One-year outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and viscogoniosynechialysis with and without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in primary angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and viscogoniosynechialysis (VGSL) with and without endoscopic cyclophtocoagulation (ECP) in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: In this prospective interventional case series 52 eyes of 50 patients were enrolled. Twenty-seven eyes underwent combined phacoemulsification and VGSL (PV group) and 25 eyes underwent the same procedure plus circumferential ECP (PVE group). All eyes were followed 1 day, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. Intraocular pressure and antiglaucoma medications were compared between and within groups using generalized estimating equations. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out to compare intensity to failure between groups. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 63.23 ± 6.87 years and 50% of the cases were male in the entire group. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and antiglaucoma medications were significantly reduced at all time points in comparison with the baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in either IOP or medications at specific time points (p > 0.05). One eye in each group developed a fibrinous reaction in the postoperative period. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the intensity to failure (P = 0.169). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in IOP and medication reduction between groups. Also, the complications were comparable between groups.

Deep Learning-Based Classification of Subtypes of Primary Angle-Closure Disease With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

PRCIS: We developed a deep learning-based classifier that can discriminate primary angle closure suspects (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC)/primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and also control eyes with open angle with acceptable accuracy. PURPOSE: To develop a deep learning-based classifier for differentiating subtypes of primary angle closure disease, including PACS and PAC/PACG, and also normal control eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images were used for analysis with 5 different networks including MnasNet, MobileNet, ResNet18, ResNet50, and EfficientNet. The data set was split with randomization performed at the patient level into a training plus validation set (85%), and a test data set (15%). Then 4-fold cross-validation was used to train the model. In each mentioned architecture, the networks were trained with original and cropped images. Also, the analyses were carried out for single images and images grouped on the patient level (case-based). Then majority voting was applied to the determination of the final prediction. RESULTS: A total of 1616 images of normal eyes (87 eyes), 1055 images of PACS (66 eyes), and 1076 images of PAC/PACG (66 eyes) eyes were included in the analysis. The mean ± SD age was 51.76 ± 15.15 years and 48.3% were males. MobileNet had the best performance in the model, in which both original and cropped images were used. The accuracy of MobileNet for detecting normal, PACS, and PAC/PACG eyes was 0.99 ± 0.00, 0.77 ± 0.02, and 0.77 ± 0.03, respectively. By running MobileNet in a case-based classification approach, the accuracy improved and reached 0.95 ± 0.03, 0.83 ± 0.06, and 0.81 ± 0.05, respectively. For detecting the open angle, PACS, and PAC/PACG, the MobileNet classifier achieved an area under the curve of 1, 0.906, and 0.872, respectively, on the test data set. CONCLUSION: The MobileNet-based classifier can detect normal, PACS, and PAC/PACG eyes with acceptable accuracy based on anterior segment optical coherence tomography images.

Combined phacoviscocanalostomy versus phacoemulsification alone in patients with coexisting cataract and mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma; a randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Management of concomitant cataract and glaucoma depends on the stage of glaucoma and the patient's situation. There are different surgical options for handling visually significant cataract and mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG). We aimed to compare the one-year results of phacoemulsification alone versus phacoviscocanalostomy in these patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a parallel-arm, single-masked, randomized-controlled trial, conducted at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran between January 2016 and January 2018. We enrolled 89 eyes from 89 patients with mild-to-moderate primary OAG or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) with visually significant age-related cataract. They randomly underwent phacoemulsification alone (n = 44) or combined phaco-viscocanalostomy (n = 45). All patients had a 12-month follow-up period, and the mean intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, and complete and qualified success rates were compared. RESULTS: After the 1st and 3rd months, the mean IOP showed significantly decreased in the phaco-visco group compared to the phaco group (P < 0001 and P = 0.004, respectively), but it was not statistically significant at 6th and 12th months (P = 0.540 and P = 0.530). The need for antiglaucoma medication and the complete and qualified success rates were significantly in favour of the phaco-visco group in all postoperative visits (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although both phacoemulsification alone and phacoviscocanalostomy procedures can be considered for patients with mild-to-moderate OAG, we found better success rates using phacoviscocanalostomy. Therefore, if the surgeon is an expert in performing this technique, this non-penetrating procedure can be applied in patients with visually significant cataract and earlier stages of OAG, especially in patients with PEXG.

Comparing corneal biomechanics and intraocular pressure between healthy individuals and glaucoma subtypes: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The utilization of corneal biomechanical features in evaluating glaucoma and its progression has received particular attention. The severity of corneal biomechanical changes can play an essential role in response to medical or surgical treatment. The present study evaluated the biomechanical features of the cornea in glaucoma patients in different subtypes and compared them with the normal condition. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, glaucoma patients and healthy individuals were referred to the tertiary hospital in 2021. Both eyes underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and corneal biomechanical parameters using Corvis and ORA devices. Finally, data from both groups were compared. Results: Based on the ORA evaluation, Lower CRF and CH were seen in glaucoma patients. In the Corvis evaluation, minor differences were observed in glaucoma as increased pachy, radius, and pachy slope, and decreased HC deformation amplitude, HC deflection amplitude, HC deflection area, deflection amplitude max, dArc length max, max inverse radius, and integrated radius. Lower ACD and higher CCT differentiated PACG from others. Lower CCT and higher C/D and WTW indicated NTG. Based on ORA, the highest CRF and CH were related to PACG and the lowest related to PEXG. In contrast, based on Corvis, higher pachy and radius and lower max inverse radius and integrated radius were specified for PACG. PEXG also had the highest values of the last two parameters. Conclusion: Evaluation of corneal biomechanical parameters and other indicators can be beneficial in assessing the status and severity of glaucoma and distinguishing between disease subtypes.

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).

Comparison of Vascular Density and Structural Patterns Between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the pattern of vascular density and structural damage in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) in the optic nerve head, circumpapillary, and macular regions, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-one eyes of 82 patients (53 eyes with PACG and 78 eyes with POAG) were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, Bruch membrane opening minimum rim width, circumpapillay retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL), and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) measurements and vascular density determination of the peripapillary and macular area with OCT and OCTA. A linear mixed model was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age ( P =0.94) and visual field mean deviation ( P =0.78). Female-to-male ratio was higher in PACG patients than the POAG group ( P =0.02), and AL was shorter in PACG eyes ( P <0.001). cpRNFL and GCC were not different between the 2 groups (all P values>0.05, except for nasal segment cpRNFL). Vessel densities in the peripapillary and macular areas were comparable between the 2 groups (all P values>0.05). Although Bruch membrane opening minimum rim width was thicker in PACG eyes on univariate analysis, the multivariable analysis showed no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PACG and POAG eyes with similar visual field damages have comparable structural damage patterns in the peripapillary and inner macular thickness and vessel density measurements.

The role of optical coherence tomography angiography in moderate and advanced primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between structure and function in moderate and advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to determine the accuracy of structure and vasculature for discriminating moderate from advanced POAG. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 25 eyes with moderate and 40 eyes with advanced POAG were enrolled. All eyes underwent measurement of the thickness of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the optic nerve head (ONH) and macula. Visual field (VF) was evaluated by Swedish interactive threshold algorithm and 24-2 and 10-2 patterns. The correlation between structure and vasculature and the mean deviation (MD) of the VFs was evaluated by a partial correlation coefficient. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was applied for assessing the power of variables for discrimination moderate from advanced POAG. RESULTS: Including all eyes, whole image vessel density (wiVD) of the ONH area, and vessel density (VD) in the inferior quadrant of perifovea were the parameters with significant correlation with the mean deviation (MD) of the VF 24-2 in OCTA of the ONH and macula (r = .649 and .397; p < .05). The greatest AUCs for discriminating moderate and advanced POAG belonged to VD of the inferior hemifield of ONH area (.886; 95% CI (.805, .967)), and VD in the inferior quadrant of perifovea (.833; 95% CI (.736, .930)) without statistically significant difference (.886 Versus .833; p = .601). CONCLUSION: Among vascular parameters of the ONH area, wiVD had the strongest correlation with the MD of the VF 24-2 while VD of the inferior hemifield of the ONH area had the greatest AUC for discriminating moderate and advanced POAG. Vessel density in the inferior quadrant of perifovea had a significant correlation with the MD of VF 24-2 and also the greatest AUC for discriminating moderate and advanced POAG.

Intraocular pressure trend following myopic photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) trend and risk factors for IOP rise after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One eye of each patient undergone PRK for myopia was randomly assigned to this study. All eyes underwent tonometry by CorVis Scheimpflug Technology (CST) tonometer (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months after surgery. The eyes with IOP rise more than 5 mmHg and the risk factors were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier graph and multiple Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 348 eyes of 348 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-three eyes (12.35%) experienced a steroid-induced IOP rise of more than 5 mmHg. Eyes with IOP rise had higher baseline IOP (Median 19 mmHg (IQR 18-22) versus Median 15 mmHg (IQR 14-16); p < 0.001). Baseline central corneal thickness (CCT) was higher in eyes without IOP rise (Median 520 µm (IQR 509-541) versus Median 535 µm (IQR 518-547); p = 0.009). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, higher baseline IOP was a risk factor for IOP rise (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.59 (95% CI 1.43-1.77); p < 0.001) while higher baseline CCT was protective (HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98); p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Eyes with higher baseline IOP and lower baseline CCT are at increased risk of IOP rise after PRK and should be monitored more frequently.

Evaluation of Anterior Segment Parameters in Pseudoexfoliation Disease Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare anterior segment and angle parameters between pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and PEX glaucoma (PEXG) and normal control subjects using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: One hundred and two subjects with PEXG, PEX, and normal eyes as the control group were recruited from an academic referral institution. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, axial length measurement, and AS-OCT imaging. Anterior segment and angle parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: After excluding 4 eyes because of poor imaging of the scleral spur, data from 34 eyes with PEXG, 33 eyes with PEX, and 31 eyes of normal control subjects were analyzed. Anterior chamber depth was significantly shallower in eyes with PEXG compared with eyes of control subjects (P < .001). The differences in anterior chamber angle parameters (AOD500, AOD750, TISA500,and TISA750) were significant among study groups, with lower values in the PEXG group compared with the PEX and control subject groups. Lens vault (mean [mm]±SD) was higher in the PEXG (0.46 ±0.21) and PEX (0.427 +0.28) groups compared with the control group (0.305+ 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: PEXG eyes have the narrowest anterior chamber angle parameters. There is a progressive decrease in angle parameters from control subjects to the PEX group to the PEXG group. Narrow anterior chamber angle and anterior chamber depth may have a role in the progression of PEX to PEXG. Detection of narrow angle in these patients may help clinicians manage the disease more properly.

Management of Malignant Glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of various invasive and noninvasive approaches to the treatment of malignant glaucoma. Methods: Glaucoma-related keywords were looked up in PubMed and Google Scholar, and related articles up to 2022 were used to put together this review article. Results: Numerous surgical methods and techniques have been introduced in the past few years. This review outlined current knowledge regarding the nonsurgical and surgical management of malignant glaucoma. In this regard, we first briefly outlined the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of this disorder. Then, the current evidence on the management of malignant glaucoma was reviewed. Finally, we discuss the need for treatment of the other eye and the factors that might affect the outcome of surgical intervention. Conclusions: Fluid misdirection syndrome, or malignant glaucoma, is a severe disorder that can occur spontaneously due to surgical intervention. The pathophysiology of malignant glaucoma is complicated, and numerous theories exist about the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to the disease. Malignant glaucoma can be treated conservatively using medications, laser therapy, or surgery. Laser treatments and medical treatments have been adequate for the treatment of glaucoma, but the effects have generally been short-lived, and surgical treatment has proved to be the most effective. There have been a variety of surgical methods and techniques introduced. Still, none have been studied in a large proportion of patients as a control case to compare effectiveness, outcomes, and recurrence. Pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-capsulectomy still seems to have the best results.

Comparison between sutureless scleral tunnel phacotrabeculectomy with and without placement of anterior capsule remnant.

PURPOSE: To compare sutureless scleral tunnel phacotrabeculectomy with and without placement of anterior capsule remnant in the tunnel. METHODS: In this comparative interventional case series, 41 eyes of 40 patients having open-angle glaucoma (OAG) underwent sutureless scleral tunnel phacotrabeculectomy (Group A) and 28 eyes of 24 patients underwent the same procedure with placement of anterior capsule remnant in the tunnel (Group B). Baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP at 1 day, 1 month and 6 months after surgery were recorded. IOP < 21 mmHg and 20% reduction in IOP from baseline without and with antiglaucoma medication(s) were considered as complete and qualified success, respectively. Any further procedures or complications that require returning the patient to the operating room or becoming no light perception (NLP) were defined as failure. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP was 26.6 ± 10.08 and 26.64 ± 6.31 mmHg in group A and B, respectively (P-value = 0.984). Mean IOP at 1 month was significantly lower in group B (14.24 ± 4.4 versus. 12.07 ± 3.1, P = 0.027) but at 6 months there was no significant difference between groups (14.38 ± 3.56 versus. 14.8 ± 1.85, P = 0.590). The qualified success rate in group B was higher than group A (78.6 versus. 58.5%) at month 1, while the complete success rate was higher in group A than B (34.1% versus. 17.9%). Neither of any group had complete success at month 6. The qualified success rate was 94.7% and 100% in group A and B, respectively, at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Placement of anterior capsule remnant in the ostomy during combined phacotrabeculectomy may improve the outcome of the procedure.

Cystoid macular edema with prostaglandin analogue use after uneventful cataract surgery in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of postoperative latanoprost administration on central macular thickness (CMT) after uneventful cataract surgery in glaucoma patients. SETTING: Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: In this single-masked trial, glaucoma patients treated with latanoprost who had no other risk factor for the development of pseudophakic macular edema were randomly allocated to continuation of latanoprost or discontinuation of the drop after uneventful cataract surgery. At baseline and postoperatively at 1 month and 3 months, patients had complete ocular examinations and CMT measurements using optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measure was the change in the CMT between baseline measurements and postoperative measurements at 1 month and 3 months. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six eyes (latanoprost 76; discontinuation 80) finished the trial. There were no differences in baseline patient demographics or characteristics, including the CMT, between the two groups. There was transient increase in the mean CMT by 12 µm ± 49 (SD) in the latanoprost group at 1 month (P = .03); however, the value returned to baseline by 3 months (6 ± 55 µm; P = .27). The between-group difference in the mean change in the CMT from baseline was -3.1 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], -18.4 to 12.0; P = .68) after 1 month and -10.5 µm (95% CI, -26.6 to 5.5; P = .19) after 3 months; the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost administration after cataract surgery had no measurable effect on macular thickness.

Single long scleral tunnel technique for prevention of Ahmed valve tube exposure.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate the outcome of single long scleral tunnel technique for the prevention of conjunctival erosions caused by the Ahmed glaucoma valve. METHODS:: This study was a retrospective case series that included 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent glaucoma valve implantation surgery by the single long scleral tunnel technique. RESULTS:: The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 52 ± 21.6 years (range: 10-90 years). The mean visual acuity was 1.5 ± 0.81 logMAR preoperatively. The intraocular pressure was 40.7 ± 9.18 mm Hg (range: 25-58) before surgery that decreased significantly to 19.7 ± 3.1 mm Hg (range: 14-25; p < 0.0001) after a mean follow-up of 37.2 ± 5.9 months. During follow-up, no case of tube exposure was detected in patients. CONCLUSION:: Single long scleral technique was efficacious with no occurrence of tube exposure in relatively long period of follow-up. In this method, there is no need to harvest any additional material, and in situations with limited access to patch grafts, it is performable with the minimal facilities.

Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Normal Iranian Children Measured with Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal Iranian children aged below 18 years. METHODS: Peripapillary RNFL imaging was performed in the right eye of normal Iranian children aged below 18 years using Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidelberg Engineering; Vista, CA). The effects of age, gender, cup-to-disc ratio, and spherical equivalent (SE) on global and sectoral RNFL thicknesses were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 115 eyes were imaged. Approximately 51 (44.3%) of the cases were female children. The mean age was 12.44 ± 2.52 years. The SE of refractive error was 0.39 ± 1.38 diopters (range: -3.00 to +4.5 D). The RNFL thickness measurements in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants were 129.25 ± 14.52, 128.16 ± 13.46, 76.76 ± 10.58, and 69.58 ± 9.94 µm, respectively. The global RNFL thickness was 101.01 ± 7.74 µm. In both univariate and multiple regression analyses, SE was the only determinant of RNFL thickness (all P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OCT analysis can effectively measure RNFL thickness in children, and SE is the only determinant of RNFL thickness in normal Iranian patients aged below 18 years.

Excisional Bleb Revision for Management of Failed Ahmed Glaucoma Valve.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of excisonal bleb revision in patients with failed Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 29 patients with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) despite of maximal tolerated medical therapy at least 6 months after AGV implantation were enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. Excision of fibrotic tissue around the reservoir with application of mitomycin C 0.02% was performed. IOP, number of glaucoma medications were evaluated at baseline and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Complete and qualified success was defined as IOP≤21 mm Hg with or without glaucoma medications, respectively. Intraoperative and postopervative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean IOP was reduced from 30±4.2 mm Hg at baseline to 19.2±3.1 mm Hg at 12-month follow-up visit (P<0.001). Average number of glaucoma medications was decrease from 3.2±0.5 at baseline to 1.9±0.7 at 12-month follow-up (P<0.001). Qualified and complete success rates at 12-month follow-up were 65.5% and 6.9%, respectively. Younger age and higher number of previous glaucoma surgeries were significantly associated with the failure of excisonal bleb revision. CONCLUSION: Excisional bleb revision could be considered as a relatively effective alternative option for management of inadequate IOP control after AGV implantation.

Short-term Results of Trabeculectomy Using Adjunctive Intracameral Bevacizumab Versus Mitomycin C: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of trabeculectomy using adjunctive intracameral bevacizumab versus intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial 87 eyes of 87 patients with primary open-angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma were assigned to each treatment group (44 cases received 1.25 mg intracameral bevacizumab at the end of operation and in 43 cases MMC was applied during surgery). Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mm Hg and at least 30% IOP drop with (qualified) or without (complete) glaucoma medications without additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 17.12±2.58 months in the bevacizumab group and 17.23±2.42 months in the MMC group (P=0.845). The preoperative IOP was 29.17±3.94 and 28.8±4.08 mm Hg in the bevacizumab and MMC groups, respectively (P=0.689). Last visit IOP was 17.41±3.11 mm Hg in the bevacizumab group and 15.34±3.62 mm Hg in the MMC group (P<0.009). Compared with baseline, IOP drop at last visit was 11.76±5.51 and 13.43±5.92 in the bevacizumab and MMC groups, respectively (P=0.207). At last visit, complete success was achieved in 25 cases (61%) of bevacizumab group and 23 cases (66%) of MMC group (P=0.669). Early filtering bleb leak was more prevalent in bevacizumab group (29% vs. 11%). CONCLUSIONS: A single 1.25 mg dose of intracameral bevacizumab improves the success of trabeculectomy comparable with MMC; however, it increases the risk of early filtering bleb leakage.

Evaluation of topical bevacizumab as an adjunct to mitomycin C augmented trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and synergistic effect of topical bevacizumab after trabeculectomy surgery with mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized, comparative interventional study, 40 eyes from 40 patients with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma were studied after they underwent primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (0.02% for 2 min). Following the procedure topical bevacizumab (4 mg/mL) was used for 2 weeks 4 times daily in group A. Patients in group B received routine postoperative care. The outcome measures were the intraocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications, complications, and bleb evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 32 eyes that had at least 6 months follow-up, 16 were treated with adjuvant topical bevacizumab. The mean preoperative IOP in group A improved from 26.7 ± 9.3 mmHg with 2.8 ± 1.3 anti-glaucoma medications to 10.5 ± 2.8 mmHg with 0.7 ± 1 anti-glaucoma medications at last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative IOP in group B improved from 21.8 ± 6.6 mmHg with 3 ± 0.8 anti-glaucoma medications to 11.4 ± 3.6 mmHg with 0.8 ± 1.2 anti-glaucoma medications at last follow-up (P < 0.001). There was an overall reduction of 54.4% and 43.7% in the IOP in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.18). The cystic type of bleb was less common in group A (P = 0.043). One patient in group A developed a streptococcal corneal ulcer 1.5 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Administration of topical bevacizumab 4 mg/ml for two weeks following trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C did not significantly affect the IOP trend, but significantly decreased the cystic bleb formation in short-term follow-up.

Distribution of intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and vertical cup-to-disc ratio in a healthy Iranian population: the Yazd Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) in the healthy Iranian population. METHODS: This population-based, epidemiologic study evaluated Iranian aged 40-80 years, residing in Yazd, Iran, in 2010-2011. Eligible subjects were selected by cluster random sampling. Each participant underwent an interview and ophthalmologic examination including slit lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry, binocular optic disc evaluation, stereoscopic fundus photography, ultrasonic pachymetry and visual field testing. RESULTS: Of 2320 eligible individuals, 2098 subjects (response rate of 90.4%) participated in the study. One eye from 1159 subjects (total of 2262 normal eyes) were randomly selected for the purpose of the study. Mean age was 53.1 ± 9.6 years. Mean IOP, CCT and VCDR were 14.2 ± 2.5 mmHg, 543 ± 37 µm and 0.32 ± 0.14, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between IOP and age (regression coefficient = 0.02 per year, p = 0.015), CCT (regression coefficient = 0.02 per micron, p < 0.001), Spherical equivalent (regression coefficient = -0.15 per dioptre, p = 0.0.024) and smoking (regression coefficient = 0.89 higher for smokers, p = 0.009); it also showed a significant correlation between CCT with spherical equivalent (regression coefficient = 3.6 per dioptre, p = 0.002) and IOP (regression coefficient = 3.6 per mmHG, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation with VCDR. CONCLUSIONS: Mean IOP, CCT and VCDR were 14.2 ± 2.5 mmHg, 543 ± 35 µm and 0.32 ± 0.14, respectively, in healthy Iranians that is different from other ethnicities. It seems advisable to pay attention to ethnicity for interpretation of each person's variables.

Long-term Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Refractory Glaucoma at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

PURPOSE: To describe long-term outcomes and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in subjects with refractory glaucoma at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated patient records of all subjects with refractory glaucoma who had undergone AGV implantation up to January 2013. The main outcome measure was the surgical success rate. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <22 mmHg, without anti-glaucoma medications or additional surgery. Qualified success was IOP <22 mmHg regardless of number of anti-glaucoma medications. In all cases, loss of vision (no light perception) was considered an independent indicator of failure. Data were also collected on intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty-eight eyes were included in the study. With a mean follow-up of 48.2 ± 31.7 months (median: 40.50 months; range: 3-124 months), the IOP decreased from a mean preoperative value of 30.8 ± 5.6 mmHg to 20.0 ± 6.4 mmHg at last visit. The number of medications decreased from 3.7 ± 0.4 preoperatively to 2.5 ± 1.1 postoperatively. Cumulative qualified success was achieved in 69% of eyes. Mean time to failure according to qualified success criteria was 92.3 ± 9.4 months. Postoperative complications were recorded in 16 (57.1%) eyes. The most common complication was focal endothelial corneal decompensation at the site of tube-cornea touch. CONCLUSION: AGV implantation with adjunctive topical anti-glaucoma drops controlled IOP in approximately 70% of eyes with refractory glaucoma with a median of 40.5 months of follow-up. However, complication rates were higher.