IOP-lowering Medications Research Articles

Aflibercept vs. dexamethasone implant for recalcitrant diabetic macular edema in pseudophakic eyes - 1-year outcomes from a quazi-randomized study in India.

To assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal Aflibercept (IVA) versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant for treating recalcitrant diabetic macular edema (DME) in pseudophakic eyes at 1-year follow-up. Retrospective comparative case series. Data of all patients diagnosed with DME between January 2019 and December 2021, who underwent 4-monthly doses of intravitreal ranibizumab but had persistent DME [central macular thickness (CMT) within 10% of baseline value] were extracted from a computerized database. Of these, only pseudophakic eyes that underwent either IVA or DEX implant and had at least 1-year follow-up were included for analysis. DEX implant was preferred before December 2020 and IVA after this time point. In the IVA group, patients were followed up every month while DEX were followed at least every 3 months. Reinjections were considered when vision dropped by at least 1 Snellen's line or CMT increased by at least 10% from the previous visit in both groups. Comparison of change in vision and CMT at 1-year follow-up in DEX versus IVA groups. Eighty-four eyes of 84 patients aged 54.4 + 4.4 years were included, 39 (46%) received DEX and 45 (54%) received IVA. Groups were comparable for baseline vision and CMT. Vision improved equally in both groups from 0.83 + 0.15 logMAR to 0.52 + 0.10 logMAR at 3 months ( P < 0.01) and then stabilized till 1 year. However, eyes in the IVA group were 6.5 times more likely (Odds ratio = 6.45, 95% CI = 1.3 - 31.9) to achieve >3-line improvement in vision. The CMT reduction was also comparable between groups (-169 + 51 in DEX vs. -174 + 49 in IVA, P = 0.67). More eyes in the IVA group required >3 injections (91% vs. 69% in DEX, P = 0.01). The IOP was significantly higher at 6 and 9 months in the DEX group and 5 eyes (13%) required IOP lowering medications. In pseudophakic eyes with recalcitrant DME not responding to ranibizumab, switching to IVA or DEX implant results in equal visual improvement and CMT reduction. Though >3-line improvement occurs more frequently with IVA, this comes at the expense of a greater number of injections and follow-up visits.

Comparing Outcomes of Tube Versus Trabeculectomy Among Patients with Angle-closure Glaucoma

PurposeCompare outcomes of tube shunt surgery (Tube) and trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (Trab-MMC) in patients with angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). DesignRetrospective, nonrandomized comparative study. SubjectsA total of 80 eyes from 80 patients with ACG who underwent either Tube (N = 50) or Trab-MMC (N = 30) between January 2015 and January 2022 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. MethodsReviewed and analyzed 390 visits from patient charts. Main outcome measuresKaplan-Meier (KM) success rates, Intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), and complications. ResultsBaseline demographics were similar between both groups, except for a higher proportion of patients with pseudophakia and prior incisional ocular surgery in the Tube group. The Trab-MMC procedure had significantly higher Kaplan-Meier complete success (CS) rates than the Tube procedure, but similar qualified success (QS) rates. Under QS, the cumulative probability of survival was 87% in the Tube group and 83% in the Trab-MMC group at year 1 (P=0.77), and 75% in the Tube group and 58% in the Trab-MMC group at year 2 (P=0.14). Under CS, the cumulative probability of survival was 13% in the Tube group and 59% in the Trab-MMC group at year 1 (P<0.001), and 11% in the Tube group and 41% in the Trab-MMC group at year 2 (P<0.001). Both Tube and Trab-MMC procedures resulted in significant patterns of IOP and medication reduction from baseline up to 2 years with mean IOP reduced to 12.6 ± 5.9 mmHg on 2.8 ± 1.4 medications after Tube, and 12.1 ± 6.6 mmHg on 2.4 ± 1.7 medications after Trab-MMC. Patients who underwent Trab-MMC required less IOP-lowering medications at every follow-up visit up to year 1, but a similar number at year 2. No significant differences were found in IOP reduction, BCVA, or complication rates between groups.” ConclusionWe demonstrate that Trab-MMC confers similar IOP reduction and QS rates to Tube placement in ACG patients. Trab-MMC, however, demonstrated greater medication burden reduction up to 1 year, and more favorable CS rates up to 2 years, while still maintaining similar complication rates to Tube.

Ab interno minimally invasive glaucoma surgery combined with cataract surgery and cataract surgery alone: IRIS® registry study

PurposeDescribe real-world characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared ab interno Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) combined with cataract surgery or cataract surgery alone. DesignAn observational, retrospective study of glaucomatous disease treated with MIGS (OMNI® Surgical System, Hydrus®, iStent Inject®) combined with cataract surgery or cataract surgery alone, documented in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). MethodsThe study period was between 07/01/2017 and 12/31/2022. Eligible patients were identified via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes coupled with electronic health records. Outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication class usage over 24 months stratified by baseline IOP (≤18 and >18 mmHg). Bonferroni testing (p < 0.0125) were applied. ResultsGlaucomatous disease was identified for 77,391 (OMNI: 428, Hydrus: 1,435, iStent Inject: 4,769, cataract surgery alone: 70,759) patients (109,745 eyes). For patients with a baseline IOP >18 mmHg, significant (p < 0.001) change in IOP (OMNI −6.64 [SD 7.59], Hydrus −5.71 [6.30], iStent Inject −4.96 [7.30], cataract surgery alone −5.55 [6.41]) and medication usage (OMNI −1.34 [1.48], Hydrus −1.20 [1.18], iStent Inject −0.86 [1.10], cataract surgery alone −0.67 [1.10]) were observed at 24 months. In the baseline IOP ≤18 mmHg subgroup, all cohorts showed significant medication reductions (p < 0.001), with no change in IOP. ConclusionsMIGS combined with cataract surgery and cataract surgery alone resulted in significant and sustained IOP (baseline IOP >18 mmHg) and medication reductions (both IOP subgroups). As MIGS procedures lead to non-equivalent results, further research will define the role of each in patient subpopulations.

Efficacy and safety of first-line or second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty for normal-tension glaucoma: a multicentre cohort study

Background/aimsThis study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of first-line and second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).Methods100 patients with NTG were...

Three-year clinical outcome of XEN45 Gel Stent implantation versus trabeculectomy in patients with open angle glaucoma

ObjectiveTo reliably compare the three-year clinical outcome and safety of XEN45 Gel Stent implantation (XEN) vs. trabeculectomy (TRAB) in patients with glaucoma.Subject/methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study with patients with primary open angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) undergoing XEN or TRAB at the Innsbruck University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Austria and analysed changes in IOP, numbers of IOP-lowering medications, and complete surgical success (i.e., IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, ≥20% IOP reduction and not requiring IOP-lowering medication) up to 36 months postoperatively.ResultsBetween 2013 and 2019, we performed XEN Gel Stent implantation in 58 eyes and trabeculectomy in 84 eyes. From baseline to 36 months, mean IOP decreased from 23.4 to 13.8 mmHg (mean reduction 35%, 95% confidence interval 23–48%, p < 0.001) in the XEN group and from 25.1 to 11.2 mmHg (mean reduction 50%, 41–60%, p < 0.001) in the TRAB group. TRAB provided higher IOP reduction than XEN Gel Stent implantation at 12, 24, and 36 months (all p < 0.05). In XEN versus TRAB, IOP-lowering medication was required by 98.3% vs. 97.6% before surgery (p = 0.781), differed significantly at month 12 (43.2% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001)but not at month 24 or 36. Complete surgical success was achieved in 40.0% vs. 62.8% at month 24 (adjusted odds ratio 2.70; 1.04–7.00, p = 0.040) and 27.3% vs. 56.8% at month 36 (4.36; 1.25–15.18, p = 0.021).ConclusionCompared to XEN, TRAB was associated with lower intraocular pressure, less IOP-lowering medication, and higher probability of achieving complete surgical success over a 36-month follow-up period.

Mid-term surgical success after transscleral ab interno glaucoma gel stent implantation.

To investigate the surgical success and efficacy of XEN45 implantation (XEN45 μm, AbbVie Inc., USA) with and without combined cataract surgery up to the first 5 years. In a prospective observational monocentric trial, 192 eyes of 157 patients with open-angle glaucoma received either XEN45 implants only (solo surgery group) or combined surgery/cataract surgeries (combined surgery group). Surgical success (qualified and full success; IOP-limit: ≤12, 15, 18, 21 mmHg), time to secondary IOP-lowering procedure, IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications were analysed for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years. Compared to baseline, IOP (24.1 ± 8.1 to 12.6 ± 2.8 mmHg, -48%, p < 0.001) and the number of IOP-lowering medications (3.0 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 1.2, -50%, p < 0.001) decreased significantly at 5 years. Although no differences between IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medication courses between the groups were detected at 5 years (p > 0.11), the combined procedure (63%, 37%) showed better success rates compared to the solo procedure (36%, 13%) in the definition IOP ≤18 and ≤12 mmHg (p = 0.035, 0.028). Solo XEN45 procedures had a higher rate of secondary IOP-lowering procedures compared to combined XEN45 cataract procedures (hazard ratio: 2.02, 95%CI: 1.03-3.97, p = 0.04). Twenty per cent of the eyes, including both procedures, required a secondary IOP-lowering procedure within 5 years. The XEN45 implant is effective in lowering IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications in patients with open-angle glaucoma in the mid-term. Comparing XEN45 implant results with the results of trabeculectomy available in current literature, we speculate that there might be a higher surgical success rate without medications in favour of trabeculectomy.

Outcomes of Trabeculectomy and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Patients With Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome.

Our study highlights the long-term success of trabeculectomy or Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in patients with glaucoma secondary to iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. However, many ICE syndrome cases may need multiple glaucoma surgeries to achieve controlled intraocular pressure (IOP), with/without concomitant corneal graft surgery. To evaluate the long-term outcome of trabeculectomy and AGV implantation in ICE syndrome. Patients with glaucoma secondary to ICE syndrome who underwent either trabeculectomy or AGV surgery with intraoperative adjunctive mitomycin-C from 2009 to 2020 were included in this study. All patients were followed for at least 6 months after initial surgery. The main outcome measures were IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, and surgical success. Surgical success was defined as complete according to the levels of IOP ( < 18) and at least 20% reduction from preoperative IOP without medications and qualified as a complete success but with medications, where the number of medications was less than preoperative numbers. Cumulative success was the sum of the qualified and complete success. Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients were included. Trabeculectomy was done in 13 patients (group A, 44.8%) and 16 patients underwent AGV surgery (group B, 55.2%). The median age was 50 (42-56.50) and 47 (36.75-52.75) years in groups A and B, respectively ( P = 0.10). All patients completed at least 2 years of follow-up. Mean IOP was not significantly different between groups preoperatively ( P = 0.70) and the effect of the type of surgery on IOP was not statistically significant at multiple follow-up time points (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = 0.44). The mean IOP decreased from 35.76 ± 6.36 mm Hg preoperatively to 16.00 ± 3.10 in group A and from 36.12 ± 8.11 mm Hg to 17.00 ± 3.75 in group B ( P = 0.449) at year 2 of follow-up. The effect of the type of surgery was not significant on the total number of IOP-lowering medications used throughout the study (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = 0.81). Kaplan-Meier analysis shows complete success in 14 patients (48.3%), 11 patients (37.9%), and 7 patients (24.1%) at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up, respectively. The cumulative success rate was 95% at 2 years follow-up for all patients. In 2-year follow-up, trabeculectomy or AGV significantly reduced the IOP in glaucoma patients secondary to ICE syndrome.

The Effect of Bimatoprost Implant on Glaucoma Patients: An Observational Study.

In this retrospective study of glaucoma patients receiving the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center, the number of topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications was significantly reduced through 12 months after the implant. To study the effects of the bimatoprost implant on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for topical IOP-lowering medications in glaucoma patients in the clinical practice setting. Patients who received the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center from November 2020 to October 2021 were identified. Exclusion criteria included addition of other IOP-lowering medications concurrent with the implant and <1 month of follow-up. The change in IOP and number of topical IOP-lowering medications from baseline to months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after the implant was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed for different glaucoma severities. A total of 63 patients and 92 eyes were included (mean age 77.8 ± 10.1 years). Glaucoma severity ranged from mild (11%), moderate (30%), to severe (54%). There was a nonsignificant decrease in IOP at all timepoints. The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications significantly decreased by 0.81, 0.75, 0.63, 0.70, and 0.67 at month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the total number of medications, including the bimatoprost implant. When divided by glaucoma severity, the reduction in the number of topical medications was significant at 1, 3, and 6 months for mild/moderate disease and at 1 month for severe disease. During the follow-up period, 19 eyes underwent additional laser or surgical procedures, 68% of which had a history of prior incisional glaucoma surgery. The bimatoprost implant may reduce the need for topical IOP-lowering agents over a 1-year period, especially in mild to moderate-stage glaucoma. The efficacy of the implant may be more limited in severe glaucoma, and further work is needed to characterize its long-term effects.

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

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

Real-World Analysis of the Efficacy of Bimatoprost Sustained-Release Glaucoma Implant Where American Indians Comprise the Largest Minority Population.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of bimatoprost sustained release (SR) glaucoma implant as a treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in a real-world private practice setting with a significant American Indian population. This retrospective study included 156 eyes from adult patients who received a single injection of bimatoprost implant between June 2020 and May 2022 at the Oklahoma Eye Surgeons. Patients were stratified by baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) (≥21 mmHg versus IOP<21 mmHg). The co-primary endpoints were changes in the mean IOP and the number of topical IOP-lowering medications from baseline to Month 6. At 6 months, eyes with baseline IOP≥21 mmHg had a significantly lower mean IOP (19.85±8.01 versus 26.25±4.84 mmHg; p<0.0001) and the mean number of IOP-lowering medications (1.04±1.44 versus 1.38±1.50; p=0.048) compared with baseline. One year after implantation, 73.58% of eyes had a ≥20% reduction in IOP, 41.51% were medication-free and 30.19% were receiving at least one fewer medication. Among eyes with baseline IOP<21 mmHg, there was a significant reduction in the mean number of IOP-lowering medicines by Month 6 (0.61±1.03 versus 1.93±1.21 at baseline; p<0.0001), with no change in IOP. At 12 months, 24.27% of eyes had a ≥20% decrease in IOP, 43.69% of eyes did not require any medications and 63.11% had at least one fewer medication compared with baseline. An analysis using Welch's two-sample t-test showed no significant differences in the outcomes between the overall population and the American Indian population (number of eyes, 23). Bimatoprost SR glaucoma implant lowered IOP in eyes with high, uncontrolled baseline IOP, while it reduced the number of medications in eyes with a controlled baseline IOP. No clinically meaningful and statistically significant differences in the efficacy of bimatoprost were observed in patients of American Indian descent.

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

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

Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Travoprost Intraocular Implant in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

PurposeEvaluate the safety and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of two models of the travoprost intraocular implant (fast-eluting [FE-implant] and slow eluting [SE-implant]) from one of two pivotal trials (GC-010). DesignPhase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, non-inferiority trial. ParticipantsSubjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, using 0 to 3 IOP-lowering medications at screening and having an unmedicated baseline mean diurnal IOP (average of 8AM, 10AM and 4PM timepoints) of ≥ 21 mmHg, and an unmedicated baseline IOP of ≤ 36 mmHg at each timepoint in the study eye. MethodsStudy eyes were randomized to the travoprost intraocular implant (FE-implant [n=200] or SE-implant [n=197] model) plus twice-daily (BID) placebo eye drops, or to sham procedure plus timolol ophthalmic solution, 0.5% BID (n=193). Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was mean change from baseline IOP in the study eye at 8AM and 10AM, at each of day 10, week 6, and month 3. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs), corneal endothelial cell counts, visual acuity, and conjunctival hyperemia assessment. ResultsMean IOP reduction from baseline over the 6 timepoints ranged from 6.6 to 8.4 mmHg for the FE-implant group, from 6.6 to 8.5 mmHg for the SE-implant group, and from 6.5 to 7.7 mmHg for the timolol group. The primary efficacy endpoint was met; the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the difference between the implant groups and the timolol group was < 1 mmHg at all 6 timepoints. Study eye AEs, most of mild or moderate severity, were reported in 21.5%, 27.2% and 10.8% of subjects in the FE-implant, SE-implant and timolol groups, respectively. The most common AEs included iritis (FE-implant, 0.5%; SE-implant, 5.1%), ocular hyperaemia (FE-implant, 3.0%; SE-implant, 2.6%), visual acuity reduced (FE-implant, 1.0%; SE-implant, 4.1%; timolol, 0.5%), and IOP increased (FE-implant, 3.5%; SE-implant, 2.6%; timolol, 2.1%). There was one serious study eye AE (endophthalmitis). ConclusionsThe travoprost intraocular implant demonstrated robust IOP reduction over the 3-month primary efficacy evaluation period following a single administration. The IOP-lowering efficacy of both implant groups was statistically and clinically non-inferior to the timolol group, with a favorable safety profile.

Real-world experience with fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in patients with diabetic macular edema.

to evaluate long-term effectiveness and safety of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant used as second-line treatment in patients with persistent diabetic macular edema (DME). retrospective data chart review of 241 pseudophakic eyes of 178 patients treated with FAc from July 2017 to December 2021 in 10 medical retinal units in Italy. The primary endpoint was the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) at 2 years. A Student's paired t-test was used. Additional therapies for DME and intraocular pressure (IOP)-related events were also evaluated. efficacy of FAc was assessed in a subset of 111 eyes with at least 24 months of follow-up. Mean BCVA increased at 2 years by 5.1 ETDRS letters (95%CI = 2.6-7.5; p < 0.001) while mean CMT decreased by 189 µm (95% CI 151-227; p < 0.001). Thirty-eight of these eyes (34.2%) needed additional intravitreal treatments, mainly anti-VEGF. Safety was evaluated on the entire cohort of 241 eyes treated with FAc. Overall, 66 eyes (27.4%) required emergent IOP-lowering medications (typically within the first-year post FAc) while 14 eyes (5.8%) underwent trabeculectomy, mostly during the second year of follow-up. FAc implant provides a substantial long-term functional and anatomical benefit when used as second-line treatment in eyes with DME. IOP rise can be adequately managed with topical agents although some eyes may require IOP-lowering surgery.

Baerveldt glaucoma implant with Supramid© ripcord stent in neovascular glaucoma: a case series.

To report the outcome of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) with Supramid© ripcord use in neovascular glaucoma (NVG). We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcome of the BGI with Supramid© 3/0 ripcord stent in patients with NVG. No tube ligation or venting slits were performed. Supramid was removed after 3mo if the target intraocular pressure (IOP) was not achieved. Surgical success was defined as IOP≤21 mm Hg with (qualified success) or without IOP-lowering medications (complete success). Twenty-six eyes from 24 patients were included in the study. The median duration of follow-up was 4 [interquartile range (IQR)=1-5]y, ranging from 0.5 to 5y. IOP decreased by a mean of 24.2 mm Hg (59.7%); from a mean of 40.5±12.6 mm Hg at baseline to 16.3±11.9 mm Hg, P≤0.001. The number of glaucoma medications reduced from a median of 5 (IQR=5-6) to 1 (IQR=0-2, P≤0.001) at the final follow-up. Overall success rates were 88.0% at 1y, 34.8% at 3y, 66.7% at 4y, and 50% at 5y. Hypertensive phase (HP) in the first 3mo occurred in 15/26 eyes (57.7%) with a mean IOP of 31.1 mm Hg. BGI with Supramid© ripcord stent gives close to 90% of the overall survival rate at the final follow-up without significant early hypotony. However, early HP is still a challenge.

DIFFERENT APPROACHES IN MANAGING LENS-INDUCED ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA: A SERIAL CASE

Introduction : Lens-induced angle-closure glaucoma can be caused by phacomorphic lens and ectopia lentis. Several factors affect the disease progression. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important.&#x0D; Case Illustration : Case 1. A 67-year-old woman presented with acute redness and blurred vision in her left eye with visual acuity (VA) of 1/300 and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg. Axial length showed 23.66 mm and anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 1.61mm (Figure1). She was diagnosed with phacomorphic glaucoma. Phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy was performed (Figure2&amp;3). Her VA was improved to 0.08 and her IOP was reduced to 19mmHg after surgery. Case2. A 67-year-old man came with painful blurred vision in his right eye. His VA was a perception of light with an IOP of 40 mmHg. He had axial length of 22.7 mm and ACD of 2.07 mm (Figure4). The lens was anteriorly subluxated and showed zonular laxity. Intracapsular cataract extraction combined with trabeculectomy was performed (Figure5&amp;6). His VA was unchanged while his IOP was reduced to 18 mmHg after surgery.&#x0D; Discussion : Age older than 60 years old, female gender, short axial length (&lt;23.7 mm), shallow ACD, and zonular laxity are factors for progressivity of lens-induced glaucoma. Cataract removal was a definitive treatment along with IOP-lowering medications. The choice of lens extraction technique varies among individuals.&#x0D; Conclusion : Removal of cataractous lens is a definitive treatment in conjunction with intraocular pressure and inflammatory regulations for managing lens-induced angle-closure glaucoma. Comprehensive clinical assessments in patients are necessary for managing the symptoms and preventing complications.

DIFFERENT APPROACHES IN MANAGING LENS-INDUCED ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA: A SERIAL CASE

Introduction : Lens-induced angle-closure glaucoma can be caused by phacomorphic lens and ectopia lentis. Several factors affect the disease progression. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important.&#x0D; Case Illustration : Case 1. A 67-year-old woman presented with acute redness and blurred vision in her left eye with visual acuity (VA) of 1/300 and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg. Axial length showed 23.66 mm and anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 1.61mm (Figure1). She was diagnosed with phacomorphic glaucoma. Phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy was performed (Figure2&amp;3). Her VA was improved to 0.08 and her IOP was reduced to 19mmHg after surgery. Case2. A 67-year-old man came with painful blurred vision in his right eye. His VA was a perception of light with an IOP of 40 mmHg. He had axial length of 22.7 mm and ACD of 2.07 mm (Figure4). The lens was anteriorly subluxated and showed zonular laxity. Intracapsular cataract extraction combined with trabeculectomy was performed (Figure5&amp;6). His VA was unchanged while his IOP was reduced to 18 mmHg after surgery.&#x0D; Discussion : Age older than 60 years old, female gender, short axial length (&lt;23.7 mm), shallow ACD, and zonular laxity are factors for progressivity of lens-induced glaucoma. Cataract removal was a definitive treatment along with IOP-lowering medications. The choice of lens extraction technique varies among individuals.&#x0D; Conclusion : Removal of cataractous lens is a definitive treatment in conjunction with intraocular pressure and inflammatory regulations for managing lens-induced angle-closure glaucoma. Comprehensive clinical assessments in patients are necessary for managing the symptoms and preventing complications.

Changes in intraocular pressure during the first 24 h after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

To estimate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the first 24 h after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP). A prospective single-centre study, where patients with glaucoma destined for treatment with TCP were asked for participation. The IOP was measured prior to TCP and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-TCP. An IOP spike was defined as an elevation of IOP of ≥5 mmHg compared with baseline. The visual acuity (VA) was examined at baseline and after 24 h. The mean IOP prior to TCP in 58 eyes of 58 patients was 26.2 (±8.9 SD) mmHg. Twenty-three eyes (40%) experienced an IOP spike at some examination timepoint during the first 24 h. The mean value of the IOP spike was 12.1 (±6.9) mmHg. Fifty-six per cent of the eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) experienced an IOP spike, and 16% had an IOP spike ≥20 mmHg. The IOP was significantly reduced at the 24 h examination by 8.1 (±7.8) mmHg (n = 58). The VA 24 h after TCP was unchanged compared with baseline. Clinically significant IOP spikes were common in the first 24 h post-TCP. Almost one in five eyes had an increase of 10 mmHg and in almost one in 10 eyes, the IOP increase was 20 mmHg or higher. Eyes with PEXG had a higher occurrence of IOP spikes and displayed a greater magnitude of IOP elevation. Prophylactic post-operative IOP-lowering medication should be considered to prevent further glaucoma damage.

A Noninvasive Clinical Method to Measure in Vivo Mechanical Strains of the Lamina Cribrosa by OCT

To measure mechanical strain of the lamina cribrosa (LC) after intraocular pressure (IOP) change produced 1 week after a change in glaucoma medication. Cohort study. Adult glaucoma patients (23 eyes, 15 patients) prescribed a change in IOP-lowering medication. Noninvasive OCT imaging of the eye. Deformation calculated by digital volume correlation of OCT scans of the LC before and after IOP lowering by medication. Among 23 eyes, 17 eyes of 12 persons had IOP lowering ≥ 3 mmHg (reduced IOP group) with tensile anterior-posterior Ezz strain= 1.0% ± 1.1% (P= 0.003) and compressive radial strain (Err)=-0.3% ± 0.5% (P= 0.012; random effects models accounting inclusion of both eyes in some persons). Maximum in-plane principal (tensile) strain and maximum shear strain in the reduced-IOP group were as follows: Emax= 1.7% ± 1.0% and Γmax= 1.4% ± 0.7%, respectively (both P < 0.0001 vs. zero). Reduced-IOP group strains Emax and Γmax were significantly larger with greater % IOP decrease (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The compliances of the Ezz, Emax, and Γmax strain responses, defined as strain normalized by the IOP decrease, were larger with more abnormal perimetric mean deviation or visual field index values (all P ≤ 0.02). Strains were unrelated to age (all P ≥ 0.088). In reduced-IOP eyes, mean LC anterior border posterior movement was only 2.05 μm posteriorly (P= 0.052) and not related to % IOP change (P= 0.94, random effects models). Only Err was significantly related to anterior lamina depth change, becoming more negative with greater posterior LC border change (P= 0.015). Lamina cribrosa mechanical strains can be effectively measured by changes in eye drop medication using OCT and are related to degree of visual function loss in glaucoma. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Practice Patterns and Sociodemographic Disparities in the Clinical Care of Anatomical Narrow Angles in the United States

PurposeTo assess treatment and visit patterns among patients with newly diagnosed anatomical narrow angle (ANA) and identify sociodemographic factors associated with disparities in care. DesignRetrospective practice pattern evaluation study. Methods263,422 patients diagnosed with ANA between 2007 to 2019 were identified in the Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart. Inclusion was limited to newly diagnosed ANA, defined as: 1) continuous enrollment during a 2-year lookback period and 1-year study period from first diagnosis, (2) diagnosis by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, (3) no history of pseudophakia, ANA treatments, or prior PACG diagnosis. Outcome measures were treatment with laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), cataract surgery, or IOP-lowering medications and number of eyecare visits. Logistic and Poisson regression were performed to assess factors associated with treatment and eyecare visits, respectively. ResultsAmong 52,405 eligible cases, 27.7% received LPI, 13.9% received drops, and 15.1% received cataract surgery. Odds of LPI was higher in Asians and Hispanics (OR≥1.16, p<0.001). Non-whites had higher odds of drops (OR≥1.19, p<0.001), but Hispanics had lower odds of cataract surgery (OR=0.79, p<0.001). The mean number of eyecare visits was 2.6±2.1 visits including the day of diagnosis. Older age and treatment were associated with higher rates of eye care visits (RR>1.15, p<0.001). ConclusionMore than a quarter of patients with newly diagnosed ANA receive treatment with LPI. Racial minorities are more likely to receive ANA-specific treatments but less likely to receive cataract surgery. These differences may reflect racial differences in disease severity and the need for clearer practice guidelines in ANA care.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of the 0.18 Mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant Following Local Corticosteroid Burst in Noninfectious Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose The 0.18 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAi) is marketed for up to 36 months for treatment of noninfectious uveitis. An additional short-term corticosteroid burst prior to the 0.18 mg FAi, followed by attempt at long-term inflammation control with the 0.18 mg FAi may be beneficial given the low dose of the implant. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing this treatment approach at our institution to determine its efficacy. Methods Patients who received a corticosteroid burst followed by the 0.18 mg FAi with at least 6-month follow-up post 0.18 mg FAi were included. The primary outcome, treatment escalation (defined as worsening inflammation requiring escalation of therapy), was modeled using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Secondary outcomes included cystoid macular edema (CME), central macular thickness, retinal vasculitis, visual acuity, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, use of systemic therapy, use of corticosteroid drops, IOP, number of IOP lowering medications, need for glaucoma surgery, need for cataract surgery, and additional local corticosteroids. Results 32 eyes were included (mean follow-up: 19.8 months). Prior to corticosteroid burst, 37.5% were on systemic therapy, 53% had CME, and 25% had retinal vasculitis. At FAi visit, CME had decreased to 18.8%. Mean time to treatment escalation after FAi was 20.3 months (95% CI 14.8–25.7 months). No patient discontinued systemic therapy and on average 15.0% of eyes required additional local corticosteroids at each follow-up interval. Conclusions This treatment approach demonstrates that the 0.18 mg FAi is a useful adjuvant for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis but may not be adequate as solo therapy.