Treatment Of Intraocular Pressure Research Articles

Travoprost Intracameral Implant Demonstrates Superior IOP Lowering Versus Topical Prostaglandin Analog Monotherapy in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.

This study was conducted to analyze and compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) treatment effect of the slow-eluting (SE) travoprost intracameral implant to the IOP treatment effect of topical prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy in a subgroup of subjects who were on pre-study PGA monotherapy prior to enrollment in the two pivotal phase 3 trials of the travoprost intracameral implant. A combined study population of 133 subjects from two phase 3 trials, who were on topical PGA monotherapy at screening, subsequently underwent a washout period from their topical PGA, and then were randomized and administered an SE travoprost intracameral implant. The subjects were analyzed for the IOP treatment effects of the pre-study topical PGA monotherapy and the in-study SE travoprost intracameral implant. Paired t-tests were used to compare the difference in screening minus post-washout baseline IOP versus month 3 minus post-washout baseline IOP. The IOP-lowering efficacy in eyes administered an SE travoprost intracameral implant was compared to the IOP lowering in the same eyes while on a topical PGA monotherapy prior to study entry. Pre-study topical PGA monotherapy and the SE travoprost intracameral implant demonstrated IOP treatment effects of -5.76mmHg and -7.07 mmHg, respectively. The IOP-lowering treatment effect was significantly greater by 1.31mmHg for the SE travoprost intracameral implant relative to pre-study PGA monotherapy (95% confidence interval: -2.01, -0.60; P = 0.0003). The SE travoprost intracameral implant demonstrated superior IOP-lowering treatment effect versus pre-study topical PGA monotherapy with a superiority margin that was both statistically significant and clinically meaningful. The greater IOP reduction from baseline while on the SE implant versus pre-study topical PGA monotherapy may be a reflection of the optimized adherence and continuous elution of PGA therapy into the anterior chamber achieved with the SE travoprost intracameral implant. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03519386 and NCT03868124.

Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Cataract Surgery vs Combined Cataract Surgery With Insertion of iStent Inject

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined cataract surgery with insertion of an ab interno trabecular microbypass device (iStent Inject, Glaukos Corporation) compared to cataract surgery alone in patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma. DesignProspective, randomized, assessor-masked controlled trial at a single centre. ParticipantsEyes with visually-significant cataract and mild-to-moderate glaucoma with preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 12 – 30 mmHg on 0 to 3 ocular hypotensive medications. MethodsParticipants eyes were randomised (2017-2020) 1:1 to combined cataract surgery with iStent Inject (treatment group, n= 56) or cataract surgery alone (control group, n=48), and followed up for two years. Main Outcome MeasuresThe co-primary effectiveness endpoints were the number of ocular hypotensive medications and IOP at 24-months post-surgery. The secondary effectiveness endpoints were ocular comfort as measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and vision-related quality of life as measured by the Glaucoma Activity Limitation Questionnaire (GAL-9) at 24-months. Safety measures included postoperative visual acuity, any unplanned return to the operating theatre, adverse events, and complications. ResultsParticipants (67.3% male) were aged 53-85 years and treatment groups were similar in terms of mean medicated IOP (treatment group 17.7 mmHg ± 4.0; control group 17.1 mmHg ± 3.1), and number of ocular hypotensive medications (treatment group 1.69 ± 1.05; control group 1.80 ± 1.22) at baseline. At 24 months, the number of ocular hypotensive medications were 0.7 ± 0.9 in the treatment groups compared to 1.5 ± 1.9 in the control group, with an adjusted difference of 0.6 fewer medications per eye in the treatment group (95% CI 0.2 to 1.1, p=0.008). 57% of eyes in the treatment group were on no glaucoma medications compared to 36% in the control group. There was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups beyond the 4-weeks. There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes between the two groups. The visual outcomes and safety profiles were similar between the two groups. ConclusionsCombined cataract surgery with iStent Inject achieved a clinically- and statistically-significantly greater reduction in ocular hypotensive medication usage at 24-months compared to cataract surgery alone, with no significant difference in IOP.

Short-Term Outcomes of Bimatoprost Sustained-Release Intracameral Implant in Glaucoma.

This retrospective study found a statistically significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of medications after intracameral Bimatoprost sustained release (SR) injection in patients with glaucoma. A history of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) did not impact treatment outcomes. To determine outcomes of Bimatoprost SR on IOP and the number of topical IOP-lowering medications in patients with glaucoma. A secondary objective was to determine the outcomes of Bimatoprost SR in patients with a prior history of SLT. Retrospective case series. One hundred eighteen eyes from 84 patients that received Bimatoprost SR by 6 glaucoma specialists at Wills Eye Hospital from March 2020 to September 2021 were examined. The intervention was a single injection of intracameral Bimatoprost SR. The main outcome measures included IOP and the number of medications. The most recent mean follow-up time for all eyes was 27.8 ± 18.6 weeks. The mean posttreatment IOP at the most recent follow-up of 16.6 ± 5.3 mm Hg was significantly lower than the mean under-therapy pretreatment IOP of 18.5 ± 5.7 mm Hg for all eyes ( P < 0.01). The mean posttreatment number of medications at the most recent follow-up of 1.3 ± 1.3 decreased compared with the number of pretreatment medications of 2.1 ± 1.4 for all eyes ( P < 0.01). Analysis of multilevel models controlling for demographic variables demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in IOP and number of medications posttreatment ( P < 0.01). A prior history of SLT (n = 54) had no impact on treatment for both IOP and the number of medications ( P > 0.1 for both). Intracameral Bimatoprost SR reduced IOP and decreased the number of medications. Prior history of SLT did not impact Bimatoprost SR treatment outcomes.

Topical netarsudil for treatment of glaucoma with elevated episcleral venous pressure: A pilot investigation in sturge-weber syndrome.

Topical netarsudil 0.02% may reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by decreasing episcleral venous pressure (EVP), which carries theoretical utility for glaucoma associated with elevated EVP. A role for netarsudil in patients with elevated EVP is evaluated in a pilot investigation using a cohort of individuals with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Retrospective study of patients with SWS and glaucoma who were treated with netarsudil. Five patients (six eyes) were identified. Data collected included demographics, visual acuity, IOP, glaucoma medical and surgical treatments, and adverse effects of netarsudil. Mean age was 13.6 ± 8.5 years. EVP elevation was presumed based on clinical stigmata and/or historical features. Mean number of baseline glaucoma medications was 3.3 ± 1.2. There was a significant reduction in the IOP at netarsudil initiation (mean 26.2 ± 4.5 mmHg) to 1 month of netarsudil therapy (mean 20.2 ± 3.8 mmHg, p = 0.0283) and latest IOP on netarsudil (mean 17.6 ± 1.4 mmHg, p = 0.0034). Mean duration of netarsudil therapy was 18.7 ± 11.8 months. Three patients required additional glaucoma procedures; one patient required an additional glaucoma medication. Three eyes (50%) developed conjunctival hyperemia. One patient discontinued netarsudil at 29 months, to reduce drop burden. Netarsudil can effectively reduce IOP in patients with SWS, even when used as a fourth or fifth glaucoma medication. A possible role for netarsudil in the management of patients with elevated EVP is suggested pending further future investigations.

Peripapillary and macular microvasculature in neovascular age-related macular degeneration in long-term and recently started anti-VEGF therapy versus healthy controls.

To investigate the peripapillary and macular microvasculature in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in recently started versus long-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and healthy controls. Eyes with nAMD treated in a treat-and-extend regimen were assigned to group 1 (<5 injections) or 2 (≥20 injections) whereas group 3 constituted the healthy age-matched controls. Blood flow signals were acquired using PLEX® Elite 9000 swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the macular and peripapillary regions. Mean ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness values were quantified using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Including 80 eyes whereof 40 controls, macular superficial perfusion density was significantly reduced in group 1 and 2 compared to controls (p < 0.001; p = 0.010) without a difference between groups 1 and 2. Peripapillary perfusion parameters did not correlate with post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) or number of anti-VEGF injections. Mean peripapillary flux index was significantly lower in group 2 than in controls (p = 0.023) and significantly decreased in the nasal quadrants for both AMD groups compared to group 3 (p = 0.013; p < 0.001). Mean peripapillary perfusion density was significantly reduced in both AMD groups compared to controls (0.515 ± 0.02 versus 0.556 ± 0.03, p < 0.0001). Frequency of anti-VEGF treatment in nAMD and post-operative IOP showed no correlation with peripapillary perfusion parameters, but anti-VEGF treated nAMD patients exhibited partly altered peripapillary perfusion compared to healthy controls. Reduced macular perfusion density of the inner retina in anti-VEGF treated nAMD compared to healthy controls might be discussed as an anti-VEGF treatment effect or a characteristic of nAMD.

Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management

AimTo identify the ideal treatment protocol and success predictors for double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for glaucoma management.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent double-session MP3, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were retrospectively investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify preoperative success predictors. The following comparisons were made: (1) Between eyes that obtained surgical success vs failure, (2) According to the time required for MP3, and (3) Considering only eyes that required retreatment.ResultsA total of 191 eyes from 148 patients were included. The preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly higher than at last follow-up visit (27.3 ± 6.9 vs 14.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Success was observed in 90.5% of the eyes. On logistic regression analysis with preoperative IOP and MP3 time as independent variables, only previous IOP was identified as a statistically significant factor (p = 0.004), with lower IOP relating to higher success. Eyes that required lower MP3 time underwent more MP3 procedures than those with higher MP3 time (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.03). In the 36 eyes that underwent retreatment, preoperative IOP was higher (31.6 ± 7.4 vs 26.3 ± 6.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001); eyes with successful IOP treatment had a higher MP3 treatment time at the first surgery than eyes with failed IOP correction (364.1 ± 68.2 vs 330.0 ± 18.0 seconds, p = 0.02).ConclusionThus, an ideal double-session MP3 protocol should use a high laser energy at the first surgery, and a high preoperative IOP can be considered as a predictor of surgical failure.Clinical significanceThis is the first study to give special attention to the double-session MP3 protocol and success predictors.How to cite this articleMagacho L, Lima FE, Ávila MP. Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):111-116.

Correlation Analysis between Intraocular Pressure and Extraocular Muscles Based on Orbital Magnetic Resonance T2 Mapping in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Patients.

Background: The correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients was explored. Methods: This study included 82 eyes in 41 TAO patients who had a large difference in the IOP between each eye. We measured the T2 relaxation time (T2RT) of the extraocular muscles (EOMs), the orbital fat, and the area of the EOMs. Results: There was a positive correlation between IOP and exophthalmos, the clinical activity score (CAS), the T2RT (of the medial rectus (MR)), the area of the MR, inferior rectus (IR) and lateral rectus, and the mean area. We established a regression model with IOP as the dependent variable, and the area of the IR was statistically significant. Conclusions: High IOP in TAO patients was positively correlated with the degree of exophthalmos and EOM inflammation (especially the inferior rectus). The state of the EOMs in an orbital MRI may partially explain high IOP and provide the necessary clinical information for subsequent high IOP treatment.

Pathogenic Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction.

PurposeProgressive corneal edema and endothelial cell loss represent the major corneal complications observed in diabetic patients after intraocular surgery. However, the underlying pathogenesis and potential treatment remain incompletely understood.MethodsWe used streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice and db/db type 2 diabetic mice as diabetic animal models. These mice were treated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress agonist thapsigargin; 60-mmHg intraocular pressure (IOP) with the ER stress antagonist 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA); mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1; or reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Corneal thickness and endothelial cell density were measured before and after treatment. Human corneal endothelial cells were treated with high glucose with or without 4-PBA. The expression of corneal endothelial- and ER stress–related genes was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Mitochondrial bioenergetics were measured with an Agilent Seahorse XFp Analyzer.ResultsIn diabetic mice, the appearance of ER stress preceded morphological changes in the corneal endothelium. The persistent ER stress directly caused corneal edema and endothelial cell loss in normal mice. Pharmacological inhibition of ER stress was sufficient to mitigate corneal edema and endothelial cell loss in both diabetic mice after high IOP treatment. Mechanistically, inhibiting ER stress ameliorated the hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial bioenergetic deficits and improved the barrier and pump functional recovery of the corneal endothelium. When compared with NAC, 4-PBA and SkQ1 exhibited better improvement of corneal edema and endothelial cell loss in diabetic mice.ConclusionsHyperglycemia-induced ER stress contributes to the dysfunction of diabetic corneal endothelium, and inhibiting ER stress may offer therapeutic potential by improving mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Age of Rats Affects the Degree of Retinal Neuroinflammatory Response Induced by High Acute Intraocular Pressure.

Purpose To investigate whether retinal neuroinflammatory response was affected by aging in a rat model of acute glaucoma. Methods Young adult and aged rats were randomly assigned into normal control, 45 mmHg, 60 mmHg, and 90 mmHg groups. Intraocular pressure (IOP) of rats was acutely elevated to 45 mmHg, 60 mmHg, and 90 mmHg, respectively. Three days after high IOP treatment, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), formation of proinflammatory microglia/macrophages and neurotoxic astrocytes, and deposition of complement C3 in the retina were detected by immunofluorescence. ELISA was used to assess the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1β in the retina. Results Compared with young adult retinae, (1) loss of RGCs was more severe in aged retinae under the same IOP treatment, (2) microglia/macrophages were more prone to adopt proinflammatory phenotype in aged retinae in response to elevated IOP, (3) high IOP treatment induced astrogliosis, formation of neurotoxic astrocytes, and deposition of complement C3 more easily in aged retinae, and (4) aged retinae induced higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1β under the same IOP treatment. Conclusion Our data indicated that aging affects the degree of retinal neuroinflammatory response initiated by ocular hypertension, which may contribute to the age-related susceptibility of RGCs to elevated IOP.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome With Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension in a Midwest United States Population.

For patients with glaucoma, metabolic syndrome was associated with higher intraocular pressure and greater central corneal thickness. Patients with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have ocular hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine whether glaucomatous optic neuropathy, also known as glaucoma, and ocular hypertension are more likely to occur in patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients in Olmsted County, MN, were identified as having metabolic syndrome based on diagnosis codes, laboratory values, and/or medication use to meet 3 or more of the 5 standard criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome: systemic hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and central adiposity defined by increased body mass index. Patients with glaucoma, including primary open angle, low tension, pigment dispersion, and pseudoexfoliation, were identified using diagnostic codes. The charts of patients with glaucoma were individually reviewed to collect visual acuity, intraocular pressure, cup to disc ratio, central corneal thickness, visual field mean deviation, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and treatment of intraocular pressure. Patients with ocular hypertension were separately identified and similarly evaluated. For patients with glaucoma, those with metabolic syndrome had higher intraocular pressure and greater central corneal thickness compared with those without metabolic syndrome. After adjustment for central corneal thickness, there was no longer a significant difference in intraocular pressure between groups. Metabolic syndrome was also associated with the diagnosis of ocular hypertension, and although central corneal thickness trended higher in patients with metabolic syndrome, it did not attain statistical significance. In Olmsted County, though metabolic syndrome was associated with ocular hypertension and higher intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, the results were likely related to a thicker central corneal in this patient population.

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

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

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Pseudophakic Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Receiving Maximal Medical Therapy.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a useful treatment for intraocular pressure (IOP) control. However, there are only a few reports which compare the outcomes of SLT between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). We compared the efficacy of SLT for patients with PACG following phacoemulsification with POAG receiving maximal medical therapy (MMT). Consecutive glaucoma patients followed up for at least 1 year after SLT were retrospectively evaluated and IOP reductions at 6 months and 12 months were analyzed. Seventy-six patients were included in the analyses. The baseline IOPs in the POAG and PACG group were 18.5 ± 3.3 mmHg and 16.9 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively, with 2.8 ± 0.9 and 2.7 ± 0.8 types of IOP lowering medication. The average IOP at the 6-month and 12-month follow-up after SLT was significantly decreased and comparable in both the POAG and PACG groups. For those with a low baseline IOP, the effect of SLT on IOP reduction at 12 months was significantly better in the PACG than in the POAG group (p = 0.003). IOP reduction at 6 and 12 months after SLT was significantly greater in those with a high baseline IOP than those with a low baseline IOP (p < 0.0065). In summary, the one-year efficacy of SLT was equivalent in POAG and pseudophakic PACG patients receiving MMT; however, SLT was more effective in eyes with PACG than eyes with POAG when focusing on those with a lower baseline IOP.

Combined Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) with Ab Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC) in Conjunction with Phacoemulsification: 12-Month Outcomes.

PurposeTo report the surgical outcomes of combined gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) with ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) in conjunction with phacoemulsification for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Patients and MethodsThis prospective, interventional, non-comparative case series included POAG patients who underwent combined GATT and ABiC in conjunction with phacoemulsification performed between January 2018 and August 2018. Main outcome measures include surgical success rate, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and complications.ResultsWe enrolled twenty eyes of 19 patients in our study. The mean age was 61.2 ± 6 years, and all the patients completed a 12-month follow-up. The overall success rate was 100%. The mean baseline IOP was 19.75 ± 4.68 mmHg, and at 12 months, the mean IOP was 13.30 ± 1.30 mmHg (IOP reduction of 32.7%). The baseline number of antiglaucoma medications was 3.4 ± 0.6 (range: 2 to 4 medications), and after 12 months follow-up, the number was reduced to 1.1 ± 1.0 (range: 0 to 2 medications). The CDVA for all 20 eyes was 0.85±0.58 LogMAR at baseline, and 0.16±0.30 LogMAR at 12-month follow-up. Only six eyes developed hyphaema, which had cleared by the first postoperative month, and three eyes needed medical treatment for postoperative IOP spikes.ConclusionThe 12-month results of our study suggest that combined GATT with ABiC in conjunction with phacoemulsification is a safe and effective alternative in decreasing the IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications in POAG patients.

Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Burn Patients Undergoing Fluid Resuscitation: An Opportunity to Avoid Orbital Compartment Syndrome

Abstract Objective This study aims to discuss clinical characteristics of burn patients who developed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). We propose management strategies to prevent orbital compartment syndrome before invasive treatment is required. Methods A retrospective review of 47 burn patients at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Burn Intensive Care Unit (ICU; major regional burn center for San Diego county), was analyzed for demographics, fluid resuscitation volumes, and physical exam findings. Patients requiring topical treatment for high-IOP, defined as ≥30 mm Hg in either or both eyes, were compared with those who did not require treatment, using the t-test and Fisher's exact test. Linear regression tested for an association between peak IOP and fluid volume. Logistic regression evaluated the association between total fluid and treatment of high IOP, while adjusting for other characteristics. Results Six of 47 patients required IOP-lowering treatment. Of the patients requiring treatment, one drop of dorzolamide/timolol in both eyes twice daily was the most common treatment recommendation. Presence of periocular burns was a significant risk factor in patients who required treatment for high IOP. No patients developed orbital compartment syndrome or required surgical intervention to lower IOP. The mean total fluid volume delivered in the first 24 hours was 0.8 times the level prescribed by fluid resuscitation guidelines. Conclusion By treating early clinical signs and properly managing fluid resuscitation, development of orbital compartment syndrome in burn patients can be avoided.

Stimulus-Responsive Contact Lens for IOP Measurement or Temperature-Triggered Drug Release.

PurposeContinuous monitoring of elevated intraocular pressure and timely drug delivery for successful treatment of glaucoma are necessary to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), which shows wide variations across the circadian pattern and in response to medication. This in vivo study presents a new contact lens-based method of optical IOP measurement or temperature-triggered drug elution. MethodsA contact lens with moiré patterns of concentric circles measures the changes in eyeball diameter of a rabbit glaucoma model due to changes in IOP by superimposing a camera-captured image onto the micro pattern of the contact lens with a computer-assisted virtual reference image. Drug elution from the nanoporous bicontinuous microemulsion contact lens (BME-CL) into the eye of the rabbit was triggered by a temperature-responsive nanogel drug carrier.ResultsThe moiré pattern change on the contact lens was proportional to the IOP increase in the rabbit eye either ex vivo or in vivo and was also correlated with imaging-based alterations in the anterior chamber angle at a range of IOP values (3–40 mm Hg). The cumulative drug absorbed reached as high as 10.6 µg/mL aqueous humor until 7 days after wearing the BME-CL, and a 33% decrease in IOP was observed at 3 hours after drug elution.ConclusionsThe results suggest that continuous measurement and treatment of elevated IOP are feasible using moiré pattern-inscribed and thermosensitive drug-eluting contact lenses, respectively.Translational RelevancePressure-sensing or thermosensitive contact lenses enable monitoring IOP or drug release triggered by body temperature for the treatment of glaucoma patients.

Trabeculectomy with Ologen® implant and bevacizumab

Trabeculectomy is the most frequent form of glaucoma surgery. Despite the intraoperative use of antimetabolites, such as mitomycinC (MMC) postoperative scarring reactions can cause surgical failure. The subconjunctival placement of an Ologen® implant can avoid wound scarring. The additional application of bevacizumab should reduce angiogenesis and thereby scarring reactions and improve the surgical success rate. This was aretrospective single center study of patients with glaucoma after trabeculectomy with MMC. The operation was carried out either without an Ologen® implant (group1), or with an Ologen® implant as an bevacizumab depot (group2) or with an Ologen® implant and intrachamber injection of bevacizumab (group3). The follow-up postoperative observation of intraocular pressure (IOP), complications, subsequent interventions and antiglaucoma treatment was performed for 12months. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to IOP, complications, subsequent interventions and postoperative antiglaucoma treatment. The highest success rate (IOP after 12months ≤15 mm Hg without treatment) was in group1 (77.5%), followed by group2 with 63.6% and group3 with 57.1% (p = 0.34, χ2-test). The highest success rate was achieved in group1 with MMC but without an Ologen® implant or bevacizumab. In this study the additional use of Ologen® implants and bevacizumab in trabeculectomy was found to be a safe operation method but did not provide any additional benefits.

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.

The USER Study: A Chart Review of Patients Receiving a 0.2µg/day Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant for Diabetic Macular Edema.

IntroductionTo determine anatomical, functional, and intraocular pressure (IOP) responses to diabetic macular edema (DME) treatments pre- and post-0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant administration compared with baseline and the preceding 3 years.MethodsThis was a retrospective, chart review, cohort study in four U.S. centers. Patients received the 0.2 µg/day FAc implant for the treatment of DME in at least one eye before January 1, 2016. DME treatments administered up to 36 months pre-FAc implant and up to 24 months post-FAc implant were recorded, and treatment frequency was calculated. Visual acuity (VA) was assessed using a Snellen eye chart and converted to early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letters, and central subfield thickness (CST) was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment frequency, mean VA, mean CST, percentage of patients with CST of ≤ 300 µm, mean IOP, IOP events, and IOP treatments pre- and post-FAc implant administration were measured. Positive and negative predictive values for the IOP response to prior steroid therapy were also determined.ResultsIn total, 160 eyes of 130 patients were studied. VA was maintained at pre-FAc levels from baseline to month 24, despite a significant reduction in treatment frequency from one treatment every 2.9 months pre-FAc implant to one treatment every 14.3 months post-FAc implant. Patients with better baseline VA required fewer DME treatments post-FAc than did patients with worse baseline VA. The majority of patients did not require additional DME treatment during the post-FAc follow-up period. A significant reduction in CST and an increase in the percentage of patients with CST of ≤ 300 µm were seen up to month 21 post-FAc implant. Pre-FAc implant IOP was maintained during the post-FAc implant period; increased IOP with prior steroid therapy was found to be highly predictive of increased IOP post-FAc implant.ConclusionThe results of this study confirm the positive safety and efficacy profile of the FAc implant and demonstrate for the first time the effectiveness of the U.S. label indication of FAc in reducing the incidence of post-treatment pressure elevation. The FAc implant significantly reduced treatment burden in the overall population without significantly increasing the risk of steroid-induced pressure elevation.FundingAlimera Sciences.

Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important risk factor for glaucoma. Mechanisms involved in its homeostasis are not well understood, but associations between metabolic factors and IOP have been reported. To investigate the relationship between levels of circulating metabolites and IOP, we performed a metabolome-wide association using a machine learning algorithm, and then employing Mendelian Randomization models to further explore the strength and directionality of effect of the metabolites on IOP. We show that O-methylascorbate, a circulating Vitamin C metabolite, has a significant IOP-lowering effect, consistent with previous knowledge of the anti-hypertensive and anti-oxidative role of ascorbate compounds. These results enhance understanding of IOP control and may potentially benefit future IOP treatment and reduce vision loss from glaucoma.

Single Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant in the Treatment of Noninfectious Uveitis.

To investigate the effect of a single intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IVT-DI; Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc.) on visual acuity, macular thickness, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in active noninfectious uveitis. Medical records of patients with noninfectious active uveitis treated by IVT-DIs were retrospectively reviewed. Uveitis etiologies, treatment indications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness measured by ocular coherence tomography, IOP, and systemic, local, and topical treatments were collected. Parameters were analyzed before the injection of the implant, after 1.5 ± 0.8 months and 4.4 ± 0.9 months for the BCVA, after 2 ± 1.3 months and 4.6 ± 1.3 months for the ocular coherence tomography, and after 1.3 ± 0.7 months and 4.4 ± 1 months for the IOP. We included 14 patients (20 eyes, 20 implant injections) with cystoid macular edema (78%), vasculitis (7%), choroiditis (7%), and vasculitis associated with choroiditis (7%). Before the injection, mean visual acuity was 0.4 ± 0.5 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) that improved to 0.3 ± 0.5 logMAR (P = 0.0002) after 1.5 ± 0.8 months and to 0.3 ± 0.5 logMAR (P = 0.005) after 4.4 ± 0.9 months. A statistically significant decrease of macular thickness was observed both at 2 ± 1.3 months and at 4.6 ± 1.3 months after IVT-DI. Mean IOP was 16 ± 5 mmHg before injections, 18 ± 6 mmHg (P = 0.13) at 1.3 ± 0.7 months, and 15 ± 4 mmHg (P = 0.65) at 4.4 ± 1 months. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found that after 3.3 months, 17% of the eyes still present a BCVA amelioration ≥0.3 logMAR. In our patients with active noninfectious uveitis, injection of a first single dexamethasone implant was found to improve visual acuity and decrease macular thickness without significant increase of IOP, although the effect seems limited in time.