Pluripotent epigenetic regulator OBP-801 maintains filtering blebs in glaucoma filtration surgery model.

Inhibition of fibrosis is indispensable for maintaining filtering blebs after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a pluripotent epigenetic regulator OBP-801 (OBP) to ameliorate extracellular matrix formation in a rabbit model of GFS. Rabbits that underwent GFS were treated with OBP. The gene expression profiles and intraocular pressure (IOP) were monitored until 30 postoperative days. The bleb tissues were evaluated for tissue fibrosis at 30 postoperative days. In in vitro models, OBP interfered the functions of diverse genes during the wound-healing process. In in vivo GFS models, the expressions of TGF-ß3, MMP-2, TIMP-2 and 3, LOX, COL1A and SERPINH1 were significantly inhibited at 30 postoperative days in the OBP group compared with those in the vehicle control group. OBP treatment involving subconjunctival injection or eye drops showed no adverse effects, and reduced levels of α-SMA and collagen deposition at the surgical wound site. OBP maintained the long-lived bleb without scar formation, and IOP was lower at 30 postoperative days compared with the vehicle control group. These findings suggest that OBP is an effective and useful candidate low-molecular-weight agent for improving wound healing and surgical outcomes in a rabbit model of GFS.

Double-mirror goniolens with dual viewing system for goniosurgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of the double-mirror goniolens with dual viewing system in goniosurgery, goniosynechialysis, and trabeculotomy ab externo with that of the conventional Swan-Jacob gonioprism (SJG). DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: We treated 10 patients (10 eyes) with medically uncontrollable chronic angle-closure glaucoma by goniosynechialysis and another 10 eyes with open-angle glaucoma by trabeculotomy ab externo (TLO). The 20 patients were divided randomly into two equal groups and underwent operation with the double-mirror goniolens or SJG instrument. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications, irrespective of the procedure or instrument that was used. Patients in the SJG group were required to tilt the head at a >30-degree angle to facilitate observation and manipulation of the quadrants. On the other hand, all structures could be observed and manipulated without head-tilting in the double-mirror goniolens group. CONCLUSION: The double-mirror goniolens with dual viewing system is more suitable than the conventional SJG for goniosurgery.

[Relationship between compliance and background factors of glaucoma patients].

PURPOSE: To obtain useful information for the improvement of patient compliance in the medical treatment of glaucoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An unsigned attitude survey on glaucoma and eye drops was conducted with 431 glaucoma patients. Correlation between compliance and individual(objective and subjective) factors was investigated. Objective factors were age, sex, number of eye drop products, duration of disease, and degree of visual field defects. Subjective factors were "stinging sensation with application of eye drops" and "worry about blindness". RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of the glaucoma patients were compliant, instilling eye drops at the right time and with good technique. For the factor "duration of disease", patients who had glaucoma for 6-10 years had the best compliance. Compliance became poorer with an increasing number of eye drop products. In the subjective factors, less pain and worry led patients to better compliance. CONCLUSION: To improve compliance with medical treatment, we should categorize patients based on objective factors, eliminating their pain and worry, and instructing them not only in the frequency of instillation but also in the technique of administration.