Glaucoma awareness, anxiety and its impact on patients undergoing visual field testing and optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of Glaucoma awareness, knowledge, and anxiety on patients under visual field analysis by Humphrey's visual field analyzer (HFA) and optical coherence tomography(OCT). METHODS: This prospective comparative cohort study included glaucoma patients undergoing HFA (Group A)(n = 150) and OCT(Group B) (n = 150). Each group consisted of 75 newly diagnosed patients and 75 patients who were on follow-up. Participants completed State trait anxiety inventory form Y2(STAI) before and after the test to assess pre-test and intra-test anxiety. Another validated and structured questionnaire was used to assess patient awareness and knowledge of glaucoma. Anxiety scores were used to make correlations and comparisons between the two groups and also against visual field reliability indices. The impact of awareness on anxiety scores and its correlation with reliability indices were also determined. RESULTS: Overall pretest and intratest anxiety scores in patients undergoing HFA were 52.39(9.5) and 52.45(8.6)and OCT 53.04(8.0) and 53.83(8.2) respectively.Pretest anxiety was less in follow-up patients of both groups(Group A-51.04,Group B-52.72).There was no statistically significant difference between the groups(pretest p = 0.52,Intratest p = 0.15). Anxiety score was found to be significantly high in female participants(54.07,p = 0.01)and those without awareness(p < 0.001). Patients with education of graduation and above in group B had significantly lower anxiety scores(p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Anxiety levels induced by both diagnostic modalities HFA and OCT appear to be similar and it does not affect the reliability indices.Anxiety score was higher in female participants and participants lacking disease awareness.

Short-term outcomes of Mitomycin-C augmented phaco-trabeculectomy using subconjunctival injections versus soaked sponges: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether subconjunctival Mitomycin-C (MMC) injections are as safe and effective as sponge-soaked MMC in phaco-trabeculectomy. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, interventional study was conducted on consecutive patients with visually significant cataract and an uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma. One hundred thirty-nine patients were recruited but 15 were ineligible for analysis. The patients were randomized into a sponge/injection group. All participants received a twin-site phaco-trabeculectomy. They were followed up on days 1, 15, 30, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the sponge group received an augmentation of their phaco-trabeculectomy with sponges soaked in a mixture of 0.04% MMC and 2% preservative-free Lignocaine in a 1:1 ratio, placed in the subconjunctival space for four minutes. Participants in the injection group received the same mixture as a subconjunctival injection, after surgical draping. RESULTS: There were 62 patients in each group. The groups had no significant differences in their baseline characteristics. The mean IOP at 6 months was significantly lower in the injection group (14.8 ± 3.7 mm Hg) than in the sponge group (17.1 ± 6.4 mm Hg) (p = 0.02). There was no notable difference in the complications or the final post-operative visual outcome but a significantly greater number of patients in the sponge arm required removal of the releasable suture (p = 0.001) and additional anti-glaucoma medications (p = 0.04) at six months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival MMC achieves a lower IOP with fewer anti-glaucoma medications than sponge-soaked MMC at six months for twin-site phaco-trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma with no additional risks.

Early Outcomes of Combined Phacoemulsification and Ab Interno Tanito Microhook Trabeculotomy in Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study the early postoperative efficacy and safety of an Ab Interno microhook trabeculotomy (microLOT) combined with cataract surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, interventional study was conducted on consecutive patients with visually significant cataract and mild-moderate open-angle glaucoma. One hundred fourteen patients were included for analysis. The patients were randomized to undergo microhook trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification (group 1) or phacoemulsification alone (group 2). All patients were evaluated on postoperative day 1, 15, and 30, as well as 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Baseline and follow-up visits were compared to determine significant differences in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), intraocular pressure (IOP), and best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: There were 57 patients in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, except the number of AGMs, which was greater in group 2. The mean preoperative IOP for group 1 (phaco-microLOT) was 26.5 mmHg ± 5.2 and group 2 (phaco-alone group) was 25.3 mmHg ± 3.1 which decreased to 12.5 mmHg ±3.6 (P < 0.001) and 20.0 mmHg ± 2.7(P < 0.001) at 12 months, respectively. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.48 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.30-0.60) preoperatively to 0.00 (0.00-0.18) postoperatively (P < 0001) in group 1 and improved from 0.30 (IQR, 0.30-0.48) to 0.00 (0.00-0.00) in group 2 (P < 0.001). In group 1, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) AGM used preoperatively was 0.6 (0.9) which was significantly reduced to 0.2 (0.5) at 12 months postoperatively, whereas in group 2, at 12 months, the mean (SD) AGM used was reduced from 1.4 (0.6) to 1.1 (0.9). In group 1, 90.3% of eyes achieved complete success at the end of 1 year. The most common complication was hyphema, noted in 4 patients with 1 eye requiring an anterior chamber washout. CONCLUSION: Ab interno microhook trabeculotomy (microLOT) combined with phacoemulsification in patients with open-angle glaucoma is an efficacious procedure with relatively minimal complications. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Long-term outcomes of Mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy using subconjunctival injections versus soaked sponges: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of subconjunctival injection of Mitomycin C(MMC) with sponge-applied MMC during trabeculectomy. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, interventional study was conducted on consecutive patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. 137 patients were randomised into an Injection group (Group 1, n = 66) and a sponge group (Group 2, n = 71). Trabeculectomy was performed in all patients who were followed up on days 1, 15, 30, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years & 3 years postoperatively. Baseline & follow-up visits were compared to find out difference in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), Intraocular pressure (IOP), and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA). In Group 1, the surgeon used MMC 0.2 mg/ml as subconjunctival injection and two separate semicircular surgical sponges soaked with MMC solution of 0.2 mg/mL were inserted subconjunctivally in Group 2. RESULTS: Mean preop IOP was 34.21 ± 13.3 mmHg & 34.17 ± 10.6 mmHg in group 1 & 2 respectively, which reduced to 11.34 ± 3.7& 12.57 ± 4.7 mmHg(6 months),11.97 ± 4.2 & 13.60 ± 5.3 mmHg(1 year),12.42 ± 4.4 & 11.77 ± 2.8 mmHg (2 years) &11.25 ± 3.2 & 11.81 ± 3.2 mmHg at final visit(P < 0.001 in both groups)with no significant difference between the groups. The mean number of preoperative AGM was 2.32 ± 0.7 & 2.32 ± 0.8 in group1 & 2 respectively which reduced to 0.78 ± 0.9 (P < 0.001) & 1.13 ± 1.1(P = 0.930) at 3 years. Overall success rates were 75.3% in group 1 and 70.7% in group 2 at 3 years(p = 0.512). Postoperative complications and the final post-operative visual outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival Injection of MMC is as safe and effective as sponge application with comparable surgical outcomes and complications in the long term.

Comparative study of surgical outcomes of twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with mitomycin C in primary open-angle glaucoma versus primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: Prospective, comparative, observational study. Patients with visually significant cataract and primary glaucoma were divided into two groups: POAG and PACG. They underwent twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with MMC and followed up on days 1, 15, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Baseline and follow-up visits were compared to find the differences in intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medications (AGM), success rates, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length (AXL). Results: There were 50 eyes each in POAG and PACG groups. Mean IOP reduction from baseline to 12 months (21.22 ± 6.0 to 11.40 ± 2.8-POAG group vs 24.16 ± 7.6 to 12.42 ± 3.2-PACG group) was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001), but no significant difference between groups (P = 0.095). There was a statistically significant decline in the number of AGM in POAG [1.66 (0.7) to 0.38 (0.7), P < 0.001] and PACG [2.10 (0.7) to 0.70 (0.8), P < 0.001]; the decline was more in POAG (P = 0.012) at last visit. Probability of overall (complete and qualified) success at 12 months postop was 72.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 57.4-82.4] in PACG and 84.0% (95% CI: 70.5-91.7) in POAG group. There was a significant increase in ACD and a decrease in AXL in both groups (P < 0.001). More interventions were required in the PACG group (38, P = 0.012). Conclusion: Phacotrabeculectomy with MMC causes a significant reduction in IOP and improvement in biometric parameters in both POAG and PACG. Patients with PACG required more postoperative interventions, while a lesser number of antiglaucoma medications were needed in POAG patients.

Aurolab aqueous drainage implant implantation made easy: A video-based step-by-step guide.

Background: Glaucoma is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness in the world, with trabeculectomy still being the primary surgical modality for the management of glaucoma. Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) have been conventionally used for the treatment of refractory glaucoma and are found to be beneficial in eyes with prior unsuccessful filtration surgeries and primary choice of surgery in certain glaucoma. Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) is a nonvalved device useful in refractory glaucoma to achieve low intraocular pressure (IOP). The device has been commercially available in India since 2013 and is like the Baerveldt glaucoma implant in design and function. AADI being the most economical and effective GDD in controlling IOP is becoming a popular choice among ophthalmologist in developing countries. AADI surgery has steep learning curve due to large end-plate surface area which needs a rigorous conjunctival dissection, muscle hooking, meticulous plate fixations, and careful tube ligations and insertion. There are different techniques of performing AADI surgery, but the authors have tried to simplify the complex surgery for easy and catchable learning of the procedure by novice surgeon with their experience and have elaborated a step-wise most effective way of performing surgery. Purpose: This video-based skill transfer depicts steps of AADI surgery with compilation of various modifications and authors' tips and tricks to novice surgeons. Synopsis: This video depicts detailed steps of AADI surgery with micro-points and authors experience. Video also shows various tailor-made modifications of surgical techniques for different case scenarios. Highlights: Steps of AADI surgery, modifications, and surgical pearls. Video Link: https://youtu.be/vmVqBb2FvP4.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy: Passing the right way decoding suture.

Background: Trabeculectomy is still the most frequently performed glaucoma surgery. But being an invasive procedure, it has numerous vision-threatening complications along with bleb-related complications like cystic bleb, overhanging bleb blebitis, or endophthalmitis. The choice of therapy between medical laser and filtering surgery is now bridged by minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), which are conjunctiva-sparing procedures with adequate intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects and good safety profiles. Among the armamentarium of MIGS procedures, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is a frontrunner safe procedure. The procedure is a blebless and sutureless procedure in which a readily available Prolene suture is used to cleave the entire trabecular meshwork. An ab interno approach also allows direct visualization of a so-called trabecular shelf that, when present, indicates an open, cleaved collector system commonly associated with a positive postoperative outcome. Thus, it not only saves the eye from various postoperative complications of other previous penetrating procedures, but is also an effective glaucoma surgery that can be performed with very low costs, which would have big economic implications for glaucoma care in developing countries. Purpose: The purpose of this video is to illustrate transluminal novel trabeculotomy technique and video-based skill transfer to a novice surgeon. Synopsis: This video depicts detailed steps of GATT surgery in a patient with primary open angle glaucoma and in a case of silicon oil induced secondary open angle glaucoma. The authors also share their experience regarding possible intraoperative problems and solutions with some tips and tricks to make the surgery easy. Highlights: GATT can be performed with cataract surgery with minimal patient morbidity and a short recovery time with preserving healthy conjunctiva. There is no risk of post op hypotony or bleb related complications, with a short surgical learning curve. Online Video Link: https://youtu.be/gk1of38EX1g.

Outcomes of a regional variant of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasms: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of a regional variant of botulinum toxin type A (BtA) in essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with facial dystonias, who received at least one dose of BtA between May 2016 and April 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The pre- and post-injection severity of symptoms, graded using the Jankovic rating system for essential blepharospasm and the Samsung Medical Center grading system for hemifacial spasm, the complications after each sitting, and the mean symptom-free interval were recorded. A correlation analysis was done to identify factors associated with longer symptom-free intervals. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 56.62 ± 10.56 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 1.86 ± 2.06 years. The modal disease severity reduced from 5 to 0 in essential blepharospasm and from 2 to 0 in hemifacial spasm a week after injection of botulinum toxin. The mean symptom-free intervals with doses of 20, 22.5, 25, 30, and 50 units were 102.1 ± 44.7, 132.4 ± 35.3, 147.2 ± 61.6, 124.4 ± 55.1, and 142.4 ± 59.7 days, respectively. The commonest complication was lagophthalmos (26.3%; n = 20). Injections for primary dystonias were associated with longer disease-free intervals than those for secondary dystonias (P = 0.02). In nine sittings, the dose was increased for increased severity or presumed resistance, which resulted in a significant increase in the symptom-free interval (P = 0.004) without an increased incidence of complications (P = 0.48). CONCLUSION: BtA is safe and effective in the treatment of facial dystonias. The drug is more efficacious for primary facial dystonias.