Long-term Intraocular Pressure Control Research Articles

Continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation versus MicroPulse (MP-TLT) in patients with blind and painful eyes with absolute glaucoma

Abstract Introduction: Diode laser cyclophotocoagulation constitutes a treatment alternative to increase the quality of life in patients with blind and painful eyes with absolute glaucoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was carried out in patients with absolute glaucoma of any etiology with the aim of comparing the effectiveness and safety of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT) versus continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in eyes of patients with absolute glaucoma. A total of 104 eyes were studied and two groups were formed: 52 treated with CW and 52 eyes treated with MP. Baseline characteristics (number, proportions, mean, and standard deviation) were summarized and compared between the two groups using the Chi-square test. Results: Mean pain was 4.5 out of 10 for the group treated with CW and 5.75 for the group treated with MP. In the CW group, the success rate was 75.0% (P = 0.001); for MP, it was 70.8% (P = 0.002). A decrease in the number of topical antiglaucomatous drugs used was found for the CW group, from a mean of 2.9 eye drops ± 1 at the beginning of the study to 1.9 ± 1.2 at two years of investigation and MP from 3.1 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.5) and with acetazolamide (P = 0.001 and 0.002), respectively. Significant complications were in the CW group (hypotony in 3, 5.7% eyes, bulbar phthisis in 1, 1.9% eye, and corneal perforation 2, 3.8% eyes; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Both techniques reduced the painful component, being more stable over time with the use of continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCP), which showed greater long-term intraocular pressure control, and a higher success rate, but with a significantly lower safety profile due to the number of complications presented. The number of topical antiglaucomatous drugs and acetazolamide was decreased with both procedures.

Influence of preoperative glaucoma medication on long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy

This retrospective study evaluated the association between preoperative topical glaucoma medication containing preservatives and long-term trabeculectomy outcomes in 309 eyes from 201 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, followed for over 10 years. The Glaucoma Medication Intensity Index (GMII) was calculated to quantify the cumulative preoperative exposure to these medications. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed cumulative success rates of 89.3%, 59.2%, and 46% at 1, 10, and 20 years postoperatively. At 20 years, the success group had a significantly lower GMII (3.28 vs. 8.74, p = 0.004). A GMII threshold of ≥ 4.35 was associated with poorer long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and shorter surgical success duration. Cox regression analysis identified advanced age at surgery, higher GMII, and subsequent cataract surgery as significant risk factors for trabeculectomy failure. These findings underscore the adverse impact of prolonged preoperative use of glaucoma medications on long-term surgical outcomes, highlighting GMII as a valuable predictor for guiding preoperative management strategies.

Comparison of Iridex MP3 and P3 probes on long-term intraocular pressure control after MicroPulse Transscleral-Cyclophotocoagulation

PurposeMicropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) is a glaucoma procedure that delivers energy to the ciliary body with minimal collateral-damage. We aim to assess the long-term effectiveness of MP-TSCPC using the original MP3 and revised P3 probe. Methods and designBaseline Retrospective cohort study was performed to obtain baseline characteristics, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of IOP-lowering medications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were obtained from pre- and post-operative visits of patients treated with MP-TSCPC. Failure was defined as IOP>21 mmHg, reduced IOP<20% below baseline, or IOP<5 mmHg on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after post-operative month 1, reoperation for glaucoma, or loss of vision to no light perception. ResultsA total of 113 eyes were enrolled, 44 using the MP3 probe and 69 with the revised P3 probe. Survival analysis found a 75% failure rate in patients treated with the revised P3 probe by the final visit with a mean time to failure (MTTF) of 4.8 ± 0.7 months which was higher than the original probe at 66% failure rate with a MTTF of 6.1 ± 1.1 months (p = 0.04). All causes of failure were due to high IOP and 67% required repeat treatment with MP-TSCPC or incisional surgery. Prior to censure of data from failure, both probes had significant reduction in IOP compared to pre-operative IOP at all time points. No significant changes in BCVA were found. Both groups were associated with low rates of complications. ConclusionBoth probes had a very low rate of visually significant complications when performed in a standardized method in accordance with surgical procedure and power settings recommended by Iridex; however, were associated with a high rate of single procedure failure due to uncontrolled IOP over the long term. The revised P3 probe was associated with a higher rate of failure. Patients experienced a reduction in IOP; however, a large proportion required additional treatment compared to the original MP3 probe.

Comparative analysis of medical treatments for long-term control of normal tension glaucoma: A systematic review and model-based network meta-analysis.

To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of medical treatments for normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP), and establish a hierarchical ranking based on their effectiveness. 'Long-term' is defined as a treatment duration of over 12 weeks in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This systematic review and model-based network meta-analysis (MBNMA) collected data of 795 patients with 997 eyes from RCTs. Patients with NTG were selected based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, with randomsation procedures and masking as reported in the individual trials. Eight different medications were compared, including prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, brimonidine, unoprostone isopropyl, brovincamine, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Notably, PEA is an oral medication, while other drugs are topical agents. Primary outcome is the long-term efficacy of IOP control across medications with different follow-up durations. Among the eight medications, PEA demonstrates the highest efficacy (Surface under the cumulative ranking, SUCRA = 7.46%), followed by two prostaglandin analogues: travoprost (SUCRA = 6.86%) and latanoprost (SUCRA = 6.76%), then two beta-blockers: nipradilol (SUCRA = 4.90%) and timolol (SUCRA = 4.89%). Both brimonidine and unoprostone isopropyl have SUCRA scores below 4.0%, indicating modest but limited efficacy. Brovincamine has the lowest SUCRA score (1.32%), reflecting minimal effectiveness. This study revealed PEA as a promising agent for long-term IOP control in NTG patients, suggesting potential use as primary or adjunctive therapy. The outcomes call for PEA's consideration in clinical practice and highlight the need for further research into its long-term efficacy and safety for NTG.

Bent ab interno needle goniotomy versus gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in primary open-angle glaucoma: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMinimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a new class of surgeries, which combines moderate to high success rates and a high safety profile. Bent Ab interno Needle Goniotomy (BANG) and Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) are two low-cost MIGS procedures that communicate the anterior chamber to Schlemm’s canal. Most of the available publications on MIGS are either case series or retrospective studies, with different study protocols. The aim of this manuscript is to describe a randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol to compare the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and the safety of both procedures in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.MethodsThis is a parallel, double-arm, single-masked RCT that includes pseudophakic primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes. After inclusion criteria, medications will be washed out to verify baseline IOP before surgery. Patients will be randomized to BANG or GATT using a sealed envelope. Follow-up visits will be 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 330 and 360 days after surgery. On PO330, a new medication washout will be done. The main outcome is the IOP reduction following the procedures. Complimentary evaluation of functional and structural parameters, safety, and quality of life will be done after 30, 90, 180, and 360 days.DiscussionOur study was designed to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of two low-cost MIGS. Most of the published studies on this subject are case series or retrospective cohorts, with different study protocols, which included different types and severities of glaucomas, combined with cataract extraction. Our study only included mild to moderate POAG eyes, with previous successful cataract extraction. Moreover, it provides a standardized protocol that could be replicated in future studies investigating various types of MIGS. This would allow comparison between different techniques in terms of efficacy, safety, and patients’ quality of life.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered at the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) platform RBR-268ms5y. Registered on July 29, 2023.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Campinas, Brazil.

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

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

Surgical Outcomes of Early Versus Late Onset Glaucoma Associated With Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Long-term intraocular pressure control can be difficult to achieve in eyes with Sturge-Weber syndrome glaucoma. The most commonly performed primary surgery was trabeculotomyin early onset disease and tube shunt implantation in late onset disease. To compare long-term surgical outcomes of glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) in eyes with early and late-onset disease. Medical records of children with glaucoma associated with SWS who underwent surgical treatment between January 1990 and December 2018 were reviewed. Those diagnosed ≤2 years of age were categorized as early onset while those who were diagnosed >2 years of age were late onset. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21mm Hg or reduced <20% below baseline on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP ≤5mm Hg on 2 consecutive follow-up visits, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception. Forty-three eyes of 36 children were studied, including 26 eyes in the early-onset group and 17 eyes in the late-onset group. The early-onset group more frequently presented with buphthalmos, corneal edema, and Haab striae, while late-onset group had higher baseline IOP, larger cup-to-disc ratio, and longer axial length. The most commonly performed primary surgery was trabeculotomy (50%) in early-onset group and tube shunt implantation (71%) in late-onset group. The cumulative probability of failure after 5 years follow-up was 50.6% in early-onset group and 50.9% in the late-onset group ( P =0.56). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 eyes (12%) in early-onset group and 11 eyes (65%) in late-onset group ( P <0.001). Early and late-onset SWS glaucoma may represent 2 entities with different pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical presentations, primary surgical choices, and outcomes, though this needs corroboration in future studies.

Surgical Outcomes in Uveitic Glaucoma: Long-Term Evaluation of Trabeculectomy, Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy, Ex-PRESS Shunt and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve. A 3-Year Follow-Up Study

ABSTRACT Purpose Uveitis can lead to secondary glaucoma, a condition with challenging management that can carry irreversible visual loss. Filtering surgery has demonstrated a higher failure rate, increased incidence of postoperative complications and reinterventions in uveitic patients. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach for uveitic glaucoma (UG) due to limited data comparing various intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgeries. This retrospective cohort aims to assess the clinical outcomes of trabeculectomy (TBT), non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), Ex-PRESS shunt and Ahmed glaucoma valve, providing additional insights into the long-term IOP control and safety of filtering surgeries in UG. Methods The filtering surgery was performed on 32 eyes of 27 UG patients. Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 18 mmHg or a 30% reduction. Qualified success allowed topical hypotensive treatment. Results Complete success was 40.63% (13/32) at 12 months and 36.67% (11/30) at 36 months. Qualified success was 84.38% (27/32) at 12 months and 63.33% (19/30) at 36 months. In the survival analysis, both NPDS and Ex-PRESS demonstrated decreased failure rates compared to TBT (NPDS vs TBT: HR = 0.20, p = 0.049; Ex-PRESS vs TBT: HR = 0.28, p = 0.13). One or more reinterventions were required in 34.38% (11/32) of the eyes. NPDS had the lowest incidence of hypotony. Secondary cataract was a common complication in all groups. Conclusion Various filtering surgeries are safe and effective procedures for lowering IOP and reducing the requirement of topical antihypertensives in UG at 36 months. However, one-third of the patients will require another IOP-lowering procedure.

Retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes in canine patients with primary and secondary glaucoma following diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.

To evaluate the long-term outcome of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) for the treatment of primary and secondary glaucoma in dogs. Retrospective review of dogs that underwent ECP at two referral centers from 2004 to 2023. Medical records of 389 eyes (301 dogs) following ECP were reviewed. Outcomes evaluated included follow-up time, intraocular pressure (IOP), vision status, additional ECP procedures performed, number of medications, and complications. Patient and surgical variables and their association with IOP control and vision maintenance were evaluated. Median follow-up time was 18 months. IOP remained controlled in 90% and 95% of patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively, following ECP. IOP was controlled long-term (2 years) in cases with primary (88%) and secondary (99%) glaucoma. Post-operative vision was maintained in 63% and 49% of eyes at approximately 1 and 2 years, respectively. Median time to vision loss was 6.5 months. Repeat ECP was required in 15.4% of eyes at a median of 19 days post-operatively. Eyes that underwent more than one ECP surgery had a significantly longer median time to blindness (13.8 months) than those that underwent a single ECP procedure (3.6 months; p = .0003). The median number of anti-glaucoma medications decreased from three pre-operatively to one at 1- and 2-year post-operatively. Complications included corneal ulceration (28%), blinding hypotony (11%), retinal detachment (11%), and hyphema (10%). Endolaser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective surgery for maintaining long-term IOP control and extending vision in canine patients with glaucoma refractory to medical management.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation compared to continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation for the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCPC) has been shown in adults to offer a favorable post-operative safety profile compared to continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CWCPC) in the management of glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of MPCPC in the management of pediatric glaucoma when compared to CWCPC. IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric glaucoma that underwent MPCPC and CWCPC at 2 separate institutions. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21mmHg on any number of topical glaucoma medication without requiring additional surgical intervention or oral IOP lowering medication. Of the 48 patients in the study, 22 (26 eyes) underwent MPCPC and 26 (30 eyes) underwent CWCPC. At 1 year, 7 out of 26 eyes (26.9%) achieved success in the MPCPC group compared to 13 out of 30 eyes (43.3%) in the CWCPC group. Survival analysis unveiled a statistically significant difference in success between the two groups (p = 0.03). In pediatric glaucoma patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation procedures, CWCPC outperformed MPCPC using default settings in terms of achieving long-term IOP control. Additional studies are required to evaluated augmented MPCPC settings in pediatric glaucoma patients.

Aqueous Shunts with Extraocular Reservoir for Open-Angle Adult Glaucoma: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

To evaluate the recently published literature on the efficacy and safety of the use of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir for the management of adult open-angle glaucomas (OAGs). A search of peer-reviewed literature was last conducted in April 2023 of the PubMed database and included only articles published since the last aqueous shunt Ophthalmic Technology Assessment, which assessed articles published before 2008. The abstracts of these 419 articles were examined, and 58 studies were selected for full-text analysis. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 28 articles were selected and assigned ratings by the panel methodologist according to the level of evidence. Twenty-five articles were rated level I and 3 articles were rated level II. There were no level III articles. Implantation of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by between one-third and one-half of baseline IOP, depending on whether it is undertaken as the primary or secondary glaucoma surgery. Success rates for aqueous shunts were found to be better than for trabeculectomies in eyes with prior incisional surgery. Conversely, in eyes without prior incisional surgery, implantation of aqueous shunts was found to have an overall lower success rate as the primary glaucoma procedure compared with trabeculectomy. Although both valved and nonvalved aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir were effective, the nonvalved device generally achieved slightly lower long-term IOPs with fewer glaucoma medications and less need for additional glaucoma surgery. Both devices slow the rates of visual field progression with efficacy comparable with that of trabeculectomy. Early aqueous humor suppression after aqueous shunt implantation is recommended for the management of the postoperative hypertensive phase and long-term IOP control. No strong evidence supports the routine use of mitomycin C with aqueous shunt implantation for OAG. Implantation of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir, including valved or nonvalved devices, has been shown to be an effective strategy to lower IOP. Strong level I evidence supports the use of aqueous shunts with extraocular reservoir by clinicians for the management of adult OAG. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Resultados de una técnica quirúrgica de trabeculectomía ab-externo modificada en pacientes con glaucoma de ángulo abierto

ObjectiveAssess the safety and efficacy of a modified ab-external trabeculectomy surgical technique in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods and analysisPatients diagnosed with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma underwent this modified technique as the first filtering surgical treatment were included. The preoperative and final follow-up assessed IOP, hypotensive medications, the need for additional treatments, and early and late complications. ResultsForty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included. The mean age was 63.1 years (25-85 years), and the follow-up time was 35.3 months (range of 1-147 months). The mean preoperative IOP was 25.21±3.48mmHg and 15.83±4.4mmHg by the follow-up end. Subsequent laser goniopuncture was performed on 14 eyes (29%) and needling in 4 eyes (8.4%). Complete success was achieved in 18 eyes (37.5%), qualified success in 17 (35.4%), and failed in 13 eyes (27.1%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a success rate of 81.7% at two years and 54.9% from year 4 to year 12. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equations (GEE) shows younger age as the main predictor for failure. Two eyes had choroidal detachment, three eyes progressed to cataracts that needed surgery, and five eyes had early bleb leaks. ConclusionsThis proposed technique is an effective surgical procedure for treating open-angle glaucoma with effective long-term IOP control and a low incidence of surgical complications and could be used in selected complex cases based on these results.

Results of a modified ab-external trabeculectomy surgical technique in patients with open angle glaucoma

ObjectiveAssess the safety and efficacy of a Modified Ab-externo Trabeculectomy surgical technique in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods and analysisPatients diagnosed with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma underwent this modified technique as the first filtering surgical treatment were included. The preoperative and final follow-up assessed IOP, hypotensive medications, the need for additional treatments, and early and late complications. ResultsForty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included. The mean age was 63.1 years (25–85 years), and the mean follow-up time was 35.3 months (range of 1147 months). The mean preoperative IOP was 25.21±3.48mmHg and 15.83±4.4mmHg by the follow-up end. Subsequent laser goniopuncture was performed on 14 eyes (29%) and needling in 4 eyes (8.4%). Complete success was achieved in 18 eyes (37.5%), qualified success in 17 (35.4%), and failed in 13 eyes (27.1%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a success rate of 81.7% at two years and 54.9% from year 4 to year 12. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equations (GEE) shows younger age as the main predictor for failure. Two eyes had choroidal detachment, three eyes progressed to cataracts that needed surgery, and five eyes had early bleb leaks. ConclusionsThis proposed technique is an effective surgical procedure for treating open-angle glaucoma with effective long-term IOP control and a low incidence of surgical complications and could be used in selected complex cases based on these results.

Antihypertensive therapy following glaucoma valve implantation: analysis of the effectiveness of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and prostaglandin analogues

Introduction. The Ahmed glaucoma valve (GV) type drainage implantation is characterized by high efficiency and low complication rate, and is finding an increasing application in clinical practice. Although GV provides better intraocular pressure (IOP) control and higher surgical success rates compared to trabeculectomy, the so-called hypertensive phase (HP), typically defined as an IOP elevation more than 21 mmHg, can occur at the period from one to three months postoperatively, related to the fibrous capsule reservoir formation, which does not have the character of persistent hypertension.Aim. To analyze the effectiveness of the Dorzolamide-Optic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and the Latanoprost-Optic prostaglandin analogue as the drugs of choice in clinical conditions at different periods during postoperative follow-up when antihypertensive therapy after GV implantation is needed.Materials and methods. The study included 80 glaucoma patients who underwent GV implantation in the clinic “Eye Surgery Rascheskov” with a postoperative follow-up period of at least one year. In order to increase the effectiveness of surgical intervention and preserve visual functions, hypotensive therapy was prescribed in studied patients either when IOP exceeded the target pressure, or when there was a tendency to a constant increase between control visits. 180 operated patients with IOP level within the target level during the follow-up period were excluded from the study.Results. The overall incidence rate of the hypertensive phase (GF) was 44.4%. In all studied patients to compliance with the operation technique and early therapy appointment, Dorzolamide-Optic monotherapy was sufficient to achieve stabilization of visual functions for up to 3 months after surgery. During a follow-up period more than 3 month, 15 patients (18.8%) required additional appointment of Latanoprost-Optic to achieve the target IOP level. After 2 months following the implantation, the antihypertensive therapy was discontinued under the IOP control in 17 patients (21.3%).Conclusions. Medical management of HP is crucial for preventing further optic nerve damage and preserving visual functions, as reduction of the incidence and severity of HP are known to be associated with higher operative success rates and a better long-term IOP control.

Long-term effects of intraoperative topical bevacizumab in sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy: a prospective clinical trial.

To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of the novel method sutureless trabeculectomy with topical administration of bevacizumab. Primary open-angle glaucoma patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21mmHg despite maximum tolerated medication were included in a single-blind prospective interventional clinical trial. Group 1 underwent sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy with intraoperative topical administration of bevacizumab (1.25mg) applied on the scleral incision for 1min. Group 2 underwent sutureless trabeculectomy alone and group 3 (control group) underwent conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). Outcome measures were surgical success, IOP, number of needed anti-glaucoma medications, and complications. Patients were followed for two years. Finally, 50 eyes from group 1, 46 from group 2, and 47 from group 3 were analyzed. At the end of 24months, 52% (n = 26) of group 1, 34.8% (n = 16) of group 2, and 57.4% (n = 27) of group 3 had complete success (IOP < 18mmHg without medication). The difference was only significant between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.003). 94% (n = 47) of group 1, 89.1% (n = 41) of group 2, and 91.5% (n = 43) of group 3 had qualified success (IOP < 18mmHg with ≤ 2 anti-glaucoma medications) (p = 0.69). There was a significant difference in the overall IOP mean between the three groups (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in complication rates and the number of needed anti-glaucoma medications for IOP control. Sutureless trabeculectomy with topical application of bevacizumab showed comparable surgical success rates with conventional trabeculectomy and MMC in long-term follow-up. Additionally, adjuvant use of topical bevacizumab had a significant positive impact on long-term IOP control.

Long-term Results of Combined Trabeculotomy-Trabeculectomy in Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

Primary congenital glaucoma in Tunisian children seems to be characterized by a high prevalence of inherited and advanced form of the disease. Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy allowed satisfactory long-term IOP control and reasonable visual outcome. To report the long-term outcome of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (CTT) as the initial glaucoma surgery in children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Retrospective analysis of children who underwent primary CTT for PCG between January 2010 and December 2019. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, corneal clarity, complications, refractive errors and visual acuity (VA). Success was defined as IOP <16mmHg without (complete) or with (qualified) antiglaucoma medication. The WHO criteria of vision loss were used to categorize vision impairment (VI). 98 eyes of 62 patients were enrolled. At last follow-up, mean IOP was reduced from 22.7±4.0mmHg to 9.7±3.9mmHg (P<0.0001). Complete success rate was 91.6%, 88.4%, 84.7%, 71.6%, 59.7%, and 54.3%, at the first, second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth year, respectively. Follow-up averaged 42.1±28.4 months. Preoperatively, 72 eyes (73.5%) had significant corneal edema versus 11 eyes (11.2%) at the end of the follow-up (P<0.0001). Endophthalmitis was encountered in one eye. Myopia was the most common refractive error (80.6%). Data on Snellen VA were available for 53.2% of the patients; 33.3% achieved a VA ≥ 6/12, 21.2% had mild VI, 9.1% had moderate VI, 21.2% had severe VI, and 15.2% were blind. The failure rate was statistically correlated to the early disease onset (<3mo) and to preoperative corneal edema (P=0.022 and P=0.037, respectively). Primary CTT seems to be a good procedure in a population with advanced PCG at presentation, problematic follow-up visits, and limited resources.

Safety and efficacy of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory glaucoma: A prospective study.

This study was conducted to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative complications following a non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery in refractory glaucoma. This was a prospective interventional study conducted on patients with glaucoma refractory to maximal medications or failed surgical treatment who underwent Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI; Aurolabs, India) surgery. Primary outcome measures were IOP control, postoperative complications, and reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM). Thirty-four eyes were analyzed and the mean follow-up was 16.06 ± 5.63 months. The preoperative median (Q1, Q3) IOP was 31 mmHg (28, 36.5) which decreased to 12 mmHg (12, 14) at 6 months postoperatively. The median (Q1, Q3) number of AGMs decreased from 3 (3, 4) to 0 (0, 1). Significant complications like implant extrusion and tube exposure were noted in two eyes. The total success and failure rates at 6 months were 91.1% and 8.8%, respectively. AADI is effective in achieving target IOP and significantly reduces the use of AGMs with good safety in the short term. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess long-term IOP control and cost-effectiveness.

Aqueous Humor Growth Factor Levels and Trabeculectomy Outcomes in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients: A 2-Year Prospective Study.

PurposeMaintenance of a filtering bleb is essential for long-term intraocular pressure control after trabeculectomy. Surgical site fibrosis and excessive extracellular matrix production are common causes of trabeculectomy failure, mediated by several growth factors. We aimed to evaluate the levels of five growth factors and their correlation with trabeculectomy outcomes in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsWe collected aqueous humor samples intraoperatively from patients with POAG who underwent trabeculectomy and measured the concentrations of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor using multiplexed immunoassay kits. Intraocular pressure was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after trabeculectomy. We allocated the eyes based on surgical outcome into a success or failure group.ResultsSignificantly high levels of aFGF and TGF-β were observed in the failure group (both P < 0.0001) and were significant risk factors for trabeculectomy outcomes. Higher success rates were observed over the 24-month follow-up period in eyes with low aFGF and TGF-β levels compared to eyes with high levels (P = 0.0031 and P = 0.0007, respectively). The levels of TGF-β were significantly positively correlated with aFGF.ConclusionsIn POAG patients, high aFGF and TGF-β levels were significant risk factors for trabeculectomy failure.Translational RelevanceModulation of aFGF and TGF-β expression may have potential clinical applications after filtration surgery.

A Case of Bleb Related Endophthalmitis Complicated with Retinal Detachment

Glaucoma-filtering procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy) is a standard surgical procedure commonly done when maximally tolerated medical therapy or laser trabeculoplasty fails to adequately control intraocular pressure (IOP). The filtering procedure creates a fistula between the anterior chamber and the subconjunctival space, covered with thin sclera and conjunctiva that allows excess aqueous humour to be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Thus, the presence of a filtering bleb poses an enduring risk of a bleb related infection (BRI) over the patient’s lifetime (1). To improve the success of these procedures, it has now become routine to use intraoperative antifibrotic agents (e.g., mitomycin and fluorouracil) as an adjunct to standard trabeculectomy (2). Although these agents have improved the chances of long-term IOP control they have further predisposed to an increased incidence of postoperative complications including late-onset filtering bleb-related infections (1).

Consensual Ophthalmotonic Reaction Following Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.

Aim“Consensual ophthalmotonic reaction” refers to changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in one eye, which is accompanied by a corresponding change in IOP in the contralateral eye. This study evaluates whether monocular administration of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) leads to a consensual ophthalmotonic reaction and how long this effect lasts.Materials and methodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients receiving SLT at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, MI, from January 2015 to August 2016. Patients were excluded if they had previous history of glaucoma incisional and/or laser procedures; required additional laser trabeculoplasty; had glaucoma medication changes during the follow-up period; experienced no decrease in IOP during the follow-up period; or had a diagnosis of angle closure on gonioscopy. Various demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. IOP measurements were collected at baseline and postoperatively at 1–3 months, 4–9 months, and 12–15 months.ResultsAt all follow-up periods, the IOP of the treated eye was decreased from baseline IOP (p ≤ 0.05, paired t-test). For the fellow eye, there was a statistically significantly decrease from baseline up to the 4–9 months follow-up period (p ≤ 0.05, paired t-test). Linear regression analysis of the percent reduction in IOP from baseline in the SLT-treated eye with the fellow eye shows a mild correlation at all-time points: R2 = 0.284 (p < 0.001) at 1–3 months; R2 = 0.348 (p < 0.001) at 4–9 months; R2 = 0.118 (p = 0.054) at 12–15 months.ConclusionThis study showed that monocular administration of SLT results in a consensual ophthalmotonic reaction. The consensual ophthalmotonic reaction appears to last for up to 4–9 months.Clinical significanceTherefore, although SLT does lead to a consensual ophthalmotonic reaction, monocular administration of SLT is not a reliable method of long-term IOP control for the contralateral non-SLT-treated eye.How to cite this articleNassiri N, Mei F, Tokko H, et al. Consensual Ophthalmotonic Reaction Following Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(1):36–40.