Intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with ab interno trabeculotomy in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using ab interno trabeculotomy (LOT) in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 18 patients with exfoliation glaucoma and lens or IOL subluxations were included. Three success criteria were based on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (A, ≤15 mmHg; B, ≤18 mmHg; C, ≤21 mmHg). The IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and visual acuity were compared before and after surgery. Success probability was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Cox proportional hazards' regression models were used to examine prognostic factors for surgical failure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 23.4 ± 7.8 months. The mean IOP significantly decreased from 23.2 ± 6.8 mmHg preoperatively to 14.0 ± 4.4 mmHg at 1 year postoperative (P<0.001). Postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage were observed in seven and 15 eyes, respectively, and washout in the anterior chamber or vitreous cavity was performed in four eyes. Postoperative IOP spikes and hypotony were observed in four eyes each. Glaucoma reoperation was performed in two eyes. The success rates at 12 months were 65%, 85%, and 90% using criteria A, B, and C, respectively. The IOP at 1 month after surgery was a significant prognostic factor for surgical failure according to criterion A (hazard ratio: 1.08; P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Intrascleral IOL fixation combined with microhook LOT is a promising option in cases of exfoliation glaucoma with subluxated lens/IOL; however, the high rate of postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage should be noted.

Trabeculotomy Using the Kahook Dual Blade for Exfoliation Glaucoma and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Comparison of Outcomes According to Incision Range.

PRCIS: Large amount of trabeculotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) confers better intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. PURPOSE: We compared the postoperative outcomes of trabeculotomy using the KDB in patients with exfoliation glaucoma (EXG) and primary open angle glaucoma between the 120-degree incision and the 210- to 240-degree incision groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the postoperative outcomes of trabeculotomy performed using the KDB in 101 eyes with EXG and primary open angle glaucoma, who received 120- and 210- to 240-degree incisions at Kumamoto University Hospital between April 25, 2018, and August 11, 2021. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were used to assess the outcomes. Surgical failure was defined as IOP ≥21 mm Hg (criterion A) and ≥19 mm Hg (criterion B), or an IOP ≤4 mm Hg in either criterion and the need for additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: In total, 64 and 37 eyes were included in the 120 and 210- to 240-degree groups, respectively. The 210- to 240-degree group had a higher 1-year success rate compared with the 120-degree group, both when considering all eyes and when considering only those with EXG (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In trabeculotomy with KDB, a 210- to 240-degree incision was more effective than a 120-degree incision in lowering IOP in EXG cases.

Outcome of combined trabeculectomy with cataract surgery in patients on prostaglandin analogs and aqueous suppressants.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of prostaglandin analogs (PGA) against other glaucoma medications (non-PGA) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification, and the conjunctival cell profile in persons with primary open-angle (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXFG). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 116 patients with POAG or PXFG on glaucoma medications for a minimum of 3 months undergoing glaucoma triple procedure. Patients were divided into two groups (PGA and non-PGA) based on preoperative exposure to PGA. IOP outcomes were assessed for up to 2 years. Conjunctival biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of surgery, and histopathological analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were in the PGA group, 67 were in the non-PGA group, and seven were lost to follow-up. The non-PGA group had lesser mean postoperative IOP and needed fewer postoperative medications compared to the PGA group in all visits up to 2 years. The non-PGA group had better complete success rate (50.7% vs. 14.3%, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed a significant difference in cumulative complete success rate between non-PGA (67%) and PGA (26%) by 24 months ( P < 0.001). The Cox proportional model showed the type of drug to be significantly associated with surgical failure. Histopathological analysis revealed that the PGA group had higher numbers for each type of inflammatory cell (except mast cells) compared to the non-PGA group. CONCLUSION: Patients on PGA are likely to have a higher postoperative IOP and may need more medications for IOP control after a glaucoma triple procedure.

Comparison of intraocular pressure fluctuation and glaucoma progression rate between phakic and pseudophakic eyes in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

The management of patients with concurrent pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and cataract is challenging given its worse prognosis compared to other glaucoma types and the increased risk associated with cataract surgery. In this retrospective study, we investigated the long-term outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with PXG. We enrolled patients with PXG who had undergone cataract surgery at least 2 years previously and compared them with mean deviation (MD) matched patients with phakic eyes. The results showed that both groups experienced a decrease in MD, with the group of pseudophakic eyes exhibiting a significantly higher rate of decline (-2.15 ± 2.66 dB/year vs. -0.86 ± 0.95 dB/year; P = 0.040). Similarly, there was a trend towards more rapid thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the pseudophakic group (-2.92 ± 2.34 µm/year vs. -1.79 ± 1.71 µm/year; P = 0.074). No significant differences in the intraocular pressure parameters were observed between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that pseudophakic lens status was significantly associated with a faster rate of MD decline in patients with PXG (regression coefficient, -1.391; P = 0.022). These findings underscore the importance of close monitoring of patients with pseudophakic PXG to effectively manage glaucoma progression.

The effect of uneventful cataract surgery on Schlemm's canal and the trabecular meshwork in cases with pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on Schlemm's canal (SC) and the trabecular meshwork (TM) in cases with pseudoexfoliation (PX). METHODS: In this prospective study, 37 PX and 37 normal eyes, who underwent cataract surgery, were included. The PX group was further divided into two subgroups: PX syndrome (PXS) and PX glaucoma (PXG). Preoperative complete ophthalmologic examination, anterior segment (AS) imaging using a Scheimpflug camera, and measurements of SC length and area and TM thickness and length using AS optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed in all cases. All measurements were repeated at the first and third months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), AS parameters, SC, and TM values showed no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). After surgery, there was a significant increase in AS parameter values and a significant decrease in IOP values in both the PX and control groups (p < 0.05). The nasal and temporal SC area showed a significant increase in the PX group after surgery (p = 0.007, p = 0.003, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the only significant change in the nasal and temporal SC area was in the PXS group (p = 0.006, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery resulted in an increase in the SC area in patients with PXS. This increase may be due to multiple mechanisms including the IOP-lowering effect of cataract removal, change in AS, and removal of intraocular PX material after surgery.

Outcome of manual small incision cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the surgical outcome of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and compare them with those of controls. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective, observational, and comparative study included 150 cases of PXF with cataracts, 150 cases of PXG with cataracts, and 200 cases of cataracts without PXF as controls. METHODS: MSICS was performed in all cases under peribulbar anesthesia. Intraoperative complications, if any, were noted. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications were recorded at follow-up on day 1, day 7, and after 1 month. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: IBM SPSS 24.0 statistics, SPSS South Asia Pvt Ltd. RESULTS: Lines of improvement in BCVA were significantly better in the control group (8.7 ± 1.7) than that in the PXF (7.5 ± 2.1) and PXG groups (6.4 ± 2.7). IOP significantly decreased from baseline to 1 month postoperatively in the PXG group than in the PXF and control groups (mean difference: 3.8 ± 7.5 mm Hg). Intraoperative iridodialysis and zonular dialysis were significantly high in the PXG group with a proportion of 4 and 20%, respectively. Postoperative choroidal detachment and hyphema, six cases each, were found significantly high in the PXG group. CONCLUSION: Although the BCVA improvement was less and the complications were high in patients with pseudoexfoliation, especially those with PXG, the reduction in IOP was significant. MSICS can be considered favorably in patients with PXF and PXG, with adequate precautions to manage anticipated complications.

Comparison between primary Ahmed valve implantation and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with exfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of primary Ahmed valve implantation (AVI) and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with pseudophakic exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). METHODS: All enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the TRAB group, comprising patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC, and the AVI group, comprising patients who underwent AVI. Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD), endothelial cell density of cornea (ECD), and the number of topical anti-glaucoma agents used during study period were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success rates were compared between two groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Three levels of surgical success were defined as follows: (1) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20% without medication; (2) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 25% without medication; and (3) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20%, irrespective of medication. RESULTS: The TRAB and AVI groups comprised 40 and 36 patients, respectively. At 36 months postoperatively, IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg in the TRAB group and 16.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in the AVI group (p = 0.140). Surgical success rates in the TRAB group were 47.5, 37.5, and 77.5% and those in the AVI group were 41.6, 33.3, and 75.0% at 36 months for surgical criteria 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates between the two groups. However, regarding surgical criteria 2, the success rate of the AVI group at 1 year was significantly better than that of the TRAB group (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Primary AVI was not inferior to primary trabeculectomy with MMC in medically uncontrolled patients with XFG.

Risk factors for a phacodonesis surprise during cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of different pre-operative parameters with surprise phacodonesis during cataract surgery among patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective charts review of all PXF patients who underwent cataract surgery between the years 2013 and 2018. Pre-operative parameters (demographics, biometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell count, pupil size, cataract density, glaucoma status, cup to disc ratio, number of glaucoma medications, prior intra-vitreous injections, risk for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome) were compared between patients with and without surprise phacodonesis. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the predictive value of each parameter. RESULTS: Out of 396 surgical cases with computerized pre-operative assessment, we included 127 eyes of 120 PXF patients without evidence of phacodonesis preoperatively. The mean age was 77.8 ± 12.0 years, 63 (52.7%) were male, and 106 (84.2%) underwent phacoemulsification surgery. We identified 10 cases of surprise phacodonesis during surgery (8.2%). Compared to PXF cases without intraoperative phacodonesis, they had higher pre-operative IOP (23.0 ± 11.0 mmHg vs. 14.9 ± 3.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of B scan use due to dense cataract obscuring posterior pole evaluation [4 (40%) vs. 15 (12.8%), p = 0.04]. Multivariant binary logistic regression confirmed that only baseline IOP contributed to the prediction of surprise phacodonesis (OR 1.22 CI 1.04-1.43, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with PXF undergoing cataract surgery, elevated IOP and poor posterior segment visibility requiring B scan use were associated with zonular instability putting these patients at risk for intra-operative complications.

Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma as a Predictor of Refractive Surprise After Uneventful Cataract Surgery.

PRCIS: The pseudoexfoliation glaucoma group produced higher mean absolute error (MAE) and higher percentages of large-magnitude prediction error, in all investigated intraocular lens formulas. Postoperative anterior chamber angle and change in intraocular pressure (IOP) were associated with absolute error. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate refractive outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and to determine the predictive factors for refractive errors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four eyes with PXG, 33 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 58 normal eyes undergoing phacoemulsification, in Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, were included in this prospective study. The follow-up was 3 months. Preoperative and postoperative anterior segment parameters measured by Scheimpflug camera were compared after adjusting for age, sex, and axial length. The mean prediction error, MAE, and percentages of large-magnitude prediction error (>±1.0 D) in SRK/T, Barrett Universal II, and Hill-RBF formulas were compared. RESULTS: There was a significantly greater anterior chamber angle (ACA) enlargement in PXG eyes compared with POAG ( P =0.006) and normals ( P =0.04). The PXG group showed significantly higher MAE in SRK/T, Barrett Universal II, and Hill-RBF (0.72, 0.79, and 0.79 D, respectively) than POAG (0.43, 0.25, and 0.31 D, respectively) and normals (0.34, 0.36, 0.31 D, respectively) ( P <0.0001). The large-magnitude error was significantly more frequent in the PXG group among the 3 groups with SRK/T (37%, 18%, and 12%, respectively) ( P =0.005), Barrett Universal II (32%, 9%, and 10%, respectively) ( P =0.005), and Hill-RBF (32%, 9%, and 9%, respectively) ( P =0.002). The MAE was correlated with postoperative ACA and IOP decrease in Barrett Universal II ( P =0.02 and 0.007, respectively) and Hill-RBF ( P =0.03 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PXG may be a predictor for refractive surprise after cataract surgery. Prediction errors may be due to IOP-lowering effect of surgery and larger postoperative ACA than expected, in the presence of zonular weakness.

Uneventful Phacoemulsification after Trabeculectomy in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma versus Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Conflicting results have been reported on phacoemulsification in the filtered eyes with open-angle glaucoma. In this study, we aim to compare the effect of phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy between pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Consecutive patients with XFG and POAG who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil (TRAB-PHACO group) were reviewed retrospectively and matched to patients who underwent trabeculectomy only (TRAB group). Comparisons were performed for IOP, medication numbers, and success rates. Surgical failure was defined as IOP >21 mm Hg or IOP ≤21 mm Hg with additional medication or glaucoma surgery. Survival analysis was investigated by Kaplan-Meier test and the factors influencing final success by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The records of 204 patients were reviewed. In XFG, when compared with the baseline, increase in IOP became statistically significant at the at 24-month visit in the TRAB-PHACO group (p = 0.002), at the 6-month visit (p = 0.001) in the TRAB group and remained so throughout the follow-up. In the TRAB-PHACO group, increase of glaucoma medications was statistically significant only at the last visit (p = 0.001) in XFG, at the 6-month visit (p = 0.02) in POAG and remained so throughout the follow-up. Two glaucoma types did not differ statistically from one another in terms of survival analysis. In the TRAB group, the additional glaucoma surgery was more common in XFG compared to POAG (p = 0.02). The trabeculectomy failure after phacoemulsification was related with an IOP spike >25 mm Hg at postoperative first 24h (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In the filtered eyes with XFG, uneventful phacoemulsification may delay time-related worsening in IOP control and may decrease the additional glaucoma surgery need.

Early Lensectomy in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation: Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes.

PRCIS: Early lensectomy in patients presenting pseudoexfoliation (PXF) in an asymmetric clinical stage resulted in effective, safe, and predictable long-term results. Good intraocular pressure (IOP) was found, thus it might be considered as a possible surgical approach in these patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term effectiveness, predictability, and safety of cataract surgery performed in patients with capsular PXF at an early stage of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, comparative study included PXF patients who underwent phacoemulsification with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens implantation in both eyes with a postoperative follow-up ≥5 years. Patients were classified in 2 groups: symmetric PXF (n=102) and asymmetric PXF (n=59). Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, IOP, number of hypotensive drugs, visual field mean deviation, and the incidence of complications were registered. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 8.5±2.8 years. Six months after cataract surgery, monocular uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity were 0.3±0.4 and 0.1±0.3 logMAR, respectively, for the symmetric PXF, and 0.2±0.2 and 0.1±0.2 logMAR, respectively, for the asymmetric group. Total 95% and 96% of eyes were within ±1.00D in symmetric and asymmetric groups, respectively. At the final follow-up, IOP decreased only in the asymmetric group (P=0.004), with a reduction in the number of medications in both eyes (P<0.001). Mean deviation changed from -8.8 to -11.6 dB in the symmetric group (P<0.001), and from -5.0±6.2 to -7.9±10.6 dB (P=0.42) in the asymmetric group. Intraoperative complications were only registered in the symmetric group: 7 (3.4%; P=0.04). Ten cases (4.9%) of late intraocular lens dislocation were found, all from the symmetric group (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Early lensectomy in patients with PXF before its symmetric presentation resulted in effective, safe, and predictable long-term results.

Risk factors for Ex-Press® surgery failure.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors for Ex-Press® (EXP) surgery failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective non-randomized study of 98 patients who had undergone EXP and were followed up ≥ 5 years. We investigated the following nine risk factors: age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), previous glaucoma surgery, type of glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma vs. pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma), surgical methods (EXP alone vs. EXP + cataract surgery simultaneously), central corneal thickness (CCT), and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP). We defined a successful surgery as a postoperative reduction in the IOP ≥ 20% from the preoperative IOP and ≤ 18 mmHg. We determined the risk factors using multivariate cox regression models. RESULTS: Performing EXP significantly decreased the IOP (preoperative: 25.2 ± 8.7, at 5 years: 11.1 ± 4.1). The success ratio of EXP was 67.4% at 5 years. We found no significant risk factors for EXP surgery failure. The p values of the factors were age (p = 0.936), gender (p = 0.0587), hypertension (p = 0.409), DM (p = 0.967), previous glaucoma surgery (p = 0.940), type of glaucoma (p = 0.435) surgical methods (p = 0.521), CCT (p = 0.091), and preoperative IOP (p = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: No preoperative factors that could be used to predict the failure of EXP surgery were identified. EXP can be safely performed for primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma.

Feasibility, efficacy and safety of early lens extraction in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma: a feasibility and pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a trial to compare the efficacy and safety of initial lens extraction surgery versus medical treatment for people with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXFG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. METHODS: This is a feasibility and pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) in patients with newly diagnosed PXFG and mild cataract. The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. An online survey was conducted among members of UK and Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS) and Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG) with the aim of understanding current practices related to interventions for PXFG, the role of phacoemulsification and the willingness to participate in a definite trial. Participants were randomized into either early lens extraction surgery or medical treatment and deferred surgery Primary clinical outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP) at 12 months. RESULTS: The study was conducted between May 2019 and February 2021. Twelve patients were randomized, six in each group. Median IOP decreased significantly in both arms. Among the secondary outcomes of BVCA, reduction in the number of treatments and quality of life, statistically significant differences were found in favor of lens extraction. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes. No adverse effects occurred. Glaucoma experts would be willing to participate in a RCT. CONCLUSIONS: A trial on early lens extraction surgery compared with medication in PXFG is feasible. Early lens extraction appears to be an effective treatment for PXFG, reducing the number of hypotensive drugs after surgery as well as improving patients' quality of life.

Visual outcomes and complications of manual small-incision cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation.

Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation is an age-related fibrillopathy characterized by the deposition of fibrillar material in the eye with an increased risk of complications during cataract surgery. Aim was to study visual outcomes and complications in patients with pseudoexfoliation undergoing manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Methods: Prospective observational study was performed on 152 patients with pseudoexfoliation above 50 years undergoing MSICS in a tertiary hospital from December 2016 to November 2017. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented with follow-up on postoperative day 1, 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month. Results: Preoperative small pupil was noted in 49 eyes (32.2%), and 19 (12.5%) required intraoperative measures. Intraocular complications noted were zonular dialysis in five (3.3%), posterior capsular rupture in one (0.7%), and iridodialysis in one (0.7%). On postoperative day 1, the most common complication was corneal edema in 134 patients but clinically significant in only 23 (15.1%). Postoperative complications at 3 months were irregular pupil in 17 cases and decentered IOL in three cases. Intraocular pressure decreased with each visit [preoperative mean: 14.39 (±3.4) and 13.37 (±2.0) 12.53 (±1.4) mm Hg at 1 and 3 months, respectively]. There was a significant improvement in vision from the first day mean pinhole vision of 0.26 (±0.24) to mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.09 (±0.22) and 0.07 (±0.22) at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Mean endothelial cell loss was 193.16 (7.79%) and 266.01 (10.68%) at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation has an increased risk of complications during cataract surgery. MSICS gives good outcomes in terms of visual recovery and postoperative outcomes.

Comparison of lamina cribrosa depth shallowing after trabeculectomy between primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliation glaucoma.

The lamina cribrosa (LC) becomes shallower as intraocular pressure (IOP) decreases after trabeculectomy. The LC in eyes with exfoliation syndrome has distinctive properties in the connective tissue and extracellular matrix, but how these affect the changes in LC depth in response to IOP reduction after trabeculectomy is unknown. We analyzed pre- and postoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who underwent trabeculectomy and investigated whether LC depth differed between XFG and POAG eyes after trabeculectomy. In total, 30 XFG eyes and 30 visual field mean deviation-matched POAG eyes were included. LC depth was determined at an average of 3.9 months after trabeculectomy. Postoperatively, the LC depth became shallower and the BMO-MRW became thicker in both XFG and POAG eyes. XFG eyes showed lesser amount of LC depth shallowing than POAG eyes. Greater preoperative LC depth, lower postoperative IOP, and absence of XFG were all associated with a greater degree of postoperative LC depth shallowing. These findings suggest that the LC of XFG eyes may inherently possess the distinctive properties of the connective tissue and extracellular matrix contained within it, which could affect the LC response to the reduction in IOP after trabeculectomy.

Risk factors for intraocular pressure elevation in a six-month period after ab interno trabeculotomy using a Kahook Dual Blade.

BACKGROUND: To examine the risk factors for an early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) increase after ab interno trabeculotomy using a Kahook Dual Blade (KDB trabeculotomy). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 76 exfoliation glaucoma (EXG) eyes and 56 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes that underwent KDB trabeculotomy, with or without cataract surgery at Kumamoto University Hospital. Postoperative high IOP was classified as IOP≥20 mmHg (within three months after surgery, whether persistent or temporary), transient IOP≥20 mmHg (IOP≥20 mmHg after surgery, then dropped below 20 mmHg), and the presence of IOP spikes (≥ 10 mmHg from baseline). Risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The preoperative mean IOP (SD) was 24.98 (7.23) mmHg in patients with EXG and 21.28 (6.58) mmHg in patients with POAG. IOP was reduced by 32.1% in patients with EXG and by 17.7% in patients with POAG at 6 months after surgery. Postoperative IOP≥20 mmHg was observed in 56.6% of EXG patients and in 51.8% of POAG patients. IOP spikes occurred in 15.8% of EXG patients and in 14.3% of POAG patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that factors with significant odds ratios (ORs) were age (OR = 0.866, 95% CI = 0.793-0.945), preoperative medication use (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.17-3.49), trabeculotomy in combination with cataract surgery (OR = 0.0674, 95% CI = 0.015-0.303), and IOP at day 1 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.18-1.68) for postoperative IOP≥20 mmHg, the IOP at day 1 (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.03-1.17) for transient IOP≥20 mmHg, and age (OR = 0.948, 95% CI = 0.901-0.997) and preoperative IOP (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.736-0.936) for IOP spikes. CONCLUSION: Although KDB trabeculotomy is an effective treatment for patients with EXG and POAG, patients who take multiple preoperative medications and have a high IOP on day 1 require careful follow-up to prevent postoperative IOP elevation.

Six-month outcomes of combined conventional needle goniotomy and phacoemulsification in eyes with early to moderate primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Purpose: Angle-based surgeries for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma have gained popularity in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and goniotomy in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (POAG and PXG) and ocular hypertension (OHTN). Methods: In this interventional case series in the setting of the Glaucoma Service at the Farabi Eye Hospital, 32 eyes of 30 patients with early-to-moderate POAG and PXG and OHTN were enrolled. All eyes underwent combined phacoemulsification and needle goniotomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of antiglaucoma medications as well as demographic data were recorded at baseline and one day, one week, one month, three months, and six months after the surgery. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to compare the values of IOP and the number of medications at different time points. Kaplan-Meier graph was used to demonstrate the survival status of the eyes. Results: Mean IOP at baseline was 21.8 ± 4.6 mmHg on mean 1.2 ± 1.5 topical medications. There was a 25.2% (16.3 ± 4.5 mmHg) and 32.1% (14.8 ± 3.9 mmHg) reduction in IOP at three and six months after procedure, respectively (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the decline in medications was 66.7% (0.4 ± 0.9) and 50.0% (0.6 ± 1.1) at the same time points (P = 0.002 and P = 0.048, respectively). Post-operative complications were clot hyphema (n = 1, 3.1%), fibrinous inflammation (n = 1, 3.1%) and distorted pupil (n = 2, 6.3%). Conclusion: Combined phacoemulsification and needle goniotomy as a procedure for mild and moderate POAG and PXG and OHTN is as effective as other modified goniotomies in the setting of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).

Outcomes of Prolene Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: A Comparative Study.

PRCIS: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) provides greater intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) than in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the first year of surgery; however, the difference between groups equalizes in the long term. PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of GATT in eyes with POAG and PXG. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, comparative case-series. A total of 202 eyes (91 eyes of POAG; 111 eyes of PXG) were included. GATT was performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract extraction. Outcome measures were change in IOP and number of medications at all time points (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 mo after surgery), success rate (IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline or IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, without further glaucoma surgery), and complication rate. Cumulative success probabilities were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. RESULTS: The mean IOP decreased by 8.8 mmHg (34.4%) in the POAG group with a mean decrease of 2 glaucoma medications at final visit. In the PXG group, the mean IOP decreased by 12.8 mm Hg (44.6%) on 2.3 fewer medications. Mean IOP reduction was significantly higher in PXG than POAG at all time points up to 2-year visit ( P <0.05 for all), after which the difference was not significant. Cumulative success probability during the first year was significantly higher in PXG (97.6%) than in POAG (86.8%) ( P =0.01); no significant difference was found at 2-year ( P =0.07) and 3-year visits ( P =0.24). CONCLUSION: GATT was safe and effectively reduced the IOP and medication burden in patients with POAG and PXG. In the first year after GATT, a significantly higher success rate was noted in PXG compared with POAG; however, in subsequent years, the success rate was similar at ~75%.

The effect of uneventful cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with or without previous mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) eyes with and without a history of Mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy. METHODS: Eyes with PXG that had underwent uneventful cataract surgery were enrolled. The IOP and the medication numbers before cataract surgery, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months after cataract surgery, and at the last visit were recorded in PXG with and without previous trabeculectomy. Failure was defined as IOP > 21 or ≤ 21 mmHg with additional medication or surgery. In the postoperative first 24 h, IOP > 50% above baseline was defined as an IOP spike. RESULTS: In the trabeculectomized eyes (n = 37), the increase in the mean IOP (p = 0.024) and the increase in the mean number of medications (p = 0.007) was significant at the last visit when compared with baseline. In the non-trabeculectomized eyes (n = 42) there was a significant decrease in the mean IOP (p = 0.016) and in the mean number of medications (p = 0.038) at the last visit. Twelve eyes (32.4%) in trabeculectomized group and six (14.3%) in the non-trabeculectomized group experienced failure. An IOP spike was seen in one eye in the trabeculectomized group, in 15 eyes in the non-trabeculectomized group (p < 0.0001). The IOP spike was a significant risk factor for failure (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Uneventful cataract surgery may have significant negative effect on the IOP control in the trabeculectomized PXG eyes. After cataract surgery, the non-trabeculectomized PXG eyes had a higher risk of IOP spike and an IOP spike may be a risk factor for failure.

Intraocular Pressure in Eyes with Intraocular Lens Dislocation and Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate intraocular pressure in eyes with intraocular lens subluxation and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. METHODS: In this retrospective study conducted at one eye centre (tazz) in Zurich, Switzerland, we reviewed 85 eyes with intraocular lens subluxation and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Intraocular lens exchange was carried out by two surgeons between 03/2016 and 12/2019 (45 months). Information on baseline characteristics and diagnosis of glaucoma was recorded. Intraocular pressure and best-corrected visual acuity were analysed preoperatively and at five time points up to 12 months after lens exchange. Data on antiglaucomatous medication was collected before surgery and at two different time points after surgery. Postoperative pressure lowering procedures and complications were further analysed. RESULTS: This study includes 85 pseudoexfoliation eyes with intraocular lens subluxation. The mean interval between cataract surgery and lens exchange was 8.9 ± 5.2 years. Intraocular pressure elevation in the event of intraocular lens subluxation was found in 54% (46/85) of eyes. Mean intraocular pressure decreased from 22.9 ± 9.4 mmHg preoperatively to 15.2 ± 3.4 mmHg at follow-up 12 months after lens exchange (p < 0.001). Postoperative topical antiglaucomatous drug requirements were comparable to preoperative levels (p = 0.520). Less systemic acetazolamide was required 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.018). A pressure lowering procedure was required in seven (8%) eyes in the postoperative period due to persistence of high intraocular pressure. Intermittent increase or persistence of high intraocular pressure occurred in 13 (15%) eyes. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises the connection between acute pressure elevation and intraocular lens subluxation in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Intraocular pressure decreases after lens exchange and decrease sustains for a postoperative period of 12 months. Postoperative pressure lowering procedures were not required in the majority of eyes. We therefore conclude that intraocular lens exchange is efficient in the management of lens subluxation and pressure elevation in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.