Glaucoma Medications Research Articles

Liposomal drug delivery for glaucoma: Recent advancement in ocular therapy

Glaucoma affects millions worldwide. Untreated, it might cause lifelong blindness. Traditional treatments have been limited and intrusive. Liposomes are changing glaucoma treatment. Phospholipid bilayer liposomes can carry medications for targeted administration. This innovative glaucoma medication has huge potential to transform the way we treat it. This essay will explain liposomes, how they function, and why they are a glaucoma therapy game-changer. Eyes have several sensory compartments. Eyes send brain impulses. Eye-aqueous humour production causes glaucoma. It mostly affects the over-50s. Glaucoma destroys retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve, causing blindness. CO2 inhibitors treat it. This inhibitor keeps aqueous humour from the ocular fluid. Normal eye medication dosage. This ocular drug administration approach relies on nasolacrimal drainage and tears turnover to provide the usual dose form. Low bioavailability. Novel pharmaceutical delivery dose formulations can fix this. Nano co-adhesive compositions prolong ocular drug delivery. Liposomes cure glaucoma uniquely. Bioavailability lowers toxicity and dosage. Novel Drug Delivery System helps glaucoma patients worldwide. Liposomes drop IOP slowly. Aqueous liposomes have natural and synthetic phospholipid bilayers. Liposomes contain hydrophilic medicines. Liposomes resemble cells. Their properties make them cling to cells. Biocompatible liposomes increase drug solubility, stability, absorption, and toxicity. Conjunctiva and cornea interactions with liposomes impact tear dynamics and medication duration and frequency. Novel eye medication delivery methods are being investigated. This medicine administration at the proper place challenges drug delivery systems. Here are innovative ocular drug-delivery methods. Biocompatible liposomes improve drug solubility, stability, absorption, and toxicity. Liposomes affect tear dynamics and medication duration and frequency via interacting with the conjunctiva and cornea. Novel ocular medicine delivery techniques for various eye ailments are being explored. This medication administration at the right place challenges drug delivery systems. Innovative ocular drug-delivery systems will be reviewed here.

Comparison of GATT versus micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation combined with GATT in patients with advanced glaucoma.

To compare the efficacy of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) versus micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation(MP-TDLC) combined with GATT in the treatment of advanced glaucoma. This retrospective comparative study study included 82 patients (82 eyes) with a diagnosis of advanced glaucoma: 36 patients underwent GATT, and 46 underwent GATT + MP-TDLC. Intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in patients who underwent GATT and GATT MP-TDLC were analyzed retrospectively at regular intervals during the 6-month follow-up period. For the 82 patients included in this study, the mean ± SD IOPs before the procedures were 27.2 ± 8.5 mmHg in the GATT group and 26.6 ± 6.9 mmHg in the GATT + MP-TDLC group (p = 0.866), and the numbers of glaucoma medications used were 3.41 ± 0.5 in the GATT group and 3.36 ± 0.4 in the GATT + MP-TDLC group (p = 0.605). The mean IOP after GATT was 13.6 ± 3.9 mmHg at day 1, 13.9 ± 3.7 mmHg at week 1, 14.6 ± 4.0 mmHg at month 1, 15.3 ± 4.3 mmHg at month 3, and 14.7 ± 3.3 mmHg at month 6. In the GATT + MP-TDLC group, the postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6 IOP values were 12.4 ± 2.5, 11.8 ± 1.8, 12.1 ± 2.0, 11.8 ± 1.09, and 11.8 ± 1.5 mmHg, respectively. GATT was found to be effective in the treatment of patients with advanced glaucoma, and results closer to the targeted low teens IOP values were obtained with GATT + MP-TDLC.

Aqueous humour protein dysregulation in Asian eyes with primary open angle glaucoma

The pathophysiology of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) remains poorly understood. Through proteomic analysis of aqueous humour (AH) from POAG patients, we aim to identify changes in protein composition of these samples compared to control samples.High resolution mass spectrometry-based TMT6plex quantitative proteomics analysis is performed on AH samples collected from POAG patients, and compared against a control group of patients with cataracts. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033153.1589 proteins were quantified from the aqueous samples using Proteome Discoverer version 2.2 software. Among these proteins, 210 were identified as unique master proteins. The proteins which were up or down-regulated by ±3 fold-change were considered significant. Human neuroblastoma full-length cDNA clone CS0DD006YL02 was significantly upregulated in patients with severe POAG on >2 medications, while actin, cytoplasmic 1, V2-7 protein (fragment), immunoglobulin-like polypeptide 1 and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 were only present in these patients with severe POAG on >2 medications.Beta-crystallin B1 and B2, Gamma-crystallin C, D and S were significantly downregulated in the severe POAG ≤2 glaucoma medications group.Beta-crystallin B2, Gamma-crystallin D and GCT-A9 light chain variable region (fragment) were significantly downregulated in the non-severe POAG group.Actin, cytoplasmic 1 was significantly upregulated in subjects with severe POAG who required more than 2 glaucoma medications. Crystallins (Beta-crystallin B1 and B2, Gamma-crystallin C, D and S) were significantly downregulated in subjects with severe POAG who required less than 2 glaucoma medications.

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

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

Improved Glaucoma Medication Access Through Pharmacy Partnership: A Single Institution Experience.

A major barrier to glaucoma medication adherence is the patient's out-of-pocket costs. At the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC), the institutional pharmacy piloted a program to query out-of-pocket costs for each patient's medication list based on their insurance coverage. This study aims to describe the impact of this collaboration between the glaucoma service and the outpatient pharmacy service. This study is a single institution, retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients with a formulary inquiry placed by a single glaucoma specialist between 4/1/2020 and 2/28/2022. Main outcome measures included medications before and after formulary inquiries, additional steps required to access the medications (ie, formulary exceptions, prior authorizations, tier exceptions), and out-of-pocket costs. A total of 343 formulary inquiries, representing 568 individual medication inquiries, were conducted. Out of the 568 medication inquiries, only 78 could be filled for an affordable price without any additional steps. For 45 inquiries, additional steps were required for the medication to become covered at an affordable price. The remaining 445 inquires required additional steps with subsequent denial or prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. The UCMC workflow provided transparent out-of-pocket costs for patients to access glaucoma medications. This workflow may be cost-effective as it minimizes the burden on the overall system by reducing the number of patients who are unable to fill a prescription at the pharmacy due to issues with coverage or affordability. This model of physician-pharmacy collaboration can guide other institutions to implement similar workflows which directly mitigate costs and improve quality of care.

Predictors and long-term patterns of medication adherence to glaucoma treatment in Denmark—an observational registry study of 30 100 Danish patients with glaucoma

BackgroundSelf-treatment with glaucoma medication (eye drops) has been associated with adherence challenges. Poor adherence results in worse outcomes in terms of visual field loss.ObjectiveTo investigate patterns in medication adherence among...

Surgical outcomes of pediatric glaucoma in Indian eyes

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of pediatric glaucoma in a cohort of Indian population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including pediatric glaucoma patients who had undergone surgery between January 2012 and January 2022. The surgeries performed were trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C or Ologen, combined trabeculectomy with trabeculotomy (CTT), Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation, and diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Success was defined as complete if intraocular pressure (IOP) was between 6 and 21 mmHg in children who were examined on slit lamp, or between 6 and 18 mmHg in patients examined under general anesthesia, in the absence of any glaucoma medication and as qualified, with glaucoma medication at the last follow-up. Outcome measures included IOP at the last follow-up, number of glaucoma medications, any complications, and additional surgeries. Results: Seventy-eight eyes of 68 children were included. The most common glaucoma types were primary congenital glaucoma (30.8%), followed by posttraumatic glaucoma (17.9%) and postvitreoretinal surgery glaucoma (16.7%). The mean IOP reduced from 34.17 ± 9.35 mmHg preoperatively to 21.38 ± 9.61 mmHg at the last follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). The number of glaucoma medications reduced from 2.55 ± 1.10 preoperatively to 1.76 ± 1.26 at the last follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). Success was achieved in 62.8% of eyes and the mean survival time was 3.62 years. Among all procedures, AGV implantation had a longer survival time (mean 4.86 years). Conclusion: Pediatric glaucoma management remains a challenge. Majority of the cases remain refractory in spite of multiple surgical interventions. AGV and CTT could be offered as primary surgery in cases of pediatric glaucoma with hazy cornea where goniotomy may not be an option.

Phacoemulsification versus Laser Peripheral Iridotomy for Treating Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG), is caused by narrowing the iridocorneal angle and increases the risk of blockage in the trabecular meshwork. Phacoemulsification and laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) effectively control IOP elevation and widen the angle. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared Phacoemulsification and LPI Effectiveness for PACG. We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared Phacoemulsification and LPI for individuals with PACG. We sought to evaluate the following outcomes: mean IOP, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) progression, peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), Shaffer gonioscopy grading, central corneal thickness (CCT), central endothelial cell density (CECD), and poor response to surgery. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes, while the risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes. 5 RCTs that enrolled 917 participants were deemed eligible. The phacoemulsification group showed statistically significance lower mean CCT and CECD and lower risk of poor response to surgery compared to LPI (SMD = -1.10; 95% -1.50, -0.70; P<0.001, SMD -366.12; 95% -652.59, -79.65; P=0.01, and RR 0.35; 95% 0.23, 0.54; P<0.001 respectively). There were no significant improvement in IOP and number of medications between both groups (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI = -2.26, 0.78; P=0.34, and SMD -17.58; 95% CI = -50.28, 15.12; P=0.29 respectively). Finally, there were also no significant differences in VA, VF progression, PAS, and mean Shaffer gonioscopy grading between both groups. Phacoemulsification showed statistically significant lower mean corneal thickness, central endothelial cell density, and lower risk of poor response to surgery compared to LPI. However, there were no significant differences in mean IOP, number of medications, VA, VF progression, PAS, and mean Shaffer gonioscopy grading between Phacoemulsification and LPI.

Uveal effusion syndrome: a case report

BackgroundThis case report is applicable to the field of ophthalmology because there is a paucity of medical literature related to the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of uveal effusion syndrome. This is an urgent concern because there are severe complications associated with this disease, including non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, angle closure glaucoma, and possible blindness. This report will fill clinical knowledge gaps using a patient example.Case presentationA 68-year-old white male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors initially presented to the Eye Institute Urgent Care Clinic with new onset visual symptoms, including eye pain, eye lid swelling, redness, and tearing of his left eye. He had experienced a foreign body sensation in the left eye and bilateral floaters weeks prior to his presentation. The patient was examined, and vision was 20/30 in both eyes, and intraocular pressure was 46 in the right eye and 36 in the left eye. After initial assessment, including compression gonioscopy, intermittent angle closure glaucoma was suspected. He received oral diamox 500 mg, one drop of alphagan in both eyes, one drop of latanoprost in both eyes, one drop of dorzolamide in both eyes, and one drop of 2% pilocarpine in both eyes. There was only slight response in intraocular pressure. Owing to the bilateral angle closure, he underwent laser peripheral iridotomy to decrease intraocular pressure and open the angle that was found closed on gonioscopy. The patient was discharged on oral and topical glaucoma drops and scheduled for the glaucoma clinic. When he presented for follow-up in the glaucoma clinic, he was evaluated and noted to have bilateral narrow angles and intraocular pressure in the mid-twenties. A brightness scan (B-scan) was performed and was noted to have bilateral choroidal effusions, confirmed by Optos fundus photos. He was started on prednisone at 60 mg once per day (QD) with taper, continuation of oral and topical glaucoma medications, and a retina evaluation. Evaluation with a retina specialist showed resolving choroidal effusion in the left eye. He continued the prednisone taper as well as glaucoma drops as prescribed. Follow-up in the glaucoma clinic revealed a grade 3 open angle. He continued the prednisone taper, cosopt twice per day in both eyes, and discontinued brimonidine. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was performed showed results that were remarkable. No hemorrhage or mass was present. Follow-up with the retina specialist found that the choroidal effusions had resolved completely.ConclusionThis case report emphasizes the value in early detection, keen diagnostic evaluation, and cross-collaboration between multiple ophthalmology specialists to optimize healthcare outcomes for patients with uveal effusion syndrome.

Reassessing Trabeculectomy: A Long-Term Study with Stringent Success Criteria.

Background: The aim was to evaluate the long-term outcome and efficacy of primary trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin c (MMC) for treating glaucoma. Methods: We examined the medical records of 286 eyes that underwent trabeculectomy between 2008 and 2009 at the University Eye Hospital in Freiburg, Germany. Preoperative and follow-up data were collected, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, surgical glaucoma interventions, and prescribed glaucoma medication. The first success criterion was defined as IOP ≤ 15 mmHg with no use of pressure-lowering medication by the patient, the second criterion was defined as the absence of surgical revision, and the third criterion as no further IOP-lowering surgery excluding early revisions following trabeculectomy. Statistical analyses comprised Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimations. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 1841 days (5 years). The mean preoperative IOP was 26.1 mmHg. Evaluating the success criteria at the time of average follow-up yielded a success rate of only 25% for the first criterion but 80% for both the second and third success criteria. Conclusions: The findings suggest that trabeculectomy with adjunctive MMC can be an effective procedure for permanently lowering IOP. However, surgical revisions and/or further glaucoma surgeries might still be needed. The long-term success rate is lower in comparison to previous research, which may be explained by the stricter success criteria in our study.

Intraocular pressure profile following selective laser trabeculoplasty in pigmentary and primary open-angle glaucoma.

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) profile and the incidence of IOP spikes following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) between pigmentary glaucoma (PG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Retrospective comparative study of 65 PG eyes of 51 patients matched with 65 POAG eyes of 65 patients who received SLT. Matching was done based on age, gender, glaucoma severity, pre-laser IOP, and number of medications. Post-SLT IOP spike was defined as IOP elevation ≥5mmHg, 30-45 min after the laser. In PG and POAG groups, the average age was 62.33 ± 9.18 and 62.58 ± 9.19 years (p = 0.95). The glaucoma severity (p = 0.708), baseline IOP (PG = 21.61 ± 1.34mmHg vs. POAG = 21.13 ± 5.09mmHg, p = 0.943), and number of topical glaucoma medications(PG = 2.34 ± 1.34 vs. POAG = 2.1 ± 1.41, p = 0.342) were comparable. More PG patients were on oral acetazolamide (PG = 26.15% vs. POAG = 1.5%, p < 0.001). Average logMAR visual acuity was significantly higher in the POAG group (0.207 ± 0.3 vs. 0.192 ± 0.37, p = 0.012). Eyes with PG received lower laser energy (POAG = 63.65 ± 22.03 mJ vs. PG = 43.71 ± 25.68 mJ, p < 0.001). IOP spikes were recorded in 5 PG eyes (7.6%) and none in the POAG group (p = 0.058). Failure rates were similar (PG = 50.7% and POAG = 43.1%, p = 0.205). In multivariable analysis, only pre-laser IOP (coefficient = 2.154 [CI: 0.765-3.543], p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of IOP change percentage after 12 months. SLT was comparably effective in both PG and POAG. IOP spikes were observed only in the PG group, though the total laser energy was lower in this group compared with POAG.

Improving medication adherence in glaucoma patients: a randomized controlled interventional study

Abstract Objectives The main objective of our study was to assess the adherence of Jordanian patients to their glaucoma treatment after a brief educational session. Methods The current study was a randomized controlled interventional study. One hundred and ninety open-angle glaucoma patients were divided into control and intervention groups. After baseline assessment, patients in the intervention group received an educational session about glaucoma, while patients in the control group only received the usual care. Adherence to medication, eye drop administration technique, and knowledge about glaucoma were assessed at baseline and at follow-up. Key findings The mean MGL adherence scale score baseline value was 0.67 and significantly improved to 0.4 at the follow-up (P-value = .039) for patients in the intervention group. Multivariate regression showed that having less than three kids and experiencing glaucoma medication side effects were negatively correlated with adherence to glaucoma eye drops. The mean Eye Drops Administration scale score for patients in the intervention group improved significantly from 6.25 at baseline to 7.7 at the follow-up (P-value &amp;lt; .001). The mean knowledge scale score for the intervention group patients at baseline was 8.8, which significantly increased to 10 at the follow-up (P-value &amp;lt; .001). The knowledge score was found to be significantly higher for younger patients, those who have higher education levels and health care-related education, patients who rely on the ophthalmologist for glaucoma, and patients with a longer duration glaucoma. Conclusions A short educational session improves patients’ adherence, knowledge, and eye drop administration technique in the intervention group significantly. Patients in Jordan have a relatively high adherence to glaucoma medications. Educational sessions should be provided to glaucoma patients to help the patients in managing their condition.

Comparison of intraocular pressure profiles during the water drinking test and the modified diurnal tension curve

ObjectivesTo compare intraocular pressure (IOP) during the water drinking test (WDT) and modified diurnal tension curve (mDTC) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, using multimodal, observer-masked tonometry.MethodsOpen-angle glaucoma subjects were prospectively enroled, excluding those who had undergone glaucoma filtration or laser surgery. Two-hourly mDTC Goldmann applanation (GAT) and rebound tonometry (RT) was performed between 8:00 and 16:00, and every 15 min for 45 min after ingestion of 800mls of water. Blood pressure, heart rate, pupillometry measurements, and optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were also recorded.ResultsForty-two subjects’ right eyes were included. 48% were using topical glaucoma medication. Mean baseline IOP was 14.9 ± 4.52 mmHg, with mean visual field mean deviation (±SD) −5.05 ± 5.45 dB. Strong association was found between maximum IOP during mDTC and WDT (r = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.95 p < 0.0001) with agreement (mDTC-WDT) bias −0.82 mmHg, 95% LoA −1.46 to −0.18. During the WDT, mean systolic blood pressure (±SD) increased from 140.0 ± 20.0 to 153.3 ± 24.0 mmHg (p < 0.0001), mean heart rate ( ± SD) reduced from 69.5 ± 11.3 bpm to 63.6 ± 10.0 bpm (p < 0.0001), and temporal iridocorneal angle increased from 29.2 ± 6.0° to 29.6 ± 5.2° (p = 0.04).ConclusionThis study presents repeated, observer-masked IOP data showing strong correlation between maximum IOP during mDTC and WDT using multimodal tonometry. This supports WDT as a meaningful alternative to mDTC when investigating diurnal IOP characteristics in clinic, with reduced time requirements and associated costs.

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in canine glaucoma: A retrospective study evaluating sweep velocity.

To report preliminary results of MP-TSCP in canine patients with glaucoma while evaluating sweep velocity, treatment efficacy, and safety utilizing standardized surgical parameters. Client-owned dogs that underwent MP-TSCP at a veterinary referral hospital. Medical records of 19 eyes (14 dogs) treated with MP-TSCP were reviewed. Eleven eyes were treated with a 10 s/sweep (s) velocity and 8 eyes with a 20 s/s. Laser duty cycle was set at 31.3%, mean laser energy was 2766 mW, and mean duration was 120 s per hemisphere. Minimum post-operative follow-up was 6 months. Outcomes of intraocular pressure (IOP), vision status, degree of antiglaucoma medications, and complications were evaluated. There was a significantly lower median (IQR) IOP (<25 mmHg) at each timepoint postoperatively compared to IOP pre-operatively (p < 0.05). The overall success rate for IOP control at 6 months was 84%, 100% for the 10 s/s and 62.5% for the 20 s/s. Vision was preserved in 10/11 (90%) eyes from the 10 s/s group and 4/8 (50%) eyes from the 20 s/s group at 6 months. Average number of glaucoma medications in the 10 s/s group decreased from 4.4 to 1.5 and from 3.3 to 2.5 in the 20 s/s group. Post-operative complications were mild and resolved within 1 week. MP-TSCP is a non-invasive treatment alternative for canine glaucoma. Employing higher energy levels rendered long-term IOP control while retaining a high safety profile with minimal postoperative complications. There was no statistical difference between a 10 s/s and 20 s/s surgical velocity, both leading to successful surgical outcomes up to 6 months post-operatively.

Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Uveitis-Related Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) may be an effective first-line surgery for decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication burden in patients with uveitis-related ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy of GATT in lowering IOP in uveitis-related OHT or glaucoma. Retrospective case series that included patients with uveitis-related OHT or glaucoma who underwent GATT with or without concomitant cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation at 2 Canadian academic centres from July 2018 to May 2022. Primary outcomes were: complete (no medications) and qualified success (with medication), and failure defined as (1) IOP >21 mm Hg with maximal medical therapy, (2) the need for additional glaucoma procedure, (3) loss of light perception secondary to glaucoma, and (4) IOP <6 mm Hg for 3 months. Twenty-one eyes from 18 patients were included with a mean preoperative IOP of 26.2 ± 7.3 mm Hg on 4.3 ± 0.7 classes of glaucoma drops. The average follow-up was 29.2 ± 17.6 months and 76% of eyes (n = 16) had reached at least 12 months of follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up visit, there was a significant decrease in average IOP by 9.9 ± 7.9 mm Hg (38%, P = 0.005) and a decrease of 1.9 in glaucoma medication classes ( P = 0.002). Of eyes, 14% achieved complete success, whereas 80% of eyes achieved qualified success. Six eyes failed (29%) and 5 patients (24%) required additional glaucoma surgery. The most common postoperative complication was hyphema (n = 9; 43%). This small case series suggests that GATT may be an effective first-line surgery for decreasing IOP and medication burden in patients with uveitis-related OHT or glaucoma. Further studies with longer follow-ups should be conducted to assess its long-term outcomes.

Three-Year Outcomes of the Paul Glaucoma Implant for Treatment of Glaucoma.

In our case series, the 3-year failure for Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI) implantation was 14.6%. At 3 years postoperatively, there was a significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of glaucoma medications used. To determine the 3-year efficacy and safety of the PGI, a novel glaucoma tube shunt in patients with glaucoma. Retrospective review of all patients who had undergone PGI implantation in a single tertiary institution in Singapore between May 1, 2017 and January 1, 2022. Data were extracted from electronic health records (Computerized Patient Support System 2 and Epic). The primary outcome measure was failure, defined as IOP >18 mm Hg or <6 mm Hg on 2 consecutive visits after 3 months, reoperation for IOP-related indication, explantation of implant, or loss of light perception vision. Complete success was defined as the absence of failure without medications at 36 months, and qualified success similarly, but with medications. Postoperative mean IOP, mean number of IOP-lowering medications used, and visual acuity were also assessed. Forty-eight eyes in 48 patients were identified. Thirty-one patients (64.6%) had primary open angle and angle closure glaucoma, and 18 (37.5%) had previous existing tube implants or trabeculectomy. At 3 years postoperatively, 7 cases (14.6%) fulfilled the criteria for failure and 36 (75%) met the criteria for complete success. The mean IOP at 36 months was 14.9 ± 4.11 mm Hg, from the mean preoperative IOP of 20.6 ± 6.13 mm Hg ( P < 0.001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications used was reduced from 3.13 ± 0.959 preoperatively to 0.167 ± 0.476 at 36 months ( P < 0.001). The most common postoperative complication was hypotony (n = 17, 35.4%), of which the majority were self-limiting, followed by hyphema (n = 5, 10.4%) and tube exposure (n = 4, 8.3%). The PGI demonstrated sustained IOP reduction and a reduction of medication burden at 3 years postoperatively.

Long-term intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and safety of ripasudil-brimonidine fixed-dose combination for glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a multicentre, open-label, phase 3 study.

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ripasudil-brimonidine fixed-dose combination (RBFC), a new intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication for glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT). This prospective, multicentre (23 sites in Japan), open-label study enrolled patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), OHT or exfoliative glaucoma and assigned them to one of four combination therapy cohorts, based on previous treatment(s) received: prostaglandin (PG) analogue (Cohort 1); PG analogue and beta-adrenoceptor blocker (β-blocker) (Cohort 2); PG analogue, β-blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (Cohort 3); or other/no treatment (Cohort 4). After a ≥ 4-week screening period, eligible patients received twice-daily RBFC for 52weeks in addition to the treatments they were already receiving. Efficacy was assessed by change in IOP from baseline through week 52. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were monitored throughout. In total, 179 patients from Cohort 1 (n = 48), Cohort 2 (n = 44), Cohort 3 (n = 41) and Cohort 4 (n = 46) entered the RBFC treatment period. For all cohorts, mean IOP was significantly reduced at 11:00 (2h after instillation of RBFC) through week 52 with the changes from baseline at week 52 of - 2.7 to - 4.1mmHg across cohorts; all p < 0.001. Common ADRs were conjunctival hyperaemia (58%), allergic conjunctivitis (18%) and blepharitis (17%), most of which were mild in severity. These data demonstrated the long-term efficacy and safety of RBFC, both alone and in combination with other anti-glaucoma agents. RBFC may offer a new treatment option for the long-term management of glaucoma and OHT. Japan Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: jRCT2080225063. 17 February 2020.

Long-Term Efficacy of Successful Excisional Goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade.

To report clinical outcomes of successful excisional goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB), through 60 months. This was a noncomparative, single-surgeon, retrospective review of eyes receiving successful KDB goniotomy with or without concomitant phacoemulsification between October 2015 and January 2016 with five years of uninterrupted follow-up. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications were recorded. Primary outcomes included changes from baseline in IOP, medication use, and BCVA, through five years. Fifty-two eyes of 28 patients were analyzed. Most eyes had mild primary open angle glaucoma (73%). Of the eyes analyzed, 41 underwent combined surgery and 11 underwent standalone surgery. With all eyes combined, mean (standard deviation) baseline IOP was 21.0 (4.1) mmHg and mean baseline medication use was 1.8 (1.1) medications per eye. Across time points at months 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60, mean postoperative IOP ranged from 13.0 to 13.7 mmHg, representing mean reductions of 7.3-8.0 mmHg (34.7-38.3%; p <0.0001 at every time point). Similarly, mean medication use ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 medications per eye, representing mean reductions of 1.2-1.4 medications (66-75.5%; p <0.0001 at every time point). Mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.321 (0.177) preoperatively to 0.015 (0.035) at month 60 (p < 0.0001). In eyes not requiring secondary surgical procedures (eg, long-term surgical successes), excisional goniotomy provided clinically and statistically significant reductions in both IOP and the need for medications that were highly consistent through five years of follow-up. KDB goniotomy appears to be highly successful in Caucasian patients with open angle glaucoma on ≥1 IOP-lowering medications at baseline and with no history of prior ocular surgery. Successful excisional goniotomy with the KDB can be expected to improve long-term glaucoma-related visual outcomes through IOP reduction and to improve quality of life through medication reduction.

Changes in the Visual Field Test after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Advanced Glaucoma.

Background: To evaluate changes in the visual field (VF) after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in eyes with advanced glaucoma and previous trabeculectomy. Methods: Changes in VF, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications were analyzed before and after DSAEK in 19 eyes. The VFs were evaluated using the 10-2 program of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) and/or Goldmann perimetry (GP). Results: In nine eyes, the MD improved from -22.24 ± 6.5 dB to -18.36 ± 5.1 dB in HFA. In five out of nine eyes, postoperative MD improved >1 dB compared to preoperative MD. In GP testing, 10 out of 15 eyes showed an improvement, that is, greater than 20° in VF enlargement by the isopter of I-4e and/or new detection of a smaller or darker isopter. Overall, improvement in VF with the HFA and/or GP test was observed in 12/19 (63.2%) eyes after DSAEK. Postoperative BCVA improved by more than two lines in logMAR VA in 18 of 19 (94.7%) eyes. There were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. Conclusions: DSAEK may produce subjective improvement in the visual field as well as improved visual acuity, even in advanced glaucomatous eyes.

Outcomes of phaco-trabeculectomy versus phaco-viscocanalostomy for primary open angle glaucoma

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and postoperative adverse effects of combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy (PT) and combined phacoemulsification and viscocanalostomy (PVC) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). MethodsIn this prospective study, eighty-one consecutive patients (81 eyes) with POAG and cataract were enrolled. The eyes were randomly assigned to either the PT group (40 eyes) or the PVC group (41 eyes). The main outcomes included the success rate based on IOP and the evaluation of adverse effects during the 6-month follow-up period. The surgery was considered a complete success if the IOP was between 6 and 20 mmHg and reduced by ≥30% without glaucoma medications or additional surgery compared to the preoperative level. A qualified success was characterized by an IOP within the range of 6−20 mmHg and a 20−30% reduction in IOP achieved through the use of glaucoma medications. ResultsThe mean baseline IOP was 23.20 ± 7.94 mmHg in the PT group and 21.29 ± 6.81 mmHg in the PVC group (P = 0.249). At 6 months, the mean postoperative IOP in the PT and PVC groups were 13.50 ± 2.49, and 13.73 ± 1.70, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean IOP between the groups at any time (P > 0.05). At 6 months, 22 patients (55%) in the PT group and 22 patients (53.66%) in the PVC group achieved complete success. Nine eyes (22.50%) in the PT group and 10 eyes (24.39%) in the PVC group achieved qualified success. The other patients (9 eyes in each group) did not meet the criteria for at least a qualified success and were considered failures (P = 0.980). Intraoperative microperforation of Descemet's membrane occurred in 2 cases (15%) in the PVC group. Postoperative complications included 4 cases (10%) of shallow/flat anterior chamber, 1 case (2.5%) of choroidal effusion, and 1 case (2.5%) of aqueous misdirection in the PT group. The rate of these postoperative adverse effects was not significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in IOP reduction between PT and PVC in patients with POAG. Furthermore, PVC is safe enough in these patients, compared to PT.