Early-stage Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Research Articles

1235 Challenges in Glaucoma Management: A Case Study on OMNI® Surgical System Interventions for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Abstract Introduction This report explores the challenges faced in addressing early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a 74-year-old male. Following a steroid-induced elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP) after endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the right eye, the patient underwent minimally invasive canaloplasty and goniotomy using the OMNI® Surgical System (Sight Sciences) on his left eye. Case Description IOPs at diagnosis measured at 28 mmHg and 27 mmHg in the right and left eye, respectively, leading to the prescription of bilateral latanoprost. An adverse reaction to latanoprost resulted in eye swelling, hyperaemia, facial and jaw discomfort, and photophobia, prompting the cessation of the medication. In December 2022, bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) was performed, with minimal impact on IOP. Subsequently, in March 2023, right cataract surgery with ECP successfully reduced right eye IOP to 16 mmHg. Postoperatively, the use of dexamethasone 0.1% drops caused an intraocular steroid-response, increasing IOP (maximal IOP =25 mmHg), resolving upon medication completion. To mitigate prolonged steroid drop-associated complications, left eye phacoemulsification with OMNI canaloplasty and goniotomy was conducted in June 2023. Standard 4-week low-frequency steroid drops were administered postoperatively with no complications. Conclusions Pressure control was successfully achieved with IOP normalization to 15 mmHg bilaterally. Significant visual acuity improvements were noted post ECP (right eye=6/24 to 6/6) and OMNI (left eye=6/7.5 to 6/6). This case highlights the efficacy of OMNI combined with phacoemulsification in the safe reduction of IOP and sustained IOP control in POAG patients, alluding to its favourable safety profile.

Evaluation of lamina cribrosa curvature index in different types of glaucoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the lamina cribrosa curvature index in different types of glaucoma in comparison with clinical findings and conventional measurement methods. Patients older than 18years who were followed up in Glaucoma Unit of Department of Ophthalmology at Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, whose disease had been under control at least for 1year, who had at least three reliable visual fields, whose refractive error was between - 6 and + 5 diopter and who did not have any disease other than glaucoma that would affect the visual field, were included in the study. Clinical and demographic characteristics, visual field, optical coherence tomography and lamina cribrosa curvature index (LCCI) results were evaluated. The study patients were divided into six groups: early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) as group 1 and intermediate-advanced stage POAG as group 2, pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) as group 3, normal tension glaucoma (NTG) as group 4, ocular hypertension patients whom subsequently developed POAG as group 5 and healthy control as group 6. A total of 189 eyes of 101 patients were included in our study. Forty-seven patients were male (46.5%) and 54 were female (53.5%). The mean age was 62.43 ± 1.49years. LCCI, mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), pattern standard deviation (PSD) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) values were analyzed in all groups and Pearson correlation analysis showed statistically significant correlation between PSD and RNFL measurements with LCCI values in all groups. MD value was correlated with LCCI in groups 2, 3 and 4, while VFI value was correlated with LCCI in all groups except group 5. When the groups were compared with each other according to the Post-Hoc Tamhane test, LCCI measurement showed statistically significant results in accordance with MD, VFI, PSD and RNFL values. The LCCI assessment is mostly consistent with conventional tests. In this study, in which different types of glaucoma and healthy subjects were examined simultaneously, LCCI shows promise as a detailed and reliable assessment method.

MP-3 microperimeter in early primary open angle glaucoma with a new pattern.

To investigate macular microperimetry in patients with early primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) using a new custom-made pattern, and analyze the characteristics of macular sensitivity. This case-control study included 38 patients with POAG, who were divided into pre-perimetric glaucoma (18 eyes of 18 patients), early-stage (20 eyes of 20 patients), and control (20 eyes of 20 patients) groups. All subjects underwent standard 24-2 humphrey visual field test. An MP-3 microperimeter with a new custom-made pattern (28 testing points distributed in four quadrants, covering the central 10° of the retina) was used to evaluate macular sensitivity. Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses were examined using an RS-3000 Advance OCT system. The features of structure and function were analysed per quadrant. The pre-perimetric glaucoma group had significantly lower inferior hemifield macular sensitivity compared to controls (P<0.05). The early-stage POAG group had significantly lower average, inferior hemifield, inferonasal, and inferotemporal mean sensitivities compared to the pre-perimetric glaucoma group (P<0.05), and lower macular sensitivity in all sectors compared to controls (P<0.05). Regarding GCC thickness, all sectors in the early-stage POAG group became thinner compared to those in controls (P<0.05); whereas all sectors in the early-stage POAG group, except the superonasal quadrant, became thinner compared to those in the pre-perimetric glaucoma group (P<0.05). Macular sensitivity and GCC thickness were significantly associated in each sector. The inferotemporal quadrant had the highest correlation coefficients (0.840). The structure-function relationship for the inferonasal and inferotemporal sectors was stronger compared to the corresponding superior sectors. Microperimetry reveals variations in macular sensitivity in patients with early glaucoma earlier than conventional perimetry, particularly in pre-perimetric glaucoma cases in which it might be undetectable by conventional methods. The new custom-made pattern may improve the accuracy of microperimetry by enhancing point arrangement and reducing fatigue effects. Macular sensitivity measured by MP-3 with this pattern shows statistically significant structural and functional associations with the thicknesses of the GCC.

The long-term effects of topical latanoprost 0.005% treatment on pupillary functions: A 2-year longitudinal study.

To investigate the long-term effects of topical latanoprost 0.005% treatment on pupillary functions in early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes using automated pupillometry. This prospective study involved 20 eyes of 20 treatment-naive subjects with early-stage POAG. After comprehensive ophthalmic examination, static and dynamic pupillometry measurements were performedbefore treatment, at the 1st follow-up visit (1.10 ± 0.30 months) and the 2nd follow-up visit (25.85 ± 10.26 months) after treatment initiation. Dynamic parameters included resting diameter (mm), amplitude (mm), latency (ms), duration (ms), and velocity (mm/s) of pupil contraction and dilation. Static pupillometry parameters were pupil diameter (PD, mm) in high-photopic, low-photopic, mesopic and scotopic conditions. The velocity of pupil dilation significantly decreased during the 1st visit (p = 0.008) and the 2nd visit (p = 0.0003) of treatment compared to the pre-treatment visit. The resting PD was also significantly higher after the 1st visit (p = 0.003) and the 2nd visit (p = 0.001) compared to the pre-treatment visit. However, the difference in resting PD measured between the 1st and 2nd visits did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065). There were no significant changes in other dynamic parameters (p > 0.05 for all). Additionally, a mild, but not significant, mydriatic effect was observed in PD measurements under scotopic, mesopic and low photopic lighting conditions after follow-up. None of the static and dynamic parameters correlate with age, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) or mean deviation (MD) values of visual field tests. The long-term topical latanoprost 0.005% treatment in early-stage POAG has a slight mydriatic effect on the pupil. Further longitudinal clinical studies with larger patient cohorts are necessary to better understand the effects of latanoprost on pupillary functions.

Distal Nasal Part of the Visual Field and RNFL in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

The aim of this study was to compare changes in the conventionally undiagnosed distal nasal visual field with RNFL in patients with early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). 59 eyes of 32 patients (18 women, 14 men) with early stage POAG were included. All eyes were found to have a normal visual field (fast threshold program of 50 degrees nasally and 22 degrees temporally) with the Medmont M700. Visual acuity was 1.0 (with a possible correction ±3 D), and they had no other ocular pathology except glaucoma. The visual field was subsequently examined with the same instrument by moving the fixation point 40 degrees temporally (spatially adaptive program) and simultaneously turning the head 10 degrees nasally. A total of 89 examination points were included using flicker stimuli in a range of 0-120 degrees nasally. Nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and vessel density (VD) was measured using the in-built software of the Avanti RTVue XR instrument. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, the results of visual field examination with RNFL without and after correction (by subtracting VD from total RNFL value) in the superior-nasal (SN-5) and inferior-nasal (IN-8) segments were compared. In all eyes, changes were found in the distal periphery of the nasal part of the visual field. No correlation was noted by comparison with RNFL. After adjusting RNFL for VD, we observed no correlation in the SN segment (5) (r=-0.03) and a very weak correlation in the IN segment (8) (r=-0.16). With a normal visual field tested by the rapid threshold glaucoma program, changes in the distal part of the nasal periphery of the visual field were found in the entire cohort and did not correlate with the RNFL and RNFL results after correction from VD.

Macula vessel density and its relationship with the central visual field mean sensitivity across different stages of exfoliation glaucoma

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Alterations in ocular microvasculature may contribute to pathogenesis of exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and may improve monitoring this aggressive type of open angle glaucoma. Background This work aims to compare the macula vessel density and the relationship between macula vessel density and central visual field mean sensitivity between eyes with XFG and eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) of different stages. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, the macula vessel density values were compared among 52 POAG cases (26 early stage, 26 moderate to advanced stage) and 53 XFG cases (27 early stage, 26 moderate to advanced stage). The vessel density values were evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography. Vasculature–function and structure–function relationships were analysed by comparing macula vessel density, inner macula thickness and visual field mean sensitivity in early and moderate to advanced stages of XFG and POAG eyes separately. Results The early stage XFG eyes had a significantly lower global macula vessel density compared with early stage POAG eyes (42.81 ± 3.85% and 46.56 ± 3.90%, respectively; p = 0.02). However, the tendency of XFG eyes for a lower vessel density compared with the POAG eyes did not exhibit any significance in moderate to advanced stages of glaucoma (37.39 ± 5.65% and 38.35 ± 4.67%, respectively; p = 0.9). The macula vessel density (%)–visual field mean sensitivity (1/Lambert) correlation was statistically significant in early stage XFG eyes (r = 0.464 p = 0.01), while no such correlation was notable for the early stage POAG eyes (r = –0.029 p = 0.89). Conclusion The macula vessel density appears to be more severely affected in early stage XFG than POAG of similar severity, suggesting a relatively greater value of vascular insufficiency in XFG. The significant vasculature-function association in early stage XFG, which was absent in early stage POAG, may infer the importance of macula vessel density in monitoring functional loss in early stages of XFG.

Glaucoma-associated abnormalities in cortical activity during a visuocognitive task

ObjectiveTo investigate neurophysiological dynamics during a visuocognitive task in glaucoma patients vs. healthy controls. MethodsFifteen patients with early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and fifteen age-matched healthy participants underwent a “go/no-go” task, monitored with EEG. Participants had to semantically categorize visual objects in central vision, with animal or furniture as targets according to the experimental block. ResultsEarly visual processing was delayed by 50 ms in patients with POAG compared to controls. The patients displayed a smaller difference between animal and furniture categorization during higher-level cognitive processing (at 400–600 ms). Regarding behavioral data, the groups differed in accuracy performance and decision criterion. As opposed to the control group, patients did not display facilitation and a higher accuracy rate for animal stimuli. However, patients maintained a consistent decision criterion throughout the experiment, whereas controls displayed a shift towards worse decision criteria in furniture trials, with higher error rate. ConclusionsThe comparative analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological data revealed in POAG patients a delay in early visual processing, and potential high-level cognitive compensation during late, task-dependent activations. SignificanceTo our knowledge, our findings provide the first evidence of modification in cognitive brain dynamics associated with POAG.

Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Pupillary Functions in Early-Stage Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

The dynamic parameters of the pupil, evaluated with an automated pupillometry device, differ in newly diagnosed early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients compared with healthy individuals, and this may guide us in early diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. To quantitatively determine static and dynamic pupillary functions in treatment-naive, newly diagnosed early-stage POAG patients and compare them with healthy controls. Forty eye of forty subjects with early POAG were compared with 71 eye of 71 age- matched and sex-matched healthy controls in terms of static and dynamic pupillary functions in this prospective and cross-sectional study. Static and dynamic pupillary functions were obtained with an automated pupillometry device. Static pupillometry parameters are pupil diameter (mm) in high photopic (100cd/m 2 ), low photopic (10cd/m 2 ), mesopic (1cd/m 2 ), and scotopic (0.1cd/m 2 ) light conditions. Dynamic pupillometry parameters are resting diameter (mm), amplitude (mm), latency (ms), duration (ms), and velocity (mm/s) of pupil contraction and dilation. Measured data were evaluated and compared with t test for independent groups. Duration of pupil contraction was lower, ( P =0.04) latency of pupil dilation time was longer, ( P =0.03) duration of pupil dilation was shorter ( P =0.04) and velocity of pupil dilation was lower ( P =0.02) in the POAG group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of static pupillometry characteristics and the resting pupil diameter ( P >0.05 for all values). These results suggest that dynamic pupillary light responses may be affected in early-stage POAG compared with the normal population. Longitudinal studies with larger series are needed to better understand the quantitative changes in dynamic pupillometry functions in early-stage POAG.

Hypotensive therapy effectiveness evaluation in primary open-angle glaucoma evidenced by pattern electroretinogram data

Purpose. To evaluate the change in the functional activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in response to intraocular pressure (IOP) drop in patients with newly diagnosed early stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using a pattern electroretinogram (PERG). Material and methods. A prospective non-randomized cohort study included 12 patients (24 eyes) including 5 men, 7 women, aged 63.42 ± 2.96 years with newly diagnosed early stage POAG in at least one eye, who underwent PERG (Diopsys Nova, Diopsys, Inc.) in addition to an ophthalmologic examination. After being diagnosed with POAG, all patients were prescribed prostaglandin analogues as monotherapy. One and four months into the treatment, repeated examinations took place. Results. At these time points, a significant decrease in IOP was noted, accompanied by an increase in PERG parameters , which indicates an improvement in the functional activity of RGCs, yet no linear relationship between the IOP decrease and the improvement in PERG parameters could be found. Conclusion. Early stage naïve-treatment POAG patients with minimally impaired visual fields as determined by threshold computer perimetry may have their RGCs functional activity partially restored and IOP lessened thanks to continuous IOP-lowering therapy with prostaglandin analogues. PERG can be used as a method for evaluating the effectiveness of glaucoma hypotensive therapy in terms of maintaining and improving the functional activity of RGCs.

Retinal Microvascular Dysfunction Occurs Early and Similarly in Mild Alzheimer's Disease and Primary-Open Angle Glaucoma Patients.

To assess the similarities and differences in retinal microvascular function between mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy controls. Retinal vessel reactivity to flickering light was assessed in 10 AD, 19 POAG and 20 healthy age matched control patients by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA, IMEDOS, GmbH, Jena, Germany) according to an established protocol. All patients additionally underwent BP measurements and blood analysis for glucose and lipid metabolism markers. AD and POAG patients demonstrated comparable alterations in retinal artery reactivity, in the form of an increased arterial reaction time (RT) to flicker light on the final flicker cycle (p = 0.009), which was not replicated by healthy controls (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the sequential changes in RT on progressing from flicker one to flicker three were found to differ between healthy controls and the two disease groups (p = 0.001). AD and POAG patients demonstrate comparable signs of vascular dysfunction in their retinal arteries at the early stages of their disease process. This provides support for the concept of a common underlying vascular aetiology in these two neurodegenerative diseases.

Corneal endothelium, retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and perimetry measurements in normal eyes and those with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss in glaucoma can be attributed to the direct compressive effect of elevated intraocular pressure. Herein, we aimed to evaluate specular microscopic changes in CEC count and morphology in correlation to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in early and advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This descriptive-analytical study involved patients with medically controlled POAG versus non-glaucomatous patients of the same age group. Specular microscopy, visual field testing, and SD-OCT of the RNFL and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) were performed. Eyes with POAG were further subcategorized into early and advanced stages. The study included 130 eyes of 130 participants; 70 were eyes with POAG (40 eyes with early-stage POAG, 30 eyes with advanced-stage POAG), and 60 were healthy eyes. The groups were comparable regarding mean age and sex. No significant difference was found in corneal parameters between healthy eyes, eyes with early POAG, and eyes with advanced POAG (all P > 0.05). In eyes with early-stage POAG, a significant negative correlation was found between the coefficient of variation (CV) and superior RNFL thickness (r = - 0.5; P = 0.018), and between the percentage of hexagonal cells (hexagonality) and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (r = - 0.43; P = 0.035). A significant positive correlation was found between hexagonality and superior as well as inferior RNFL thickness (r = + 0.53; P = 0.008 and r = + 0.50; P = 0.015, respectively). However, in the advanced glaucomatous eyes, no significant correlation was found between RNFL thickness and CEC parameters. CEC parameters were not affected in eyes with early or advanced POAG compared with healthy eyes, despite a significant thinning of RNFL and macular GCC. In eyes with early-stage POAG, a significant correlation was found between morphological characteristics of CECs, such as CV and hexagonality, with superior and inferior RNFL thickness in the optic nerve head on SD-OCT images. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify our results.

Glaucoma Characterization by Machine Learning of Tear Metabolic Fingerprinting.

Glaucoma is a common optic neuropathy disease affecting over 76 million people. Both timely diagnosis and progression monitoring are critical but challenging. Conventional characterization of glaucoma needs a combination of methods, calling for tedious procedures and experienced doctors. Herein, a platform through machine learning of tear metabolic fingerprinting (TMF) using nanoparticle enhanced laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry is built. Direct TMF is obtained noninvasively, with fast speed and high reproducibility, using trace tear samples (down to 10nL). Consequently, glaucoma patients are screened against healthy controls with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866, through machine learning of TMF. Further, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is differentiated from primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and an early-stage POAG is identified. Finally, a biomarker panel of six metabolites for glaucoma characterization (including screening, subtyping, and early diagnosis) with AUC of 0.827-0.891 is constructed, showing related metabolic pathways. The work will provide insights into eye diseases not limited to glaucoma.

An Innovative In Vitro Open-Angle Glaucoma Model (IVOM) Shows Changes Induced by Increased Ocular Pressure and Oxidative Stress.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a neurodegenerative disease, and its clinical outcomes lead to visual field constriction and blindness. POAG’s etiology is very complex and its pathogenesis is mainly explained through both mechanical and vascular theories. The trabecular meshwork (TM), the most sensitive tissue of the eye anterior segment to oxidative stress (OS), is the main tissue involved in early-stage POAG, characterized by an increase in pressure. Preclinical assessments of neuroprotective drugs on animal models have not always shown correspondence with human clinical studies. In addition, intra-ocular pressure management after a glaucoma diagnosis does not always prevent blindness. Recently, we have been developing an innovative in vitro 3Dadvanced human trabecular cell model on a millifluidicplatform as a tool to improve glaucoma studies. Herein, we analyze the effects of prolonged increased pressure alone and, in association with OS, on such in vitro platform. Moreover, we verify whethersuch damaged TM triggers apoptosis on neuron-like cells. The preliminary results show that TM cells are less sensitive to pressure elevation than OS, and OS-damaging effects were worsened by the pressure increase. The stressed TM releases harmful signals, which increase apoptosis stimuli on neuron-like cells, suggesting its pivotal role in the glaucoma cascade.

Synergic effect of corneal hysteresis and central corneal thickness in the risk of early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma progression.

To evaluate corneal hysteresis (CH), acquired with ocular response analyzer (ORA), as a risk factor for glaucoma progression in early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In a historical cohort study, patients diagnosed in 2011 with early-stage POAG according to the Hodapp, Parrish and Anderson classification modified for Octopus perimetry and followed up until glaucomatous progression development; otherwise, observations were censored in October 2018. Cox regression was used to obtain hazard ratios (HR) to evaluate baseline variables (CH, central corneal thickness, gender, age IOP and glaucoma family history) as risk factors for perimetric glaucoma progression. A likelihood ratio test for interaction was performed in order to assess the effect of the combination of CH and CCT on the risk of progression. Of the cohort of 1573 patients, 11.38% developed early-stage POAG progression during the follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 3.28 ± 1.92years. Patients without progression had a higher CH (11.35 ± 1.43 vs 9.07 ± 1.69mmHg; p < 0.001) and CCT (570.75 ± 17.71 vs 554.51 ± 23.20; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, each 1mmHg of lower CH was associated with an increase of 2.13 times in the HR of progression (95% CI: 1.92-2.32; p < 0.001). CH hazard ratio was modified by CCT, with higher values of CCT and CH resulting in a higher HR of early glaucoma progression (p < 0.001). CH can be considered as a risk factor of progression in early-stage POAG. The risk associated with CH changed depending on CCT values, acting synergistically slowing the risk of glaucoma progression with higher values.

Vessel density in early-stage primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma: a comparative controlled optical coherence tomography angiography study.

This study aimed to compare the vessel density of the optic nerve head and radial peripapillary capillary in the eyes with early-stage primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and control eyes. With visual field mean deviation scores >-6.0 dB, 54 eyes from 37 patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma (n=18) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n=18) and healthy controls (n=18) were enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. Retrieved from optical coherence tomography angiography, vessel density for the optic nerve head and radial peripapillary capillary were analyzed according to the distribution of the data and appropriate tests. The diagnostic accuracy of vessel density parameters was also assessed. The whole-image vessel density of the radial peripapillary capillary and inside-disc vessel density of the optic nerve head were significantly lower in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma compared to those in the control eyes (p<0.05). Compared to that in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, the inside-disc vessel density of the optic nerve head was significantly lower in primary open angle glaucoma (p<0.05). Inferotemporal sector vessel density of the optic nerve head for both primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma was significantly lower than that of the controls (p=0.009). In discrimination of primary open angle glaucoma vs. control and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma vs. control, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for inside-disc vessel density of the optic nerve head were 0.855 and 0.731, respectively (p<0.001, p=0.018). However, in discrimination of primary open angle glaucoma vs. pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for whole-image and inside-disc vessel densities of the optic nerve head were 0.707 and 0.722 (p=0.034, p=0.023). Vessel densities of the optic nerve head and radial peripapillary capillary were significantly lower in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma compared to healthy control eyes. In the early stage of glaucoma, the inside-disc vessel density of the optic nerve head slab may be lower in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma eyes compared to eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Dual-input convolutional neural network for glaucoma diagnosis using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Background/AimsTo evaluate, with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the glaucoma-diagnostic ability of a deep-learning classifier.MethodsA total of 777 Cirrus high-definition SD-OCT image sets of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL)...

How do different lighting conditions affect the vision and quality of life of people with glaucoma? A systematic review.

This article is a systematic review of evidence regarding the impact of different lighting conditions on the vision and quality of life (QoL) of people with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). A systematic literature search was carried out using CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Embase, and Ovid Nursing Database for studies: published up to April 2019; including people diagnosed with POAG; and assessing visual function or QoL in response to changing lighting/luminance levels or glare. Two researchers independently screened studies for eligibility. Data were extracted from eligible studies regarding study design, participant characteristics, outcomes, and results. Quality of included studies was critically appraised. Of 8437 studies, 56 eligible studies were included. Studies investigated the effects of lighting on the following domains among people with POAG: QoL (18/56), psychophysical measures (16/56), functional vision (10/56), activities of daily living (10/56), and qualitative findings (2/56). POAG negatively affects low-luminance contrast sensitivity, glare symptoms, and dark adaptation time and extent. In vision-related QoL questionnaires, people with POAG report problems with lighting, glare, and dark adaptation more frequently than any other domain. These problems worsen with progressing visual field loss. Early-stage POAG patients experience significantly more difficulties in low-luminance or changing lighting conditions than age-matched controls (AMCs), challenging perceptions of early-stage POAG as asymptomatic. However, performance-based studies seldom show significant differences between POAG participants and AMCs on tasks simulating daily activities under non-optimal lighting conditions. Further research with larger samples is required to optimise ambient and task-oriented lighting that can support patients' adaptation to POAG.

Progressive spectacle correction in patients with ametropia and primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose: To determine the role that progressive spectacle lenses play in intraocular pressure compensation and stabilization of the glaucomatous process in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) combined with presbyopia and refractive errors. Material and methods. 29 patients (53 eyes) aged 43 to 67 years with I-II stage POAG and a certain type of refractive error were enrolled into study. All patients had intraocular pressure (IOP) compensated to the target level on medication. Patients of the main group (17 people, 32 eyes) used universal progressive spectacle lenses with optimized surface. The patients of the control group (12 people, 21 eyes) used separate monofocal glasses for near and distance vision as a method of ametropia correction. Visual acuity test, refractometry, pneumotonometry, tonography, automated static perimetry were applied for monitoring the patients. The measurements were taken before spectacle correction and a year after its prescription. Results. A decrease of IOP (p=0.01) and an increase of the aqueous humor outflow coefficient (p&lt;0.01) were determined after one year use of the recommended type of vision correction in the main group, whereas in the control group there was an increased level of IOP (p&lt;0.05) and a reduced aqueous humor outflow coefficient (p&lt;0.2). Conclusion. The use of progressive spectacle lenses as a method of permanent vision correction reliably reduces IOP and improves the aqueous humor outflow in patients with early-stage POAG. The absence of negative visual field dynamics indicates the stabilization of the glaucomatous process.

Correlations Between Macula Vessel Density and Macula Thickness in Early Stage of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Background: Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is associated with both structural and vascular changes. The objective of this study was to assess the possible relationship between the vascular and structural changes in the macula region in early stage of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate correlations between superficial macula vessel density and parafoveal inner macula thickness in patients with early-stage POAG using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Materials and Methods: Sixty-three patients were included in a prospective, cross-sectional study who were divided into three groups: early glaucoma (EG) group (50 eyes of 29 patients with early POAG), glaucoma suspects group (36 eyes of 21 patients), and control group (25 eyes of 13 healthy individuals). The mean age of the respective groups was 65.58 ± 9.53, 56.54 ± 9.32, and 51.62 ± 4.13. All patients underwent OCT-A scanning using RTVue-100 “Оptovue” (Optovue, Inc. Fremont, California, USA). The retina map vessel density 3 × 3 mm and retina thickness map 5 × 5 mm scans were used to obtain parameters of the macula vessel density and the parafoveal inner macula thickness, respectively. Parameters analyzed were the total, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal superficial macula vessel densities and parafoveal inner macula thicknesses. Although area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for all available parameters, Spearman rank-order correlations were used to evaluate possible correlations between the macula vessel density and the structural changes. Results: The early glaucoma group had significant reduction in both the superficial macula vessel densities and the parafoveal inner macula thicknesses compared to the control group (P 0.05). Conclusions: In early POAG, there is no statistically significant correlation between the superficial macula vessel densities and the parafoveal inner macula thicknesses using OCT-A RTVue-100. The parafoveal inner macula thicknesses are diagnostically more significant than superficial macula vessel densities.

The assessment of structural changes on optic nerve head and macula in primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

To assess morphological changes in macula, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nevre head (ONH) of cases with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH) with spectral domain optic coherence tomography (OCT). This study included 109 eyes from 62 POAG patients, 50 eyes from 30 OH patients, and 101 eyes from 53 healthy volunteers. Data gained by OCT were compared with perimetry indexes. ONH, RNFL and macula analysis were performed for all subjects. Rim area, disc area, average cup/disc (C/D) ratio, vertical C/D ratio, cup volume data were recorded during ONH analysis. Average RNFL thickness and the thickness of four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal) was established in microns. In total, nine macular quadrants involving the foveal region mentioned in the Early Treatment Diabetic Treatment Study (ETDRS) template were measured, and average macular thickness and macular volume data were recorded during macula analysis. Differences between groups were evaluated with the one-way ANOVA test. Tukey's multiple comparison test was performed to detect difference between groups. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was done for early stage POAG patients to establish sensitivity and specificity of chosen parameters in early stage POAG. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) values were calculated to compare ROC areas. Statistically significant differences were found in all ONH parameters, except optic disc area. Neuroretinal rim area was identified as the parameter with the highest difference between groups (F=21.72, P<0.05). The highest correlation between ONH parameters and perimetry was observed at neuroretinal rim region (r=0.487). Inferior RNFL thickness was established as the parameter with the highest difference between groups among RNFL parameters. In the mean of all glaucoma patients, the highest correlation between data handled with OCT and mean deviation was observed in RNFL thickness. Average macular thickness was detected as the parameter with the highest difference between groups among macular parameters. The highest correlation between macula parameters and perimetry indexes was observed between average macular thickness and perimetry indexes (r=0.514). Although the assessment of ONH and the analysis of macular thickness are important in diagnosis and treatment, RNFL assessment is the most valuable parameter.