Effective Intraocular Pressure Reduction Research Articles

Effect of intraocular pressure reduction on progressive high myopia (PHM study): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn adult patients with high myopia (HM), progressive axial elongation poses a significant risk for the development of subsequent ocular complications that may lead to visual impairment. Effective strategies to...

High-intensity interval training in patients with glaucoma (HIT-GLAUCOMA): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled exercise trial.

Glaucoma stands as a prominent global cause of irreversible blindness and the primary treatment approach involves reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). However, around one-third of patients exhibit disease progression despite effective IOP reduction. Microvascular endothelial function, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress are known to affect retinal neuronal networks and have been associated with disease severity and progression. Exercise training has the potential to counteract these mechanisms as add-on treatment to usual care. The HIT-GLAUCOMA study will investigate the effects of a 6-month high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on intermediate endpoints such as local retinal microvascular and systemic large artery function, inflammation, and oxidative stress as well as clinical endpoints such as visual field indices, optic nerve rim assessment, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, IOP, number of eye drops, vision-related quality of life and ocular surface disease symptomatology. The study is a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial in patients with both normal tension and high-tension primary open angle glaucoma. Across two study centers, 128 patients will be enrolled and randomized on a 1:1 basis into an exercise intervention group and a usual care control group. The primary microvascular endpoints are retinal arteriolar and venular flicker light-induced dilation at 6months. The primary endpoint in the systemic circulation is brachial artery flow-mediated dilation at 6months. We hypothesize that exercise therapy will improve retinal microvascular function and thus ocular blood flow in patients with glaucoma. As clinical outcomes, we will investigate the effect of exercise on visual field indices, optic nerve rim assessment, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, IOP, number of eye drops, vision-related quality of life and ocular surface disease symptomatology. HIT-GLAUCOMA is a blueprint trial design to study the effect of exercise training on neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Importantly, patients are also expected to benefit from improvements in general health and cardiovascular co-morbidities. If proven effective, exercise may offer a new add-on treatment strategy to slow glaucoma progression. The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT06058598 and is currently in the recruitment stage.

Clinical significance of episcleral venous fluid wave in gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy.

To evaluate the clinical significance of checking episcleral venous fluid wave (EVFW) during gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG). This retrospective case series study comprised 30 patients (45 eyes) with OAG underwent GATT. The location and extent of EVFW were examined and graded after intraoperative compression flushing of the anterior chamber angle during the operation. Patients were followed up for 1y. A complete success for surgery is defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) <18 mm Hg without any anti-glaucoma medication. IOP<18 mm Hg with less than two anti-glaucoma medications is defined as qualified success, while the control of IOP requiring three anti-glaucoma medications is considered as unsuccess. The mean IOP was 35.38±7.16 mm Hg before surgery and 15.52±4.22 mm Hg 1y after surgery (P<0.01). The average number of anti-glaucoma medication was 2.8±1.2 (2-4) preoperation and 0.6±1.3 (0-3) 1y postoperation (P<0.01). The success rate of the operation was 93.33%. Complete success rate was 66.67%, qualified success rate was 26.67%, and 6.66% of unsuccessful cases required reoperation. EVFW of all cases was grade 2-4, and the percentages of grade 2, 3 and 4 were 33.33%, 40.0% and 26.67%, respectively. The distribution and percentage of EVFW were inferior (36%), nasal (28%), superior (20%), and temporal (16%). The EVFW grade of complete success patients was 3.4±0.6 (3-4), and that of qualified success patients was 2.6±1.0 (2-4). The larger the range of EVFW, the lower the IOP, and the better the IOP reduction effect. During GATT surgery, pressurized irrigation of anterior chamber to check EVFW can reduce the outflow resistance of aqueous humor and increase the effect of postoperative IOP. The range of EVFW is negatively correlated with postoperative IOP. Therefore, EVFW may be a valuable prognostic indicator for the success of GATT surgery.

Dendritic Oligoethylenimine Decorated Liposome with Augmented Corneal Retention and Permeation for Efficient Topical Delivery of Antiglaucoma Drugs.

The topically administered glaucoma medications usually encounter serious precorneal drug loss and low corneal penetration, leading to a low bioavailability. In addition, due to the complexity of glaucoma etiology, a single medication is often insufficient. In this work, we report a novel dendritic oligoethylenimine decorated liposome for codelivery of two antiglaucoma drugs, latanoprost and timolol. The liposome showed a uniform nanoscopic particle size, positive surface charge, and excellent dual-drug loading capacity. A prolonged precorneal retention is observed by using this liposomal delivery system. This liposomal delivery system presents increased cellular uptake and tight junctions opening capacity, contributing respectively to the transcellular and paracellular permeation, thereby enhancing the trans-corneal transportation. Following topical administration of one eye drop in brown Norway rats, the dual-drug-loaded liposome formulation resulted in a sustained and effective intraocular pressure reduction as long as 5 days, without inducing ocular inflammation, discomfort, and tissue damage.

Efficacy and safety of ab-externo radiofrequency sclerostomy in management of open-angle glaucoma

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of an innovative ab-externo technique in the management of uncontrolled open angle glaucoma (OAG) through creating filtering tracts subconjunctivally.Material and methods. This is a randomized clinical trial including 40 eyes (40 patients) divided into 2 equal groups, group (A), underwent ab-externo radiofrequency sclerostomy and group (B), underwent ab-externo radiofrequency sclerostomy with subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and bleb status were evaluated for 6 months.Results. The mean preoperative IOP was 28 ± 3.5 mm Hg reduced to 21.9 ± 5.2 mm Hg (p = 0.001) in group (A) and was 29.4 ± 3.4 mm Hg reduced to 20.8 ± 6.3 mm Hg (p = 0.001) in group (B), 6 months postoperatively. Both groups showed a significant percent reduction of IOP 15.1 ± 17.3%, 27.1 ± 22.4% in groups (A) and (B) respectively with group (B) showing lower values on days 1, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 but was not statistically significant. The number of anti-glaucoma medications was significantly reduced in both groups. Heat radiation to the cornea from radiofrequency waves was obvious in early cases — 5 (25%) in group (A), and 3 (15%) in group (B) that was reversible within the first 3 months postoperatively. Shallow anterior chamber and choroidal detachment were the most encountered early postoperative complication, which all managed conservatively.Conclusion. Ab-externo radiofrequency sclerostomy offers a promising minimally invasive, quick and simple procedure in management of early and moderate cases of OAG with effective reduction of IOP and number of glaucoma medication.

Chinese expert consensus on the perioperative management of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery with subconjunctival implants (2023)

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is widely used in China because of its effective reduction of intraocular pressure, small incisions, few surgical complications, and quick postoperative recovery. In order to regulate and promote the clinical application of MIGS, the Glaucoma Group of Ophthalmology Branch of Chinese Medical Association has formed consensus opinions on the clinical application and perioperative management of MIGS with subconjunctival implants on the basis of domestic and foreign research results and clinical practice, providing reference and guidance for clinical work.

Attaching importance to the health economic evaluation of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Compared to traditional filtration surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, more effective intraocular pressure reduction, higher safety levels, fewer surgical complications, faster postoperative recovery, and reduced postoperative use of antiglaucoma drugs. MIGS has gained rapid popularity both domestically and internationally due to its easier operation, shorter learning curve, and reduced operation time. Considering the current clinical promotion of MIGS and the application of health economic evaluation in the glaucoma field, this article proposes the need for an emphasis on the health economic evaluation of MIGS. Conducting research in this area will provide valuable insights for related clinical diagnosis and treatment, medical pricing, and medical insurance payment, and help to further disseminate MIGS, so as to offer clinical benefits, which are aligned with national conditions and economic viability.

Safety and efficacy of iStent Inject trabecular micro-bypass stents in combination with phacoemulsification for chronic open angle glaucoma associated with cataract

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification combined with iStent Inject® implantation for the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma controlled on topical anti-glaucoma medications and associated with cataract. This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of an iStent Inject® for chronic open-angle glaucoma associated with cataract. For all patients, pre- and postoperative characteristics, including number of glaucoma medications and intraocular pressure (IOP), were compared using Paired-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively. Postoperative visits were scheduled at 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Forty-nine eyes of 39 patients were included in the study. Mean preoperative IOP at baseline was 16.3±4.3mmHg (range, 10-29mmHg) with a mean of 2.2±1.0mmHg antiglaucoma medications. At 1 month, the mean IOP reduction was 16% (P<0.05) along with an 18.7% reduction in the mean number of medications. At 6 months, the mean IOP was 12.8±2.6, with a mean of 1.1±0.9 antiglaucoma medications. The mean IOP reduction at 6 months was 22% (P<0.05) along with a 49% reduction in the mean number of medications. At 12 months, the mean IOP was 13.8±2.5 with a mean of 1.1±1.2 medications. The mean IOP reduction at 12 months was 15% (P<0.05) along with a 47% reduction in the mean number of medications. No severe device-related side effects were observed. iStent Inject® implantation combined with phacoemulsification resulted in effective IOP reduction and medication burden in patients with mild to advanced chronic open-angle glaucoma and preoperative IOP well controlled with topical hypotensive medications.

Effectiveness of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (review of international experience)

The trends of recent years regarding the surgical treatment of the visual organ and its appendages are to minimize tissue traumatization during surgical manipulations, reduce their duration, as well as achieve the best possible outcome from the points of view of the doctor and the patient at minimal economic costs. Currently, the leading vector in glaucoma treatment remains the achievement of the target level of intraocular pressure (IOP). Taking into account the projected increase in the number of patients with glaucoma, conducting justified surgical treatment will remain relevant in the future. Its present state prompts the creation of new drugs, new means of their delivery, and surgical techniques with improved safety profile while achieving effective IOP reduction. In this regard, the trends in the development of surgical treatment of glaucoma have shifted towards procedures with minimal trauma to the eye tissues — minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The article discusses modern varieties of MIGS, theoretical and practical aspects of their application (effectiveness and safety profile), as well as prospects of their use.

Formulation and evaluation of brinzolamide encapsulated niosomal in-situ gel for sustained reduction of IOP in rabbits

Glaucoma, the multifactorial disease of the eye, is characterized by many biological risk factors as well as genetic factors which lead to degeneration of optic nerves. The major factor which is associated with glaucoma is increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Treatment for glaucoma should be such that to reduce the IOP either by decreasing the production of aqueous humor or by enhancing its drainage. Currently, the most commonly used approach is the use of conventional ophthalmic eye drops, which accounts for approximately more than 90% of the available marketed ophthalmic dosage forms. Brinzolamide, the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, in the present study has been formulated as niosomes to provide a sustained action and compared with niosomal in-situ gel loading Brinzolamide. Brinzolamide loaded niosomes had vesicle size of 236.2 ± 3.1 nm and a high zeta potential of −46.2 ± 3.1 mV. A high Encapsulation efficiency of 79.99 ± 2.2% and a sustained release profile in vitro for 24 h. The Niosomal in-situ gel system showed good gelation capacity and adequate spreadability. In-vivo studies conducted on healthy New Zealand white rabbits showed maximum IOP reduction at 8 h and maintained IOP reduction effect till 24 h. The study showed a sustained release of Brinzolamide from the niosomal in-situ gel and a sustained reduction in IOP in rabbits for 24 h with a single administration.

Effects of regular exercise on intraocular pressure.

Exercise may potentially provide an adjunctive measure to help control intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. However, currently, there is still no substantial evidence that regular exercise can produce a prolonged effect of intraocular pressure reduction. We aim to determine the effects of regular exercise on intraocular pressure in healthy individuals. We conducted a prospective, interventional study at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Our subjects consist of 45 healthy participants in the intervention arm, and 38 healthy control participants who were age- and gender-matched. The intervention arm was enrolled into a supervised exercise programme for a 6-week period, where controls were asked to continue their usual daily lifestyle. The intervention consists of three sessions every week, which focused on aerobic exercise and strength training. Baseline intraocular pressure was measured, and then remeasured again at the end of 6 weeks of exercise conditioning. In the intervention group, there was a reduction of baseline intraocular pressure from pre-intervention mean intraocular pressure of 15.55 ± 2.63 mmHg, down to 13.36 ± 3.16 mmHg at 6 weeks, a statistically significant reduction of -2.18 ± 2.25 mmHg (p < 0.001) post-intervention. On the other hand, the control group recorded a non-statistically significant mean increase of 0.63 ± 2.47 mmHg (p = 0.123) at 6 weeks. Our study concluded that regular exercise results in a significant intraocular pressure reduction in healthy individuals.

Intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and ocular safety of Rho-kinase inhibitor in glaucoma: a meta-analysis and systematic review of prospective randomized trials.

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing efficacy and safety of Rho-kinase inhibitor (RKI). Published studies in PubMed and EMBASE were searched on March 20, 2021. Study selection and data extraction were performed according to PRISMA. Meta-analysis of the IOP-lowering effect was performed with the bivariate random-effects model, with studies categorized into 2 classes: RKI versus placebo and RKI versus another medication. The main outcome was the difference in IOP reduction between RKI and non-RKI groups. Subgroup analysis of adjunctive RKI efficacy and additional review of its major ocular adverse events (AE) were also performed. Ten (2.6%) out of 391 studies were retrieved. In the RKI versus placebo class, RKI showed greater IOP reduction after 4-8weeks (mean difference = - 1.69mmHg [- 2.22, - 1.16], P < 0.001). In the RKI versus another medication class, IOP reduction by RKI was noninferior to timolol 0.5% twice-daily after 4-8weeks (mean difference = 0.39mmHg [0.01, 0.76], P = 0.043) and 12weeks (mean difference = 0.48mmHg [0.11, 0.85]; P = 0.011). In the subgroup analysis, the mean difference in IOP reduction by adjunctive RKI and placebo was - 1.42mmHg (P < 0.001). The most common ocular AE of RKI was conjunctival hyperemia (19-65%), followed by conjunctival hemorrhage (6-20%) and cornea verticillata (13-26%). With a treatment duration of 1-3months, RKI showed effective IOP reduction noninferior to timolol as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy. Our results suggested RKI be a reliable IOP control medication; however, its higher incidence of some ocular complications should be attended to.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty lowered the untreated fellow eye long-term intraocular pressure: a 3-year observational study.

To explore the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of monocular selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in the untreated fellow eyes of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. This was a retrospective observational study. Consecutive Chinese OAG patients who received monocular SLT treatment were included in this study. One hundred and eighty degree SLT was conducted as adjunctive treatment when anti-glaucoma medication was not sufficiently effective after clinical evaluation. Treatment success was defined as more than 20% IOP reduction of the baseline IOP levels. IOP-decreasing amplitude and SLT success rate of both eyes were investigated during the 3-year follow-up period. Age, gender, baseline IOP levels, number of medications, and SLT energy parameters were analyzed to determine its influence on IOP reduction effect and treatment success rate. A total of 32 Chinese OAG patients were included in this study and 25 of them completed the 3-year follow-ups. Their pretreatment IOPs were 18.85 ± 2.81mmHg in the treated eyes and 17.38 ± 2.37mmHg in the fellow eyes. At the 3-year follow-up visits, IOP decreased to 2.76 ± 3.72mmHg (14.16%) in the treated eyes and 2.16 ± 2.73mmHg (11.95%) in the fellow eyes, with a success rate of 47.83% (11 in 23 cases) and 44.00% (11 in 25 cases), respectively. IOPs of both eyes decreased significantly after SLT from 6months and lasted to 3years after treatment. Baseline IOP level was positively correlated with IOP reduction in the treated eyes and other factors were not correlated with IOP reduction and treatment success. Monocular SLT treatment as adjunctive treatment could lower IOPs not only in the treated eyes but also in the untreated eyes in poor medication-controlled OAG patients. In addition, its IOP reduction effect could last to 3years after treatment in clinical practice.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in the Treatment of Ocular Hypertension and Open-Angle Glaucoma: Clinical Review.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a glaucoma treatment that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP). Its mechanism is based on the biological effects of the selective application of laser energy to pigmented trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, resulting in increased outflow facility. Herein, we review current publications on SLT and summarize its efficacy and safety for different indications in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) treatment. SLT effectively reduces IOP when used as a primary treatment. In patients whose IOP is medically controlled, SLT helps to reduce medication use, and when maximally tolerated topical therapy is ineffective, SLT facilitates the realization of the target IOP. SLT is a repeatable procedure for which the vast majority of complications are mild and self-limiting. With effective IOP reduction, low complication rates and the potential to repeat the procedure, SLT offers the possibility of delaying the introduction of medical therapy and other more invasive treatment modalities while simultaneously avoiding the accompanying complications. With this knowledge, we suggest that SLT be considered as an essential primary treatment option in OAG and OHT, switching to other treatment modalities only when laser procedures are insufficient for achieving the required target IOP.

Canaloplasty and trabeculotomy ab interno with the OMNI system combined with cataract surgery in open-angle glaucoma: 12-month outcomes from the ROMEO study.

To provide safety and effectiveness outcomes 12 months postsurgically for sequential canaloplasty and trabeculotomy with the OMNI system combined with cataract surgery in mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Eleven ophthalmology practices and surgery centers located in 8 U.S. states. Retrospective, multicenter, single arm. Twelve surgeons contributed 81 patients meeting eligibility criteria: OAG, 12-month follow-up, and medicated intraocular pressure (IOP) 36 mm Hg or less on 4 or less medications preoperatively. Analysis was stratified by baseline IOP: more than 18 mm Hg (Group 1) and 18 mm Hg (Group 2) or less. Success was defined as proportion with 20% reduction or greater in IOP or IOP between 6 and 18 mm Hg (inclusive) and on the same or fewer medications without secondary surgical intervention (SSI). Other endpoints included mean IOP and medications at 12 months. Safety included corrected distance visual acuity and adverse events (AEs). Of the 81 patients included, primary success was met by 79% in Group 1 and 81% in Group 2. The mean IOP was reduced in Group 1 (21.9 to 15.1 mm Hg, P < .0001) and remained controlled in Group 2 (14.1 to 13.4 mm Hg, P = .3177). Medications went from 2.0 ± 1.3 to 1.1 ± 1.1 in Group 1 and from 1.6 ± 1.3 to 0.9 ± 1.2 in Group 2. AEs were typical for cataract or angle surgery: mild inflammation (11%), IOP spikes (5%), and hyphema (4%). Four patients (5%) required an SSI. The OMNI system provided effective IOP reduction, sustained IOP control, and meaningful medication reduction for up to 12 months postoperative.

Intraocular Pressure Reduction Effect of 0.005% Latanoprost Eye Drops in a Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System in Albino Rabbits.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction efficiency of hyaluronic acid-chitosan-latanoprost link nanoparticle (HA-CS-latanoprost link NP) formulated eye drops.MethodsThe IOP reduction study was performed in 24 normotensive albino rabbits. The test animals were randomized and grouped accordingly to treatment namely, HA-CS-latanoprost link NP, plain latanoprost, and the commercially available Xalatan eye drop, all were formulated with 0.005% latanoprost. The 9 days of the experiment were divided into baseline period (days 1–2), treatment period (days 3–6), and recovery period (days 7–9). A wireless noncontact tonometer was used to measure IOP at a time interval of 2 hours for 12 hours per day with 5 readings each.ResultsThe highest mean daily IOP reduction during the treatment period was 24% for plain latanoprost, 23% for Xalatan, and 29% for HA-CS-latanoprost link NP. The maximum reduction in IOP for plain latanoprost and Xalatan all occurred at the sixth hour with the peak effects of 4.85 mm Hg (37%) and 4.8 mm Hg (36%), respectively. Although HA-CS-latanoprost link NP had peak effects of 5.75 mm Hg (43%) at the sixth hour and 5.22 mm Hg (39%) at the eighth hour. Daily mean IOP measurements of each treatment group showed that HA-CS-latanoprost link NP has a greater IOP reduction effect compared with the other two treatments (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results showed that the formulation of latanoprost with CS and HA is more effective in reducing the IOP than by drug alone.Translational RelevanceThe results provide evidence from animal experiment that HA-CS-latanoprost link NP formulation could improve and sustain drug concentration in the anterior segment of the eye. The improved reduction in IOP with that HA-CS-latanoprost link NP formulation can serve as a basis that latanoprost eye drops can be formulated with decreased concentration of benzalkonium HCl, an irritant preservative and penetration enhancer.

Safety and Efficacy of Bleb Needling with Antimetabolite after Trabeculectomy Failure in Glaucoma Patients: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Bleb needling with subconjunctival injection of antimetabolites had become a widely accepted approach for trabeculectomy failure. However, IOP reduction effects, success rates, and complications occurrence for this procedure showed great inconsistency among the different studies. Methods We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A random-effects model was performed on the extracted data based on the included studies. The intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucomatous medications before and after the surgery were pooled for meta-analysis. The success and complication rates were estimated based on the results. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression were applied to explore the origination of heterogeneity. Results Thirty-seven studies with a total of 2182 patients were finally included in our review. For the present meta-analysis, the overall effects of bleb needling at the last visit revealed a reduction in IOP of 9.74 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) [8.85, 10.63]), 45.9% (95% CI [39.0%, 53.0%]) for complete success rate, and 70.4% (95% CI [63.5%, 77.0%]) for qualified success rate. Application of mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) during the procedure were efficacious for IOP control during the follow-up. Metaregression revealed that possible origination of heterogeneity was baseline IOP before bleb needling, revealing a trend that higher baseline IOP correlated with a greater IOP reduction results (p < 0.001). For safety profile, conjunctival haemorrhage (5.7%, 95% CI [2.5%, 10.1%]), hyphema (5.5%, 95% CI [3.0%, 8.7%]), and bleb leakage (5.0%, 95% CI [3.2%, 7.3%]) had the highest estimate of incidence. An increasing number of needling was the main risk factor for needling failure. Conclusion Bleb needling with antimetabolites could be considered an effective and safe procedure after trabeculectomy failure. After the process, patients will gain IOP control and reduce antiglaucomatous medications for at least six months with 5-Fu or MMC. Meanwhile, the overall estimates for complications were relatively low in the whole process.

Effectiveness and limitations of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery targeting Schlemm's canal.

Glaucoma surgery is performed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP); ideally, the IOP reduction is safely maintained for an extended period of time. Although trabeculectomy was considered the gold standard for glaucoma surgery for many years because of its effective IOP reduction, yet now it is considered unsafe because of serious complications. In recent years, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which emphasizes safety and can be performed rapidly, has become widespread. Because MIGS does not involve conjunctival incisions, patients can undergo future trabeculectomy. If IOP reduction can be maintained safely, the number of anti-glaucoma drops can be reduced and visual function maintained, good outcomes for patients with glaucoma. Currently, many types of MIGS approved in Japan are reported to yield relatively good results, with targets of approximately 15-19mmHg. However, the IOP-lowering effects of MIGS are limited. In procedures targeting Schlemm's canal, it is difficult to lower IOP beyond episcleral venous pressure. In some instances, a beneficial effect cannot be achieved if function is reduced beyond the collector channel. There are many unclear aspects regarding long-term outcomes following MIGS. Notably, investigation is ongoing to determine which patients are likely to benefit most from surgery. Based on previous reports, this review describes the characteristics and results of MIGS, approved in Japan, as well as underlying factors that affect the preoperative predictions and outcomes of the surgical procedure.

Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy with the OMNI System in Pseudophakic Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma: The ROMEO Study

Provide outcomes up to 12 months postsurgically for sequential canaloplasty and trabeculotomy with the OMNI surgical system (Sight Sciences, Inc) in pseudophakic patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. Retrospective, multicenter, single-arm study conducted at 10 multi-subspecialty ophthalmology practices and surgery centers located in 7 states (Arkansas, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, and Texas). Eligible patients were pseudophakic, with mild/moderate open-angle glaucoma, 12-month follow-up, and medicated intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤36 mmHg on ≤4 medications preoperatively. One eye per patient was enrolled. Institutional Review Board approved. All available cases meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled. Analysis of secondary end points was stratified by baseline (BL) IOP (>18 mmHg in group 1 and ≤18 mmHg in group 2) recognizing that treatment goals differed depending on BL IOP. Primary success was defined as the proportion of patients with ≥20% reduction in IOP from BL or IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg (inclusive) and on the same or fewer medications without secondary surgical intervention (SSI). Other effectiveness end points included mean IOP and number of medications at 12 months. Safety end points were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), adverse events (AEs), and SSIs. Forty-eight patients were enrolled, 24 in each group. Primary success was met by 73%. Mean IOP was reduced in group 1 (21.8 to 15.6 mmHg, P < 0.0001) and remained controlled in group 2 (15.4 to 13.9 mmHg, P= 0.24). Medications went from 1.7 ± 1.3 to 1.2 ± 1.3 (P= 0.024) in group 1 and from 2.0 ± 1.3 to 1.3 ± 1.3 (P=0.003) in group 2. Adverse events were typical for the patient population undergoing angle surgery. Those reasonably related to the procedure were mild inflammation (13%), IOP spikes (6%), hyphema, corneal edema, and BCVA loss (all 4%). Five patients (10%) required an SSI. The sequential combination of canaloplasty followed by trabeculotomy performed as stand-alone procedures using the OMNI system in pseudophakic patients with open-angle glaucoma provides effective IOP reduction or sustained IOP control and meaningful medication reduction for up to 12 months postoperatively.

Adherence to Medical Treatment and Its Determinants Among Adult Saudi Glaucoma Patients in Riyadh City.

BackgroundGlaucoma in adults is a leading eye disease that causes blindness. Its management is life long and both surgical and medical treatment options are available to manage this ailment. Patients and their caregiver’s cooperation in instilling timely eye drops is crucial for the effective reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and by halting/delaying the progression of visual disabilities due to glaucoma. Periodic assessment and strict adherence to medical treatment has been found to be less than desired. It is influenced by the severity of the disease, the duration of the ailment, the number of eye drops being used, the literacy level, and the cost of medication. We present the adherence rate of topical medications and its determinants among adult Saudi glaucoma patients getting treated in 2017 in a tertiary eye center in Saudi Arabia.MethodologyThis cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2017 at a tertiary eye hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To undertake a cross-sectional study, we assumed that among 1300 patients visiting the eye department of a tertiary eye hospital, the level of non-adherence to glaucoma medication would be in 27% of glaucoma patients. To achieve a 95% confidence interval and an acceptable error margin of 5% for a survey, we needed to interview at least 253 participants.ResultsWe interviewed 263 randomly selected glaucoma patients among 1236 patients visiting the eye department of the tertiary eye hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two-thirds of participants were school graduates, Saudi nationals, and had undergone surgery for glaucoma in the past; perhaps only YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (PI). Less than half of the participants (43%) had less than a one-year duration of glaucoma. The client-perceived subjective adherence rate to glaucoma medication was noted in 191/263 = 72.6% (95% Confidence Interval 67.2 -78.0). Of the 263 glaucoma patients, 229 judiciously abided with their follow-up appointments with ophthalmologists. Thus, the compliance to follow-up for glaucoma treatment was 87.1% (95% CI 83.0 - 91.1).ConclusionOur study with a large sample is perhaps the first one to assess compliance with medical treatment among adult Saudi glaucoma patients. The adherence rate for topical glaucoma medication measured using the subjective method was 72% among adult glaucoma patients. Adherence with the follow-up appointment with the glaucoma specialist was as high as 87%. Adherence with medical treatment found in the present study versus the literature review suggested that despite different sets of barriers, the adherence rate in Saudi adult glaucoma patients noted in our study was high. Knowledge, beliefs, and attitude are known to affect the adherence rate. In our study, education level and relatives having glaucoma were not associated with the adherence rate. This indirectly suggests that knowledge about the use of medication in the treatment of glaucoma that is gained by patients had a limited influence on adherence in our glaucoma patients. Modes of dispersing knowledge to elderly glaucoma patients and their impact on the adherence rates of medications for glaucoma management need to be further studied.