Incidence Of Glaucoma Research Articles

Premium Intraocular Lenses in Glaucoma-A Systematic Review.

The incidence of both cataract and glaucoma is increasing globally. With increasing patient expectation and improved technology, premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), including presbyopia-correcting and toric IOLs, are being increasingly implanted today. However, concerns remain regarding the use of premium IOLs, particularly presbyopia-correcting IOLs, in eyes with glaucoma. This systematic review evaluates the use of premium IOLs in glaucoma. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE database was performed from inception until 1 June 2023. Initial search yielded 1404 records, of which 12 were included in the final review of post-operative outcomes. Studies demonstrated high spectacle independence for distance and good patient satisfaction in glaucomatous eyes, with positive outcomes also in post-operative visual acuity, residual astigmatism, and contrast sensitivity. Considerations in patient selection include anatomical and functional factors, such as the type and severity of glaucomatous visual field defects, glaucoma subtype, presence of ocular surface disease, ocular changes after glaucoma surgery, and the reliability of disease monitoring, all of which may be affected by, or influence, the outcomes of premium IOL implantation in glaucoma patients. Regular reviews on this topic are needed in order to keep up with the rapid advancements in IOL technology and glaucoma surgical treatments.

GJA3 Genetic Variation and Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataracts and Glaucoma Following Cataract Surgery

The p.Asp67Tyr genetic variant in the GJA3 gene is responsible for congenital cataracts in a family with a high incidence of glaucoma following cataract surgery. To describe the clinical features of a family with a strong association between congenital cataracts and glaucoma following cataract surgery secondary to a genetic variant in the GJA3 gene (NM_021954.4:c.199G>T, p.Asp67Tyr). This was a retrospective, observational, case series, genetic association study from the University of Iowa spanning 61 years. Examined were the ophthalmic records from 1961 through 2022 of the family members of a 4-generation pedigree with autosomal dominant congenital cataracts. Frequency of glaucoma following cataract surgery and postoperative complications among family members with congenital cataract due to the p.Asp67Tyr GJA3 genetic variant. Medical records were available from 11 of 12 family members (7 male [63.6%]) with congenital cataract with a mean (SD) follow-up of 30 (21.7) years (range, 0.2-61 years). Eight of 9 patients with congenital cataracts developed glaucoma, and 8 of 8 patients who had cataract surgery at age 2 years or younger developed glaucoma following cataract surgery. The only family member with congenital cataracts who did not develop glaucoma had delayed cataract surgery until 12 and 21 years of age. Five of 11 family members (45.5%) had retinal detachments after cataract extraction and vitrectomy. No patients developed retinal detachments after prophylactic 360-degree endolaser. The GJA3 genetic variant, p.Asp67Tyr, was identified in a 4-generation congenital cataract pedigree from Iowa. This report suggests that patients with congenital cataract due to some GJA3 genetic variants may be at especially high risk for glaucoma following cataract surgery. Retinal detachments after cataract extraction in the first 2 years of life were also common in this family, and prophylactic retinal endolaser may be indicated at the time of surgery.

Increased risk of glaucoma development in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy: results of a 11-year population-based cohort study.

To investigate whether patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) have increased risk of developing glaucoma. Patients diagnosed with CSC between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018 were included in this study using data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The CSC cohort was matched with a non-CSC cohort using the propensity score matching method, based on sex, age (in 10-year intervals), index date year, comorbidities, and steroid use, resulting in equal numbers of patients in both cohorts. Patients were followed up until 31 December 2019 or until they were withdrawn from the NHIRD. The incidence of glaucoma was compared between the two cohorts using the Cox regression model, and the risk of developing glaucoma was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. After adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and steroid use, the CSC cohort showed a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to those without CSC (adjusted HR = 3.99; 95% CI = 3.44-4.62). The cumulative incidence of glaucoma in the CSC cohort was also significantly higher than in the non-CSC cohort (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Among the glaucoma subtypes, normal tension glaucoma had the highest risk (adjusted HR = 5.79; 95% CI = 3.41-9.85), followed by primary open-angle glaucoma (adjusted HR = 2.77; 95% CI = 2.12-3.62). In conclusion, our study shows that CSC patients are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, especially NTG. Awareness and regular glaucoma screenings are essential for patients with CSC.

Six-Year Incidence and Risk Factors for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study

To determine the incidence and risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) in a multiethnic Asian population. Population-based cohort study. The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study included 10 033 participants in the baseline examination between 2004 and 2011. Of those, 6762 (response rate= 78.8%) participated in the 6-year follow-up visit between 2011 and2017. Standardized examination and investigations were performed, including slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, pachymetry, gonioscopy, optic disc examination and static automated perimetry. Glaucoma was defined according to a combination of clinical evaluation, ocular imaging (fundus photo, visual field, and OCT) and criteria given by International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology. OHT was defined on the basis of elevated IOP over the upper limit of normal; i.e., 20.4 mmHg, 21.5 mmHg, and 22.6 mmHg for the Chinese, Indian, and Malay cohort respectively, without glaucomatous optic disc change. Incidence of POAG, OHT, and OHT progression. The overall 6-year age-adjusted incidences of POAG and OHT were 1.31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.62) and 0.47% (95% CI, 0.30-0.70). The rate of progression of baseline OHT to POAG at 6 years was 5.32%. Primary open-angle glaucoma incidence was similar (1.37%) in Chinese and Indians and lower (0.80%) in Malays. Malays had higher incidence (0.79%) of OHT than Indians (0.38%) and Chinese (0.37%). Baseline parameters associated with higher risk of POAG were older age (per decade: odds ratio [OR], 1.90; 95% CI, 1.54-2.35; P < 0.001), higher baseline IOP (per mmHg: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12-1.29; P < 0.001) and longer axial length (per mm: OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07-1.40, P= 0.004). Six-year incidence of POAG was 1.31% in a multiethnic Asian population. Older age, higher IOP, and longer axial length were associated with higher risk of POAG. These findings can help in future projections and guide public healthcare policy decisions for screening at-risk individuals. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Statistical agreement of gonioscopy performed as a puppy and as an adult in the Samoyed dog.

To assess whether gonioscopy performed on Samoyed puppies (6-14 weeks of age) is a reliable predictor of their gonioscopy results as adults (>11 months of age). A retrospective medical record search was performed to identify Samoyed dogs that had undergone gonioscopy as a puppy (6-14 weeks of age). A second prospective gonioscopy examination was performed as an adult (>11 months of age) and the results were compared. Gonioscopy was assessed on two characteristics: percent of iridocorneal angle (ICA) unaffected by pectinate ligament abnormalities (PLA) and ICA width, with PLA results categorized into unaffected ( 75% open), moderately affected (50%-74% open), and severely affected (<50% open) and the width categorized into wide, moderate, narrow, and closed groups. A multivariate model was created that considered factors such as PLA, angle width, sex, puppy age, neuter status, and time between examinations. The eyes of 77 Samoyed dogs (154 eyes) met inclusion criteria. When assessing PLA, 90% of dogs had the same categorization as a puppy and as an adult. When assessing ICA width, 53.2% of dogs had the same width classification as a puppy and as an adult. There is strong evidence that variation between puppy and adult results increases with time between examination (p = .03). Puppies unaffected by PLA and with a wide ICA angle, are likely to retain these features as adults. Selection of puppies with desirable gonioscopic traits may help breeders to choose dogs likely to retain these traits as adults for breeding. This may reduce the incidence of glaucoma in the breed. Puppy examinations should be performed in both eyes. Examination of adults prior to breeding remains prudent.

Pediatric glaucoma in aniridia in a population of Egyptian children

To report on the incidence, characteristics, and treatment of glaucoma in association with aniridia in a population of Egyptian children. A retrospective chart review was conducted of children (<18 years of age) presenting with aniridia between 2007 and 2022. Diagnosis of glaucoma was based on cup:disk ratio (>0.3) and IOP (>16 mm Hg). Success of glaucoma surgery was defined as IOP ≤16 mm Hg and stable or regressing cup:disk ratio. A total of 93 eyes of 47 children were included. The mean patient age at presentation was 41.2 ± 44.7 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal diameter, cup:disk ratio, and axial length on presentation were 16.4 ± 10.3 mm Hg, 11.4 ± 1.3 mm, 0.4 ± 0.3, and 22.43 ± 2.6 mm Hg. Of eyes with IOP and cup:disk ratio data at presentation, 23 (30%) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Fourteen eyes underwent surgery after presentation; follow-up data were available for half the remaining eyes. At the final follow-up, glaucoma was present in 20 eyes (49%). Glaucoma surgery was performed in 17 eyes, with a complete or qualified success rate of 82.4% at final follow-up, with 15 eyes having at least 12 months' follow-up. In this study cohort, children with aniridia presented at around 3 years of age, with glaucoma at presentation in almost one-third of the cases.

Complications Occurring Through 5 Years Following Primary Intraocular Lens Implantation for Pediatric Cataract

Lensectomy with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is often used in the management of nontraumatic pediatric cataract, but long-term data evaluating the association of age and IOL location with the incidence of complications are limited. To describe the incidence of complications and additional eye surgeries through 5 years following pediatric lensectomy with primary IOL implantation and association with age at surgery and IOL location. This prospective cohort study used Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group cataract registry data from 61 institution- and community-based practices over 3 years (June 2012 to July 2015). Participants were children younger than 13 years without baseline glaucoma who had primary IOL implantation (345 bilateral and 264 unilateral) for nontraumatic cataract. Data analysis was performed between September 2021 and January 2023. Lensectomy with primary IOL implantation. Five-year cumulative incidence of complications by age at surgery (<2 years, 2 to <4 years, 4 to <7 years, and 7 to <13 years) and by IOL location (sulcus vs capsular bag) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. The cohort included 609 eyes from 491 children (mean [SD] age, 5.6 [3.3] years; 261 [53%] male and 230 [47%] female). Following cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation, a frequent complication was surgery for visual axis opacification (VAO) (cumulative incidence, 32%; 95% CI, 27%-36%). Cumulative incidence was lower with anterior vitrectomy at the time of IOL placement (12%; 95% CI, 8%-16%) vs without (58%; 95% CI, 50%-65%), and the risk of undergoing surgery for VAO was associated with not performing anterior vitrectomy (hazard ratio [HR], 6.19; 95% CI, 3.70-10.34; P < .001). After adjusting for anterior vitrectomy at lens surgery, there were no differences in incidence of surgery for VAO by age at surgery (<2 years, HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 0.63-2.87], 2 to <4 years, HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.44-1.68], 4 to <7 years, HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.72-1.56]; P = .74) or by capsular bag vs sulcus IOL fixation (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.36-4.17; P = .75). Cumulative incidence of glaucoma plus glaucoma suspect by 5 years was 7% (95% CI, 4%-9%), which did not differ by age after controlling for IOL location and laterality. In this cohort study, a frequent complication following pediatric lensectomy with primary IOL was surgery for VAO, which was associated with primary anterior vitrectomy not being performed but was not associated with age at surgery or IOL location. The risk of glaucoma development across all ages at surgery suggests a need for long-term monitoring.

Efficacy of perioperative 2% dorzolamide ophthalmic solution for reduction of postoperative ocular hypertension in dogs following routine phacoemulsification surgery: A prospective clinical trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of 2% dorzolamide ophthalmic solution for reduction of postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) following routine phacoemulsification surgery in dogs. Thirty one dogs (53 eyes) with naturally occurring cataracts undergoing routine phacoemulsification surgery. A prospective, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study design was utilized. Dogs received 2% dorzolamide ophthalmic solution or saline 1 h prior to surgery then three times daily for 21 days postoperatively in the operated eye(s). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded 1 h prior to surgery and 3 h, 7 h, 22 h, 1 week and 3 weeks postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of p < .05. Postoperative ocular hypertension (IOP ≥25 mmHg, <24 h after surgery) occurred in 28/53 (52.8%) eyes. There was significant reduction in the incidence of POH for eyes receiving dorzolamide (10/26 (38.4%) eyes) versus eyes receiving placebo (18/27 (66.7%) eyes) (p = .0384). Animals were followed for a median of 163 days after surgery. Thirty-seven (37/53 (69.8%)) eyes were visual at final examination and 3/53 (5.7%) globes were enucleated postoperatively. At last follow-up, there was no difference in visual status (p = .9280), need for topical IOP lowering medication (p = .8319) or incidence of glaucoma (p = .5880) based on treatment group. Perioperative administration of topical 2% dorzolamide reduced the incidence of POH after phacoemulsification in the dogs studied. However, this was not associated with differences in visual outcome, incidence of glaucoma or need for IOP-lowering medications.

Ahmed and Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Devices in Childhood Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis.

The effectiveness of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) was comparable in the management of childhood glaucoma over the long term despite initial better success rate with BGI. There were higher tube block and retraction rates in the BGI group and higher tube exposure rates in the AGV group. To evaluate the outcomes and safety of AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma. We performed a systematic literature review of publications from 1990 to 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and google scholar for studies evaluating AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and glaucoma medication reduction. The secondary outcome measures were the success rates and incidence of postoperative complications. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1480 eyes were included. The mean IOP reduction was 15.08 mm Hg ( P < 0.00001) for AGV and 14.62 ( P < 0.00001) for the BGI group. The mean difference between pre and postoperative glaucoma medications was 1 ( P < 0.00001) fewer medications in the AGV group and 0.95 ( P < 0.0001) fewer medications in the BGI group. There was a lower success rate in the AGV versus BGI groups at 2 years [63% vs 83%, respectively ( P < 0.0001) and 3 years (43% vs 79%, respectively ( P < 0.0001)]; however, the success was higher for AGV at 5 years (63% vs 56% in the BGI group, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was comparable in the AGV and BGI groups, with rates of 28% and 27%, respectively. The IOP and glaucoma medication reduction, success rates, and incidence of postoperative complications were comparable in Ahmed and Baerveldt groups. Most literature comes from retrospective low-quality studies on refractory childhood glaucoma. Further larger cohort studies are needed.

Ocular severe involvement in oculofaciocardiodental syndrome: Description of a case series.

Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting ocular, facial, dental, and cardiac systems, being an X-linked condition caused by pathogenic variants in the BCL-6 corepressor gene (BCOR). We report a case series of three female patients with OFCD syndrome with severe glaucoma. Three female patients with OFCD syndrome with different variants involving BCOR gene, in heterozygosity: a seven-years-old girl with an insertion (c.2037_2038dupCT), a nine years-old girl with a microdeletion in the X (p21.2-p11.4)) spanning the BCOR gene; and a 25 years-old female with a deletion (c.3858_3859del). Systemic involvement is variable among patients ranging from one patient mainly with ocular and dental involvement to one with associated intra-auricular and intra-ventricular defects. All the patients presented with congenital cataracts diagnosed in the first days of life. Cataract surgery was performed without incidents between 6 and 16 weeks of age in all the patients. Postoperatively, the three patients developed ocular hypertension and glaucoma with the need for surgical interventions, including trabeculectomy, Ahmed valve implantation, and cyclophotocoagulation. OFCD syndrome characterizes by a severe ocular involvement with glaucoma as a characteristic feature. Ocular hypertension after cataract surgery in these patients is challenging, almost always needing surgery during childhood. Therefore, we consider BCOR disruption may predispose to a higher incidence of glaucoma due to its aggressiveness and early onset on our case series. The awareness of these complications is crucial to an adequate follow-up of the patients.

Risk of new-onset glaucoma in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A nationwide, population-based cohort study.

To explore the relationship of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and subsequent glaucoma incidence. Patients with SLE were defined as those newly diagnosed by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 710.0 in at least 3 outpatient visits or 1 hospitalization during 2000-2012 by using the National Health Insurance Research Database. We selected a non-SLE comparison cohort at a 1:1 ratio by propensity score matching on age, gender, index date, comorbidities and medications. We identified outcome as the incident glaucoma in patients with SLE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) in 2 groups. Kaplan- Meier analysis was performed to estimate the cumulative incidence rate between both groups. There were 1743 patients who were included in the SLE group and non-SLE group. The aHR of glaucoma was 1.56 (95% CI = 1.03-2.36) in the SLE group, compared to non-SLE controls. Subgroup analysis showed that SLE patients present greater risk of glaucoma, especially in males (aHR = 3.76; 95% CI, 1.5-9.42), and the P for interaction between gender and risk of glaucoma was 0.026. This cohort study showed that patients with SLE have 1.56-fold risk of glaucoma development. Gender acted as an effect modifier between SLE and the risk of new-onset glaucoma.

Association between lifestyle habits and glaucoma incidence: a retrospective cohort study

Background/ObjectivesAlthough lifestyle habits may represent modifiable risk factors of glaucoma, the association between lifestyle factors and glaucoma is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifestyle habits and the development of glaucoma.Subjects/MethodsParticipants who underwent health check-ups from 2005 to 2020 using a large-scale administrative claims database in Japan were included in the study. Cox regression analyses were performed where glaucoma development was regressed on the lifestyle (body mass index, current smoking, frequency and amount of alcohol consumption, eating habits, exercise habits and quality of sleep), age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia.ResultsAmong the 3,110,743 eligible individuals, 39,975 developed glaucoma during the mean follow-up of 2058 days. Factors associated with increased risk of glaucoma were overweight/obese (vs. moderate weight: hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.07]), alcohol consumption of 2.5–4.9 units/day, 5–7.4 units/day, and ≥7.5 units/day (vs. <2.5 units/day: 1.05 [1.02–1.08], 1.05 [1.01–1.08] and 1.06 [1.01–1.12], respectively), skipping breakfast (1.14 [1.10–1.17]), late dinner (1.05 [1.03-1.08]) and daily walking of 1 h (1.14 [1.11–1.16]). Factors associated with decreased risk of glaucoma were daily alcohol consumption (vs. rarely: 0.94 [0.91–0.97]) and regular exercise (0.92 [0.90–0.95]).ConclusionsModerate body mass index, having breakfast, avoiding late dinner, limiting alcohol intake to <2.5 units/day, and regular exercise were associated with a reduced risk of developing glaucoma in the Japanese population. These findings may be useful for promoting glaucoma prophylaxis.

Visual function and retinal morphological changes after single suprachoroidal delivery of fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien®) implant in eyes with chronic diabetic macular edema

BackgroundTo assess the efficacy and safety of supra-choroidal (SC) Iluvien in the management of chronic diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsA retrospective interventional non-comparative consecutive case series including patients with chronic DME who received an SC Iluvien implant. All patients had persistent central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300µ after previous treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or laser photocoagulation. The main outcome measures were improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reduction of CMT, and detection of ocular hypertension/glaucoma or cataract formation. Friedman’s two-way ANOVA was used to analyze BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), and DME across different time points. P-value = 0.05.ResultsThe study included 12 eyes of 12 patients. Six patients (50%) were males. The median age was 58 years (range 52–76 years). The median duration of DM was 13 years (range 8–20 years). Ten patients (83.3%) were phakic and 2 patients (17%) were pseudophakic. The median pre-operative BCVA was 0.07 (range 0.05–0.8). The median pre-operative CMT was 544µ (range 354–745µ). The median pre-operative IOP was 17 mmHg (range 14-21mmHg). The median follow-up period was 12 months, range (12–42). Post-operatively, the median final BCVA was 0.15 (range 0.03-1), p 0.02, the median CMT was 404µ (range 213–747), p 0.4 and the median IOP was 19.5 mmHg (range 15–22), p 1. Two out of 10 phakic patients (20%) developed nuclear sclerosis grade I by 12 months. Six patients (50%) developed a transient rise in IOP < 10 mmHg from the baseline that resolved within 3 weeks with antiglaucoma drops.ConclusionSC Iluvien is potentially effective in improving visual function, reducing macular edema, and reducing the incidence of steroid-induced cataracts and glaucoma.

Incidence and pre/post-treatment risk factors of glaucoma in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

To investigate the incidence and pre/post-treatment risk factors of glaucoma in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Data regarding secondary glaucoma were collected from the medical records of patients with VKH disease who were followed up at the uveitis service at Hiroshima University for more than 6months. We examined the incidence of glaucoma and pre/post-treatment risk factors for glaucoma in patients with VKH disease. Forty-nine patients with VKH disease were included in this study (31 women and 18 men). The mean age at onset was 50.4 ± 15.4years and the mean length of follow-up was 40.7 ± 25.5months. The most common initial treatment was pulse intravenous corticosteroid therapy (89.8%). Fifteen patients developed secondary glaucoma during follow-up. The median time of glaucoma onset from VKH development was 4.5months (range 0-44months). Disc swelling type as a pre-treatment factor (p = 0.089, hazard ratio = 7.268), worse final best corrected visual acuity (p = 0.099, odds ratio = 1.545), and cataract progression (p = 0.076, odds ratio = 7.886) as post-treatment factors showed trends for glaucoma development. The patients who progressed to the chronic recurrent stage had more complications including glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma occurred in more than 30% of patients with VKH disease. The factors that showed a trend toward glaucoma development may reflect an association with delayed treatment initiation and prolonged ocular inflammation.

Population-based screening leads to improved glaucoma diagnosis in Kazakhstan

To analyse the effect of the state screening program for glaucoma, funded by the Kazakhstan State programs for the health care system “Salamatty Kazakhstan” (2011–2015) and “Densaulyk” (2016–2019), on glaucoma diagnosis. This study involved 1,620,658 men and women 40–70 years of age. State screening for glaucoma includes measures of intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal thickness. Data for glaucoma incidence were retrieved from the state statistics dataset. Studies of vulnerable age groups and ophthalmologists’ availabilities were assessed, and correlations with glaucoma detection were determined. For the statistical analysis, MATLAB application package version R2017b (MathWorks, USA) was used. The number of registered glaucoma patients was 43,337 in 2010. In 2016, following the screening program, this figure increased to 68,195. A 49% increase in newly identified glaucoma cases from 70.8 (in 2010) to 124 (in 2016) per 100,000 population was determined. Thus, the sufficiency and effectiveness of the screening program were confirmed by the increase in the number of patients diagnosed with glaucoma, which also depended on age. A correlation between suspected glaucoma and age groups was exposed with the observation of a high number of cases in the older population. The state screening programs for glaucoma in the Republic of Kazakhstan constitute initial steps in the prevention of irreversible blindness and disability due to glaucoma. Such screening seems to allow timely and adequate diagnosis of the disease in people>40 years of age.

The association between obesity and glaucoma in older adults: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

This study evaluated the association between obesity and glaucoma in middle-aged and older people. A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Glaucoma was assessed via self-reports. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the relationship between obesity and glaucoma risk. Older males living in urban areas who were single, smokers, and non-drinkers were found to have a significantly higher incidence of glaucoma (all p<0.05). Diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease were also associated with higher glaucoma risk, while dyslipidemia was associated with lower risk (all p<0.05). After the model was adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables, obesity was significantly associated with a 10.2% decrease in glaucoma risk according to the Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 0.97) and an 11.8% risk reduction in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.97). A further subgroup analysis showed that obesity was associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma in people living in rural areas, in smokers, and in those with kidney disease (all p<0.05). Obesity also reduced glaucoma risk in people with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia more than in healthy controls (all p<0.05). This cohort study suggests that obesity was associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma, especially in rural residents, smokers, and people with kidney disease. Obesity exerted a stronger protective effect in people with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia than in healthy people.

Outcomes of surgical treatment of congenital cataract with microphthalmia in infancy

Objective: To examine the outcomes of surgical treatment for infants with congenital cataract and microphthalmia (CATM). Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Data of 28 (55 eyes) CATM children who underwent cataract surgery at the Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and were followed up for more than 5 years between January 2010 and December 2014 under the age of 6 months. There were 15 male and 13 female children. The age at the time of surgery was (3.2±1.3) months, and the follow-up time was (8.2±1.7) years. The data included the basic information of the children, the ocular biological parameters before and after surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and the occurrence of complications. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to IOL implantation, secondary glaucoma, and visual axis opacification (VAO). Results: The mean preoperative axial length was (16.6±1.0) mm, and the mean horizontal corneal diameter was (9.5±0.9) mm. The axial growth rate within 2 years after the first stage of surgery was (1.4±0.8) mm/year. None of the children had an IOL implanted before the age of 2. Sixty percent of the eyes (33/55) received IOL implantation within 2 to 4 years after the first stage of surgery, while the remaining 40% (22/55) did not receive IOL implantation at the last follow-up. The axial growth rate was (0.9±0.7) mm/year within two years after the second stage of surgery. Postoperative secondary glaucoma occurred in 7 eyes (12.7%), and VAO occurred in 15 eyes (27.3%). IOL implantation was associated with preoperative axial length (OR=0.072, P<0.001) and age at the first stage of surgery (OR=7.270, P<0.001), but not with preoperative corneal diameter (P=0.735). The incidence of VAO was associated with preoperative corneal diameter (OR=4.124, P=0.011), but not with age at the first stage of surgery (P=0.489) or preoperative axial length (P=0.489). No factors related to the occurrence of secondary glaucoma were found. The best corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up after IOL implantation was (0.37±0.28) logMAR, which was better than that of children without IOL implantation (0.67±0.19) logMAR (U=49.50, P=0.003). Conclusions: Children with CATM can obtain the opportunity for IOL implantation through early surgery and ultimately achieve good visual outcomes. Properly selecting the timing for implanting IOL can keep the incidence of secondary glaucoma at an acceptable level.

Age-Based Association of Glaucoma with the Prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension at a National Hospital in Seoul

Glaucoma can have profound consequences on vision. Although diabetes and hypertension have been suggested as risk factors for glaucoma, their relevance in epidemiological studies remains controversial. Accordingly, we investigated whether diabetes and hypertension, as well as factors such as age and sex, affected the risk of glaucoma. From May 30, 2022, to June 24, 2022, 1152 patients were selected from a national hospital (Seoul, Korea) to analyze the association among visual field test results, diabetes, and hypertension. Patients who visited the hospital for glaucoma treatment or those referred for glaucoma were randomly selected. The mean deviation value, obtained from visual field test results, is an index of the overall change in the visual field. Based on the mean deviation value, patients with glaucoma were classified into early- (-6<MD<0), middle- (-12<MD<-6), and late-stage (MD<-12) glaucoma groups. Among the 1152 patients, 110 (10%) had diabetes co-occurring with hypertension and 997 (87%) had glaucoma. Among the patients with glaucoma, those with early glaucoma were the most represented and most of them did not have comorbid diabetes or hypertension. Moreover, the incidence of glaucoma was higher in older adults aged ≥60 years. No major sex-based changes in the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension were detected in patients with glaucoma. This retrospective study suggests that diabetes and hypertension may affect glaucoma risk; however, other factors such as age may also play a role in glaucoma progression. Regular medical and ophthalmic examinations are necessary to diagnose and manage glaucoma.

Retropupillary iris-claw lens

Aim: To evaluate the preoperative and intraoperative indications, postoperative complications, incidence of secondary glaucoma, and visual outcome in patient who underwent iris-claw implantation during cataract surgery and effect of vitrectomy on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP). Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2016 to February 2020. One hundred eighty-seven eyes of 187 patients who underwent iris-claw lens implantation, with minimum 1 month follow-up, were included in the study. Analysis of records was done for preoperative, intraoperative findings and was recorded and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IOP were noted in each follow-up. Results: Mean preoperative BCVA of 187 eyes was 1.78 logMAR (SD 0.68), which increased to 0.61 ± 0.50, 0.36 ± 0.26, 0.21 ± 0.16 logMAR at postoperative day 1, day 7, and 1 month, respectively. Most common indications included phacodonesis (17.65%), small dilating and nondilating pupil (11.22%), zonular dialysis (6.41%), and pseudoexfoliation in (4.81%). Few patients (6.94%) had preexisting corneal pathologies which lend up in intraoperative complications that lead to iris-claw implantation. Mean IOP in vitrectomized eye after 1 month was 15.53 (SD 2.16) mm Hg and those of nonvitrectomized was 16 (SD 1.90) mm Hg. Posterior capsular rent and whole capsular bag loss were the most common intraoperative indications. Incidence of secondary glaucoma was 2.13%. Irregular pupil was the most common anterior segment finding at 1 month postoperatively. Conclusion: Retropupillary iris-claw implantation is one of the safe and least complicated methods of managing intraoperative complications which gives good visual acuity and prevent patient from the trauma of multiple surgeries.

Диагностика глаукомы на современном этапе

Thus far, practicing physicians perform glaucoma screening based on Graefe’s triad of symptoms. Considering the predicted increase in glaucoma incidence and the current trend in diagnosis verification at the time when patients already demonstrate significant changes in visual function, the issue on the need to revise these "markers" is raised. Summarizing the available modern diagnostic capabilities for glaucoma screening, it is fair to say that nowadays none of the diagnostic methods can "work alone". Only monitoring of glaucoma patients will help to determine accurately the presence or absence of glaucoma changes. Thus, the current standard for glaucoma detection includes several diagnostic methods. To receive reliable data on the disease prevalence, its diagnosis should be established in a timely manner. However, there are still difficulties faced in diagnosing glaucoma. This problem can be solved through the improvement of the available diagnostic tools and/or the introduction of novel methods of patient assessment. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, capable of learning and conducting in-depth analysis, has enabled the development of this approach. At the same time, the question of optimizing its application for practical medicine remains open. Keywords: primary open-angle glaucoma, glaucoma screening, glaucoma diagnosing, neural networks. For citation: Movsisyan A.B., Kuroyedov A.V. Making a diagnosis of glaucoma at the present time. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;23(1):47–53 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2023-23-1-47-53.