Management Of Neovascular Glaucoma Research Articles

The Challenges of Handling Neovascular Glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction & Objectives : The management of neovascular glaucoma is challenging because frequently it is incurable with poor visual prognosis. Delay in treatment can lead to sight threatening glaucoma. This study aimed to provide an overview of incidence and management of neovascular glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital.
 Methods : This descriptive epidemiology study comprised 111 eyes of 102 patients. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with NVG who came to Undaan Eye Hospital for 1 year (January 2021 to December 2021). Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. The patient’s age, gender, risk factors, and treatment were reviewed.
 Results : There were 102 patients (111 eyes) diagnosed with NVG. The patients were mostly men (53,2%) and the mean age was 54.98 ± 12,4 years. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was observed in 70 (63,1%) eyes, hypertension in 60 (54,1%) eyes, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 11 (9,9%) eyes, cholesterol in 7 (6,3%) eyes, and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in 1 (0,9%) eyes. Mean IOP at the time of diagnosis was 42,8 ± 11,2 mmHg. Anti-VEGF (25,2%), trabeculectomy (59,5%), glaucoma drainage device (17,1%), micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (5,4%) were done as an option of the treatment.
 Conclusion : NVG is more common in men. Most patients presenting NVG had DM and hypertension with mean IOP of 42,8 mmHg. Trabeculectomy is the most commonly performed procedure.

Comparison Between Results of Trabeculectomy With or Without Anti- Vascular Endothelilal Growth Factor in Patients With Neovascular Glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction & ObjectivesNew intraocular medication, Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) agents has beendeveloped in the management of neovascular glaucoma and in glaucoma surgery. But there are nostudies comparing trabeculectomy with Anti-VEGF to no Anti-VEGF treatment in patients withneovascular glaucoma. This study aims to compare decrease of intraocular pressure (IOP) betweentrabeculectomy with Anti-VEGF and without Anti-VEGF in neovascular glaucoma.
 MethodsThis observational retrospective study comprised 30 medical records of neovascular glaucoma,divided to 15 medical records of patients with anti-VEGF before trabeculectomy and medical recordsof patients operated with trabeculectomy without anti-VEGF, monitored between January 2021 toDecember 2021. Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. Data collected are age,gender, risk factor, intraocular pressure pre operative, and during 6 months follow-up IOP postoperative. Data analysis uses an Independent T test.
 ResultsFrom 30 samples, mean IOP in trabeculectomy with anti-VEGF group generally is 12,26 mmHg.Meanwhile, mean IOP in trabeculectomy without anti-VEGF group generally is 16,74 mmHg. Tindependent test between 2 groups shows that there are significant mean difference between themduring 1-5 months follow-up (1 month: p = 0,022; 2 months: p = 0,007; 3 months: p = 0,007; 4months: p = 0,042; 5 months: p = 0,029).
 ConclusionTrabeculectomy with prior administration of intravitreal anti-VEGF shows good IOP reduction andcan be implemented in NVG patients.

Clinical Efficacy of Preoperative and Intraoperative Intravitreal Ranibizumab as Adjuvant Therapy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Combined with Vitrectomy in the Management of Neovascular Glaucoma with Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a devastating ocular disease with poor prognosis. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVR) has been used as adjuvant therapy of surgical interventions preoperatively or intraoperatively. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of combined IVR as adjuvant therapy in treating NVG with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in PDR. A total of 39 NVG patients with VH (39 eyes) received IVR 3 to 5 days before surgery, and then they were assigned to either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) + Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation (Group 1, n = 22) or PPV + AGV implantation + intraoperative IVR (Group 2, n = 17). Patients were followed up for at least 9 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), anti-glaucoma medications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical success rates and postoperative complications were compared. Results showed that IOP decreased promptly after surgery and was notably maintained at a mid-term follow-up in both groups, and no significant differences were observed (all p > 0.05). Additional intraoperative IVR significantly reduced postoperative recurrent VH and iris neovascularization (p = 0.047, p = 0.025, respectively). There was no remarkable difference in postoperative anti-glaucoma medications, BCVA and complications between two groups (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, preoperative and intraoperative IVR as adjuvant therapy of AGV implantation combined with PPV could be a safe and effective treatment for NVG with VH in PDR. An additional intraoperative anti-VEGF injection could significantly reduce postoperative VH and iris neovascularization.

The Challenges of Handling Neovascular Glaucoma at Undaan Eye Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a secondary glaucoma, frequently incurable, and can cause blindness. It is characterized by neovascularization over the iris, IOP elevation, and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Retinal ischemia, which supplies the release of angiogenesis factors, is the leading factor of NVG. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) agents are effective at iris and iridocorneal angle neovascularization. Furthermore, laser and surgery are still necessary to decrease intraocular pressure in the condition with ineffective medication. Delay in treatment can lead to sight-threatening glaucoma. Purpose: This study aimed to provide an overview of the incidence and management of NVG at Undaan Eye Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods: This descriptive epidemiology study comprised 111 eyes of 102 patients. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with NVG who came to Undaan Eye Hospital for one year (January 2021 to December 2021). Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. The patient's age, gender, risk factors, and treatment were reviewed. Results: There were 102 patients (111 eyes) diagnosed with NVG. The patients were primarily men (53.2%), and the mean age was 54.98 ± 12.4 years. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was observed in 70 (63.1%) eyes, hypertension in 60 (54.1%) eyes, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 11 (9.9%) eyes, cholesterol in seven (6.3%) eyes, and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in one (0,9%) eye. The mean IOP at the time of diagnosis was 42.8 ± 11.2 mmHg. Anti-VEGF (25.2%), trabeculectomy (59.5%), glaucoma drainage device (17.1%), micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (5.4%) were done as an option of the treatment. Conclusions: NVG is more common in men. Most patients presenting NVG had DM and hypertension with a mean IOP of 42.8 mmHg. Trabeculectomy is the most commonly performed procedure.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials in the management of neovascular glaucoma: absence of consensus and variability in practice

PurposeNeovascular glaucoma (NVG) is characterised by neovascularisation of the angle and therefore elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This results in progressive optic neuropathy and loss of visual acuity. Treatment aims to reduce IOP in order to prevent optic nerve damage. A systematic review was completed synthesising results from randomised control trials (RCTs) comparing interventions for the management of NVG and their efficacy and safety.MethodsData was sourced from Web of Science, Embase and Medline after 1st January 2000. The primary outcome measures were mean IOP at follow-up and success rate. The secondary outcomes included mean IOP lowering medications and total complications. A meta-analysis was completed on comparative studies using Revman (version 5.4).ResultsFor the two studies comparing Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) + pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) vs AGV + PRP + intra-vitreal bevacizumab (IVB), there was no difference in mean IOP or odds of success from the meta-analysis. From the 4 studies examining the utilisation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), one study showed lower mean IOP at 1 (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.033) for IVB vs sham injection. In the 2 studies studying transcleral diode laser (TDL), there were no significant findings. From the 4 studies looking at trabeculectomy (trab), lower mean IOP at 6 (p = 0.001), 9 (p = 0.01), 12 (p = 0.02) and 18 months (p = 0.004) was shown for intra-vitreal ranibizumab (IVR) + PRP + visco-trabeculectomy vs IVR + PRP + trab, and a significantly lower mean IOP was present in the Baerveldt group vs trab at 6 months (p = 0.03). In the 2 studies investigating the AGV, there was a lower mean IOP at 1 month (p = 0.01) in the AGV + triamcinolone (TCA) group. The risk of bias was low for 4 studies, high for 4 studies and 6 studies had some concerns.ConclusionThis is the first meta-analysis of RCTs in the management of neovascular glaucoma. The lack of high-quality evidence contributes to the lack of consensus in managing NVG. Our results highlight modern treatment strategies and the need for better powered RCTs with long-term follow-up in order to establish optimal treatment modalities and true patient outcomes.

A Long-term Clinical Study to Evaluate AGV with Concurrent Intravitreal Ranibizumab vs Primary AGV Implantation in Cases of Refractory Neovascular Glaucoma.

PurposeThis study was aimed to gauge the efficacy of primary AGV implantation with concurrent intraoperative intravitreal ranibizumab vs primary AGV implantation alone in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsThis retrospective comparative study was carried out based on the data collected in patients of neovascular glaucoma who underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation with or without concurrent intravitreal ranibizumab between the period from Feb 2009 to Feb 2015 involving two groups of 40 patients each, having the clinical diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma, having undergone pan-retinal photocoagulation with minimum 03 intravitreal injections of ranibizumab not less than 4 weeks prior to undergoing primary Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and allotted randomly to either group to receive concurrent administration of intravitreal ranibizumab with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant surgery or AGV implant surgery alone. The minimum qualifying follow-up was 3-years. The functional outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the need for antiglaucoma medication, if any, as well as best corrected visual acuity.ResultsBoth the groups showed a significant decrease in IOP (p < 0.05). Sight and IOP threatening postoperative complications were significantly low in the study group. NVI regression was higher in the study group and re-emergence was significantly lesser in the study group (p = 0.002). Mean postop IOP had shown an excellent reduction in IOP up to 14.25 ± 2.05 mm Hg with 1.5 ± 1 antiglaucoma drugs in ranibizumab group and 15.25 ± 2.95 mm Hg with 1.7 ± 0.87 antiglaucoma drugs in the control group at the 3-years follow-up period. Surgical success rates were comparable between the two groups at 1 and 3-year.ConclusionConcurrent intravitreal ranibizumab along with primary AGV implantation minimizes postoperative complications, regresses NVI while accelerating stabilization of IOP and visual functions.How to cite this articleKaushik J, Parihar JKS, Shetty R, et al. A Long-term Clinical Study to Evaluate AGV with Concurrent Intravitreal Ranibizumab vs Primary AGV Implantation in Cases of Refractory Neovascular Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(1):41–46.

Evolution of practice and management of neovascular glaucoma: a landmark review

AbstractPurposeA comprehensive systematic review (SR) was completed evaluating patient outcomes following medical and surgical interventions targeted at controlling iris neovascularization (NVI) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsData sources used were MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies included both surgical and medical treatments in patients with NVI and NVG. Outcomes measured were intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering, failure rates, loss of visual acuity and disease regression. The SR was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsThe majority of studies retrieved during this time period were population based. A total of 159 studies were included with 148 studies being population based. 59.5% of studies were retrospective in nature and 40.5% were prospective. There were 7 randomised controlled trials and 4 non‐randomised controlled trials. The mean number of patients and eyes studied were 39 ± 42 (range 3–386) and 40 ± 47 (3–428) respectively. The mean follow‐up for all studies was 18.2 ± 24.1 (range 0.25–216) months. Significant differences were observed between glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs), diode laser and trabeculectomy in IOP lowering efficacy and failure rates; particularly with the advent of Anti‐VEGFs.ConclusionsThe unpredictable, uncommon nature of NVG is a significant limitation to high‐quality evidence on the subject. Our findings are primarily based on real‐life, non‐RCT data. We present a necessary update on the medical and surgical treatment of neovascular glaucoma particularly with increased incidence in the era of COVID‐19.

Role of Anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) in Management of Neovascular Glaucoma: A Review

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is an aggressive type of glaucoma, which often results in poor visual outcomes. Antivascular endothelial growth factor is frequently used for various conditions in which VEGF release is induced in response to retinal ischemia. Bevacizumab is a humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal IgG1 antibody. The potential of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents to modify the disease course of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) was recognized shortly after their use in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration was reported. These medications were noted to induce rapid regression of the anterior segment neovascularization that characterizes NVG. Several studies as well as extensive clinical experience have demonstrated a rapid regression of anterior segment neovascularization following the injection of anti-VEGF agents. This review aims to summarize current evidences regarding effectiveness of Bevacizumab in management of neovascular glaucoma.

Role of bevacizumab intraocular injection in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

To assess the long-term effects of intraocular bevacizumab (Avastin) injections as an adjunctive drug to manage patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). A retrospective study was conducted consisting of 34 eyes with secondary NVG caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n=25), ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (n=8), and retinal ischemia resulting from persistent detachment (n=1) were managed by intraocular injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL), in addition to other treatments. The main outcome measure was the change in the degree of iris neovascularization. Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure and the number of additional interventions or antiglaucoma medications administered after injection. All patients were followed-up for at least 12mo. At the last follow-up, complete regression of rubeosis irides was detectable in 13 (38.2%) eyes and incomplete regression in 21 eyes (61.8%). The mean intraocular pressure was 45.32±7.185 mm Hg at baseline and significantly decreased to 26.15±5.679 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P=0.000005). Patients received an average of 4.97 injections. As additional treatments, 12 eyes (35%) received laser photocoagulation and 6 eyes (18%) underwent retinocryopexy. No further treatment was needed in 16 eyes (47.1%). Intravitreal bevacizumab injection can have a favorable effect in controlling intraocular pressure and pain control in patients with NVG because it decreases the angiogenesis and helps to augment the results of conventional procedures. The primary cause of retinal ischemia should be always targeted.

Assessment of the effectiveness of Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor on lowering intraocular pressure in early Neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a serious refractory form of secondary glaucoma with poor prognosis characterized by iris and iridocorneal neovascularization and increase intraocular pressure. The underlying pathogenesis in most cases is posterior segment ischemia such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, ocular ischemic syndrome. Neovascularization in the eye occurs due to an imbalance between pro-angiogenic factors as vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and other anti-angiogenic factors as pigment-epithelium- derived factor. Therefore, anti –VEGF antibody may serve as a useful adjunctive to the therapy of NVG via its antiangiogenic anti fibroblastic properties. It lead to regression of both iris and angle neovascularization, and controlling intraocular pressureThe management of NVG is approached by first treating the underlying condition responsible for the neovascular stimulus. This can be achieved by panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti VEGF. Secondarily Controlling the elevated IOP which may lead to progressive optic neuropathy if untreated either medically or surgically

Comparison between the Express Implant and Transscleral Diode Laser in Neovascular Glaucoma.

Purpose To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Patients and Methods. A total of 30 eyes (12 express shunts and 18 TSCP) of 28 patients were included. The eyes had NVG with intraocular pressure (IOP) more than 21 mmHg of the maximally tolerated medication treatment after previous panretinal photocoagulation and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection, with no previous history of a cyclodestruction procedure or glaucoma surgery, were randomized either for Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device or TSCP. The patients were followed up weekly for the first month and then monthly for 12 months as regard to the IOP, number of topical antiglaucoma drugs required, visual outcome, and postoperative complications. Results IOP was successfully controlled with both techniques in 83.3% of the eyes. Both techniques had fewer complications and required fewer subsequent procedures. Conclusion Both the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and TSCP might constitute safe and alternative therapeutic tools for patients with NVG. However, TSCP is an easier procedure, less time consuming, and does not require a learning curve.

Prevalence, Causes and Management of Neovascular Glaucoma: A 5-Year Review

Purpose: To determine the prevalence, identify the causes and outline the management options available at our center for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. Setting: The study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: The case records of all patients who were managed in the department of ophthalmology from January 2013 to December 2017 for neovascular glaucoma were retrieved. Data collected included, age, sex, causes of neovascular glaucoma, presenting visual acuity, treatment options and outcomes, systemic and ocular comorbidities. Results were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 for Windows statistical software. Results: Thirty-two eyes (32) of twenty-eight patients were studied. The hospital prevalence of neovascular glaucoma was 0.3%. There were 4 cases of bilateral neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Retinal vein occlusion 17 (53%) was the commonest cause of NVG followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy 13 (41%). Uveitis was seen in only 2 (6%) eyes. The commonest form of intervention used was a combination of medical therapy and anti VEGFs. Fifty percent (50%) of the study population had a lowering of their intraocular pressures within the normal limits post treatment and this was statistically significant (p = 0.000). However, only 10% had an improvement in their visual acuity after treatment. Conclusions: Neovascular glaucoma is a potential blinding condition with challenges in control of intraocular pressures and preservation of vision. Early detection and attention to aetiological factors with timely institution of the appropriate mode of treatment may help in preserving vision.

Randomized comparative trial of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation versus Ahmed glaucoma valve for neovascular glaucoma in Chinese - a pilot study.

PurposeThis is a pilot study to compare the effectiveness and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) with the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsEyes with NVG and an IOP greater than 21 mmHg on maximal medications, without previous glaucoma surgery or cyclodestruction, were randomized for either TSCP or AGV implantation. These eyes were followed for at least 6 months and analyzed with respect to their visual outcome, IOP, number of glaucoma medications required, and related complications.ResultsTwenty eyes (eight TSCP and 12 AGV) of 19 subjects with a follow-up duration of greater than 6 months were recruited. Mean follow-up duration was 28.5±17.9 and 31.0±15.4 months for the TSCP and AGV groups, respectively (P=0.80). IOP was successfully controlled in 86% of the eyes for both interventions. By including preservation or improvement of visual acuity as additional criteria for overall success, success decreased to 63% for TSCP and 42% for AGV, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.65). Eyes that had TSCP had fewer complications and required less subsequent procedures, compared to those that underwent AGV implantation.ConclusionBoth procedures were equally effective in controlling the IOP and reducing glaucoma medications in NVG. However, eyes with AGV implant tended to have higher rates of visual loss and complications, as well as requiring more postoperative procedures, than eyes that were treated with TSCP, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Assessing the role of ranibizumab in improving the outcome of glaucoma filtering surgery and neovascular glaucoma

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ranibizumab was the first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent approved for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The use of ranibizumab and other anti-VEGF medications in recent years has revolutionized the treatment of several sight-threatening retinal disorders. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that anti-VEGF treatment can offer advantages in the management of other ocular conditions where VEGFs play a key role: ocular scarring following glaucoma filtering surgery and neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Areas covered: We critically review available evidence on the use of ranibizumab as a wound healing modulator in glaucoma filtering surgery and as an adjunct in the management of NVG.Expert opinion: Based on the available evidence and the authors’ clinical experience, ranibizumab is a valuable adjunct in the management of NVG. In glaucoma filtering surgery, however, the role of ranibizumab is less clear and does not provide a significant advantage over mitomycin C. Drawbacks for its use in glaucoma include cost, its off-label use, uncertainty and limited evidence on the various routes of administration, the optimal dosing schemes and its toxicity profile. Future advances in ranibizumab delivery systems allowing less frequent dosing may change this treatment paradigm.

Neovascular glaucoma: Handling in the future.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG), which is refractory to both medical management and surgical intervention, is a disastrous ocular disease for it always ends up with intolerable pain and extinguishing patients' residual visual function. Since insufficient acknowledge of the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of NVG, it has been laying a challenging dilemma of managing NVG in clinical practice for a long time. Along with the progression on some new agents and surgical options targeting certain possible roles in the NVG process, there seems having been some new sights but still much unknown and to be revealed. This review discusses the underlying etiologic diseases of NVG, molecular findings and characteristics of its pathogenic process, as well as the management of NVG in detail. In addition, here represents some of our hypothesis regarding the interesting findings about NVG in clinical practice, aiming to provide some new enlightenment for future research.

Long-Term Outcome of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Followed by Ahmed Valve Implantation in the Management of Neovascular Glaucoma

ABSTRACTBackground: To report the outcome of intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by Ahmed valve implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma in a patient group with extended follow-up. Methods: The records of 16 patients (18 eyes) with neovascular glaucoma refractory to medical therapy who presented to a single surgeon between 2006–2008 were reviewed. Patients received pan-retinal photocoagulation and then intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by Ahmed valve implantation. The main outcome measures were: control of IOP (with or without additional medication), visual acuity (VA) and failure (IOP >21 mmHg or <6 mmHg, reoperation for glaucoma, or loss of light perception). Results: Pre-operatively, all patients received pan-retinal photocoagulation followed by IVB at a mean of 15.9 (range 4–60) days prior to AGV. The mean pre-operative IOP was 37.1 mmHg (±13.4) on 3.2 (±0.87) medications. Of the 18 eyes, 14 eyes (78%) were treated with AGV alone and 4 eyes (22%) with AGV combined with cataract extraction. Sixteen eyes (89%) received mitomycin C treatment intraoperatively. Post-operatively, the mean follow-up period was 63 months (24–84). At final follow-up, the success rate was 50% (33.3% complete, 16.7% qualified) with a mean IOP of 18.1 mmHg (±9.5) on a mean number of 1.5 (±1.6) medications. The failure rate was 50%, with five eyes (27.8%) not meeting the IOP criteria for success (of these, three eyes required additional surgery to lower the IOP) and five eyes (22.2%) lost light perception. Conclusion: Intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by AGV offers long-term control of IOP without additional surgical intervention in the majority of cases.

Management of neovascular glaucoma with intravitreal ranibizumab, panretinal photocoagulation, and subsequent 5-fluorouracil augmented trabeculectomy: A case report.

Rationale:Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is one of the most refractory types of glaucoma caused by high ischemic retinal disorders, resulting in severe visual loss. Intravitreal injections of ranibizumab have been reported to have anatomical and functional success in treating NVG.Patient concerns-Diagnoses-Interventions:We report a case with neovascular glaucoma due to central retinal vein occlusion who received combination therapy with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and subsequent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) augmented trabeculectomy.Outcomes:One week after IVR injection, the intraocular pressure (IOP) had partially decreased to 33 mmHg, and there was a complete regression of neovascularization of the iris (NVI) and the angle (NVA). PRP was feasible after IVR due to improvement of corneal edema which made an adequate view of the posterior pole of fundus. The surgery of trabeculectomy with 5-FU was performed 2 weeks after IVR to control the IOP. The intraoperative and postoperative courses were uneventful without any adverse complication. Post trabeculectomy, his vision remained stable and the IOP was in the range of 4-15 mmHg without topical antiglaucoma medications. A functioning bleb was maintained and there was no recurrence of NVI and NVA during the complete follow-up period of 6 months.Lessons:Combined treatment of IVR, PRP, and subsequent 5-FU augmented trabeculectomy is demonstrated to be a possible new paradigm for the management of advanced NVG with angle closure and intractable elevation of IOP.

The efficacy of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.MethodsA total of 15 eyes of 15 patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥28 mmHg not responding to medical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had poor visual acuity and underwent Alahmady ring implantation. The ring was designed from fenestrated silicon tube used in lacrimal surgeries and was implanted subsclerally after passing it through the anterior chamber. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Success in this study was defined based on IOP ≥8 mmHg and <21 mmHg, with not more than 1 glaucoma drug, and improvement of patient symptoms and signs with maximum use of beta blocker as antiglaucoma drug.ResultsA total of 15 eyes of 15 patients (9 males [60%] and 6 females [40%]) were analyzed in this study. The mean IOP before surgery was 38.6 mmHg (standard deviation [SD]: 6.98) and it was 14.05 mmHg (SD =7.57) after surgery. The follow-up range was 24–36 months. Success of silicon drainage device was defined as an IOP <21 mmHg on the last follow-up visit. Medications included only beta-blockers and topical steroids for those who were without severe complications or for those who were not in a condition to undergo a further glaucoma surgery.ConclusionAlahmady ring implantation proves to be a good surgical option for neovascular glaucoma; however, a longer follow-up period is recommended.

Current Perspectives on the Use of Anti-VEGF Drugs as Adjuvant Therapy in Glaucoma.

The approval of one of the first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration one decade ago marked the beginning of a new era in the management of several sight-threatening retinal diseases. Since then, emerging evidence has demonstrated the utility of these therapies for the treatment of other ocular conditions characterized by elevated VEGF levels. In this article we review current perspectives on the use of anti-VEGF drugs as adjuvant therapy in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). The use of anti-VEGFs for modifying wound healing in glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) is also reviewed. Selected studies investigating the use of anti-VEGF agents or antimetabolites in GFS or the management of NVG have demonstrated that these agents can improve surgical outcomes. However, anti-VEGF agents have yet to demonstrate specific advantages over the more established agents commonly used today. Further studies are needed to evaluate the duration of action, dosing intervals, and toxicity profile of these treatments.

Clinical problems and thoughts on the treatment of neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a dreadful pathology and it will be rapid spontaneous evolution responsible for eventual visual loss in many cases, with poor therapeutic efficiency.The main challenges in clinical practice for the management of NVG are as follows: (1)What is the goal of NVG treatment, to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) or to reserve visual function? (2)How to create an optimal condition or timing for the treatment of primary disease? (3)What is exactly the key of NVG treatment? Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medication, anti-glaucoma surgery or pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for strict control of clinical situations potentially responsible for retinal ischemia ? (4)How to set up a comprehensive management strategy for NVG? In this paper, we established a comprehensive treatment strategy for NVG, including a core aim for preserving visual function, a goal of completing PRP and the main methods of anti-VEGF injection and anti-glaucoma surgery in order to preserve visual status of NVG patients as much as possible. Key words: Glaucoma, neovascular/therapy; Ischemia/complications; Retinal diseases/complications; Neovascularization, pathologic; Ocular hypertension/therapy; Anti-VEGF therapy; Pan-retinal photocoagulation; Visual acuity