Pseudoexfoliation Research Articles

The Effect of Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Newly Diagnosed Open Angle Glaucoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical latanoprostene bunod 0.024% applied once daily on intraocular pressure and macular vessel density in newly diagnosed primary and pseudoexfoliative open angle glaucoma patients. A total of 66 patients with newly diagnosed open angle glaucoma were included in this study (group 1). Thirty-four patients had primary (POAG, group 1A) and 32 patients had secondary (pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, PXG, group 1B) open angle glaucoma. Thirty-two healthy participants (group 2) were included in this single-center, prospective study. In group 1, the mean IOP decrease in first month of treatment with LBN was 7.7mm Hg and IOP change was -30.8%. In the superficial slab, the vessel density (VD) in the superior and nasal quadrants was lower in group 1B compared to group 1A in the first month of treatment (P=0.038, P=0.019, respectively). In the choriocapillaris slab, the VD in the superior quadrant at baseline (before treatment) was statistically lower in both groups compared to the VD in the superior quadrant in the first month of treatment (P<0.001, for both). In conclusion, treatment with LBN ophthalmic solution 0.024% reduced IOP by an average of 29.9% and 31.8% in patients with POAG and PXG, respectively, and improved VD in different quadrants in all slabs. Therefore, the importance of LBN in the treatment of glaucoma is likely to be that it increases macular microcirculation, possibly via NO, independent of its IOP-reducing effect.

Exfoliation syndrome genetics in the era of post-GWAS

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS), or pseudoexfoliation syndrome, is considered a systemic disorder that leads to glaucoma with progressive visual field loss. A better insight into the underlying pathogenic mechanism will help diagnose the disease and prevent and slow progression. Here, we provide an overview of disease pathogenesis in the light of GWAS and multi-omics research. We discuss possible environmental interactions related to XFS. We investigate the potential interactions in differentially expressed genes from RNA-Seq by using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. MAPK pathway was identified as the top network of these genes. Further investigation is needed to verify our results in vivo. It is necessary to establish an animal model mimicking exfoliation syndrome phenotypes.

Outcomes and complications of cataract surgery using phacoemulsification in eyes with and without pseudo exfoliation syndrome

Cataract remains a significant cause of visual impairment globally, with pseudo exfoliation syndrome (PEX) posing additional challenges for cataract surgery. This study aimed to compare outcomes and complications in patients with and without PEX undergoing phacoemulsification for senile cataract. A total of 70 patients were divided into two groups: PEX (Group 1) and non-PEX (Group 2). Surgical procedures were performed, and outcomes were evaluated. Group 1 exhibited smaller pupil diameter and higher rates of advanced cataracts and intraoperative complications. Despite similar postoperative parameters, Group 1 showed increased inflammatory response and poorer initial visual recovery. Tailored management strategies for PEX patients undergoing cataract surgery are warranted.

Evaluation of pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients with systemic immune indexes

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the level of peripheral blood systemic immune indexes in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) patients and to compare the results with healthy controls.MethodsThis study included 143 healthy controls (group 1) and 100 patients (group 2). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SIII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic inflammation modulation index (SIMI) and aggregate systemic inflammation index (AISI) were calculated.ResultsAccording to complete blood count, leukocyte, monocyte and platelet counts showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001 for all). Systemic immune indexes (NLR, PLR, SIII, SIRI, SIMI and AISI) in group 2 were statistically significantly higher compared to group 1 (PLR for p = 0.011, others p < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, systemic immune indexes (NLR, MLR, PLR, SIII, SIRI, AISI and SIMI) were elevated in PXS patients compared to healthy controls. These indexes may serve as an easy, simple and cost-effective tool to assess the degree of systemic inflammation in patients, playing an important role in recognizing the underlying mechanisms of diseases and thus potentially guiding treatment.

Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients with Exfoliation Syndrome: The Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS)

Objective: To investigate any relationships between exfoliation syndrome or exfoliation glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration utilizing the Utah population database. Design: This was a retrospective, case–control cohort study. Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls: We identified 3405 patients diagnosed with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) or exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) during a dilated eye exam within the UHealth system from 1996 to 2021, whose dry or wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) status was assessed. A population-based control pool of 257,714 UHealth patients with no XFS/XFG diagnosis and a dilated eye exam history from 1996 to 2021 was compiled, with its patients randomly selected and individually matched 3:1 to cases based on sex and age at index diagnosis of their respective case. Methods: A covariate analysis was performed of characteristics and risk factors associated with XFS/XFG, which included race/ethnicity, residence location, partner/marital status, and family history of XFS/XFG, obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, osteoporosis/vitamin D deficiency, primary/essential hypertension, ocular hypertension, and cataract surgery. Main Outcome Measure: We studied the trends of non-exudative (dry) or exudative (wet) AMD in a large Utah population study of XFS/XFG patients and controls. Results: Of 3396 XFS/XFG patients, as well as 10,179 individually matched 3:1 control patients, 64% were female and the average age of XFS onset was 74.3 yrs. In a univariate model, we observed a very modest increased risk of wet AMD in XFS/XFG patients (odds ratio, OR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.32), which did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.07). After adjusting for the main effects of potential confounders, there was no greater presentation of AMD in XFS/XFG patients when compared with controls (dry AMD: OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.85–1.05, p = 031; wet AMD: OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.83–1.14, p = 0.76). In XFS/XFG patients compared to controls, the risk of having cataract surgery was elevated (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 2.18–2.62). However, after accounting for an interaction with AMD, XFS/XFG patients who underwent cataract surgery did not exhibit an increased risk of either dry or wet AMD (dry AMD: OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.80–1.03; wet AMD: OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.07). The risk of AMD in XFS/XFG patients vs. controls showed no association with osteoporosis/vitamin D deficiency for dry (OR 0.78 95% CI 0.66–0.92 p = 0.004) or wet AMD (OR = 0.72 95% CI 0.56–0.92 p = 0.01), while we found a borderline positive association with both dry and wet AMD if they had osteoporosis/vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Using the Utah Population Database, we found that a cataract surgery history significantly impacts the association between AMD and XFS, and that vitamin D deficiency/osteoporosis is a significant confounder of the association. However, no direct association between XFS and AMD was found in this study.

Intraocular Pressure Reduction Following Phacoemulsification in Patients with Exfoliation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the existing evidence and estimate the impact of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of subjects with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) or exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). Methods: In July 2024, an in-depth literature review across three databases was undertaken. This study focused only on adult patients with exfoliation who had not undergone previous ocular surgery. The primary outcome of interest was the mean IOP reduction at 6 and 12 months after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery. Results: This meta-analysis included one randomized controlled trial and eight observational studies, comprising 220 patients at 6 months and 430 patients at the 12-month time point, respectively. The mean IOP reduction after surgery was 3.43 mmHg (95% CI: -4.77 to -2.09) after 6 months and 2.75 mmHg (95% CI: -4.24 to -1.26) after 12 months. In both time points, there was no heterogeneity (I2 = 0), but the certainty of evidence following the GRADE evaluation was very low. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis demonstrates that phacoemulsification can significantly reduce IOP in exfoliation subjects 6 and 12 months after surgery. Nevertheless, significant limitations in included studies do not allow a precise and certain estimate of the magnitude of postoperative IOP lowering in exfoliation patients. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.

Overlap syndrome: a case series and literature review of concurrent pigment dispersion and pseudoexfoliation syndromes.

The purpose of this review is to present two cases of overlap syndrome, or concurrent pigment dispersion syndrome and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The summary of existing literature highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and potential treatment options of overlap syndrome. The cases describe two patients with overlap syndrome and resulting progressive glaucoma. The condition tends to present after age 50 years old, with presence of both pseudoexfoliative material and pigment dispersion signs. The pigment dispersion syndrome may be quiescent at the time of pseudoexfoliation onset and may have gone undiagnosed. This form of glaucoma poses challenges in controlling intraocular pressure and may progress rapidly, often requiring surgical intervention. This paper reviews the common examination findings of pigment dispersion syndrome and pseudoexfoliation, which may aid clinicians in the diagnosis of the rare condition, overlap syndrome. The connection between the two conditions remains unclear, though studies of possible genetic associations are underway. The two-hit theory, or initial damage to the trabecular meshwork increasing susceptibility to future damage, is plausible given the severe nature of the condition. Though definitive conclusions regarding treatment strategies and outcomes of overlap syndrome are lacking, increased awareness, diagnosis, and study of the condition may help guide the management of overlap syndrome.

Comparison of choroidal detachment with and without hypotony after Ahmed valve implantation.

To compare the clinical manifestations of and risk factors for choroidal detachment (CD) with or without hypotony after Ahmed valve implantation (AVI). Retrospective, consecutive case series. We enrolled patients with glaucoma who underwent AVI, and divided them into CD and non-CD groups. The patients with CD were divided into those with and without hypotony. Data collected from the chart review before and after AVI included patient demographics and ocular characteristics. We analyzed the risk factors for CD development. The relationship between hypotony and CD development was also analyzed. Among the 387 eyes, 63 developed CD. Among these 63 eyes, 42 had CD with hypotony and 21 had CD without hypotony. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), lens status (P < 0.001), history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.011), and history of hypertension (HTN) (P = 0.002) were significant predictors of CD development. Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) showed 42.9% of CD cases without hypotony. This rate was higher than primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). The rate of anterior chamber formation as treatment of CD was significantly higher in CD with hypotony than in CD without hypotony. Older age, pseudophakic eyes, DM, and HTN are significantly associated with CD development after AVI. NVG has higher incidence rates of CD without hypotony compared with POAG and XFG. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to CD development after AVI especially in NVG, even if a patient is not in a hypotonic state.

Clinical analysis of supraciliary effusion development following gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy surgery for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

To investigate clinical characteristics of postoperative supraciliary effusion (SCE) development following gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). In this prospective and observational study, 64 eyes (64 patients) with PEXG were examined with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after GATT over a 12-month follow-up. Outcomes were surgical success, intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM) and complications of the SCE (+) group with those of SCE (-) group. SCE was observed in 39 eyes (60.9%) within the first postoperative week. Probability of complete success was significantly higher in the SCE (+) group than in the SCE (-) group (25.6% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.009). IOP was significantly lower at postoperative first day in the SCE (+) group than in the SCE (-) group (p = 0.04), but it was similar thereafter during follow-up (p > 0.05). Postoperative BCVA did not show significant difference at the end of the follow-up (p > 0.05). Postoperative number of AGM was found to be significantly lower in the SCE (+) group compared to the SCE (-) group (p < 0.05). A significant IOP rise was observed after SCE resolution (p = 0.002). Presence of SCE accompanied with significantly lower IOP during the early postoperative period after GATT surgery for PEXG. SCE might have a favourable impact on postoperative AGM use. SCE can easily be examined by SD-OCT, and be used as a prognostic indicator.

Efficacy of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma: A single surgeon's experience.

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficiency of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and trabeculectomy (TRAB) with mitomycin C in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG). In this retrospective comparative study, consecutive patients with POAG or PEXG who underwent GATT or TRAB by a single surgeon and with a follow-up period of at least 1 year were included. Surgical success rates, change in best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, the need for antiglaucoma medication, surgical complications, and the need for additional glaucoma surgery were compared. Surgical success was defined as an IOP reduction of ≥30% or an IOP of ≤18 mmHg. Complete success was defined as without medication. Qualified success was defined as with or without topical medication. The mean baseline IOP was 27.4 ± 8.3 and 24.6 ± 7.6 mmHg ( P = 0.13) with the mean number of medications being 3.7 ± 1.0 and 3.7 ± 1.1 ( P = 0.98) in TRAB and GATT, respectively. At 12 months, the mean IOP was 15.3 ± 3.5 and 12.5 ± 4.6 mmHg ( P = 0.24) with the mean number of medications being 0.9 ± 1.2 and 0.8 ± 1.4 ( P = 0.76) after GATT and TRAB, respectively. IOP was lowered from baseline by 52.7% ± 17.5% after TRAB and 45.7% ±18.6% after GATT ( P = 0.12). There was no decrease in best-corrected visual acuity in either group. The qualified surgical success rate was 94.4% in the GATT group and 94.9% in the TRAB group ( P = 0.75). Percentage of complete success was 64.1% and 52.8% ( P = 0.22) after TRAB and GATT, respectively. In patients with POAG and PEXG, GATT was as effective and safe as TRAB in lowering IOP and reducing the number of antiglaucomatous drugs.

The effect of phacoemulsification on the intraocular pressure, anterior chamber and pupildiameter in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Aims: To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on the intraocular pressure, anterior chamber and pupil diameter in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Methods: 66 eyes of thirty-three patients who had pseudoexfoliation and underwent phacoemulsification enrolled in this retrospective study. The eyes divided two groups as a study group that with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome (PES) or Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma and the other eyes as a control group without PES or PEX glaucoma. The follow-up examinations were preoperatively and postoperatively on the first day, fourth day, first month, and three months. Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) and Pupil Diameter (PD) were evaluated at each visit, and glaucoma medications were noted. Results: There was no statistically significant difference when compared preoperative and postoperative IOP values on the first day between two groups (p&gt;0.05). The mean IOP postoperatively at 4th, 30th day and 3rd months, reduced according to preoperative values in the study group (P&lt;0.05). Mean anterior chamber depth and pupil diameter were increased significantly at the final visit (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Cataract surgery has a beneficial effect on patients with PEX including IOP, ACD and PD.

Postoperative Outcomes of PreserFlo MicroShunt in Patients with Exfoliation Glaucoma

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of the PreserFlo MicroShunt in Asian patients with exfoliation glaucoma. Methods: We used the Kaplan–Meier method to analyze 29 eyes of 29 patients with exfoliation glaucoma (mean age: 80.7 ± 8.3 years; 16 males; 24 eyes with intraocular lens implants; preoperative intraocular pressure [IOP]: 32.5 ± 9.3 mmHg; preoperative antiglaucoma medications: 3.4 ± 1.0; Asian ethnicity: 100%) who underwent PreserFlo MicroShunt surgery alone at Saneikai Tsukazaki Hospital from November 2022 to November 2023. The criteria for survival were a reduction in IOP of ≥20%, no additional glaucoma surgery, and IOP of 5–21 mmHg (condition 1), 5–18 mmHg (condition 2), and 5–15 mmHg (condition 3). Needling and glaucoma eye drops were considered qualified successes. Results: The mean follow-up period was 27.9 weeks, with a reoperation rate of 31% (9 cases). The complete and qualified success survival rates at 24 weeks were 56%, 52%, and 49%, and 67%, 59%, and 53% for conditions 1–3, respectively. The complete and qualified success survival rates at 48 weeks were 47%, 43%, and 45%, and 52%, 46%, and 48% for conditions 1–3, respectively. Conclusions: The postoperative outcomes of the PreserFlo MicroShunt in Asian patients with exfoliation glaucoma demonstrated an approximate 50% success rate at both 24 and 48 weeks, with a reoperation rate of approximately 30%. Caution is warranted when performing PreserFlo MicroShunt in patients with exfoliation glaucoma.

One-year results of trabeculectomy with emphasis on the effect of patients' age.

This study investigated the association between one-year surgical outcomes following trabeculectomy and age, accounting for confounding factors. Retrospective observational study. Analyzing data from 305 patients undergoing initial trabeculectomy from 2019 onward, we employed three approaches to adjust variables: stratified analysis, regression analysis, and propensity score matching. Surgical success at 1-year post-surgery was defined by two criteria: achieving intraocular pressure of between 5 and 15 mmHg with a ≥ 20% reduction compared to pre-surgery levels and no additional glaucoma surgery (Criterion A); achieving intraocular pressure of between 5 and 12 mmHg with a ≥ 30% reduction compared to pre-surgery levels and no additional glaucoma surgery (Criterion B). Stratified analysis by age unveiled a significant increase in exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and a trend towards shorter axial lengths with advancing age (both p < 0.0001). Older age groups were more likely to experience surgical failure in both Criterion A and B (p = 0.21, < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed age as a significant factor in surgical failure for Criterion A (p < 0.05) and a nearly significant factor for Criterion B (p = 0.12). However, this trend was not evident in multivariate analysis (p = 0.23/0.88), where XFG became a significant factor for surgical failure (both p < 0.001) in Criteria A and B. Propensity score matching revealed no significant differences in surgical success rates for Criteria A and B between younger and older patients (p = 1.00 and 0.88). Age is not a primary determinant of failure in trabeculectomy; however, the increasing incidence of XFG with aging suggests a potential for poorer outcomes.

Relationships between Frailty and the Risk of Glaucoma in Middle-aged and Older Adults

PurposeIncreased frailty in older individuals increases health risks, but its relationship with glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in middle-aged and older adults, is unclear. We investigated the association between frailty and glaucoma in a large-scale representative sample and explored possible causal relationships. DesignCombined cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization (MR) study. ParticipantsIn the cross-sectional analysis, we included 5744 participants of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005–2008 aged ≥40. For the MR analysis, frailty genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were sourced from a UK Biobank and TwinGen meta-analysis, and GWAS data on glaucoma subtypes were derived from FinnGen. MethodsAccording to the 49-item frailty index, we classified participants into nonfrail (≤0.10), prefrail (0.10−0.21), and frail (>0.21) groups. Using survey-weighted logistic regression models adjusted for multiple covariates, we explored the association between frailty and glaucoma. We further assessed causation using MR. Main Outcome MeasuresThe associations between different levels of frailty (nonfrail, prefrail, and frail) and glaucoma, as well as causal relationships between genetically predicted frailty and various subtypes of glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma, normotensive glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma, and suspected glaucoma). ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, higher frailty levels were significantly associated with glaucoma in frail individuals (odds ratio [OR]=1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.05–3.19, P=0.036) but not prefrail (OR=1.90, 95% CI=0.99–3.64, P=0.052). The association was significantly stronger among male participants (P interaction=0.042). The variation in the association between frailty and glaucoma did not reach statistical significance across age groups (P interaction=0.575) or race groups (P interaction=0.092). MR revealed that genetically predicted frailty was linked to greater risks for primary open-angle glaucoma (OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.24–2.25, P=0.001), primary angle-closure glaucoma (OR=2.78, 95% CI=1.48–5.20, P=0.001), exfoliation glaucoma (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.18–2.43, P=0.004), and suspected glaucoma (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.30–2.34, P<0.001), but not for normotensive glaucoma (OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.61–1.68, P=0.956). ConclusionsOur study revealed an association between frailty and increased glaucoma risk and emphasized the significance of glaucoma screening in frail individuals. Targeted healthcare strategies can help prevent or delay irreversible blindness among middle-aged and older adults.

Identifiable Historic and Observable Factors May Predict Progression to Exfoliation Glaucoma in Newly Diagnosed Exfoliation Patients

To identify clinical factors associated with conversion to exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) in exfoliation syndrome (XFS) patients most at risk of progression to XFG within 3 years for increased surveillance and early preventive interventions. A retrospective patient cohort study design was employed. A source population of XFS patients 50 years and older was identified from electronic medical records in the Utah Population Database. From this, 487 study patients with one or more dilated eye exams prior to chart-confirmed XFS onset in 2011 or later, and three or more years of subsequent eye exams, were selected for study. We implemented a binomial linear mixed models with L1-penalized estimation to select variables associated with conversion. Models included a random intercept to account for within-patient correlation for eye-level data. Candidate demographic, lifestyle, systemic and ocular comorbidities data were obtained and diagnoses categorized as binary (history or no history). These potential factors between conversion and non-conversion patients were used in model selection of variables jointly predictive of conversion. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using the link logit. To determine the main outcome of conversion to XFG following an index diagnosis of XFS compared with nonconversion within 3 years, clinical records of each subject's left and right eyes were assessed to confirm XFS and date of onset and date of XFG onset, if conversion occurred. Clinical measurements, e.g. intraocular pressure (IOP), cup to disc ratio, provider notes and IOP-lowering procedures and medications were used to corroborate conversion status. Eighteen variables jointly predicted XFG conversion within 3 years correctly in 71% of patient eyes. Odds of conversion was highest for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 2.3-fold (P=0.004). Other predictive variables included nonexudative AMD (P=0.05), primary open angle glaucoma (P<0.001), obstructive sleep apnea (P=0.03), and ocular hypertension (P=0.003) diagnosed prior to XFS onset. We determined a set of clinically relevant factors that predicted which newly-diagnosed XFS patients progressed to XFG within 3 years. A planned validation will independently confirm if these prognostic indicators hold promise in other settings.

Reverse Pupillary Block after Implantation of a Sutureless Scleral Fixation Carlevale Intraocular Lens

PurposeTo describe the incidence, complications and management of reverse pupillary block (RPB) after implantation of Carlevale IOL. DesignMulticenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study. ParticipantsOut of a sample of 128 patients that had undergone Carlevale IOL implantation, 19 patients were found to present RPB. MethodsNineteen patients with RPB after Carlevale IOL implantation were evaluated and treated with laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). Main Outcome MeasuresDemographic data (age, gender), data on preexisting medication, axial length (Zeiss IOLMaster 500 and Zeiss IOLMaster 700), presence of pseudoexfoliation material (PXF), presence of reverse pupillary block (Anterior segment swept-source SS-OCT Anterion, Heidelberg Engineering), presence of macular edema (Irvine Gass syndrome, OCT Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering), anterior chamber depth (ACD) before and after LPI, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after LPI and intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after LPI were analyzed. ResultsAn incidence of RPB of 14.8% was found. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 21.1% and 42.1% of patients presented an axial length >24.00 mm. Mean pre-LPI ACD was 4.78 ± 0.465 mm and post-LPI was 4.23 ± 0.404 mm, a statistically significant increase of 0.54 (p=0.000, IC 95% 0.26-0.83) mm of ACD was observed. There were no differences between pre- and post- LPI BCVA. Pre-LPI IOP was 17.10 (range 12-34) mmHg and post-LPI IOP was 14.47 (range 10-21) mmHg, (p= 0.391). Cystic macular oedema (Irvine Gass) was identified in 4 out of 19 patients, reporting an incidence of 21.1% in RPB cases. ConclusionReverse pupillary block is a relatively common complication after Carlevale lens implantation, which may be associated with an increase of macular oedema incidence but does not clearly correlate an increase of intraocular pressure. Our hypothesis is that indentation of the sclera induces a posterior rotation of the peripheral iris, causing RPB. Our results encourage to look over the Carlevale IOL implantation technique to consider a routinely intraoperative surgical peripheral iridotomy to avoid RPB and its further complications.

Histopathological Analysis of Pseudoexfoliation Material in Ocular Surgeries: Clinical Implications

Background: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a common age-related ocular condition characterized by the accumulation of a fibrillar, pseudoexfoliative material on the anterior segment of the eye. This study aims to investigate the histopathological characteristics of pseudoexfoliative material within different ocular structures, including the eyelid, conjunctiva, and anterior lens capsule. Methods: A total of 32 anterior lens capsules, 3 eyelid fragments, and 12 conjunctival specimens were obtained from patients clinically diagnosed with PEX during ocular surgeries at the Onioptic Hospital of Ophthalmology. The tissue specimens were subsequently processed using the classical histological technique of paraffin embedding. This process enabled the production of serial sections with a thickness of 4 microns, facilitating the microscopic examination of fine details. The sections were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) method for the observation of microscopic structures. Results: This study’s findings reveal that PEX material, characterized by its fibrillar and amorphous components, is consistently present across multiple ocular structures, including the anterior lens capsule, eyelid, and conjunctiva. When stained with H&amp;E, the PEX material typically appears as amorphous, eosinophilic deposits. Under higher magnification, these deposits exhibit a fibrillar structure, often appearing as irregular, granular, or filamentous aggregates. Conclusions: The deposit of fibrillar material in the eyelid and conjunctiva, though less commonly emphasized compared to other structures, is a significant finding that sheds light on the systemic nature of the syndrome. The consistent identification of fibrillar eosinophilic deposits across these structures highlights the systemic distribution of PEX material, reinforcing the notion that PEX syndrome is not confined to the anterior segment of the eye.

Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of the fellow eye in unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome

PurposeTo compare the macular and optic disc vascular parameters in the unaffected fellow eyes of subjects with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsThe medical records of 61 eyes of 61 patients were analyzed in a retrospective study. Of these, 30 eyes were unaffected fellow eyes and 31 eyes were control eyes. The vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in the circumpapillary and macular area and the VD and PD of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) in the macular area were measured using OCTA after dilatation and were compared between two groups after adjustment for age, sex and axial length.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in sex ratio or mean age, central corneal thickness measurements, refractive errors, intraocular pressures and axial length between both groups (all P > 0.05). In the circumpapillary area, inferior VD and PD in the inner zone, as well as average, temporal, inferior, and nasal VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly reduced in the unaffected fellow eyes with unilateral PXS, while the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were similar between groups. In the macular SCP, VDs were significantly lower in all sectors in the inner area and in the outer zones (p < 0.05 for all), PDs were significantly lower in all sectors (p < 0.05 for all) except the nasal sector of the outer zone (p = 0.003 for average, p = 0.029 for superior sector, p = 0.004 for temporal sector, p < 0.001 for inferior sector), and the FAZ circularity (p = 0.037) were significantly lower in the unaffected fellow eyes with unilateral PXS, whereas macular ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsAlthough circumpapillary RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses were similar between the two groups, VDs and PDs in the circumpapillary and macular SCP and FAZ circularity were significantly lower in the fellow eye of subjects with unilateral PXS.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty after a Previous Glaucoma Treatment.

Recent prospective studies have shown that selective laser tra-beculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and cost-effective alternative to pressure-reducing eye drop therapy as a first-line treatment for ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. In addition to its comparable efficacy to eye drop therapy, SLT has been particularly effective in delaying the time until a surgical intervention is needed. The aim of our evaluation is to analyze patients who have received SLT following a pressure-reducing procedure. The primary endpoint is the duration until a subsequent interventional or surgical procedure is required. A retrospective analysis of 98 patients who underwent selective laser trabeculoplasty following a previous pressure-reducing procedure between 2017 and 2023. The statistical analyses included Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimations. In total, 122 eyes of 98 patients received selective laser trabeculoplasty following a previous pressure-reducing procedure at the Department of Ophthalmology in Freiburg. The median follow-up period was 381.5 days (range 43.25-862.75 days). Approximately 68% of the eyes did not require another pressure-reducing procedure 365 days after the intervention, while about 58% of the eyes remained without another procedure after 730 days, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. No significant difference was found between the different types of glaucoma regarding the duration until a subsequent pressure-reducing procedure was needed. The study indicated a tendency for patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma to undergo a secondary intervention earlier compared to those with primary open-angle glaucoma (p = 0.16). The intraocular pressure before SLT had a significant impact on the duration until the subsequent operation (p = 0.005). SLT is an effective method even after a previous pressure-reducing procedure for patients in whom further pressure-reducing interventions need to be delayed.

Investigating the uncertain causal link between gut microbiota and glaucoma: A genetic correlation and Mendelian randomisation study.

Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness, and gut microbiota (GM) is associated with glaucoma. Whether this association represents a causal role remains unknown. This study aims to assess the potential association and causal link between GM and various forms of glaucoma, emphasising the need for cautious interpretation of the strength of these associations. Employing a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomisation (MR) framework with false discovery rate correction and various sensitivity analyses, supplemented by genetic correlation analysis via linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and colocalisation for European summary-level data between MiBioGen consortium and FinnGen Study, we sought to explore the relationship between GM and glaucoma. While certain microbial taxa showed potential associations with glaucoma subtypes (e.g., Erysipelotrichaceae with primary angle closure glaucoma, Senegalimassilia with exfoliation glaucoma), the overall findings suggest a complex and not definitively causal relationship between GM and glaucoma. Notably, reverse MR analysis did not establish a significant causal effect of glaucoma on GM composition, and no consistent genetic correlations were observed between GM and glaucoma. While our study provides some evidence of associations between specific GM taxa and glaucoma, the results underscore the complexity of these relationships and the need for further research to clarify the potential causal links. The findings highlight the importance of interpreting the gut-eye axis with caution and suggest that while GM may play a role in glaucoma, it is unlikely to be a predominant causal factor.