Differences in optic nerve head structure between acute angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma.

This study aimed to compare the optic nerve head (ONH) structure in acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) to investigate the differences in glaucomatous damage. The AACG and OAG eyes were matched with regard to global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT). AACG eyes were divided into two subgroups based on the presence of ONH swelling at the onset of AACG. RNFLT, Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) were analyzed. Global RNFLT values were similar in AACG and OAG groups, but lower than in the healthy group (P < 0.001). The global BMO-MRW and total BMO-MRA were significantly higher in AACG than in OAG group (P < 0.001, respectively). AACG showed similar global BMO-MRW and total BMO-MRA, irrespective of the presence or absence of ONH swelling, while AACG with ONH swelling was associated with significantly thinner global RNFLT compared to AACG without ONH swelling (P < 0.006). The result of differences in ONH structure between the OAG and AACG, especially the AACG with ONH swelling at the onset of AACG, suggests that the mechanisms of optic nerve damage in the two diseases are different.

Imaging iridotrabecular contact in angle closure.

Background: With ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), radial scans are taken by using a typical ciliary process, to show the details of the iridocorneal angle, the anterior surface of the ciliary body, and its relation to the posterior iris. Appositional closure represents potentially reversible contact between the peripheral iris and trabecular meshwork. The appositional closure can further be classified according to the configuration of iridotrabecular contact (ITC). UBM can be performed in dark and light conditions, which has been shown to be useful for detecting changes in iridocorneal angle configuration associated with dark and light. Purpose: To image ITC configuration in appositional angle closure and also image iridocorneal angle in dark and bright light room illumination. Synopsis: UBM demonstrates two types of ITC configuration in appositional closure which are, B-type and S-type. It can also demonstrate the presence of sinus of Mapstone in S-type of ITC. Highlights: UBM allows imaging of dynamic changes in the iris and shows that the degree of appositional angle closure is a dynamic process that can change rapidly depending on the lighting conditions. Video link: https://youtu.be/tgN4SLyx6wQ.

Relatively anterior lens position in primary angle-closure glaucoma eyes with long axial length.

Purpose: To evaluate the refractive status and ocular biometric parameters in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with different axial lengths (ALs). Methods: In total, 742 Chinese PACG subjects with complete ophthalmic examinations were enrolled. The refractive status was categorized as myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤-0.5 D), emmetropia (-0.5 D < SE < +0.5 D), and hyperopia (SE ≥+0.5 D), whereas the AL was divided into short (AL <22.5 mm), regular (22.5 ≤ AL <23.5 mm), and long (AL ≥23.5 mm). The refractive status and ocular biometric parameters were compared among different AL groups. Results: The mean AL of the PACG eyes was 22.53 ± 0.84 mm (range: 19.68-25.57 mm). The refractive status was significantly different among different AL groups (P < 0.001). Also, 92.6% of hyperopic PACG eyes showed AL <23.5 mm, and 19.0% of myopic PACG eyes showed AL ≥23.5 mm. The SE showed significant differences among different AL groups only in the hyperopic subjects (P = 0.012). The AL was significantly longer in myopic eyes (P < 0.001). The PACG eyes with longer AL exhibited lower keratometry, longer central anterior chamber depth and corneal diameter, and lens position and relative lens position closer to the anterior (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Axial hyperopia was common in PACG eyes, and axial myopia was not uncommon. Relatively anterior lens position could explain the occurrence of PACG in the eyes with long AL.

Changes in Anterior Segment Morphology and Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery in Non-glaucomatous Eyes.

BACKGROUND: It is known that cataract extraction is associated with a significant reduction in intraocular pressure, especially in narrow angled eyes; however, the modifications of anterior segment parameters associated with this phenomenon have still not been completely defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anterior segment anatomy and intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in non-glaucomatous eyes. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This retrospective case series study included 64 eyes of 64 consecutive patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior segment parameters and intraocular pressure were assessed and compared before and 6 months after surgery. Anterior segment imaging was performed using Casia SS-1000 anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan). Anterior segment measurements included anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width, anterior chamber volume, angle opening distance at 500 µm anterior to the scleral spur, angle recess area 750 µm from the scleral spur, lens vault, trabecular iris space area at 500 µm from the scleral spur, and trabecular iris angle at 500 µm from the scleral spur. Intraocular pressure was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (Model AT 900 C/M, Haag-Streit, Bern, Switzerland). Anterior segment parameters and the relationship of changes in intraocular pressure were also evaluated. RESULTS: All anterior segment parameters increased significantly after surgery (p < 0.05). Both angle opening distance at 500 µm anterior to the scleral spur and anterior chamber depth changes were positively correlated with the preoperative lens vault. The mean intraocular pressure significantly decreased from 14.91 mmHg (± 2.8 SD) to 12.91 mmHg (± 3.13 SD) (p < 0.001). Changes in intraocular pressure correlated negatively with values for the width of the preoperative anterior chamber (r = - 0.533; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery led to significant widening of the anterior chamber angle and lowering of intraocular pressure. Further investigations are needed to better understand whether anterior chamber width may be a new independent predictive factor for reduction in postoperative intraocular pressure.

Unilateral pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy with acute angle-closure glaucoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) is an uncommon fundus disease characterized by perivenous aggregations of pigment clumps and retinochoroidal atrophy distributed along the retinal veins. We report a Chinese female case of unilateral PPRCA with acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old Chinese female presented with vision loss and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye and then underwent trabeculectomy. She referred to our clinic for further evaluation and treatment. The funduscopic examination revealed grayish retinochoroidal atrophy and osteocyte-like pigment clumping lesions along the retinal veins and peripapillary preretinal hemorrhage in the right eye. The patient also presented with AACG in the same eye on the basis of past medical history of acute attack, shallow anterior chamber depth (ACD), narrow angle showed by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and glaucomatous neuropathy identified by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Other examinations like fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), electroretinogram (ERG) and electrooculography (EOG) all confirmed the aforementioned diagnose. CONCLUSION: PPRCA is a rare disease, uncommon in females and symmetrical in both eyes. We present a rare case of unilateral PPRCA accompanied with AACG.

Myopic Versus Glaucomatous Parapapillary Beta Zone in Myopic Eyes Versus Eyes With Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

Purpose: To search for histologic differences in the beta zone between myopic eyes versus eyes with secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Methods: The histomorphometric study consisted of human eyes enucleated due to uveal melanomas or secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Results: The study included 100 eyes (age: 62.1 ± 15.1 years; axial length: 25.6 ± 3.1 mm; range: 20.0-35.0 mm). In non-highly myopic glaucomatous eyes compared with non-highly myopic nonglaucomatous eyes, the parapapillary alpha zone was longer (223 ± 168 µm vs. 125 ± 128 µm; P = 0.03), beta zone prevalence (15/20 vs. 6/41; P < 0.001) and length (277 ± 245 µm vs. 44 ± 150 µm; P = 0.001) were higher, and RPE cell density in the alpha zone and alpha zone border was lower (all P < 0.05). In highly myopic nonglaucomatous eyes compared with non-highly myopic glaucomatous eyes, parapapillary RPE drusen prevalence (2/19 vs. 10/10; P = 0.01) and alpha zone prevalence (2/19 vs. 16/20; P < 0.001) and length (23 ± 68 µm vs. 223 ± 168 µm; P < 0.001) were lower. In non-highly myopic glaucomatous eyes, Bruch's membrane (BM) thickness decreased (P < 0.001) from the beta zone (6.0 ± 3.1 µm) to the alpha zone (5.1 ± 4.3 µm) and peripheral to it (3.0 ± 0.9 µm). In highly myopic nonglaucomatous eyes, BM thickness did not differ (P > 0.10) between all three regions. In the total study population, RPE cell density in the alpha zone (24.5 ± 9.3 cells/240 µm) was higher than at the alpha zone border (19.2 ± 4.8 cells/240 µm; P < 0.001) or peripheral to it (19.0 ± 3.6 cells/240 µm; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The glaucomatous beta zone in eyes with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (with the alpha zone, parapapillary RPE drusen, thickened BM, and higher RPE cell count in the adjacent alpha zone) differs histologically from the myopic beta zone (characterized by the absence of the alpha zone and parapapillary RPE drusen, unremarkable BM thickness, and unremarkable parapapillary RPE). The differences suggest different etiologies of the glaucomatous versus myopic beta zone.

Candidate genes identification and RNA-seq based pathway analysis associated with primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is commonly observed in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma; however, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to improve our knowledge on the pathological processes involved in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) by identifying potential prognostic genes associated with cataract progression. METHODS: Thirty anterior capsular membrane samples were collected from PACG patients with cataracts and age-related cataracts. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two cohorts were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to screen the DEGs, and potential prognostic markers and their coexpression network were then predicted by bioinformatic analyses. The DEGs were further validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 399 DEGs were found to be specifically associated with cataracts development in PACG patients, among which 177 and 221 DEGs were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. STRING and Cytoscape network analyses revealed seven genes-CTGF, FOS, CAV1, CYR61, ICAM1, EGR1, and NR4A1-that were remarkably enriched and mainly involved in the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Toll-like receptor, and TNF signaling pathways. RT-qPCR-based validation further confirmed that the sequencing results were accurate and reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we identified seven genes and their signaling pathways that may contribute to cataract progression in patients with high intraocular pressure. Taken together, our findings highlight new molecular mechanisms that may explain the high incidence of cataracts in PACG patients. In addition, the genes identified herein may represent new foundations for the development of therapeutic strategies for PACG with cataract.

Evaluation of biometric indicators of anterior segment parameters after ICL implantation by swept-source optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate anterior segment structural alterations after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation in myopic patients using swept-source quantitative optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: This prospective study included 47 eyes in 24 patients with preoperative spherical equivalent ≥ -3.00 D. Patients underwent ICL implantation at Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, from May 2021 to December 2022. SS-OCT was used to measure anterior chamber width (ACW), angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area (ARA), trabecular-iris area (TISA), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iridotrabecular contact (ITC) area, and ITC Index before ICL implantation surgery and at 1 month follow-up. The correlations among the ITC index, vault, and angle parameters were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to explore the ability of the vault to identify eyes with suspected angle-closure. RESULTS: At one month following ICL implantation, the ITC area was 0.396 ± 0.37 mm2, and the ITC index is 8.143 ± 5.439%. All angle parameters, except ACW, showed a statistically significant reduction on SS-OCT (P < 0.05). Mean AOD500, AOD750, ARA500, ARA750, TISA500, TISA750, TIA500, and TIA750 values at one month postoperatively decreased by 60.0%, 60.4%, 58.1%, 59.2%, 57.3%, 58.7%, 48.8%, and 50.7%, respectively. The vault was positively correlated with the ITC index and percent change in anterior chamber angle parameters. A vault of > 0.659 mm was found to be optimal for angle-closure suspect with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 53.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior chamber angle parameters decreased one month after ICL implantation, and their percentage changes and ITC index correlated with the vault. When the vault is larger than 0.659 mm, it is necessary to be alert to possible closed angle suspicion.

Unilateral chronic angle-closure glaucoma in a pediatric patient with neurofibromatosis: a case report.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease that causes multi-system damage. It is rarely associated with angle-closure glaucoma, especially in pediatric patients. We herein report a case of unilateral chronic angle-closure glaucoma in a patient with NF1. A 5-year-old girl with a large subcutaneous soft mass and multiple scattered coffee-milk spots presented with low vision, increased intraocular pressure, and angle closure in her right eye. Lisch nodules were seen in both eyes. In her right eye, ectropion uveae was observed at the top and bottom margins of the pupil. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull and orbit revealed no abnormalities. Finally, trabeculectomy was performed on the right eye, after which the right eye showed a stable intraocular pressure. NF1 combined with angle-closure glaucoma is rare and easily missed in the clinical setting. Early diagnosis and treatment may achieve good results.

The 3' UTR polymorphisms rs3742330 in DICER1 and rs10719 in DROSHA genes are not associated with primary open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma: As case-control study.

AIM: In a retrospective and exploratory case-control study, we examined the genetic association of two common polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of DICER1 (rs3742330) and DROSHA (rs10719) genes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and its related clinical phenotypes in a Saudi cohort. METHODS: DNA genotyping was performed using TaqMan real-time PCR assays in 500 participants, including 152 POAG, 102 PACG, and 246 non-glaucomatous controls. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the association(s). RESULTS: Allele and genotype frequency of rs3742330 and rs10719 did not vary significantly in POAG and PACG compared to controls. No significant deviation was observed from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (p > 0.05). Gender stratification revealed no significant allelic/genotype association with glaucoma types. Also, these polymorphisms showed no significant genotype effect on clinical markers such as intraocular pressure, cup/disc ratio, and the number of antiglaucoma medications. Logistic regression showed no effect of age, sex, rs3742330, and rs10719 genotypes on the risk of disease outcome. We also examined a combined allelic effect of rs3742330 (A>G) and rs10719 (A>G). However, none of the allelic combinations significantly affected POAG and PACG. CONCLUSIONS: The 3' UTR polymorphisms rs3742330 and rs10719 of DICER1 and DROSHA genes are not associated with POAG and PACG or its related glaucoma indices in this Middle-Eastern cohort of Saudi Arab ethnicity. However, there is a need to validate the results on a broader population and other ethnicities.

Management of angle-closure glaucoma with X-linked retinoschisis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), due to mutations in the RS1 gene, is a common genetically determined form of macular degeneration. This report describes an unusual case of angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with XLRS and discusses the treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old Chinese man with an X chromosome-recessive inherited c.489G > A variant in the RS1 gene was diagnosed as XLRS and ACG, presenting with cystic macular lesions, shallow anterior chamber depth (ACD), and angle-closure with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Malignant glaucoma occurred following trabeculectomy combining phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and goniosynechialysis. Subsequent anterior vitrectomy and irido-zonulo-hyaloid-vitrectomy (IZHV) effectively lowered IOP and deepened ACD, but the cystic cavity became larger. CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential risk of malignant glaucoma in ACG patients with XLRS after filtering surgery. Although anterior vitrectomy can effectively resolve aqueous misdirection, the macular retinoschisis may get worse. Awareness of this risk may aid in surgical planning and postoperative management in these patients.

China Glaucoma Treatment Pattern Study I-Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: protocol for a multicentre, retrospective, observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, and the number of patients with PACG rises every year. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge about the clinical characteristics, therapeutic options and profile of patients with PACG in China. Hence, we design the China Glaucoma Treatment Pattern Study Ⅰ-Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Ch-GTPⅠ). The objective of this paper is to describe the design and methodology of Ch-GTP. The aim of this study is to characterise the profile and trend associated with initial PACG treatment for the last 10 years in China. METHODS: Ch-GTPⅠ is a national multicentre retrospective observational study that will randomly sample from 50 hospitals throughout China. Over 7000 patient records hospitalised for initial PACG treatment from 2011 to 2020 will be selected randomly. The data from electronic medical records will be uploaded to an encrypted online platform that will receive and collate data from all collaborating hospitals. Data abstraction and monitoring will be performed in a standardised manner by trained statisticians to ensure consistency. Systematic data cleaning will also be conducted by statisticians to ensure data integrity before final data storage. The outcomes will include four broad categories: (1) demographics, (2) clinical characteristics, (3) therapeutic strategies and procedures and (4) early outcomes at discharge. The demographic characteristics and early outcomes will be summarised using descriptive statistics. Comparative analyses of characteristics and treatment pattern changing trends for different regions and years will be used to test for significant differences (t-test or Mann-Whitney U test). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The collaborating hospitals obtained local approval based on a standard ethics application from internal ethics committees or acknowledged an existent ethics approval of the leading institution with approval from internal ethics committees. Due to the retrospective nature, written informed consent from patients was waived by the ethics committee. The results will be published in academic journals and presented at national and international academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100054643.

Phaco-goniosynechialysis versus phaco-trabeculectomy in patients with refractory primary angle-closure glaucoma: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (phaco) combined with goniosynechialysis (phaco + GSL) versus phaco with trabeculectomy (phaco + trab) for the management of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) refractory to peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) of over 180°. METHODS: This retrospective study followed 77 eyes of 77 patients for at least 6 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of glaucoma drugs, and PAS were recorded at the preoperative baseline and evaluated at each postoperative follow-up visit. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) was administered to patients enrolled in this study. Pearson's correlation analysis and multivariate linear analysis were performed to identify factors influencing changes in NEI VFQ-25 scores and to identify factors associated with increases in NEI VFQ-25 scores after the operation. RESULTS: In total, seventy-seven eyes were included (43 with phaco + GSL and 34 with phaco + trab). Comparing preoperative baseline and month 6 after surgery measurements revealed that both groups found significant improvements in IOP, PAS, BCVA and the number of glaucoma drugs (P < 0.05). Baseline NEI VFQ-25 scores were similar in the two groups, but there was a significant difference in postoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores (74.47 ± 10.39 in phaco + GSL vs. 69.57 ± 8.54 in phaco + trab, P = 0.048 < 0.05), and the phaco + GSL group had better scores at the time of the last follow-up. The change in preoperative scores and the number of glaucoma drugs was significantly correlated with postoperative scores in the phaco + GSL group. CONCLUSION: Phaco + GSL treatment is as safe and effective as phaco + trab for refractory PACG patients, and patients' subjective experience improved significantly after phaco + GSL surgery.

Efficacy and safety of laser peripheral iridoplasty with different energy levels and locations in the treatment of primary angle closure disease assessed by swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To explore the efficacy and safety of laser peripheral iridoplasty (LPIp) with different energy levels and locations in the treatment of primary angle closure disease (PACD) assessed by swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: We enrolled patients with PACD following best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber gonioscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM), optic disc OCT, and visual field examinations. After Pentacam and AS-OCT measurements, the patients were randomly divided into four treatment groups for LPIp with two different energy levels (high vs. low energy) and two locations (far from the periphery vs. near the periphery) and combined with laser peripheral iridotomy. BCVA, IOP, pupil diameter, central anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, anterior opening distance (AOD)500, AOD750, trabecular iris angle (TIA)500, and TIA750 in four quadrants before and after laser treatment were compared. RESULTS: We followed up 32 patients (64 eyes; average age, 61.80 ± 9.79 years; 8 patients/16 eyes per group) for up to 2 years. The IOP of all enrolled patients was decreased after surgery compared to that before (t = 3.297, P = 0.002), the volume of the anterior chamber was increased (t=-2.047, P = 0.047), and AOD500, AOD750, TIA500, and TIA750 were increased (all P < 0.05). Within-group comparisons showed that BCVA in the low-energy/far-periphery group was improved after surgery (P < 0.05). After surgery, the IOP was decreased in the two high-energy groups, whereas the volume of the anterior chamber, AOD500, AOD750, TIA500, and TIA750 were increased in all groups (all P < 0.05). However, when comparing every two groups, the high-energy/far-periphery group showed a stronger effect on pupil dilation than the low-energy/near-periphery group (P = 0.045). The anterior chamber volume in the high-energy/near-periphery group was larger than that in the high-energy/far-periphery group (P = 0.038). The change in TIA500 was for 6 points smaller in the low-energy/near-periphery group than in the low-energy/far-periphery group (P = 0.038). Other parameters showed no significant group differences. CONCLUSION: LPIp combined with iridotomy can effectively reduce IOP, increase anterior chamber volume, increase chamber angle opening distance, and widen the trabecular iris angle. Intraoperatively, high-energy laser spots positioned one spot diameter from the scleral spur can obtain the best effect and safety. Swept-source AS-OCT can safely and effectively quantify the anterior chamber angle.

Factors defining the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of phacoemulsification and laser peripheral iridotomy in patients with primary angle closure : Factors defining IOP lowering effect of PE and LPI in PAC.

To identify whether gonioscopic ciliary body visibility and factors including anterior chamber depth (ACD), axial length (AL), acute attack history, and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) had any effect on IOP decrease in primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after phacoemulsification (PE) and/or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). This retrospective-design study was conducted with 81 eyes with PAC and PACG; 33 eyes whose IOP was controlled with LPI and PE constituted group 1, and 48 eyes whose IOP was controlled using LPI alone comprised group 2. The effects on preoperative and last-visit IOP levels, ciliary body visibility, ACD, AL, and acute attacks were analyzed. Eyes within the groups were similar in AL, ACD, and preoperative IOP except for acute attack history, which was found to be higher in group 1. For group 1, none of the factors was found to have a differentiative effect on IOP decrease after PE, except eyes with preoperative IOP > 21 mm Hg, which had significantly more IOP reduction. For group 2, no difference was found in ciliary body visibility, and higher or lower ACD. However, eyes with AL ≥ 22 mm, positive acute attack history, and higher preoperative IOP were associated with significantly better IOP reduction. We found no relationship between ciliary body visibility and an IOP-reducing effect of PE and LPI. Although we found PE effective in IOP reduction in all eyes, we determined LPI to have a lesser IOP-reducing effect in eyes with IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg and AL < 22 mm.

Comparison of the efficacy and invasiveness of manual and automated gonioscopy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and invasiveness of manual gonioscopy and automated 360-degree gonioscopy. METHOD: Manual and automated gonioscopy were performed on 70 patients with glaucoma. Manual gonioscopy was performed by a glaucoma specialist and an ophthalmology resident, and automated gonioscopy (GS-1) was performed by orthoptists. We compared the examination time for acquiring gonioscopic images (GS-1: 16 directions; manual gonioscopy: 8 directions). Furthermore, we compared the pain and discomfort scores during the examination using the Individualized Numeric Rating Scale. Among the images acquired by automated gonioscopy, we also evaluated the percentages of acquired images that could be used to determine the angle opening condition. RESULTS: The examination time was not significantly different between manual (80.2±28.7) and automated gonioscopy (94.7±82.8) (p = 0.105). The pain score of automated gonioscopy (0.22±0.59) was significantly lower than that of manual gonioscopy (0.55±1.11) (p = 0.025). The discomfort score was not significantly different between manual (1.34±1.90) and automated gonioscopy (1.06±1.50) (p = 0.165). Automated gonioscopy successfully acquired clear gonioscopic images in 93.4% of the total images. CONCLUSION: Automated gonioscopy is comparable in examination time and invasiveness to manual gonioscopy and may be useful for 360-degree iridocorneal angle evaluation.

Low ambient temperature and temperature drop as novel risk factors of acute glaucoma: a case-crossover study.

The prevalence of glaucoma has seasonal variation in population, but the role of ambient temperature and its variation remains unclear in this seasonal trend. So, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study to examine the association of ambient temperature and temperature change between neighboring days (TCN) with the risk of acute glaucoma. Data on meteorological parameters and glaucoma outpatient visit between 2015 and 2021 covered all districts of Shanghai. Conditional logistic regression with distributed lag nonlinear model was applied to estimate the association of temperature or TCN with the risk of acute glaucoma. A total of 7,746 patients diagnosed with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (APACG) were included in this analysis. We observed a significant increase in the risk of acute glaucoma with cold temperature and temperature drop. Compared with the referent temperature (32℃), moderate low (12 °C) and extreme low (4 °C) temperature exposures were associated with higher risk of acute glaucoma outpatient visit, with the highest cumulative OR of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.91) and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.06) over lag 0-2 days. Temperature drop (TCN = - 4 °C) also increases the risk of acute glaucoma (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.67) over lag 0-7 days, comparing with no temperature change. Patients of female and above age 65 were more vulnerable to cold exposure and temperature drop. This case-crossover study provided novel and robust individual-level evidence that low ambient temperature and temperature drop significantly increase the acute glaucoma risk. The findings provide protective strategies for glaucoma patient, especially for female and the old, under cold exposure and sudden temperature decline.

PATHOGENESIS AND CURRENT METHODS OF TREATMENT OF SECONDARY UVEITIC GLAUCOMA. A REVIEW.

Secondary uveitic glaucoma is a serious sight-threatening complication of intraocular inflammation (uveitis). It develops in approximately 10-20% of patients with uveitis (although this figure may be higher depending on the type of inflammation). It is more commonly associated with chronic forms of uveitis, especially anterior uveitis. Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the development of secondary glaucoma arise as a direct or indirect consequence of uveitis, and may develop further in association with therapy for intraocular inflammation. Several types of uveitic glaucoma are distinguished according to the mechanism of development: open-angle secondary glaucoma (including steroid-induced secondary glaucoma), angle-closure secondary glaucoma, and a combination of both. It is necessary to determine the pathogenesis of uveitis and target the treatment of the inflammatory process according to it. Subsequently, it is necessary to determine the type of secondary glaucoma, which influences the choice of therapy. Compensation for IOP should be achieved as quickly as possible, before irreversible damage to the optic nerve and visual field occurs. In the first instance, we choose conservative pharmacological therapy. However, this therapy fails more often in secondary uveitic glaucoma than in primary open-angle glaucoma. For this reason, surgical or laser therapy is necessary for refractory glaucoma. Trabeculectomy remains the gold standard in surgical therapy for secondary uveitic glaucoma, but other surgical techniques can also be used (Ahmed drainage implants, goniotomy in the paediatric population, surgical iridectomy, and synechiae for angle closure etc.). The choice of method is individualised according to the clinical findings of the patient and previous ocular procedures. However, the main factor influencing the success and efficacy of filtration surgery is adequate therapy and control of the intraocular inflammatory process.

Glaucoma: Diagnosis and Management.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive deterioration of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form in the United States. The risk of POAG increases with age, family history of glaucoma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypotension, hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and myopia. Up to one-half of patients are undiagnosed because a diagnosis often requires monitoring over years to document changes suggesting POAG. These include a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.3 or greater, intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm Hg on tonometry, nerve fiber layer defects identified on optical coherence tomography, and reproducible visual field defects. Topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications and selective laser trabeculoplasty are first-line treatments for POAG. Although POAG screening in the general adult population is not recommended, primary care physicians can help decrease POAG-related vision loss by identifying patients with risk factors and referring them for evaluation by an eye specialist. Medicare covers evaluations in patients at high risk. Primary care physicians should encourage medication adherence and identify barriers to treatment. The other type of glaucoma is angle-closure glaucoma, in which the flow of aqueous humor is obstructed. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur acutely with pupillary dilation and is an ophthalmologic emergency. The goal of treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure quickly with medications or surgery, then prevent the recurrence of the obstruction to aqueous flow by a definitive ophthalmologic procedure.