Ab Interno Research Articles

Removal of Metallic Foreign Bodies with Complete Penetration of the Cornea: Introduction of a New Approach.

The purpose of this study was to present a new ab interno approach and relevant case series using a polymer-tipped cannula for the removal of metallic foreign bodies that penetrate the full thickness of the cornea and are located in the posterior corneal region. Corneal foreign bodies located on the posterior side of the cornea were gently pushed toward the epithelial side with a polymer-tipped cannula placed using a side-port incision, to be removed without damaging the corneal endothelial layer. The polymer-tipped cannula is specially angled to keep it at a distance from the corneal endothelial layer. In this way, unnecessary endothelial contact and the risk of possible endothelial loss are minimized. The foreign body was held by the epithelium with forceps and carefully removed along the corneal perforation line. This technique was performed in 5 eyes of 5 patients. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 38.0 ± 12.1 years (range, 28-59 years). Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed a metallic foreign body and its shadow that completely penetrated the cornea with the deterioration of the endothelial layer in all cases. In all cases, the corneal foreign body was successfully removed. While preoperative corneal endothelial cell density was 3040.0 ± 512.8 cells/mm2, postoperative corneal endothelial cell density was 2927.2 ± 608.1 cells/mm2 at the third postoperative month, and there was no significant corneal endothelial cell loss in any of the cases (P = 0.31). The ab interno approach, performed with a polymer-tipped cannula for the removal of corneal foreign bodies that penetrate deeply, stands out as an important surgical method. This method offers a reliable and effective solution by preventing the foreign body from falling into the anterior chamber and minimizing endothelial damage.

Outcomes of Bent Ab Interno Needle Goniectomy Versus Incisional Goniotomy In Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Outcomes of Bent Ab Interno Needle Goniectomy Versus Incisional Goniotomy In Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Evaluating the 1-year success and safety of ab interno canaloplasty in combination with cataract surgery in glaucoma patients

PurposeTo evaluate the treatment success and safety of ab interno canaloplasty (AbiC) combined with cataract surgery in glaucoma patients.MethodsThe prospective case study included 43 eyes that received an AbiC combined with cataract surgery (age 73.3 ± 8.2 years). The 360° microcatheterization and viscodilatation of the Schlemm’s canal was conducted using VISCO 360 (Sight Sciences, CA, USA). The observation period was 12 months with visits at 2 and 6 as well as 12 months, 7 eyes were lost to follow up.ResultsThe preoperative IOP was 19.8 ± 4.9 mmHg and was reduced to 14.5 ± 2.8 mmHg 12 months after AbiC (p < 0.0001). The relative IOP reduction was 23.6 ± 23.1% after 12 months. Topical glaucoma medication was also reduced from 2.4 ± 1.1 drugs to 1.1 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001) after 12 months. The complete surgical success rate (defined as IOP < 18 mmHg without topical therapy) was 31.6% whereas the qualified surgical success was 89.5% (IOP < 18 mmHg, with local therapy) There were no relevant intra- or postoperative complications.ConclusionAbiC in combination with cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure to achieve a significant reduction of IOP and local glaucoma medication 12 months after surgery.

Persistent Serous Choroidal and Retinal Detachment After Ab Interno Trabeculotomy for Glaucoma.

We describe a case of serous retinal detachment (SRD) with ciliochoroidal detachment (CCD) that persisted for 2 years and 7 months after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). A 71-year-old woman with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataracts had a central corneal thickness of 489 μm/492 μm and an ocular axis length of 24.05 mm/24.30 mm. She underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the right eye (OD), along with goniosynechialysis and microhook ab interno trabeculotomy. Postoperative intraocular pressure was 4-6 mmHg in the OD. Five months later, SRD was observed temporally and inferiorly to the macula, with increased choroidal thickness. Best-corrected visual acuity at 5 months was (1.2)/(1.2) (right eye [OD]/left eye [OS]), and intraocular pressure was 6 mmHg/13 mmHg. CCD in the OD was accompanied by choroidal vessel dilation and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Two years and 7 months post-surgery, intraocular pressure spiked to 50-54 mmHg but settled at 12 mmHg 1 week later. CCD resolved, and choroidal folds and SRD disappeared, with decreased choroid thickness. Two years and 10 months postoperatively, there was no SRD recurrence at 10 mmHg on two antiglaucoma eye drops, and best-corrected visual acuity remained stable at (1.0)/(1.0). This case suggests that SRD may result from increased choroidal vessel permeability and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction secondary to prolonged CCD/low IOP after MIGS. The prolonged disease course may be attributed to the balance between aqueous humor excretion and absorption, influenced by the limited size of the cyclodialysis cleft caused by MIGS.

A Novel Approach To Predict Glaucomatous Impairment in the Central 10° Visual Field, Excluding the Effect of Cataract.

Our previous study predicted genuine glaucomatous visual field (VF) impairment in the central 10° VF, excluding the effect of cataract, using visual acuity (VA) and global indexes of VF more accurately than pattern deviation (PD). This study aimed to improve the accuracy by using pointwise total deviation (TD) values with the machine-learning method of random forest model (RFM) and to investigate whether incorporating optical coherence tomography-measured ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness is useful. This retrospective study included 89 eyes with open-angle glaucoma that underwent successful cataract surgery (with or without iStent implantation or ab interno trabeculotomy). Postoperative TD in each of the 68 VF points was predicted using preoperative (1) PD, (2) VA and VF with a linear regression model (LM), and (3) VA and VF with RFM, and averaged as predicted mean TD (mTDpost). Further prediction was made by incorporating the preoperative GCIPL into the best model. The mean absolute error (MAE) between the actual and predicted mTDpost with RFM (1.25 ± 1.03 dB) was significantly smaller than that with PD (3.20 ± 4.06 dB, p < 0.01) and LM (1.42 ± 1.06 dB, p < 0.05). The MAEs with the model incorporating GCIPL into RFM (1.24 ± 1.04 dB) and RFM were not significantly different. Accurate prediction of genuine glaucomatous VF impairment was achieved using pointwise TD with RFM. No merit was observed by incorporating the GCIPL into this model. This pointwise RFM could clinically reduce cataract effect on VF.

Comparing Corneal Biomechanic Changes between Solo Cataract Surgery and Microhook Ab Interno Trabeculotomy.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the postoperative changes in the corneal biomechanical properties between solo cataract surgery and solo microhook ab interno trabeculotomy (LOT). Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 37 eyes belonging to 26 patients who underwent solo cataract surgery and 37 eyes belonging to 31 patients who underwent solo µLOT. These two groups were matched according to their preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), and age. Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) was used to obtain four biomechanical parameters representing the corneal stiffness or corneal deformation at the highest concavity, including stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1), stress-strain index (SSI), peak distance (PD), and deflection amplitude max (DefAmpMax). These parameters were compared preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and between the two surgical groups. Results: Preoperatively, the patients' IOP, age, and AL, as well as their results in four Corvis ST parameters, were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in SP-A1; however, PD and DefAmpMax were significantly larger, and SSI was significantly smaller postoperatively in the LOT group than in the cataract group. Conclusions: Corneal stiffness was reduced, and the cornea was more deformed with LOT than cataract surgery.

Special Commentary: Reporting Clinical Endpoints in Studies of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of procedures generally characterized by an ab interno approach, minimal trauma to ocular tissue, moderate efficacy, an excellent safety profile, and rapid recovery. The number of MIGS procedures continues to increase, and their use has become widespread among glaucoma and cataract specialists. Standardization of the methodology and reporting of clinical endpoints in MIGS investigations enhances interpretation and comparison across different studies. The assessment of surgical interventions not only should consider statistical significance, but also whether the outcome is meaningful to patients. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is defined as the smallest change in a treatment outcome that is considered beneficial for an individual patient and prompts a change in their clinical management. Expert consensus is an accepted approach to determine the MCID. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern® Committee is an expert panel that develops guidelines identifying characteristics and components of quality eye care. The Committee recommends that the cumulative probability of surgical success at 2 years with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis be used as the primary efficacy endpoint in MIGS studies. The Committee suggests that surgical success for standalone MIGS be defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mmHg or less and reduced by 20% or more from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medications, additional laser or incisional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception vision, or hypotony. The proposed MCID for the cumulative probability of success of standalone MIGS at 2 years is 50%. The panel recommends that surgical success for MIGS combined with cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation (CE-IOL) be defined as a decrease in glaucoma medical therapy of 1 medication or more from baseline without an increase in IOP or IOP of 21 mmHg or less and reduced by 20% or more from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medications, additional laser or incisional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception vision, or hypotony. The suggested MCID for the cumulative probability of success for MIGS combined with CE-IOL at 2 years is 65%. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Short-term outcomes of Tanito microhook ab interno trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification in primary open-angle glaucoma - A pilot study.

The aim of the study was to assess the early postoperative efficacy and safety of Tanito microhook (TMH) ab interno trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This prospective interventional study was conducted on consecutive patients with visually significant cataract and mild-moderate POAG. All patients underwent a temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification combined with TMH ab interno trabeculotomy. Postoperative evaluation was done on day 1, 1 month, and 3 months. The outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) at different follow-ups and postoperative complications. In total, 30 eyes of 30 patients were included in the study. There were 16 (53.3%) females and 14 (46.7%) males with a mean age of 62.63 ± 6.7 years. The mean IOP reduced from 23.57 ± 1.65 to 17.33 ± 2.84 at 3 months (P < 0.001). All eyes had a corrected distance visual acuity ≥6/9 at 1 month postoperatively. Postoperative complications included corneal stromal edema in eight (26.7%) eyes, hyphema in four (13.3%) eyes, and IOP spike in one (3.3%) eye. TMH ab interno trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification in patients with mild-moderate POAG is an effective and safe procedure with fewer complications.

Secondary ab interno stenting to manage early tube-related hypotony.

Trabeculectomy is the gold standard procedure to achieve control of intraocular pressure surgically. However, glaucoma drainage devices have their place in certain refractory glaucomas not amenable to control by the standard trabeculectomy. These devices come with their own set of complications, cognizance of which is critical to anticipate and manage appropriately. With the nonvalved devices, hypotony is one difficult problem to deal with. Several modifications have been described to manage refractory hypotony after tubes. We present here a simple, less invasive surgical technique of secondary ab interno suture stenting to manage tube-related early hypotony.

Outcomes of bent ab interno needle goniectomy with phacoemulsification in moderate to severe primary open angle glaucoma.

To assess the safety and efficacy of bent ab interno needle goniectomy (BANG) in moderate to severe primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes undergoing phacoemulsification (phaco). Single-arm, prospective, interventional study. POAG patients with medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP), >15 mmHg for moderate and >12 mmHg for severe POAG, with visually significant cataract were recruited. All patients underwent BANG using a 26-gauge needle to excise 30° of the trabecular meshwork, along with phaco. Primary outcome was IOP. Secondary outcomes were success rate, percentage reduction in IOP/antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), and intraoperative complications. Success at 12 months was defined as: criterion A: IOP <15 mmHg for moderate glaucoma or <12 mmHg for severe glaucoma with or without AGMs OR criterion B: reduction in number of AGMs by >1. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients underwent BANG + phaco. Mean age of the participants was 62.7 ± 8.4 years and there were 25 males and seven females. At 12 months, a significant decrease was noted in both IOP (from 17.6 ± 3.6 to 12 ± 1.6 mmHg, 31.8%; P < 0.001) and AGMs (from 3.7 ± 0.9 to 2.8 ± 0.8, 24.3%; P < 0.001). Twenty percent or more reduction in IOP was achieved in 62.5% (20/32) of eyes. Overall success (meeting either of the criteria A or B) at 12 months was achieved in 87.5% eyes. Mild postoperative hyphema was noted in 10 (31.2%) eyes, and two eyes (6.2%) required additional filtration surgery at 7 months. A 30-degree BANG with phaco in patients of POAG appears to be a safe, effective and affordable MIGS for developing countries.

Transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities after Tanito microhook trabeculotomy: report of six cases

ObjectiveTo present six cases exhibiting transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities following early postoperative Tanito microhook trabeculotomy (TMH) performed by the same surgeon.MethodsSix patients who underwent lens-sparing TMH at Meizankai Shimizu Eye Clinic from November 2021 to May 2023, and developed anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities postoperatively were reviewed. Detailed records of surgeries, follow-up findings were collected and reported.ResultsIn all six cases, anterior vacuolar subcapsular lens opacities were observed on the day after surgery, gradually decreasing without affecting visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In all cases, without any specific interventions, the opacities disappeared by 21 months postoperatively.ConclusionAnterior subcapsular cataracts, characterized by a vacuolar appearance and transient existence, should be recognized as an early complication of ab interno glaucoma surgery, possibly linked to use of distributed ophthalmic viscosurgical devices and excessive anterior chamber irrigation leading to traumatic cataracts on the lens surface.

Efficacy of Ab Interno Revision for Trabeculectomy Bleb Failure using a Minimally Invasive Approach: A Prospective Study.

Ab interno bleb revision using the Grover and Fellman spatula offers potential benefits in improved intraocular pressure control and spare the conjunctiva for enhanced bleb management. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Ab-Interno Bleb Revision (AIBR) for treating failed trabeculectomy blebs. This non-comparative case series enrolled glaucoma patients with failed trabeculectomy blebs, who underwent AIBR and were followed up for one year. Eligible patients received subconjunctival Mitomycin C 0.1mL of 0.2mg/mL (20μg) five days before the AIBR, performed using the Grover and Fellman spatula. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the usage of IOP-lowering medications one year after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included the procedure's failure rate and complications. Complete success was defined as achieving an IOP between 5-21mmHg without medication, while qualified success required additional medical treatment. The study comprised 23 eyes from 23 patients, having a mean age of 59.66±14.93 years. Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 23.54±10.7mmHg, and the mean anti-glaucoma medication requirement was 3.99±0.65, both significantly reduced to 15.7±6.9mm Hg (P=0.009) and 1.26±1.2 (P <0.001) at one year, respectively. Overall, 19 eyes (82.6%) achieved success (Complete success: 39.2%, Qualified success: 43.4%), while in 4 (17.4%) patients the procedure failed (IOP >21mmHg). 5 patients had transient hyphema, but there were no sight-threatening complications such as hypotony or choroidal detachment. Ab-Interno Bleb Revision (AIBR) is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive intervention for managing failed trabeculectomy blebs. By eliminating the need to reopen the conjunctiva, this technique offers a promising alternative for the treatment of this challenging condition.

Bent ab interno needle goniotomy versus gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in primary open-angle glaucoma: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMinimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a new class of surgeries, which combines moderate to high success rates and a high safety profile. Bent Ab interno Needle Goniotomy (BANG) and Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) are two low-cost MIGS procedures that communicate the anterior chamber to Schlemm’s canal. Most of the available publications on MIGS are either case series or retrospective studies, with different study protocols. The aim of this manuscript is to describe a randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol to compare the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and the safety of both procedures in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.MethodsThis is a parallel, double-arm, single-masked RCT that includes pseudophakic primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes. After inclusion criteria, medications will be washed out to verify baseline IOP before surgery. Patients will be randomized to BANG or GATT using a sealed envelope. Follow-up visits will be 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 330 and 360 days after surgery. On PO330, a new medication washout will be done. The main outcome is the IOP reduction following the procedures. Complimentary evaluation of functional and structural parameters, safety, and quality of life will be done after 30, 90, 180, and 360 days.DiscussionOur study was designed to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of two low-cost MIGS. Most of the published studies on this subject are case series or retrospective cohorts, with different study protocols, which included different types and severities of glaucomas, combined with cataract extraction. Our study only included mild to moderate POAG eyes, with previous successful cataract extraction. Moreover, it provides a standardized protocol that could be replicated in future studies investigating various types of MIGS. This would allow comparison between different techniques in terms of efficacy, safety, and patients’ quality of life.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered at the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) platform RBR-268ms5y. Registered on July 29, 2023.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Campinas, Brazil.

Ab Interno Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy Outcomes for Mild, Moderate, and Advanced Open-Angle Glaucoma: A ROMEO Analysis.

To determine if there was an association between severity of glaucoma and intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication (med) outcomes for patients in the ROMEO (Retrospective, Observational, Multicenter Evaluation of OMNI) study. Eleven ophthalmology practices in 8 US states. Post-hoc analysis of all eyes enrolled and treated with ab interno canaloplasty and trabeculotomy in the retrospective, multicenter ROMEO study. Eyes were grouped according to visual field mean deviation (MD): mild (MD better than -6 dB), moderate (MD between -6 and -12 dB), advanced (-12 dB or worse). IOP and med outcomes at 12 months were compared across groups. Least squares regression was used to assess the relationship of MD with month 12 IOP. Outcomes for 1st and last MD deciles were compared as a sensitivity analysis. One hundred and twenty-seven eyes were available for analysis including 79 mild, 42 moderate, 6 advanced. Most eyes had a reduction in IOP at Month 12 (70%) with most at 18 mmHg or less. Percentage IOP reduction was similar across the groups (mild 16.9%, moderate 18.6%, advanced 18.0%) with mean month 12 IOP between 14 and 16 mmHg. Medications were also reduced in all three groups; -0.8 (mild, P < 0.001), -0.55 (moderate, P < 0.05), and -1.0 (advanced, P = 0.139, ns). Regression analysis revealed no relationship between month 12 IOP and MD. Med reductions were observed for all groups with a reduction of 1 or more medications seen in (%, 95% CI) 69%, 59-79 (mild), 50%, 35-65 (moderate), and 60%, 21-99 (advanced). Secondary interventions tended to have greater incidence with worse MD likely reflecting lower desired IOP targets. Analysis of data from the ROMEO study suggests that similar meaningful IOP and med reductions can be expected across the range of disease severity studied.

Ab interno canaloplasty versus gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in open-angle glaucoma: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).MethodThis randomised clinical trial recruited eyes with OAG and...

Intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with ab interno trabeculotomy in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using ab interno trabeculotomy (LOT) in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation. Retrospective case series. Twenty eyes of 18 patients with exfoliation glaucoma and lens or IOL subluxations were included. Three success criteria were based on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (A, ≤15 mmHg; B, ≤18 mmHg; C, ≤21 mmHg). The IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and visual acuity were compared before and after surgery. Success probability was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Cox proportional hazards' regression models were used to examine prognostic factors for surgical failure. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 ± 7.8 months. The mean IOP significantly decreased from 23.2 ± 6.8 mmHg preoperatively to 14.0 ± 4.4 mmHg at 1 year postoperative (P<0.001). Postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage were observed in seven and 15 eyes, respectively, and washout in the anterior chamber or vitreous cavity was performed in four eyes. Postoperative IOP spikes and hypotony were observed in four eyes each. Glaucoma reoperation was performed in two eyes. The success rates at 12 months were 65%, 85%, and 90% using criteria A, B, and C, respectively. The IOP at 1 month after surgery was a significant prognostic factor for surgical failure according to criterion A (hazard ratio: 1.08; P=0.034). Intrascleral IOL fixation combined with microhook LOT is a promising option in cases of exfoliation glaucoma with subluxated lens/IOL; however, the high rate of postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage should be noted.

Ab interno minimally invasive glaucoma surgery combined with cataract surgery and cataract surgery alone: IRIS® registry study

PurposeDescribe real-world characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared ab interno Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) combined with cataract surgery or cataract surgery alone. DesignAn observational, retrospective study of glaucomatous disease treated with MIGS (OMNI® Surgical System, Hydrus®, iStent Inject®) combined with cataract surgery or cataract surgery alone, documented in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). MethodsThe study period was between 07/01/2017 and 12/31/2022. Eligible patients were identified via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes coupled with electronic health records. Outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication class usage over 24 months stratified by baseline IOP (≤18 and >18 mmHg). Bonferroni testing (p < 0.0125) were applied. ResultsGlaucomatous disease was identified for 77,391 (OMNI: 428, Hydrus: 1,435, iStent Inject: 4,769, cataract surgery alone: 70,759) patients (109,745 eyes). For patients with a baseline IOP >18 mmHg, significant (p < 0.001) change in IOP (OMNI −6.64 [SD 7.59], Hydrus −5.71 [6.30], iStent Inject −4.96 [7.30], cataract surgery alone −5.55 [6.41]) and medication usage (OMNI −1.34 [1.48], Hydrus −1.20 [1.18], iStent Inject −0.86 [1.10], cataract surgery alone −0.67 [1.10]) were observed at 24 months. In the baseline IOP ≤18 mmHg subgroup, all cohorts showed significant medication reductions (p < 0.001), with no change in IOP. ConclusionsMIGS combined with cataract surgery and cataract surgery alone resulted in significant and sustained IOP (baseline IOP >18 mmHg) and medication reductions (both IOP subgroups). As MIGS procedures lead to non-equivalent results, further research will define the role of each in patient subpopulations.

Case Report: Temporary management of delayed postoperative hypotony with Baerveldt tube: Ab Interno stenting using 3-0 nylon suture

Background To describe the management of delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal detachment in a 79-year-old female patient with advanced pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma. Case The patient, refractory to maximal medical therapy, underwent Baerveldt tube implantation with a ripcord using a 4-0 nylon suture. Ripcord removal and the reintroduction of antiglaucoma medication were initiated in response to a hypertensive phase. Delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusions were managed through ab interno stenting of the tube, employing a 3-0 nylon suture. Ab interno stenting of the tube, employing a short segment of 3-0 nylon suture, initially addressed delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusions. However, recurrence of hypotony and choroidal detachment occurred as the short stent descended into the anterior chamber. To manage the recurrent hypotony, Baerveldt tube truncation was performed, along with re-stenting of the tube using a longer 3-0 Nylon ripcord. Conclusions While ab interno occlusion with a short segment of 3-0 nylon suture may offer temporary hypotony control, the risk of segment descent warranted the use of a longer ripcord to enhance efficacy and stability.

Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Cataract Surgery vs Combined Cataract Surgery With Insertion of iStent Inject

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined cataract surgery with insertion of an ab interno trabecular microbypass device (iStent Inject, Glaukos Corporation) compared to cataract surgery alone in patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma. DesignProspective, randomized, assessor-masked controlled trial at a single centre. ParticipantsEyes with visually-significant cataract and mild-to-moderate glaucoma with preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 12 – 30 mmHg on 0 to 3 ocular hypotensive medications. MethodsParticipants eyes were randomised (2017-2020) 1:1 to combined cataract surgery with iStent Inject (treatment group, n= 56) or cataract surgery alone (control group, n=48), and followed up for two years. Main Outcome MeasuresThe co-primary effectiveness endpoints were the number of ocular hypotensive medications and IOP at 24-months post-surgery. The secondary effectiveness endpoints were ocular comfort as measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and vision-related quality of life as measured by the Glaucoma Activity Limitation Questionnaire (GAL-9) at 24-months. Safety measures included postoperative visual acuity, any unplanned return to the operating theatre, adverse events, and complications. ResultsParticipants (67.3% male) were aged 53-85 years and treatment groups were similar in terms of mean medicated IOP (treatment group 17.7 mmHg ± 4.0; control group 17.1 mmHg ± 3.1), and number of ocular hypotensive medications (treatment group 1.69 ± 1.05; control group 1.80 ± 1.22) at baseline. At 24 months, the number of ocular hypotensive medications were 0.7 ± 0.9 in the treatment groups compared to 1.5 ± 1.9 in the control group, with an adjusted difference of 0.6 fewer medications per eye in the treatment group (95% CI 0.2 to 1.1, p=0.008). 57% of eyes in the treatment group were on no glaucoma medications compared to 36% in the control group. There was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups beyond the 4-weeks. There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes between the two groups. The visual outcomes and safety profiles were similar between the two groups. ConclusionsCombined cataract surgery with iStent Inject achieved a clinically- and statistically-significantly greater reduction in ocular hypotensive medication usage at 24-months compared to cataract surgery alone, with no significant difference in IOP.

Viscodilation of Schlemm's Canal Combined with Goniectomy Using a 30 G Needle (Visco-Bent Ab Interno Needle Goniectomy).

Bent ab interno needle goniectomy (BANG) is a low-cost minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) technique that has gained wide popularity in developing nations. However, the risk of injury to surrounding angle structures and especially the outer wall of Schlemm's canal (SC) is the main drawback of this technique. We describe a simple and easy-to-perform modification, "Visco-BANG," to improve the safety and efficacy of the BANG procedure. A 30 gauge (G) needle attached to a syringe filled with cohesive viscoelastic is used. The needle is bent at the proximal junction of the bevel with bevel towards the operating surgeon. The needle is then inserted into the SC and viscoelastic injected to dilate the canal, creating a buffer between the inner and outer walls of SC, which is followed by cutting of a trabecular meshwork (TM) strip. The current modification can prevent damage to adjoining angle structures, including the outer wall of SC, which is critical for aqueous outflow. It can potentially increase efficacy of the BANG procedure by incorporating viscodilation of the SC along with removal of the TM. Injury to surrounding structures causes a fibrotic response, which is the main cause of failure for the BANG procedure. Prevention of injury to adjoining structures and dilatation of the SC can potentially increase the long-term success rates of this procedure. Dada T, Beri N, Sethi A, et al. Viscodilation of Schlemm's Canal Combined with Goniectomy Using a 30 G Needle (Visco-Bent Ab Interno Needle Goniectomy). J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(4):210-213.