Intraocular Pressure Medication Research Articles

Effect of Lens Status on Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage Resolution.

Purpose: To determine the effect of lens status (pseudophakic vs phakic) on diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (VH) resolution time. Methods: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for each case of diabetic VH until resolution, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or loss to follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine predictors of diabetic VH resolution time through estimated hazard ratios (HRs). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis compared differences in the resolution rate by lens status and other significant factors. Results: Overall, 243 eyes were included. Pseudophakia (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.07-2.90; P = .03) and prior PPV (HR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.77-6.07; P < .001) were significant factors for faster resolution. Pseudophakic eyes resolved in 5.5 months (median, 25.1 weeks; 95% CI, 19.3-31.0) and phakic eyes in 10 months (median, 43.0 weeks; 95% CI, 36.0-50.0) (P = .001). More pseudophakic eyes than phakic eyes resolved without PPV (44.2% vs 24.8%) (P = .001). Eyes without prior PPV resolved in 9.5 months (median, 41.0 weeks; 95% CI, 35.7-46.3) compared with 5 months (median, 22.3 weeks; 95% CI, 9.8-34.8) in vitrectomized eyes (P < .001). Age, treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor injections or panretinal photocoagulation, intraocular pressure medications, and glaucoma history were not significant predictors. Conclusions: Diabetic VH resolved almost twice as fast in pseudophakic eyes than in phakic eyes. Eyes with a history of PPV resolved 3 times quicker than those without PPV. A better understanding of VH resolution can help personalize the decision on when to proceed with PPV.

Efficacy of ab-interno gelatin microstent implantation in primary and refractory glaucoma

ObjectifÉvaluer les résultats de l'implantation ab interno d'une micro-endoprothèse en gélatine seule ou en association avec la phacoémulsification, en vue de réduire la pression intraoculaire (PIO). NatureÉtude de cohorte rétrospective. ParticipantsOnt été inclus 141 yeux de 141 patients (peu importe le type de glaucome, y compris le glaucome réfractaire) qui ont fait l'objet d'une chirurgie au Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) entre 2015 et 2018. Les patients ont été admis à l’étude s'ils avaient plus de 40 ans et si leur PIO préopératoire était > 18 mm Hg sous l'effet du traitement médicamenteux maximal toléré. MéthodesTous les patients ont fait l'objet de l'implantation ab interno d'une micro-endoprothèse (XEN-45, Allergan, Madison, NJ) sous couvert de mitomycine C avec ou sans phacoémulsification. Le paramètre principal était la réussite chirurgicale complète (PIO : 6-18 mm Hg et baisse < 20 % par rapport aux valeurs de départ, sans prise de médicament permettant d'abaisser la PIO ni nouvelle intervention ou cyclophotocoagulation); au nombre des paramètres secondaires, mentionnons les suivants : succès mitigé s'accompagnant de la prise de médicaments, réduction en pourcentage de la PIO moyenne et du nombre de médicaments administrés, et baisse du nombre de complications, d'interventions et de nouvelles chirurgies. RésultatsLa durée moyenne du suivi a été de 30,5 ± 10,2 mois (± é.-t.). La PIO moyenne se chiffrait à 23,3 ± 7,0 mm Hg malgré la prise de 3,4 ± 0,8 médicaments au départ et à 13,3 ± 4,7 mm Hg malgré la prise de 1,9 ± 1,5 médicament lors du suivi à 24 mois (p < 0,001). Selon l'analyse de survie à 24 mois, on estime que 34,1 % des yeux qui ont reçu une micro-endoprothèse ont bénéficié d'une réussite complète, comparativement à 20,7 % pour le groupe avec phacoémulsification (p = 0,02); le succès a été mitigé dans 79,1 % des yeux qui ont reçu une micro-endoprothèse, comparativement à 75,1 % dans le groupe avec phacoémulsification (p = 0,86). Le taux d’échec a été plus élevé dans le groupe avec phacoémulsification (rapport de risque [RR] = 1,6; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %: 1,1–2,3; p = 0,02). On a dû recourir à un aiguilletage de mitomycine C ou de 5-fluorouracil en période postopératoire dans 54 yeux (38,3 %). L'hypotonie transitoire (10,6 %), l'hyphéma transitoire (6,4 %), l’œdème maculaire (4,3 %) et l'extrusion de la micro-endoprothèse (2,8 %) comptaient au nombre des complications. On a dû opérer à nouveau 33 yeux (23,4 %), et 14 yeux (9,9 %) ont dû par la suite faire l'objet d'une cyclophotocoagulation au laser. ConclusionsDans la plupart des cas, l'implantation d'une micro-endoprothèse a dû être complétée d'un traitement topique dans les 24 mois suivant la chirurgie visant le traitement d'un glaucome primaire et réfractaire. Qui plus est, l'ajout d'une phacoémulsification s'accompagnait d'un risque plus élevé d’échec.

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: One year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS.

To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9±2.6mmHg (±standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3±1.9; p<0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7±0.7 to 0.3±0.8 (p<0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

12-month clinical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma in the United Kingdom.

To describe intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular hypotensive medication outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB; New World Medical, Inc, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in adults with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Retrospective chart review of existing medical records. Data collected included intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication use preoperatively and through up to 24 months postoperatively. Paired t-tests were utilized to compare preoperative to postoperative mean IOP and mean medications used. Data from 32 eyes of 26 subjects were analyzed. Subjects were predominantly Caucasian (25/26) had mean (standard error) age of 79.3 (1.2) years, and eyes had moderate-advanced OAG (mean visual field mean deviation -8.3 [1.3] dB). Mean IOP was 19.8 (0.8) mmHg at baseline and 15.5 (0.6) mmHg (p<0.0001) after mean follow-up of 11.5 (1.0) months; IOP reductions of ≥20% were achieved in 20/32 eyes (62.5%). Mean medication use declined from 2.4 (0.2) medications per eye at baseline to 0.5 (0.2) at last follow-up (p<0.0001); 23/32 eyes (71.9%) were medication-free at last follow-up. No vision-threatening complications were observed. Combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy with the KDB safely provided mean IOP reductions of 21.7% and mean IOP medication reductions of 83% after mean follow-up of 12 months in eyes with moderate to advanced OAG. This procedure provides medication-independence in most eyes with statistically and clinically significant IOP reductions.

Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes with ab interno Gel Implant in the Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering and safety profiles of the Xen45 Gel Stent implantation with preoperative Mitomycin C injection during a 6 months follow-up in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Records of fourteen eyes of 13 POAG patients who underwent surgery with XEN45 Gel Stent combined with phacoemulsification were evaluated retrospectively. IOP changes, all complications and additional procedures during follow-up period were evaluated. Primary outcome measure was IOP, and the IOP target for complete success was defined as a postoperative IOP drop of more than 20% from preoperative baseline and IOP≥6 and ≤21 at 6 months without any glaucoma medications and qualified success was defined as a postoperative IOP reduction of more than 20% and IOP≥6 and ≤21 at 6 months with or without medications. &#x0D; Results: Mean preoperative medicated IOP was 28.4 ± 2.7 mmHg with a mean of 2.6 ± 0.6 topical anti-glaucoma molecules. After 6 month follow-up period, mean IOP decreased to 17.8 ± 1.5 mmHg (mean IOP reduction of 37%) on 0.4 ± 1.1 antiglaucoma molecules. The complete success rate after 6 months was achieved in 42.8 % and qualified success in 85.7. Totally only 2 (14.2 %) patients required additional procedure (1 needling and 1 trabeculectomy). &#x0D; Conclusions: The study showed that the XEN45 Gel Stent implantation combined with phaco-cataract surgery is an effective surgical method in POAG in case of uncontrolled IOP with a favorable safety profile and low complication rate.

Cirugía combinada de trabeculostomía láser excímer y facoelmusificación: datos a un año en el mundo real de una MIGS de tipo láser

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. Patients and methodsSingle-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. ResultsThirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9 ± 2.6 mmHg (± standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. ConclusionCombining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

Two-Year Clinical Outcomes of Combined Phacoemulsification, Goniosynechialysis, and Excisional Goniotomy For Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

The aim of this study was to describe changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP medications after phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract. Retrospective case series. Data were collected retrospectively through 24 months of follow-up in 42 eyes of 24 subjects. Preoperative mean (SE) IOP was 25.5 (0.7) mm Hg using a mean of 2.3 (0.1) medications per eye. At month 24, mean IOP had decreased to 13.5 (0.4) mm Hg [a reduction of 12.0 mm Hg (47.1%); P < 0.0001]. Medication use declined to a mean of 0.6 (0.2) medications per eye [a reduction of 1.7 medications per eye (76%); P < 0.0001]. At month 24, 40 of 42 eyes (95.2%) achieved IOP ≤18 mm Hg, 42 of 42 eyes (100%) achieved IOP reduction of ≥20%, 36 of 42 eyes (85.7%) required ≥1 fewer medications for IOP control, and 29 of 42 (69.0%) were medication-free. No eyes required additional glaucoma surgery throughout 24 months of follow-up. Phaco plus Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis/excisional goniotomy provides statistically and clinically meaningful reductions in both IOP and medications in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma throughout 2 years of follow-up. These findings are consistent with our previously reported outcomes in this cohort at months 6 and 12 postoperatively, demonstrating a significant and sustained benefit of this procedure in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Micropulse trans-scleral laser therapy outcomes for uncontrolled glaucoma: a prospective 18-month study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of micropulse trans-scleral laser therapy (mTLT) in glaucomatous patients. DesignProspective, interventional study in a university hospital setting. ParticipantsFifty-two eyes of 52 adult patients with uncontrolled glaucoma despite maximal tolerated medical treatment, and/or poor candidates for filtering surgery. MethodsParticipants received a 360-degree mTLT diode laser treatment (2000mW, 31.33% duty cycle), with duration adjusted to iris pigmentation and glaucoma severity (160–320 seconds). They were followed for 18 months to assess intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), glaucoma progression based on Humphrey Sita 24-2 perimetry and Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography, and complications. The primary outcome measure was the absolute success at 18 months. Absolute success was defined as an IOP 6–21 mm Hg and at least 25% IOP reduction, with equal or less number of IOP medications. Qualified success allowed for an increased number of IOP medications. Failure was defined as an inability to meet the criteria for success or the need for incisional glaucoma surgery. ResultsTreatment absolute success was 61.5% at 12 months and 59.6% at 18 months. Mean IOP was reduced by 35.6% at 18 months (23.6 ± 6.5 mm Hg at baseline; 15.2 ± 4.1 mm Hg at 18 months, p < 0.001). mTLT did not significantly reduce the number of topical glaucoma medications (p = 0.075); however, 15 eyes (29%) had systemic oral glaucoma treatment at baseline and 10 eyes (20%) at 18 months. Eight patients (15%) experienced vision loss of ≥2 lines after the procedure. Three patients (6%) regained their preoperative CDVA by 1 month, and 3 patients (6%) by 3 months, while 2 patients (4%) sustained persistent visual loss. No ocular complications were noted in 84.6%. Incisional surgery was required in 25% of eyes owing to inadequately controlled glaucoma despite mTLT. ConclusionsmTLT is a good therapeutic option for moderate IOP reduction, while being safe and predictable. This improved safety profile makes mTLT a treatment to be considered earlier in the management of glaucoma.

Excisional goniotomy vs trabecular microbypass stent implantation: a prospective randomized clinical trial in eyes with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.

To compare reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication in eyes undergoing excisional goniotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) vs iStent microbypass implantation, both combined with phacoemulsification, in eyes with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Nine practices in the United States. Prospective, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Eyes were randomized to KDB-Phaco or iStent-Phaco group. Demographics, corrected distance visual acuity, IOP, IOP-lowering medications, and adverse events were collected at baseline and at day 1, week 1, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eyes at 12 months with IOP reduction of 20% or greater or IOP medication reduction of 1 or more compared with baseline. For this study, 164 eyes of 164 patients were analyzed (82 in each group). Mean IOP was reduced at 12 months compared with baseline from 18.5 (standard of error 0.4) to 15.4 (0.4) mm Hg in the KDB-Phaco group and from 18.5 (0.3) to 16.1 (0.4) mm Hg in the iStent-Phaco group (P = .24). Mean IOP-lowering medications were reduced from 1.3 (0.1) to 0.3 (0.1) in the KDB-Phaco group and from 1.4 (0.1) to 0.4 (0.1) in the iStent-Phaco group (P = .17). Among study completers, the primary outcome was attained in 74 (93.7%) of 79 patients of KDB-Phaco eyes and 65 (83.3%) of 78 patients of iStent-Phaco eyes (P = .04). Both procedures had similar safety profiles. Both procedures lowered both IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications effectively and safely in eyes with mild to moderate OAG and cataract. Significantly, more KDB-Phaco eyes than iStent-Phaco eyes met the primary outcome of 20% or greater IOP reduction or 1 or more medication reduction at 12 months.

Evaluating Glaucoma Treatment Effect on Intraocular Pressure Reduction Using Propensity Score Weighted Regression

Observational studies in glaucoma patients can provide important evidence on treatment effects, especially for combination therapies which are often used in reality. But the success relies on the reduction of selection bias through methods such as propensity score (PS) weighting. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of five glaucoma treatments (medication, laser, non-laser surgery (NLS), laser + medication, and NLS + medication) on 1-year intraocular pressure (IOP) change. Data were collected from 90 glaucoma subjects who underwent a single laser, or NLS intervention, and/or took the same medication for at least 6 months, and had IOP measures before the treatment and 12-months after. Baseline IOP was significantly different across groups (p = 0.007) and this unbalance was successfully corrected by the PS weighting (p = 0.81). All groups showed statistically significant PS-weighted IOP reductions, with the largest reduction in NLS group (−6.78 mmHg). Baseline IOP significantly interacted with treatments (p = 0.03), and at high baseline IOP medication was less effective than other treatments. Our findings showed that the 1-year IOP reduction differed across treatment groups and was dependent on baseline IOP. The use of PS-weighted methods reduced treatment selection bias at baseline and allowed valid assessment of the treatment effect in an observational study.

Argon Laser Iridoplasty For Plateau Iris Syndrome: Long-Term Outcomes of 48 Eyes.

Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) was performed on 48 eyes with plateau iris syndrome (PIS). Indentation gonioscopy was used to monitor the opening of the iridocorneal angle. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 5 years decreased from 15.9 to 14.4 mm Hg. None of the eyes required trabeculectomy. The purpose of this article was to report the long-term outcomes of ALPI for PIS. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with PIS treated with ALPI from 2001 to 2012. The study included 48 eyes from 28 patients with PIS after peripheral iridotomy, with a follow-up of at least 5 years. Patients with advanced glaucoma requiring initial surgical treatment (pathologic discs and IOP above the target IOP despite medical treatment) were excluded. The primary outcomes were the effect on the number of IOP medications, and the need for complementary selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or surgery (trabeculectomy and/or phacoemulsification). Secondary outcomes were optic nerve head changes and adverse events. The mean IOP statistically decreased after ALPI (15.91±2.62 vs. 14.35±2.18 mm Hg, P>0.001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications statistically increased after ALPI (0.81±0.94 vs. 1.2±1.04, P>0.001). Mean follow-up was 92.4±26.5 months. At the end of the follow-up, 12 (25%) eyes had no medications, 20 (42%) had 1 medication, 11 (23%) had 2 medications, 3 (6%) had 3 medications, and 2 (4%) had 4. Ten (21%) eyes underwent SLT, 6 (10%) underwent phacoemulsification, and no trabeculectomy was necessary during follow-up. The change in cup to disc ratio from pre-ALPI to latest follow-up was not statistically significant, and no adverse events were reported. ALPI is relatively effective and safe to prevent angle-closure glaucoma and avoid trabeculectomy in patients with PIS. This procedure often helps to control IOP, although SLT and additional medical treatments are frequently necessary to maintain the target IOP.

12-Month Retrospective Comparison of Kahook Dual Blade Excisional Goniotomy with Istent Trabecular Bypass Device Implantation in Glaucomatous Eyes at the Time of Cataract Surgery.

PurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of combined cataract extraction and either excisional goniotomy performed with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB; phaco-KDB group) or single iStent trabecular bypass implantation (phaco-iStent group) in eyes with mild to moderate glaucoma and visually significant cataract.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 315 eyes from 230 adults with mild or moderate glaucoma treated with one or more intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications (190 eyes of 134 subjects in the phaco-KDB group and 125 eyes of 96 subjects in the phaco-iStent group) that required no subsequent surgical intervention for IOP control through 12 months of follow-up. Data included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, and IOP-lowering medications, collected preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively as well as intraoperative and postoperative adverse events. The primary efficacy outcomes were the proportion of subjects in each group achieving ≥ 20% IOP reduction and ≥ 1 medication reduction at month 12. Subgroup analysis by baseline IOP (≤ 18 mmHg vs. > 18 mmHg) was also performed.ResultsMean (standard error) baseline IOP was 18.2 (0.3) mmHg in the phaco-KDB group and 16.7 (0.3) mmHg in the phaco-iStent group (p = 0.001). Statistically significant mean IOP and mean IOP medication reductions from baseline were achieved at all time points in both groups. Mean IOP reductions were significantly greater in the phaco-KDB group than in the phaco-iStent group at all time points including month 12 [− 5.0 (0.3) mmHg vs. − 2.3 (0.4) mmHg, p < 0.001], while mean medication reductions were similar between groups at all time points except week 1, when greater mean medication reduction was seen in the phaco-iStent group (− 1.23 vs. − 0.60 medications, p < 0.001). At month 12, IOP reductions ≥ 20% were achieved by 64.2% and 41.6% (p < 0.001) in the phaco-KDB and phaco-iStent groups, respectively, and IOP medication reductions of ≥ 1 medication were achieved by 80.4% and 77.4% (p = 0.522), respectively. Intraocular pressure subgroup analysis revealed significant reductions in IOP-lowering medications without compromise of IOP control in lower IOP subgroups and significant reductions in both IOP and IOP-lowering medications in the higher IOP subgroups. The most common adverse events were transient IOP elevations and transient anterior chamber inflammation, which occurred with similar frequency in both groups and resolved spontaneously.ConclusionGoniotomy with the KDB lowered IOP significantly more than iStent implantation, with few adverse events in both groups. In eyes with mild to moderate glaucoma undergoing combined cataract extraction and glaucoma surgery, goniotomy with the KDB can safely deliver statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in both IOP and IOP medication burden through 12 months of follow-up.FundingNew World Medical, Inc., provided funding for the study, medical writing assistance, Rapid Service Fees, and the open access fee.

Kahook Dual Blade Excisional Goniotomy and Goniosynechialysis Combined With Phacoemulsification for Angle-closure Glaucoma: 6-Month Results.

The purpose of this study was to characterize reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for IOP-lowering medications following phacoemulsification combined with Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract. In this retrospective, interventional case series, preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were collected through 6 months of follow-up from 42 eyes of 24 subjects. Outcomes included mean IOP reduction, reduction in IOP-lowering medications, and the proportion of patients achieving IOP reduction ≥20%, IOP≤18 mm Hg, and reduction of ≥1 medication. Preoperatively, mean (SE) IOP was 25.5 (0.7) mm Hg and the mean number of IOP-lowering medications used was 2.3 (0.1) per eye. Through 6 months of follow-up, mean IOP reductions of 10.1 to 12.8 mm Hg (38.4% to 49.5%; P<0.0001) and mean IOP medication reductions of -2.2 to -2.3 (91.7% to 98.4%; P<0.0001) were seen. At month 6, 92.9% of eyes (39/42) achieved IOP≤18 mm Hg, 100% (42/42) achieved IOP reduction of ≥20%, 100% (42/42) required ≥1 fewer medications for IOP control, and 85.7% (36/42) were medication free. Phacoemulsification combined with Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy safely provides statistically and clinically meaningful reductions in both IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma.

Three-year results from the Retro-IDEAL study: Real-world data from diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with ILUVIEN® (0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant).

Introduction:The Retro-IDEAL (ILUVIEN Implant for chronic DiabEtic MAcuLar edema) study is a retrospective study designed to assess real-world outcomes achieved with the ILUVIEN® (0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc)) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical practices in Germany.Methods:This study was conducted across 16 sites in Germany and involved 81 eyes (63 patients) with persistent or recurrent DME and a prior suboptimal response to a first-line intravitreal therapy (primarily anti-VEGF intravitreal therapies).Results:Patients were followed-up for 30.8 ± 11.3 months (mean ± standard deviation) and had a mean age of 68.0 ± 10.4 years. Best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA) improved by +5.5 letters at month 9 (P ⩽ 0.005, n=56; from a baseline of 49 letters) and this was maintained through to month 30 (P ⩽ 0.05, n = 42). There was a concurrent improvement in central macular thickness with a reduction from 502 µm at baseline to 338 µm at year 1 (P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 43). This effect was sustained to year 3 (i.e. 318 µm; P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 29). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) remained constant between baseline and year 3 with a peak change of 1.9 mm Hg occurring at year 1. Elevated IOP was observed in a similar percentage of patients prior to (22.2% of cases) and following (27.2%) treatment with the FAc implant. In the majority of cases, these elevations were managed effectively with IOP medications.Conclusions:Despite substantial amounts of prior intravitreal treatments – primarily with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs – this real-world study showed that sustained structural and functional improvements can last for up to 3 years with a single FAc implant.

Case Series of Combined iStent Implantation and Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Primary Angle Closure Disease: One-Year Outcomes.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined iStent® trabecular micro-bypass device (Glaukos, Laguna Hills, CA) and phacoemulsification in eyes with primary angle closure disease. A two-center prospective interventional case series of consecutive patients with primary angle closure (PAC) or primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) on at least one glaucoma medication, who underwent iStent implantation with cataract surgery. Postoperatively, patients were assessed on days 1 and 7, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. The intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use, visual acuity, and the presence of complications were assessed at each visit. Complete success was defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% without the use of glaucoma medications. Thirty-seven eyes with angle closure disease were included in this study. At 1-year, postoperative mean IOP (14.8 ± 3.94mmHg) was significantly decreased compared with preoperative medicated (17.5 ± 3.82mmHg, p = 0.008) and unmedicated (24.6 ± 3.41mmHg, p < 0.001) IOP. Complete success was achieved in 89.2% of the eyes. The number of glaucoma medications decreased from 1.49 ± 0.77 to 0.14 ± 0.48 (p < 0.001). Preoperative medicated IOP was a risk factor for failure (hazard ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 1.52-7.85, p = 0.003), after adjustment for age, gender, and race. The most common postoperative complications were iStent occlusion with iris (27.0%) and hyphema (18.9%). There were no sight-threatening intraoperative or postoperative complications. Combined iStent implantation with cataract surgery was effective in lowering the IOP and the number of glaucoma medications for at least 12months, with a favorable safety profile. Glaukos Corporation; NMRC Science Translational and Applied Research (STAR) award.

Long-term intraocular pressure changes after femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery in healthy eyes and glaucomatous eyes

To examine the long-term effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy (control) and glaucomatous eyes. University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Retrospective case series. The study comprised patients aged 18 to 89years meeting the inclusion criteria. Combination procedures were excluded. The main outcome measure was the change in the mean IOP from baseline to postoperatively. Of the 504 eyes meeting the criteria, 278 were in the glaucoma/glaucoma suspect group and 226 in the control group. Both groups had an initial mean increase in IOP 1day postoperatively (control: +2.0mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.6; glaucoma/glaucoma suspect: +3.4mm Hg; 95% CI, 2.5-4.2) (both P<.001). The increase was significantly higher in the glaucoma/glaucoma suspect group. The IOP returned to baseline levels at 1week. At 1month, both groups had a significant decrease in IOP that persisted until year 1 in the control group and through 3years in the glaucoma group. The number of IOP medications was unchanged in the glaucoma group during follow-up. The glaucoma/glaucoma suspect group achieved significantly greater IOP lowering than the control group after 6months. Control eyes and eyes with glaucoma had an initial mean IOP rise 1day after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. This was followed by a significant decrease starting at 1month. The reduction was sustained through 3years in the glaucoma group.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Vitreoretinal Surgeries With Deferred First Postoperative Visits at Day 3 or Later

Background and Objective: Postoperative (PO) day 1 visits can be challenging for certain patients (eg, satellite office patients). This study analyzes the proportion of eyes requiring changes in management on the first PO visit day ≥3 following vitreoretinal surgery. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series of 1 vitreoretinal surgeon was conducted on 246 surgeries of 231 patients with the first PO examination day ≥3 from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2013. Clinical parameters were statistically analyzed to identify eyes with pressure issues or early interventions. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed at PO weeks 1 to 4 and months 3 to 8. Results: At the first PO visit ≥3 (mean 4.5) days, 3.3% eyes had intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤5, 3.3% IOP ≥30, 0.8% choroidal detachments, 0.4% vitreous hemorrhage, and 0% endophthalmitis. About 2.0% of eyes required intervention (IOP medications). Surgical indications, procedure, and tamponade were not predictive of pressure issues or early intervention ( P &gt; .05). At weeks 1 to 4 and month 3 to 8, 4% to 6% of eyes required additional intervention or surgery. Conclusion: The first PO visit day ≥3 after vitreoretinal surgeries had low intervention rates. Few complications or additional surgeries occurred throughout the study period.

Intraocular pressure with rebound tonometry and effects of topical intraocular pressure reducing medications in guinea pigs

To investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) of adult guinea pig eyes with rebound tonometry (RBT), and assess the effects of four distinctive topical IOP reducing medications including Carteolol, Brimonidine, Brinzolamide and Latanoprost. The IOPs of twenty-four 12-week-old guinea pigs (48 eyes) were measured every two hours in one day with RBT as baselines. All the animals were then divided into four groups (Carteolol, Brimonidine, Brinzolamide and Latanaprost groups, n=6). The IOPs were measured and compared to the baseline 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 15 and 24h after treatment. The mean baseline IOP of 24 guinea pigs (48 eyes) was 10.3±0.36 mm Hg (6-13 mm Hg) and no binocular significant differences of IOPs were observed (t=1.76, P>0.05). No significant difference of IOP in Carteolol group at each time point was observed before and after treatment (t=1.48, P>0.05). In Brimonidine group, IOP was 2.2±1.9 mm Hg lower than the baseline after one hour (t=3.856, P=0.003) and lasted for one hour. In Brinzolamide group, IOP was 1.4±1.1 mm Hg lower than the baseline after one hour (t=4.53, P=0.001) and lasted for 7h and the IOP declined most at 3h. In Latanaprost group, IOP was 2.1±1.3 mm Hg lower than the baseline after one hour (t=6.11, P=0.001) and lasted for one hour. The IOP of guinea pig eyes is relatively stable compared to human eyes. In four reducing IOP medications, no significant effect of Carteolol is observed. Brinzolamide has the longest duration, while the Brimonidine has the shortest duration and the maximum level of treatment.

Two-Year COMPASS Trial Results: Supraciliary Microstenting with Phacoemulsification in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataracts

We evaluated 2-year safety and efficacy of supraciliary microstenting (CyPass Micro-Stent; Transcend Medical, Inc., Menlo Park, CA) for treating mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Multicenter (24 US sites), interventional randomized clinical trial (RCT) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01085357). Subjects were enrolled beginning July 2011, with study completion in March 2015. Subjects had POAG with mean diurnal unmedicated intraocular pressure (IOP) 21-33 mmHg and were undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery. After completing cataract surgery, subjects were intraoperatively randomized to phacoemulsification only (control) or supraciliary microstenting with phacoemulsification (microstent) groups (1:3 ratio). Microstent implantation via an ab interno approach to the supraciliary space allowed concomitant cataract and glaucoma surgery. Outcome measures included percentage of subjects achieving ≥20% unmedicated diurnal IOP lowering versus baseline, mean IOP change and glaucoma medication use, and ocular adverse event (AE) incidence through 24 months. Of 505 subjects, 131 were randomized to the control group and 374 were randomized to the microstent group. Baseline mean IOPs in the control and microstent groups were similar: 24.5±3.0 and 24.4±2.8 mmHg, respectively (P > 0.05); mean medications were 1.3±1.0 and 1.4±0.9, respectively (P > 0.05). There was early and sustained IOP reduction, with 60% of controls versus 77% of microstent subjects achieving ≥20% unmedicated IOP lowering versus baseline at 24 months (P= 0.001; per-protocol analysis). Mean IOP reduction was ↓7.4 mmHg for the microstent group versus ↓5.4 mmHg in controls (P < 0.001), with 85% of microstent subjects not requiring IOPmedications at 24 months. Mean 24-month medication use was 67% lower in microstent subjects (P<0.001); 59% of control versus 85% of microstent subjects were medication free. Mean medication use in controls decreased from 1.3±1.0 drugs at baseline to 0.7±0.9 and 0.6±0.8 drugs at 12 and 24 months, respectively, and in the microstent group from 1.4±0.9 to 0.2±0.6 drugs at both 12 and 24 months (P < 0.001 for reductions in both groups at both follow-ups vs. baseline). No vision-threatening microstent-related AEs occurred. Visual acuity was high in both groups through 24 months; >98% of all subjects achieved 20/40 best-corrected visual acuity or better. This RCT demonstrated safe and sustained 2-year reduction in IOP and glaucoma medication use after microinterventional surgical treatment for mild-to-moderate POAG.

A prospective 3-year follow-up trial of implantation of two trabecular microbypass stents in open-angle glaucoma.

PurposeTo evaluate 3-year safety and intraocular pressure (IOP) following two trabecular microbypass stents in phakic and pseudophakic subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) not controlled on preoperative medication.Patients and methodsIn this prospective pilot study, phakic or pseudophakic subjects with OAG and IOP between 18 mmHg and 30 mmHg on one preoperative topical ocular hypotensive medication underwent medication washout. Thirty-nine qualified subjects with preoperative unmedicated IOP ≥22 mmHg and ≤38 mmHg received two stents. Postoperative examinations were scheduled at Day 1, Week 1, Months 1, 3, 6, and 12, and semiannually through Month 60. Ocular hypotensive medication was considered if postoperative IOP exceeded 21 mmHg. IOP, medication use, and safety were assessed at each visit. Subject follow-up through Month 36 was completed.ResultsThirty-six eyes (92.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 79.1%, 98.4%) achieved the primary efficacy end point of Month 12 reduction in IOP ≥20% from baseline (unmedicated IOP) without ocular hypotensive medication. Four subjects required medication during the Month 36 follow-up period. Mean IOP at 36 months for subjects not taking medication was 15.2 mmHg. At 36 months, subjects sustained mean IOP decrease of 9.1±2.7 mmHg (95% CI 8.0 mmHg, 10.14 mmHg), or 37% IOP reduction, from unmedicated baseline IOP. Compared to preoperative medicated IOP, subjects had mean reduction at Month 36 of 5.5±2.7 mmHg (95% CI 4.5 mmHg, 6.6 mmHg), or 26% reduction. Both measures of IOP reduction were highly significant (P<0.001). Other than one case of early postoperative hyphema that resolved at 1 week, no postoperative adverse events were attributed to stent implantation.ConclusionIn a pilot study, two trabecular microbypass stents to treat OAG subjects on one preoperative medication provided statistically significant, sustained, and safe reduction of IOP to ≤15 mmHg without medication through 36 months.