is the preferred choice of surgery in the Caucasian population. Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with or without antifibrotic therapy is the preferred choice in certain regions such as India and the Middle East where the disease usually presents with severe forms of corneal edema along with megalocornea. In refractory cases, trabeculectomy with antifibrotic therapy or glaucoma drainage devices are available options in the armamentarium. Cycloablative procedures should be reserved for eyes with poor visual potential. Myopia is common among children with PCG, and appropriate optical refractive correction in the form of glasses or contact lenses should be provided. Amblyopia therapy should be instituted to ensure overall visual development in the early developmental years. Low-vision rehabilitation services should be provided to children with vision impairment. Long-term follow-up is mandatory and carers of children with PCG should be counseled and educated about this need. Regardless of the visual outcomes, clinicians should emphasize the need for education of these children during the clinic visit. The overall goal of the management should be to improve the overall quality of life of the children with PCG and their carers.

Update on congenital glaucoma.

Congenital glaucoma is a global problem and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist. A detailed evaluation under general anesthesia is advisable to establish the diagnosis and plan for management. Medical therapy has a limited role and surgery remains the primary therapeutic modality. While goniotomy or trabeculotomy ab externo is valuable in the management of congenital glaucoma, primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy offers the best hope of success in advanced cases. Trabeculectomy with antifibrotic agent and glaucoma drainage devices has a role in the management of refractory cases, and cyclodestructive procedures should be reserved for patients where these procedures have failed. Early diagnosis, prompt therapeutic intervention and proper refractive correction are keys to success. Management of residual vision and visual rehabilitation should be an integral part of the management of children with low vision and lifelong follow-up is a must.