The range of the waveform score of the ocular response analyzer (ora) in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: The waveform score (WS) indicates the reliability of each intraocular pressure (lOP) measurement signal performed with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Reichert). We aimed to assess i) the range of waveform score in IOP measurements with ORA in healthy subjects and to ii) identify a cut-off WS value under which an ORA measurement should be discarded. METHODS: Prospective study including three ORA IOP measurements performed in the right eye of 80 healthy normal subjects. The different WS were recorded and the highest WS of the three measurements was analysed. ANOVA test was used to assess variance in repeated measurements. RESULTS: Mean age of 80 subjects was 46.7+/-15.6 years. Mean WS of the first IOP measurement was 4.8+/-2.0 and 4.8+/-1.7 and 5.0+/-1.9 respectively for the second and third measurements (p= 0.74). Mean WS of the analysed 240 signals (3 measurements per eye) was 4.9+/-1.9 (range: 1.2-9.5). The mean value of all the highest values per eye was 6.2+/-1.8 (range: 2.9 -9.5 and was significantly higher than the mean WS of the 240 signals together (p <0.001). The 10th percentile of all the best values was 3.7 and the 75th percentile 7.5. CONCLUSION: ORA measurements with WS <3.7 should be discarded in healthy normal subjects. As much as that the corresponding quality of the waveform ORA scan is satisfying, one single measurement with a WS >7.5 could be considered as sufficient. If this score cannot be reached after three consecutive measurements, the signal with the highest WS should be selected.

[Is myopia a risk factor for glaucoma?]. / Facteurs de risque : la myopie.

Controversy exists in the literature concerning the role of axial myopia as a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that moderate and especially high myopia with a refractive error exceeding -6D is a risk factor for the development and the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, with a twofold to threefold increased risk of glaucoma compared with that of nonmyopic subjects. This risk has been proven to be independent of other glaucoma risk factors and intraocular pressure (IOP). Myopic eyes have slightly although probably not clinically relevant, higher IOPs than emmetropic or hyperopic eyes. Selection bias could account for some of the reported association between glaucoma and myopia given that myopic subjects are likely to consult their ophthalmologist more frequently and glaucoma is underdiagnosed in myopic patients due to the great variability of their optic disc morphology, especially in high myopia, and the difficulty to interpret their visual field. The weakness of the fibroglial matrix of the nerve fibers at the optic disc together with the structural alterations in the lamina cribrosa and choroid, could contribute to the high susceptibility of the optic disc to IOP fluctuations and to increasing the risk of glaucomatous neuropathy, especially in high myopic eyes. Special attention will be given to patients with mild myopia who present with both elevated IOP levels and a positive family history. On the other hand, high myopic subjects should be screened for glaucoma at closer intervals. Moreover, after appropriate adjustments for deviations in central corneal thickness have been made, IOP greater than 17 mmHg must already be regarded as critical and initiation of medical treatment considered.

[The six keys of the monitoring of the glaucoma patient]. / Les six points clés du suivi du patient glaucomateux.

Treatment of glaucoma aims at preserving the visual function and the Quality of Life (QoL) of the patients. To slow down the progression of the disease, the IOP should be decreased to a level where the risk of further deterioration is reduced to a minimum. Rates of progression vary between patients. Detection of glaucoma progression should be based on the assessment of structure and function. When making a treatment plan, one should take into consideration the rate of progression and the impact of visual field deterioration on the QoL. Therefore, a careful and reliable baseline examination is crucial. Furthermore, yearly documentation of the optic disc and frequent examinations of the visual field, especially during the first two years of follow-up, are mandatory to evaluate how aggressive the treatment should be. Slowing down progression of the disease is closely related to a good communication with the patient, the quality of the information provided, and the tolerance of the medications, all keys to a good adherence. Other risk factors than IOP should be looked for and treated if possible, especially when worsening of glaucoma damage is observed despite apparently good IOP control and compliance. Modern monitoring of the glaucoma patient can be summarized in six keys. Current limitations of this approach will be briefly discussed.

Comparison of the quality score of intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude values measured by the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer.

The Pascal dynamic contour tonometer (PDCT) is designed to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) largely independent of the corneal properties. It is equipped with a digital LCD screen that displays the IOP, the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and the quality score (Q) of the measurements [range 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor)]. The manufacturer has recommended discarding the IOP and OPA values of Q4 and Q5. The aim of our study was to assess if IOP and OPA measurements with Q3 are acceptable for clinical and research purposes. This is a prospective, observational study in which both patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma and healthy subjects were enrolled; three consecutive PDCT IOP measurements were performed on all participants. Only patients and subjects with Q1, Q2 and Q3 recorded together were eligible. Only one eye per subject was considered for statistical analysis. The mean PDCT IOP and OPA were taken for statistical analyses. An ANOVA test for repeated measures was used to compare the differences between PDCT IOP and OPA Q1, Q2, and Q3 scores. A total of 87 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Mean PDCT (+/-SD) IOP were 17.5 +/- 3.4 mmHg for Q1, 17.6 +/- 3.3 mmHg for Q2 and 17.9 +/- 3.3 mmHg for Q3 (P > 0.05). Mean OPA Q1, Q2 and Q3 were 2.5 +/- 0.9, 2.5 +/- 1.0 and 2.5 +/- 1.0 mmHg, respectively, and were not statistically different. Based on these results, we concluded that the IOP and OPA values with Q1, Q2 or Q3 measured by PDCT are not significantly different and can therefore be taken into account indiscriminately for clinical and research purposes.

Micropulse diode laser (810 nm) versus argon laser trabeculoplasty in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma: comparative short-term safety and efficacy profile.

PURPOSE: Prospective, comparative, randomised study aiming at assessing the safety and the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect of Micropulse Diode Laser Trabeculoplasty (810nm)(MDLT) and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in patients with open angle glaucoma. METHODS: 26 patients (mean age=67 years) were randomly assigned to undergo either MDLT (16 eyes) (66 applications, 100 msec, 0.6 mJ/pulse, 300 microm) or ALT (15 eyes) over 180 degrees. In 5 patients, MDLT was done in one eye and ALT in the other eye. Patients were followed for early IOP spikes and anterior segment inflammation. IOP was recorded at 1 day, 1 week, 1 and 3 months and 3 month intervals thereafter. RESULTS: Both groups were well-matched for age, glaucoma type, previous laser or surgical procedure, pre-treatment meds. Mean follow-up was 5.2 +/- 1.7 months for MDLT and 5.5 +/- 2.3 in ALT (p>0.05). Mean pre-treatment IOP was 20.7 +/- 3.8 mmHg and 21.6 +/- 4.2 mmHg in ALT respectively (p>0.05). Mean IOP was significantly reduced compared to the pre-treatment level in both groups at the different visits (p <0.05). At 3 months, the mean IOP was not significantly different in MDLT (18.6 +/- 5.1 mmHg) vs. ALT(16.7 +/- 3.3 mmHg) (p=0.26) while the mean IOP decrease was significantly less in MDLT (2.5 +/- 2.6 mmHg) than in ALT (4.9 +/- 3.4 mmHg) (p= 0.04). This corresponded to a mean percentage of IOP reduction of 12.2 +/- 11.9% in MDLT and 21.8 +/- 11.1% in ALT respectively (p=0.03), as well as an IOP drop > or =20% compared to the baseline IOP observed in 35.7% in MDLT versus 50% in ALT (p=0.03). At 3 months, the mean number of meds was significantly lower in MDLT (2.1 +/- 0.8) than in ALT (2.8 +/- 0.7) (p=0.03). MDLT was uneventful in 100% of patients with no thermal pain and no uncomfortable laser flashes. Anterior segment inflammation was absent or mild in both procedures. MDLT was associated with early moderate IOP spike in one eye with POAG. CONCLUSION: At 3 months, Micropulse diode laser trabeculoplasty induced significantly less IOP reduction than ALT. The percentage of eyes with an IOP drop > or =20% was also significantly lower with diode laser than with argon laser trabeculoplasty. MDLT induced minimal anterior segment inflammation and seemed to exhibit a good safety profile. Its IOP efficacy should be still confirmed on a larger sample size and by modifying the treatment parameters.

Currents on target intraocular pressure and intraocular pressure fluctuations in glaucoma management.

Over the past decade, results from prospective, randomized, clinical trials have confirmed the value of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma and have outlined the need to consider a target IOP in an individual glaucomatous patient and not an arbitrary value of 21 mm Hg as classically believed. The target IOP corresponds to an estimation of the mean IOP obtained with treatment that is expected to prevent further glaucomatous damage. Target IOP is difficult to assess accurately in advance in every individual patient and eye. Moreover, no degree of IOP is proven to be safe for every patient. This paper will deal with the criteria that can be used to approach as closely as possible and periodically re-assess the range of the target IOP in an individual. Although IOP has been found to be more variable in glaucomatous than in healthy eyes, the potential role of diurnal IOP fluctuations in the development or progression of glaucomatous damage is still unclear. It has been strongly suggested in a recent past that abnormal 24-hour IOP fluctuation could be a significant risk factor for glaucomatous damage. There is still currently insufficient evidence to support that both 24-hour IOP fluctuation and IOP variation over periods longer than 24 hours are an independent and separate risk factor for glaucomatous damage. Until further confirmation on their exact role in glaucoma development and progression, the goal of detecting and reducing abnormal 24-hour IOP fluctuation is warranted in all newly diagnosed glaucomatous patients as well as in patients who continue to progress at lower pressures.

[Glaucoma in the over-eighties]. / Le glaucome du 4e âge.

Due to the recent rapid increase in the aging population, glaucoma in the over-eighties population will become a significant problem of ocular health in the coming decades. It is important to determine the natural effects of aging on the optic nerve head and aqueous humor dynamics in these patients for early diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma. Its characteristics, context, management, and treatment are very perceptibly different from those of the younger glaucomatous patient. For many reasons, such as its frequent association with macular age-related degeneration, diagnosis of glaucoma in the over-eighties may be difficult. Management of the over-eighties glaucoma is frequently difficult and time-consuming. Less aggressive than in a younger patient and based on topical medications in most cases, it must be discussed case by case and will be based on the general context, the quality of compliance, and especially on the potential consequences of the glaucomatous visual-field defects on the patient's quality of life. In any case, overtreatment as well as treatments that are too complex must be avoided. Given the reduced metabolism in the very elderly, the safest medications must also be selected. It is important to always consider glaucoma medications as part of the patient's medicine regimen. Associated risk factors, especially concomitant systemic hypotension, will be simultaneously treated. Laser trabeculoplasties probably have broader indications than in younger patients. Except for phacoextraction, which is very frequently helpful in controlling IOP, incisional filtering procedures or laser diode cyclophotocoagulations remain infrequently indicated in over-eighties glaucoma patients.

Update in tonometry. Phosphene and rebound tonometries, self-tonometry and technologies for the future.

The Proview phosphene (eye-pressure) tonometer and the Rebound tonometer ICare are relatively new devices basically different from the Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Both technologies will be presented in this review with respect to their principle, their technique, their advantages and limits, as well as their accuracy, the IOP measurements agreement with GAT, and the influence of central corneal thickness on the reliability of these measurements. Because the current data base for the interpretation of glaucoma disease course and its management are still relatively small, the development of a continuous, accurate, reliable and harmless monitoring of IOP over 24 hours is strongly desirable in the future. Approaches for self-tonometry and devices such as smart contact lenses which can take the IOP from the corneal surface have been developed with this goal. The future will probably confirm whether telemetric IOP monitoring with an implantable active microsystem allows a reliable IOP monitoring or not. In any case, active implants will open new and important perspectives in the diagnosis and the treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

[Clinical evaluation of the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer]. / Evaluation clinique du tonomètre dynamique de contour Pascal.

PURPOSE: The Pascal dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) was designed to measure IOP independently of corneal properties. This study aimed at 1) assessing the intra- and interindividual variability of DCT IOP measurements, the differences between DCT and applanation tonometry IOP measurements (APL), and their correlations with central corneal thickness (CCT); 2) analyzing the variability of the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and its correlations with age, blood pressure (BP), cardiac beat pulse (CP), diagnosis of glaucoma, IOP, and severity of glaucomatous visual field (VF) defects. METHODS: Twenty-five normal subjects (25 eyes), 14 patients with ocular hypertension (27 eyes), and 54 glaucomatous patients (104 eyes) were included in this prospective study. In the first 12 normal subjects, three consecutive IOP measurements were taken by three different observers using DCT, directly followed by three measurements with APL by the same observer. In the following 13 subjects, the reverse sequence was followed. In the other group, the IOP measurements (three DCT and three APLs) were taken by the same observer. Only DCT measurements with quality levels 1-3 were considered for analysis. RESULTS: In the normal group, DCT IOP measurement variability varied between 4.4%-7.3% (intraobserver variation coefficient) and 8% (interobserver variation coefficient). DCT IOP measurement was not influenced by the sequence of measurements or the observer. DCT overestimated IOP by a mean of 2.2 mmHg compared with APL (p<0.001). The 95% limits of agreement for each subject tested with both tonometers ranged from -0.5 mmHg to +6.3 mmHg. IOP APL and DCT measurements were strongly correlated. Both DCT and APL were not correlated with CCT. OPA ranged from 1.2 mmHg to 6.6 mmHg (mean, 3.1+/-1.2 mmHg) and was comparable between the three observers. Intraobserver OPA variability ranged from 7.6% to 9.5%. The interobserver OPA variability coefficient was 8.8%. OPA was only correlated with systolic BP (p<0.05). In glaucomatous patients, the correlation between DCT and APL IOP measurements was highly significant (r=0.860, p<0.001). DCT overestimated IOP by a mean 2 mmHg compared with APL (p<0.001). IOP differences between both tonometers were not influenced by the sequence of measurements. Unlike APL, DCT was not or only slightly influenced by CCT (p=0.07 for DCT; p=0.001 for APL). The mean difference between IOP DCT and APL was larger in thin corneas (<520 microm): 2.8+/-3.1 mmHg versus 0.8+/-2.3 mmHg in thick corneas (580 microm) (p=0.001). OPA was not correlated with age. It was positively correlated with IOP (p<0.001), systolic BP (p=0.047), and MD (mean deviation) (p=0.018). It was negatively correlated with diastolic BP (p=0.003), cardiac frequency (p<0.001), severity of glaucomatous VF defects (p=0.002), and PSD (pattern standard deviation) (p=0.008). It was significantly higher in the OHT subgroup and significantly lower in the NTG subgroup (p<0.05). In both groups, the IOP difference between DCT and APL was not correlated with age (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IOP measurements with the Pascal(R) DCT and APL correlated well and were reproducible. DCT IOP measurement variability was slightly higher than APL with relatively wide 95% limits of agreement. Considering the entire study population, DCT overestimated IOP by a mean 2.0 mmHg compared with APL. DCT was independent of CCT, especially in thin corneas. The DCT does not appear to be clinically advantageous over the Goldmann tonometer in the IOP measurement in thick corneas. Therefore an IOP follow-up by APL tonometry and pachymetry appeared to be mandatory for the interpretation of the true IOP. Interindividual OPA variations were high, as was measurement variability. OPA was correlated with BP, cardiac frequency, IOP, diagnosis of glaucoma, and severity of glaucomatous VF defects. These must be considered in the clinical interpretation of this parameter.

Comparative safety profile between "modern" trabeculectomy and non-penetrationg deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence and the severity of short-and medium-term complications following "modern" trabeculectomy (mTRAB) with non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative retrospective nonrandomized study including 65 eyes (55 patients) (mean age: 68.6 years) with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. mTRAB was performed in 43 eyes, NPDS in 22 eyes. mTRAB was performed according to a slightly modified P.T. Khaw protocol. NPDS procedures were done according to Kozlov's and Mermoud's technique with SKGEL implant in 18/22 eyes. Intraoperative antimetabolites (AMETAB) were given in 25 eyes (58%) in the mTRAB and 17 (77%) in the NPDS (p>0.05). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was longer in NPDS (10.7+/-5.5 months) than in mTRAB (8.5+/-3.4 months) (p<0.05). Preoperatively, the two groups were comparable in respect of age, type of glaucoma, mean IOP, severity of VF defects and bleb failure risk factors (p>0.05). Peroperatively, mTRAB were uneventful in 86% vs 90% of NPDS. 1st month postop complications occurred in 60.4% in mTRAB and 77.2% in NPDS (P>0.05). Most of them were minor and transient in both surgeries. Postop early anterior chamber inflammation was mild to moderate in all cases. The incidence of wound leaks (21% in the mTRAB group and 18% in the NPDS group) and hyperfiltration related complications (14% and 13.6% respectively in the mTRAB and NPDS group) were comparable between the two procedures (p > 0.05). Intraoperative antimetabolite application was not associated with an increased rate of postoperative hyperfiltration related complications. Scarring of filtration blebs had concerned a lower percentage of mTRAB eyes (19%) than the NPDS (36%). The number for 5-FU injections was less - although not significantly - in the mTRAB than in the other group (18.6% in mTRAB versus 41% in NPDS (p=0.05). Late complications were not observed in the mTRAB group. Iris prolapse associated with increased IOP occurred in 3 of the 22 NPDS procedures (13.6%). Final mean visual acuity was unchanged compared with preop value and was similar between the 2 groups (p>0.05). Diffuse, mildly vascularized filtration blebs were observed in 84% in mTRAB and 64% in DS (p>0.05). Mean IOP significantly decreased from 24.8+/-8.3 mm Hg to 13.4+/-4,3 mm Hg in mTRAB and from 25.1+/-6.5 mm Hg to 14.7+/-4.6 mm Hg in DS (p> 0.05). It was not different between the 2 groups with and without AMETAB augmentation. 70% of the mTRAB achieved a final IOP < or = 15 mmHg vs 41% in NPDS (p<0.05). The mean number of postop medications was 0.49 in mTRAB and 0.96 in NPDS (p<0.05). Complete (target IOP reached without meds) and qualified (target IOP reached with and without meds) final success rates were 60% and 88% in mTRAB and 36.4% and 68.2% in NPDS (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Whether surgery was augmented with intraoperative antimetabolite or not, mTRAB revealed as a priority to be associated with comparable and even less complications than deep sclerectomy. Owing to the limitations of our study and until further confirmation, our results have suggested that mTRAB was associated with a slightly more important IOP reduction as well as higher success rates than NPDS.

Side effects of glaucoma medications.

The safety profile of the different glaucoma medications is an important issue when initiating therapy in glaucomatous patients. The decision on which medication to prescribe depends not only on the type of glaucoma, but also on the patient's medical history and needs a detailed knowledge of the potential side-effects of each medication. Medications side effects may be an important cause of non adherence for the individual patient The properties of the drugs, the composition of the glaucoma eyedrops and the dynamics of ocular drug absorption must be considered. The ocular surface changes induced by long-term antiglaucomatous treatment especially by their preservatives are a major cause of intolerance or poor tolerance to glaucoma eyedrops. Moreover topically applied ophthalmic medications can attain sufficient serum levels through absorption into conjunctival and nasal mucosas to have systemic effects and to potentially interact with other drugs. Then this presentation will deal with the ocular and systemic side-effects which can be encountered with the different classes of the currently available glaucoma topical medications. Recommendations than can be applied to reduce both frequency and severity of side-effects of glaucoma medications will be stressed on. Concurrently patients should be fully informed not only about their disease but also the medications they used and what side-effects they have to expect.

Five-year experience with non penetrating deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of non penetrating deep sclerectomy (DS) and to compare the incidence and the severity of postoperative complications and the IOP results according to surgical adjuvants (implant device, antimetabolite or both) were used or not. MATERIAL-METHODS: Retrospective non randomised study including 171 eyes (136 patients), mean age: 63.9 years) with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma and without previous filtering surgery. 81 eyes (48.2%) had severe glaucomatous damage. All procedures were performed according to the Kozlov's and Memoud's technique. Except for 8 eyes, they were associated with the placement of an implant device (SKGEL or T-FUX) and/or intra-operative application of low dose antimetabolite (5-FU in 58 eyes and mitomycine C in 53 eyes). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 39.6 +/- 18.3 months. According to surgery, DS were categorized in 4 groups: Group 1: DS with Healon GV (n=8)(4.7%); Group 2: DS with antimetabolite application (n=26) (15.2%); Group 3: DS with placement of an implant (n=53) (31%). Group 4: intraoperative antimetabolite +implant device (n=84 eyes) (49.1%). Peroperative microperforations without iris hernia occurred in 35 eyes (21%). 1st month postoperative complications were observed in 90 eyes (52.6%) with mild to moderate hyperfiltration in 27 eyes, excessive scarring of filtration bleb in 38 eyes, and iris incarceration in 10 eyes. 5-FU injections were given in 58 eyes (34%). YAG gonioperforation was needed in 107/171 eyes (63%) and was complicated by iris incarceration in 9 eyes. Early and late spontaneous iris incarceration was observed in 10 eyes. A second filtering procedure was needed in 10 eyes.

[Compliance and persistence]. / Compliance et persistance.

PURPOSE: 1) To summarize the literature on compliance (the extent to which the patient's behaviors correspond with the provider's recommendations) and persistence (total time on therapy) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. 2) To suggest guidelines to improve these two parameters, which are both essential and integral elements of optimizing patient care. METHODS: Compliance-related research published between 1980 and March 2005. RESULTS: Medication compliance has mostly been investigated and measured using patient self-reports, electronic monitoring, and medication possession ratio. Noncompliance-related problems are underestimated, complex, unpredictable and frequent. Noncompliance rates of at least 25% have been reported. The main obstacles to medication compliance are situational/environmental or related to the side effects or complexity of the medication regimen. Persistence with glaucoma medications has also been proven to be poor. Based on retrospective studies using survival analyses, fewer than 25% of patients may be persistent over 12 months. Persistence rates differ from one treatment to another and may fluctuate with time in the same patient. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the quality of information, the patient-physician relationship, and educating patients are all crucial. Simplification of the treatment regimen and selection of medications with the fewest systemic and ocular side effects must be a priority. Accurately assessing patient compliance and persistence are indispensable to reducing mistakes from either medication noncompliance or lack of persistence with poor efficacy and to avoid unnecessary changes in a patient's therapeutic regimen or surgery.

[Clinical evaluation of the dynamic rebound tonometer Icare]. / Evaluation clinique du tonomètre dynamique Icare.

PURPOSE: The Icare dynamic tonometer (impact or Rebound tonometry) is a new tonometer based on making a moving object collide with an eye and on monitoring the motion parameters of this object following contact. The purpose of this study was to assess intra- and interobserver variability of IOP measurements with the Icare and their correlations with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and central corneal thickness (CCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study including three groups of patients: group 1 (50 normal subjects), group 2 (50 patients with OHT or POAG and GAT IOP>22 mmHg), and group 3 (38 glaucomatous patients with GAT IOP< or =22 mmHg). In group 1, three consecutive IOP measurements were taken by three distinct observers with Icare followed by three GAT measurements by the same clinician. In group 2, the same procedure was followed from patients 1 to 25 and the reverse sequence from patients 25 to 50 after a 10-min break. In group 3, only one clinician took three GAT measurements followed by three Icare measurements after a 10-min break to exclude a tonographic effect in eyes with statistically normal-range IOPs. RESULTS: : In group 1, intraobserver variability was about 6% for each observer (NS). There was no learning curve effect. The interobserver variation coefficient was 6.4%. Icare overestimated IOP compared to GAT (mean difference, 1.5-2.2 mmHg) (p<0.001). Icare IOP was 23.4 mmHg for observer 1 when GAT was 22 mmHg (95% individual CI, 18-28.9 mmHg). In group 2, intraobserver variation coefficients of the IOP ranged from 5% to 5.4% (NS). Icare overestimated IOP by mean 0.84 mmHg compared with GAT. In group 3, mean IOP was not different between Icare and GAT. Icare IOP of 20.7 mmHg corresponded to a value of 22 mmHg using GAT. In this group, correlations between CCT and IOP measurements were higher for Icare than for GAT (p=0.062). CONCLUSION: Icare measures IOP in an unanesthetized sitting patient in a very brief time. Patient's minimal cooperation is needed. As long as the device is correctly positioned, the learning curve is short. Icare gives reproducible IOP measurements. Intra- and interobserver variability of IOP measurements are close to those of GAT. Icare overestimates IOP measurements an average 1.5 mmHg compared with GAT. Whatever the IOP level, Icare IOP measurements are well correlated with GAT. To a greater extent than for GAT, the reliability of IOP measurements is influenced by CCT. This tonometer can be used as a screening device for ocular hypertension as long as CCT measurements can be taken.

Short term experience with "modern" trabeculectomy augmented with intraoperative antimetabolites.

PURPOSE: Owing to its technical refinements, "modern" trabeculectomy aims to reduce the incidence and severity of early postoperative complications while increasing postop IOP success. The purpose of our study was to evaluate namely the safety of "modern" trabeculectomy, the quality of the filtration blebs, the influence on the quality of life and secondarily IOP reduction according to the surgical procedure whether augmented with peroperative application of antimetabolites or not. MATERIAL-METHODS: Retrospective study including our 45 first consecutive procedures in 38 patients (mean age: 61.1 years) with medically uncontrolled various glaucomas. All procedures were performed according to a modified P. Khaw's protocol. Antimetabolites were applied peroperatively in 28/45 eyes (62.2%) with a history of previous filtering surgery (12/28 eyes) and/or advanced glaucomatous damage (22/28 eyes). Antimetabolites were not used in the 17/45 other eyes with lower surgical risk factors and higher target IOP, surgical procedure was not augmented with antimetabolites. Postoperative management included laser suture lysis, withdrawal of adjustable sutures and 5-FU injections when needed. Complete ocular examination was carried out preoperatively and postoperatively at day 1, 7, at 1, 2 and 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. All patients were questioned for symptoms associated with filtration bleb dysesthesia at the last visit. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 7.9 +/- 3.3 in the group without antimetbolites and 5.3 +/- 2.2 months in the group with antimetabolites (p < 0.05). Final mean IOP (+/-SD) was significantly lower in the group augmented with antimetabolites (11.2 +/- 4.5 mmHg) compared with the group without antimetabolites (14.9 +/- 3.7 mm Hg) (p < 0.05). Complete and qualified success were respectively 64.3% and 89.3% in the group with antimetabolites and 70.6% and 82.4% in the subgroup without antimetabolites (p > 0.05). 1st month postoperative complications were transient and minor. They occurred in 59% in the group without antimetabolites and in 68% in the subgroup augmented with antimetabolites. Complications had comparable frequency of distribution between the 2 subgroups (p > 0.05). 84% of the filtration blebs (30/45) were diffuse and mildly vascularized. Avascular blebs were noticed in 7 eyes (15.5%) and were not related with the intraoperative application of mitomycin C (p > 0.05). Subjective comfort was good to excellent in 42/45 eyes (93.3%). Mean final visual acuity was not altered compared with preop level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our short term results suggest that the safety of "modern" trabeculectomy augmented with antimetabolites is comparable to those without intraoperative antimetabolites. Filtration blebs were very well tolerated in most patients. The peroperative use of antimetabolites precludes to appreciate if the success rates are due to the use of antimetabolites and/or the technique per se.

[Bimatoprost in the treatment of ocular hypertension and chronic glaucoma]. / Expérience du bimatoprost dans le traitement de l'hypertension oculaire et du glaucome chronique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of bimatoprost in an outpatient glaucoma practice and to correlate the responsiveness to this treatment with the central corneal thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included 55 consecutive patients (mean age, 66 years). Bimatoprost was administered in monotherapy in 32 patients and in combined treatment in 23. Mean follow-up was 5.5 months. In bilateral treatments (33/55 patients), only one eye (with the more severe defect and/or the higher IOP) was included in the analysis. The patients were considered as responders to bimatoprost when the observed reduction of IOP was > or = 20% and/or at least 3 mmHg compared with the pretreatment IOP. The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was extrapolated from five consecutive measurements with the ultrasonic pachymeter Pachette. RESULTS: Overall, the mean IOP was reduced from a pretreatment value of 21.1 mmHg to 17.3 mmHg at the last visit (mean IOP decrease, 3.6 mmHg, or 17%) (p < 0.05). Except for four patients (7.3%) who discontinued bimatoprost secondary to local or systemic adverse effects, ocular tolerance of bimatoprost was excellent in 62%. Moderate conjunctival hyperemia was present in 18%. The mean IOP reduction was 19% in monotherapy and 15% in combined treatments. Concomitantly, the percentage of responders was slightly higher in patients only receiving bimatoprost than in patients receiving bimatoprost associated with other medication (s). In monotherapy, bimatoprost induced a further IOP decrease of 12% compared with a previous association of two medications that did not include a prostaglandin (10 patients). In the 20 patients in whom bimatoprost had replaced another prostaglandin, a further mean IOP reduction of 11% was observed. The frequency of distribution of the responders to bimatoprost was not correlated with CCT (chi2, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the limits of this study, our results suggested that bimatoprost was effective and well tolerated in most patients. The decrease in IOP and responsiveness to treatment appeared to be slightly higher in monotherapy than in combined treatments, equivalent to a combination of two medications without prostaglandin and equivalent to or slightly higher than other prostaglandins. The degree of responsiveness did not seem to be correlated with CCT.

Screening for glaucoma in a general population with the non-mydriatic fundus camera and the frequency doubling perimeter.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of non-mydriatic fundus camera (NMFu-camera) and frequency doubling perimeter (FDP) for detecting glaucoma in a general population. METHODS: This prospective observational multicenter study consisted in screening for glaucoma in the populations of three Belgian cities. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with non-contact pneumo-tonometer (NCT) and applanation tonometry (AT) if NCT IOP was > or = 17 mmHg. Visual field was screened with FDP (C-20-5) and digitized optic disc photographs (ODPs) were taken with NMFu-camera. FDP was considered abnormal if at least one defective point was found. ODPs were graded as normal or glaucomatous by consensus of three glaucoma specialists. Optic disc and visual field results were matched per eye. Subjects with known ocular hypertension and/or treated primary open angle glaucoma were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1620 subjects were included in the study. Their mean age was 63.2 years. AT IOP was > 21 mmHg in 8.2%. A total of 98.1% of ODPs could be interpreted. Glaucomatous optic discs were detected in 3.5% of the subjects. In this group only 24% had an AT IOP > or = 22 mmHg. FDP was abnormal in 44.5%. The sensitivity and specificity of FDP to identify patients with an optic disc graded as glaucomatous were 58.6% and 64.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of the NMFu-camera and the FDP is a feasible method for an initial glaucoma mass screening. NMFu-camera may be a useful and quick method to screen for glaucomatous damage in a community. FDP in screening strategy was revealed to be not sensitive enough when setting the cut-off value at one defective test location. IOP measurements were confirmed to be a poor tool to detect glaucomatous damage.