Mean Number Of Glaucoma Medications Research Articles

Intermediate-term outcome of placement of Baerveldt glaucoma implant for refractory glaucoma in a Malaysian population

Objective: To report baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes of placement of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) in Asian eyes with considerably elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal medical therapy.
 Design: Retrospective case series of surgical cases from a single surgeon. Retrospective review of medical records of last clinic visits.
 Participants: One hundred and ninety-seven eyes of patients underwent placement of 350-mm2 Baerveldt implant.
 Methods: The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent placement of a Baerveldt 350-mm2 glaucoma drainage device (GDD) at the International Specialist Eye Centre from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Baseline characteristics, pre-operative and post-operative IOP, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity (VA) and complications were recorded. The pre-operative IOP is compared with the IOP at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years.
 Measures: The IOP, VA, supplemental medical therapy, complications and success and failures were recorded.
 Results: One hundred and ninety-seven patients were followed up at 1-year post-operation, 157 patients at 2 years, 120 at 3 years and 37 at 5 years. The mean baseline IOP of 29.2 ± 10.6 mmHg was significantly reduced at all time points post-operatively. Mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly lower at last follow-up than pre-operatively (1.8 vs. 2.7).
 Conclusions: Placement of GDDs effectively reduces IOP without much long-term complication and may be useful in glaucomatous eyes with considerably elevated pre-operative IOP not well controlled with maximal medical therapy in the Asian population.

Second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation: Retrospective analysis after 12- and 24-month follow-up

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the 24-month safety and efficacy of implantation of two second-generation iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass stents with concomitant cataract surgery.MethodsThis consecutive case series included 164 eyes of 109 patients implanted with the iStent inject® device with concomitant cataract surgery. The series was comprised of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 84), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n = 42), normal-tension glaucoma (n = 18), and ocular hypertension (n = 20). All 164 eyes reached 9–14 months of follow-up (“12-month consistent cohort”), with a subset of 88 eyes reaching 21–26 months of follow-up (“24-month consistent cohort”). Performance outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications. Safety outcomes included intra- or postoperative complications, the need for secondary procedures and corrected distance visual acuity. Comparisons of change in continuous (e.g., IOP) and categorical (e.g., proportions of eyes on zero medications) measures between baseline and postoperative times were made with the paired t-test and McNemar’s chi-squared test, respectively.ResultsAt 12 months postoperatively, IOP was reduced by 25.5% (from 20.0 ± 5.5 mmHg to 14.9 ± 2.0 mmHg; p < 0.001); at 24 months postoperatively, IOP was reduced by 26.6% (from 20.3 ± 6.1 mmHg to 14.9 ± 1.9 mmHg; p < 0.001). At 12 months postoperatively, mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced by 85.0% (from 2.0 ± 1.0 to 0.3 ± 0.8 medications; p < 0.001); at 24 months postoperatively, mean number of medications was reduced by 81.0% (from 2.1 ± 1.1 to 0.4 ± 0.8 medications; p < 0.001). After 12 months, 96.3% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and 58.5% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, with 81.1% of eyes free of any medication, compared to 1.8% of eyes medication-free in the 12-month cohort at baseline. After 24 months, 98.9% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and 53.4% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, with 72.7% free of medication compared to 1.1% of eyes medication-free in the 24-month cohort at baseline. Overall, a high safety profile was observed with no significant postoperative complications.ConclusionsThe insertion of iStent inject (comprised of two second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents) with cataract surgery effectively provides a sustained reduction in IOP with a markedly improved medication burden up to 24 months postoperatively.

Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant versus Ahmed Glaucoma Implant in a One-Year Follow Up, Comparative Study.

AimTo compare clinical outcomes between Ahmed glaucoma implant (AGV-S2 and FP7 models) and Baerveldt–350 glaucoma implant (BGI).DesignProspective randomized study.Methods and subjectsEighty-one participants with glaucoma after ocular surgery or secondary glaucoma with persistent and uncontrolled IOP > 21 mmHg were randomized for placement of BGI or AGV models using a standardized surgical technique. The primary outcome was failure, which was defined as IOP >16 mmHg with glaucoma medication, on 2 consecutive study visits. Secondary outcomes were IOP, medication use, visual acuity, complications, and interventions.ResultsAt one-year follow up, the mean IOP was 14.76±2.5 mmHg in BGI group and 16.57±3.35 mmHg in AGV group (P=0.015). The mean number of glaucoma medications in use was 1.6±0.81 in the BGI group and 3.91±0. 0.28 in the AGV group (P <0.001). There was 1.81 mmHg difference in the mean IOP between participants in both groups with 0.85 SD difference. At 12 months, the failure rate was 11/56 (19.67%) in AGV group and 3/25 (12%) in BGI group (P=0.352). The VA was stable in 77% in the BGI group (P=0.93) versus 80% of patients in AGV group (P=0.88). No significant change was observed in logMAR Snellen VA between both groups (P=0.254). None of the patients lost light perception.ConclusionBoth the Ahmed valve implant and the Baerveldt implant are effective in reducing preoperative IOP and glaucoma medications in patients with refractory glaucoma. This trial cannot give clear clinical proof for valve superiority over the other. The Baerveldt-350 implant can be a good choice for refractory glaucoma cases. Capsular scarring around the plate is considered as the main factor for surgical failure and resistant IOP.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the Research Ethical Committee, Ain Shams University, FWA 000017585 FMASU 21/2017, and registered at Clinical Trial. gov: NCT04215575.

Outcomes of Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Eyes With Good Central Vision.

This study is the first to report micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) use in only good vision patients. MP-TSCPC significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication use without any significant reduction in visual acuity at every postoperative follow-up point. To evaluate outcomes of MP-TSCPC in eyes with baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥20/60. A retrospective review of patients who underwent MP-TSCPC at Mayo Clinic and Ross Eye Institute from July 2016 to August 2017 with BCVA of ≥20/60, and a minimum of 3 months follow-up. A total of 61 eyes of 46 patients (68.80±17.12 y) underwent MP-TSCPC with a mean follow-up of 10.2±3.1 months. Mean IOP and mean number of glaucoma medications used were significantly reduced from baseline at every follow-up time point (P<0.0001). At month 12, mean IOP was reduced 40.2% from baseline with 85.4% of the patients having an IOP reduction of ≥20%, and mean glaucoma medication use reduced by 0.82±0.53 with 79.6% of the patients having a reduction of ≥1 medication. There was no significant reduction in BCVA from baseline at any follow-up point (P>0.05), except for 10 eyes with a vision loss of ≥2 lines and 5 out of 10 eyes had cataract progression. The probability of complete success (IOP range, 6 to 21 mm Hg or ≥20% IOP reduction; BCVA loss ≤2 lines, no reoperation for glaucoma) was 74.14%, 83.61%, 84.21%, and 75.0% at months 1, 3, 6, 12, respectively. The probability of qualified success (above criteria for IOP, no reoperation and BCVA loss >2 lines) was 81.03%, 91.80%, 94.74%, and 93.75% at months 1, 3, 6, 12, respectively. MP-TSCPC should be considered earlier in the management of glaucoma and can possibly be offered as an alternative to incisional glaucoma surgeries.

Efficacy of Goniotomy With Kahook Dual Blade in Patients With Uveitis-associated Ocular Hypertension.

In a small case series of patients with uveitis-associated ocular hypertension (OHTN) or glaucoma, goniotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) was an effective surgical treatment option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). The purpose of this study is to review the success of goniotomy using the KDB with trabecular meshwork (TM) excision in lowering the IOP of patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma. A retrospective chart review was completed for all patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma who underwent KDB goniotomy with TM excision alone or in combination with phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a single institution. The study included 12 patients (16 eyes). Patients were followed for a minimum of 5 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures of this case series included postoperative IOPs, percent IOP reduction, and reduction of glaucoma medications. The mean maximum IOP of the patients before maximum-tolerated medical therapy or surgery was 35.6±5.8 mm Hg. The mean preoperative IOP at the clinical office visit before surgery of these patients was 28.1±8.5 mm Hg on maximum-tolerated medical therapy. Ten eyes (62.5%) have maintained an IOP at or below their goal through their most recent follow-up visit (mean follow-up time of 9.6±5.6 mo). The mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 3.6±0.9 medications to 2.1±1.7 medications, for a mean reduction of 1.5±1.4 medications (P=0.004). On the basis of this small case series, KDB goniotomy may be a safe, less invasive, and effective first-line surgical alternative for patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma refractory to medical therapy.

Cyclophotocoagulation in the Control of Glaucoma in Patients With the Boston Keratoprosthesis Type 1.

To evaluate the outcomes of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in the control of glaucoma in eyes with a Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) type 1. This study is a retrospective case series of patients who have undergone at least 1 CPC treatment after KPro implantation. Eighteen eyes of 17 patients were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP) (assessed by digital palpation) and the number of classes of glaucoma medications were recorded at 1 week, 1 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Optic nerve status, visual field parameters, and perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Twenty-one CPC sessions were administered overall. Seven eyes (39%) had IOP < 20 mm Hg preoperatively, and this increased to 15 eyes (83%) at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. The mean number of glaucoma medications used was 3.9 preoperatively and did not change significantly after treatment. Seven eyes (39%) had glaucoma progression despite CPC treatment. Three eyes (17%) initially responded to CPC but later failed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Two of them responded to repeat CPC, and 1 continued to progress despite retreatment. Two eyes (11%) developed early postoperative hypotony, 1 eye (6%) developed cystoid macular edema, 1 eye (6%) developed bacterial endophthalmitis with subsequent enucleation, and 1 eye (6%) lost light perception because of glaucoma. CPC was useful to control IOP in some KPro eyes with refractory glaucoma, although it did not significantly reduce concurrent medical therapy. In addition, caution must be taken because microbial infection can occur after CPC because of the lack of biointegration between the host cornea and the device.

Micropulsed diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in recurrent pediatric glaucoma.

To evaluate the intermediate-term efficacy and safety of micropulsed diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in recurrent pediatric glaucoma. A prospective interventional study included children <16 years old diagnosed with recurrent glaucoma, attending Mansoura University, during the period from July 2017 to November 2017. Micropulsed diode laser sessions were performed in all the cases. The main outcome was the intraocular pressure reduction with monitoring of complications as secondary outcome. The mean follow-up period was 15.08 ± 1.1 (mean: 12-16) months. A total of 36 eyes of 29 patients were included (62% males) with median age of 24 months. Primary congenital glaucoma represented 47.2% of the initial diagnoses. At the 15th month, the mean intraocular pressure dropped significantly from 37.5 ± 11.3 mmHg at baseline to 20.03 ± 2.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) with 37.15% reduction. The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased significantly from 2.6 ± 0.5 pretreatment to 1.7 ± 0.6 at the 15th month (p < 0.001). A total of 24 eyes (66.7%) required second session of treatment with mean number of 1.7 ± 0.5 sessions per eye. The cumulative probability of qualified success was 69.4%, 58.3%, 52.8%, 47.2%, and 41.7% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 15 months after treatment. Qualified success was achieved in 61% at 15 months without statistically significant difference between the initial diagnoses (p = 0.61). None of the eyes developed any major ocular complications throughout the follow-up period. Micropulsed diode laser was proved to be a safe approach with relative effectiveness in controlling intraocular pressure in children with recurrent glaucoma.

Cyclodestructive procedures for refractory glaucoma.

Cyclodestructive procedures for refractory glaucoma.

Trabecular microbypass stent implantation in pseudophakic eyes with open-angle glaucoma: Long-term results

To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of a trabecular microbypass stent as a sole procedure in pseudophakic eyes with open-angle glaucoma. Private practice; Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. Retrospective, consecutive case series. The series included pseudophakic eyes of patients with mild to severe open-angle glaucoma (OAG) implanted with 1 trabecular microbypass stent. Data was collected at baseline before the surgery and at 1day, 1week, 1month, and up to 48months postoperatively. The data included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and whether there was a requirement for secondary surgery. The study comprised 40 patients (51 eyes). The mean IOP was reduced from 20.33mm Hg±4.83 (SD) at baseline to 15.65±3.45mm Hg at 48months postoperatively, indicating a 23% reduction (P<.01). The mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.08±1.06 preoperatively and 1.46±1.07 at 48months postoperatively (P>.05). Postoperatively, 3 eyes (6%)had IOP spikes of 15mm Hg or higher than the preoperative value, which responded to topical therapy. Ten eyes (20%) required secondary glaucoma surgery. There were no postoperative or intraoperative complications. Patients who had previous ocular hypotensive medication use and an IOP of 18mm Hg or higher achieved a statistically significant reduction in both IOP and medication use. The insertion of a single trabecular microbypass stent effectively provided a sustained reduction in IOP in pseudophakic patients with mild to severe OAG. The IOP reduction was more robust in eyes that had a higher baseline IOP.

Changes in glaucoma medication numbers after cataract and glaucoma surgery: A nationwide population-based study.

To determine whether cataract or glaucoma and combined cataract and glaucoma surgery (CGS) affect glaucoma medication usage.We recruited patients who received new diagnoses of glaucoma, either primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 365.1) or primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) (ICD-9-CM code 365.2), between 1998 and 2011 and had undergone cataract surgery alone (CS), glaucoma surgery alone (GS), or CGS under the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan. CS, GS, and CGS in all the patients were performed after the glaucoma diagnosis date. The patients were subdivided into CS, CGS, and GS groups. The number of glaucoma medications, including prostaglandin analogs, β-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α-agonists, pilocarpine, and a combination of drugs, in each prescription, were compared before and after surgery.The mean number of glaucoma medications in each prescription before the surgery increased from approximately 0.5/1 (CS/CGS + GS) to a peak of 1.75/3 within 3 months before the index date. The mean number of glaucoma medications in each prescription reduced to 0 (CS group) and to approximately 0.5 (CGS and GS) at the end of the 3-year follow-up period. The mean number of glaucoma medications in each prescription significantly reduced at the time points within 6 months, between 6 months and 2 years, and during 2 to 3 years after surgery in each group. At the end of the 3-year period, the reduction effect was most evident in the CS group. Similar trends were also observed in the POAG and PACG group.CS, GS, and CGS significantly reduced the number of glaucoma medications used by the glaucoma patients.

1-year outcomes of the Xen45 glaucoma implant.

To describe the 12-month outcomes of the Xen45 glaucoma stent. Non-comparative retrospective study of all cases who underwent Xen glaucoma surgery in April 2017 or earlier and completed 12 months of follow-up. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and number of glaucoma medications at 12 months postoperatively. The secondary outcome measures were surgical complications and the success rate of surgery at 1 year. Success rate was defined according to the multiple IOP thresholds of 15 mmHg, 18 mmHg, and 21 mmHg with all requiring a drop of 20% and no additional glaucoma surgery. Revision or needling of the Xen conjunctival bleb was not considered to constitute a surgical failure. Sixty-eight eyes were included in the study. Mean IOP dropped from 22.1 mmHg preoperatively to 14.8 mmHg at 12 months, a 33% drop (p < 0.0001). Mean number of glaucoma medications reduced from 2.9 preoperatively to 1.1 at 12 months (p < 0.0001). In total, 54.4% of cases were back on glaucoma medications by 12 months. Success rate varied from 32.4% when defined as IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and ≥ 6 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction without medications to 70.6% when defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 6 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction with or without medications. Thirty cases (44.1%) required bleb needling or surgical revision. The Xen45 is effective at reducing IOP and glaucoma medication use at 12 months postoperatively. Patients considering this procedure should be warned that by 12 months postoperatively there is a significant chance of requiring postoperative bleb intervention and glaucoma drops.

Baerveldt or Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation with pars plana tube insertion in Japanese eyes with neovascular glaucoma: 1-year outcomes.

PurposeTo describe the 1-year surgical outcomes of both Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) and the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant with pars plana tube insertion in Japanese eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 21 eyes of 18 patients who had undergone BGI (10 eyes) or AGV (11 eyes) implantation. The 1-year surgical outcomes in the two groups were compared. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 6–21 mmHg (criterion A) or 6–18 mmHg (criterion B) with >20% reduction regardless of the use of antiglaucoma medications.ResultsThe mean preoperative IOP was 33.9±6.6 mmHg in the BGI group and 30.9±5.3 mmHg in the AGV group (P=0.31). The IOP at 1-year was lower in the BGI group at 10.3±5.9 mmHg than in the AGV group at 14.8±3.3 mmHg (P=0.044). The mean number of glaucoma medications at 1 year was 1.0±1.3 in the BGI group and 1.4±1.4 in the AGV group (P=0.57). The incidence of postoperative complications during the 1-year follow-up was not statistically different between the two groups; however, one eye in the BGI group lost light perception after additional surgery for Hoffman elbow exposure. The 1-year success rates of the BGI group was 60.0% and that in the AGV group was 90.9% based on criterion A (P=0.095), and 50.0% and 81.8% based on criterion B (P=0.074).ConclusionsSignificant reductions of the IOP and number of glaucoma medications were achieved at 1 year after both types of implants in Japanese eyes with NVG.

Ab interno canaloplasty for the treatment of glaucoma: acase series study.

SummaryPurposeTo describe and evaluate the efficacy of ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsThis single-center consecutive case series study included patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (combined procedure) and pseudophakic patients (mean age, 76 years; range, 66–83 years) with POAG who underwent ABiC using the iTrack™ 250-μm microcatheter (Ellex Medical Lasers Pty Ltd, Adelaide, Australia) to circumferentially viscodilate and intubate Schlemm’s canal without placement of a tensioning suture. The primary endpoints were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean number of glaucoma medications at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsIn total, 20 patients (20 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Mean IOP reduced from 18.5 ± 3.44 mm Hg preoperatively to 14.88 ± 2.82 mm Hg (n = 17), 13.80 ± 2.05 (n = 12), 14.57 ± 2.59 mm Hg (n = 9) and 15.47 ± 2.42 (n = 6) at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. The 12‑month data for two patients showed that IOP had reduced from 17 mm Hg preoperatively to 16 mm Hg in one patient and from 20 mm Hg to 13 mm Hg in the other patient. The mean number of medications was reduced from 2.4 preoperatively to 0.25 at the last follow-up visit. There was one reported complication of limited descemetolysis near the limbus by the viscoelastic during the dilatation of Schlemm’s canal. No adverse events as a result of the device were reported.ConclusionsABiC was straightforward to perform in this group of patients with minimal complications. Although initial findings from this study indicate that ABiC is comparable to conventional canaloplasty in lowering IOP and medication dependency, long-term follow-up in a large patient cohort is required to confirm the efficacy of this minimally invasive glaucoma procedure.

Goniotomy Using the Kahook Dual Blade in Severe and Refractory Glaucoma: 6-Month Outcomes.

The purpose of the study is to describe short-term efficacy and safety of goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB, New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in patients with severe or refractory glaucoma. Retrospective multicentric case series of 53 eyes with severe or refractory glaucoma as defined by ICD-10 conducted in the United States, Mexico, and Switzerland. Primary efficacy outcome was a ≥20% decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline at 6 months. Secondary efficacy outcome measures were probability of achieving an IOP≤14 or 18 mm Hg at 6 months and the mean IOP change from baseline at 6 months. Medication use required to obtain target IOP at last follow up and adverse effects were analyzed. The proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction of >20% from preoperative baseline at 6 months was 57.7% (n=30). The mean IOP decreased from 18.4±6.1 mm Hg at baseline to 13.9±3.5 mm Hg at month 6 (23.9% reduction; P<0.001). At 6 months, 63.5% and 92.3% achieved an IOP≤14 and ≤18 mm Hg, respectively, and the mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced by 1.2±1.3 (36.6%) compared with baseline (P<0.001). The most common adverse event was hyphema (n=29, 34.9%) with spontaneous resolution in all cases. No severe complications were reported. One case presented with uncontrolled IOP and required glaucoma drainage device surgery at 1 month. Goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision using the KDB could be an alternative surgery for severe or refractory glaucoma, significantly reducing IOP and medication use at 6 months, with a low rate of complications.

Viscodilation of Schlemm's canal for the reduction of IOP via an ab-interno approach.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the 1-year efficacy and safety profile of ab-interno canaloplasty (ABiC) when performed as a stand-alone procedure or as an adjunct to cataract extraction in reducing IOP and glaucoma medication dependence.Patients and methodsThis retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series included patients with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent ABiC as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with cataract extraction. Data were collected over a 12-month period. Primary outcome measures were mean lower IOP and mean number of glaucoma medications. Secondary endpoints included surgical and postsurgical complications and secondary interventions.ResultsThe study included 75 eyes of 68 patients (mean age: 73.7±9.9 years) with a mean baseline IOP of 20.4±4.7 mmHg on 2.8±0.9 medications, which reduced to 13.3±1.9 mmHg (n=73) on 1.1±1.1 medications at 12 months postoperative (both P<0.0001). At 12 months, 40% of eyes were medication free. In the ABiC/phacoemulsification subgroup (n=34 eyes), the mean IOP and medication use decreased from 19.4±3.7 mmHg on 2.6±1.0 medications preoperatively to 13.0±1.8 mmHg on 0.8±0.2 medications at 12 months (both P<0.001). In the stand-alone ABiC subgroup (n=41), the mean IOP and medication use decreased from 21.2±5.3 mmHg on 3.0±0.7 medications preoperatively to 13.7±1.9 mmHg on 1.3±1.1 medications at 12 months (P=0.001 and <0.001, respectively). No serious adverse events were recorded.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that ABiC was effective at reducing IOP and medication use in eyes with uncontrolled POAG with or without cataract surgery.

Early Phacoemulsification After Acute Angle Closure in Patients With Coexisting Cataract.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of early phacoemulsification on the management of acute angle closure glaucoma in patients with coexisting cataract after initial treatment with medical therapy and laser peripheral iridotomy. This study involved a retrospective analysis of patients presenting to the Maastricht University Medical Center+ with acute angle closure and coexisting cataract between 2005 and 2015. Patients were included after initial treatment with a standard protocol comprising topical and systemic medical therapy and laser peripheral iridotomy. Patients underwent small-incision phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation into the capsular bag by experienced surgeons within 3 months of the acute angle closure episode. The effect on intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and complications was assessed. A total 35 patients were included in the study (mean age, 71±10 y; 20% male; mean refractive error, +1.6±1.8 diopters). The mean duration between acute angle closure episode and phacoemulsification was 37±22 days. There were no complications. Intraocular pressure decreased in all patients from 17.0±8.2 mm Hg to 13.2±3.9 mm Hg after 3 months (P=0.008), whereas the mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 2.9±1.1 to 0.7±0.9 (P<0.001), with 56% of patients discontinuing all medications. Visual acuity improved from 0.9±0.9 logMAR to 0.2±0.3 logMAR (P<0.001). Early phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation results in a reduced intraocular pressure and number of glaucoma medications after an acute angle closure glaucoma crisis in patients with coexisting cataract. Although surgery may be challenging, the results are promising, with significant improvement in visual acuity in most patients.

Phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation in uncontrolled glaucoma: Three-year results

To describe the 3-year outcomes of combined cataract surgery and 360-degree endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in eyes with uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous glaucoma drainage surgery. University Hospital Eye Department, Exeter, United Kingdom. Retrospective case series. The study included patients who had combined cataract surgery and 360-degree ECP. The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at 3years postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were the cumulative probability of failure of the surgical procedure at 3years and the complications of surgery. Failure was defined by 1 of 2 criteria: (1) IOP higher than 21mm Hg or lower than 6mm Hg or not reduced by 20% from baseline at the 1-, 2-, or 3-year timepoint and (2) further laser or other surgery to reduce IOP at any timepoint. The study comprised 84 patients (84 eyes). The mean IOP dropped from 18.7mm Hg preoperatively to 13.3mm Hg, 13.8mm Hg, and 14.0mm Hg at 1, 2, and 3years postoperatively, respectively. By the 3-year timepoint, 58.3% had met the criteria for failure. The mean number of glaucoma medications was similar at 2.5 at 3years postoperatively compared with 2.6 preoperatively. Nine patients (10.7%) had a significant complication, but all resolved without long-term sequelae. At 3years postoperatively, combined cataract surgery and 360-degree ECP achieved a modest but significant drop in IOP in phakic patients with uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous drainage surgery. There was a low incidence of serious side effects but nearly 60% were classified as failures by 3years.

Cyclodestructive procedures for non-refractory glaucoma.

Cyclodestructive procedures for non-refractory glaucoma.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of phaco-trabectome versus phaco-trabeculectomy in patients with open angle glaucoma

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of ab interno trabeculectomy with the Trabectome combined with cataract surgery (phaco-AIT) versus Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C combined with cataract surgery (phaco-Trab) in open-angle glaucoma. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial with a single surgeon and surgical center was undertaken. Patients were recruited from July 2009 to October 2014. Primary outcomes were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 months and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP at 12 months, achievement of target IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and rate of secondary surgery. ResultsThe trial was ended early before achieving our intended sample size due to difficulties in recruitment and lack of clinical equipoise over time. Nineteen patients were enrolled, 10 phaco-AIT and 9 phaco-Trab. Baseline IOP was 20.0 ± 5.3 in phaco-AIT and 23.1 ± 6.4 mm Hg in phaco-Trab (p = 0.22). IOP decreased to 17.5 ± 3.8 and 16.0 ± 6.0 mm Hg at 6 months (p = 0.54), and 16.8 ± 2.7 and 17.1 ± 5.0 mm Hg at 1 year (p = 0.57), respectively. Mean number of glaucoma medications at baseline was 1.8 ± 1.3 in phaco-AIT and 1.4 ± 1.1 in phaco-Trab (p = 0.59). Mean number of glaucoma medications decreased to 0.78 ± 1.39 and 0.38 ± 0.74 at 6 months (p = 0.68), and 0.44 ± 0.88 and 0.75 ± 0.89 at 1 year (p = 0.41), respectively. Mild and moderate complications were seen in both treatment groups, but severe complications were seen only in phaco-Trab. One secondary glaucoma procedure was required in the phaco-AIT group. ConclusionsPhaco-AIT achieved similar IOP lowering at 6 and 12 months compared with phaco-Trab with a similar number of glaucoma medications required at 1 year, and no serious complications were identified in the Phaco-AIT group.

The Profile and Management of Glaucoma in Adult Aphakic Patients Following Complicated Cataract Surgery.

ObjectivesTo determine the profile and clinical course of glaucoma in adult aphakic patients following complicated cataract surgery.Materials and MethodsRetrospective chart review of 22 adult aphakic patients (29 eyes) with glaucoma.ResultsMean age was 57.69±14.18 years when aphakia occurred. Mean age at time of presentation to our glaucoma clinic was 62.57±12.47 years. Mean follow-up time was 42.83±57.04 months. Changes between the first and last follow-up visits were as follows: mean intraocular pressure decreased from 26.21±13.86 mmHg to 18.14±9.63 mmHg (p=0.003); mean number of glaucoma medications used increased from 1.41±1.27 to 2.07±1.04 (p=0.005); and mean vertical cup/disc ratio increased from 0.69±0.25 to 0.78±0.24 (p=0.024). Glaucoma was managed using medications in 26 eyes (89.7%), whereas 3 eyes underwent surgical treatment. However, surgery alone was not sufficient to control intraocular pressure and additional glaucoma medications were needed.ConclusionPrevention of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in aphakic patients is challenging both medically and surgically. Although a significant decrease in intraocular pressure can be achieved with glaucoma medications, glaucomatous disc changes may progress.