Number Of Topical Medications Research Articles

Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Non-Incisional Eyes with Ocular Hypertension and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTSCPC) in non-incisional eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT) and early, moderate, and severe primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Retrospective cohort study of eyes that underwent MPTSCPC from 2016 to 2019 at an outpatient clinic in Canada. Eyes were excluded if any incisional procedures, except cataract surgery, were performed prior to MPTSCPC treatment. Laser power ranged from 900 to 2500mW. A total of 153 eyes from 93 patients were included (OHT n=22; early POAG n=46; moderate POAG n=35; severe POAG n=50). The baseline IOP was 18.37 ± 4.76mmHg in the total cohort. All cohorts experienced a significant mean IOP reduction by final follow-up (total p<0.001; OHT p=0.003; early POAG p<0.001; moderate POAG p=0.022; severe POAG p=0.015). Overall, 52.9% of eyes achieved an IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline to final follow-up (OHT 59.1%; early POAG 58.7%; moderate POAG 45.7%; severe POAG 50.0%). There was worsening in best-corrected visual acuity in the total cohort (mean difference=0.11 ± 0.36 logMAR, p=0.11), mostly attributable to cataract progression (34.1% of phakic eyes) and ocular surface disease (7.2%). The number of topical medications and drug classes remained unchanged in the total cohort (p=0.425 and p=0.791, respectively). Twenty-two eyes (14.4%) required retreatment, which provided an additional IOP reduction of 1.26mmHg (p=0.344). By final follow-up, 8 eyes (5.2%) required escalation to incisional procedures. MPTSCPC is a safe and effective adjunct IOP-lowering treatment in non-incisional eyes with OHT and POAG.

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

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

Outcomes of Corneal Transplant in Childhood Glaucoma.

Childhood glaucoma produces alterations of the postnatal development and function of various ocular structures, including the cornea. Childhood glaucoma patients present lower corneal transplant survival rates. Our series shows clinical outcomes of corneal transplant in childhood glaucoma, with 29. To investigate the surgical outcome of different types of keratoplasty in eyes with childhood glaucoma. A retrospective review was made of the medical records from 17 eyes of 15 patients who were diagnosed with childhood glaucoma and received a corneal transplant between January 2010 and July 2020. Patient demographics, intraocular pressure (IOP), previous ocular surgery, comorbidities, corneal transplant surgery and follow-up outcome were collected. The primary efficacy end point was graft survival (in months) until failure, the latter being considered as irreversible loss of corneal transparency. Secondary efficacy points were need for an increase in topical hypotensive therapy and need for additional surgery. Seventeen eyes of fifteen patients were included, eleven eyes (ten patients) with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and six with other types of childhood glaucoma. Corneal transplant was performed at the mean age of 23.76±14.86 years. At the time of the transplant, the number of topical medications was 1.35±1.27, IOP was 15.00±8.34mmHg and patients had received up to seven glaucoma surgeries. Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty was performed in thirteen eyes (76%) and penetrating keratoplasty in four (24%). After surgery, seven (41%) eyes required increased topical treatment and two (12%) glaucoma surgery. Twelve eyes (71%) developed graft failure at 24 months, the mean time of survival being 13.88±8.25 months. Management of corneal decompensation in childhood glaucoma poses a challenge. In this series of childhood glaucoma with corneal transplants, survival rate was 29% at 24 months.

Glaucoma medical treatment as a predictor of XEN45 subconjunctival gel implant hypotensive efficacy.

The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative characteristics influencing hypotensive efficacy of the XEN45 gel stent in patients with open-angle glaucoma at one-year follow-up. This was a retrospective multicentre study. All patients who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation between January 2017 and January 2021 were included. The main study outcome was the assessment of one-year postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication differences according to the number and type of preoperative topical treatments or glaucoma surgery, glaucoma stage and time since diagnosis. Follow-up period was 1-year post-surgery in all cases. IOP reduction and surgery success (not requiring reoperation or pressure failures [IOP > 18mmHg and < 20% reduction in IOP]), safety and cost savings in topical glaucoma therapy after surgery were secondarily assessed. Linear regression analysis to determine the preoperative parameters influence on 1-year postoperative results was performed. XEN45 gel stent was implanted in 85 patients. One-year postoperative mean IOP dropped from 20.6 ± 4.1 to 13.7 ± 2.8mmHg (p < 0.0001). Likewise, mean number of topical treatments decreased from 2.05 ± 0.9 to 0.36 ± 0.65 (p < 0.001). Both were mainly influenced by the number of preoperative glaucoma treatments, such that for each one-glaucoma medication increase, postoperative intraocular pressure increased by 1.18mmHg (95% CI 0.56-1.79, p < 0.0001) and number of glaucoma medications increased by 0.3 (95% CI 0.16-0.43, p < 0.001). Overall success rates (with and without supplemental glaucoma medication use) were 97.6% (95% CI 94.5-100%), 87.1% (95% CI 80.2-87.1%) and 61.2% (95% CI 51.6-72.5%) at 3, 6months and 1year after surgery. No sight-threatening adverse events were reported. Mean annual cost savings on medical treatment since surgery reached EUR 251.19 ± 169. 93 euros. One year after surgery, XEN45 gel implant significantly reduced IOP and number of topical medications with an adequate safety profile being both mainly influenced by the number of preoperative glaucoma treatments.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Surgeries including Intraocular Direct Cyclophotocoagulation with a 532 nm Laser to Treat Advanced Neovascular Glaucoma.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intraocular direct cyclophotocoagulation (IDCP) using a 532 nm laser with combination treatment in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) for patients with advanced neovascular glaucoma (NVG) with angle closure. In addition, we sought to determine the success rate and frequency of complications and explore an optimized solution to reduce the number of topical medications and the pain of patients. Methods A retrospective case note review of all patients undergoing combined treatment including IVR, phaco, PPV, PRP, and IDCP from January 2017 to June 2018. Results In total, 24 consecutive patients (25 eyes) were reviewed. The mean IOP was significantly decreased from 42.2 ± 8.5 mmHg preoperatively to 15.56 ± 2.0 mmHg (P < 0.0001), and no neovascularization of the iris (NVI) reoccurred at month 18. The number of medications used was reduced from 2.72 ± 0.45 preoperatively to 0.87 ± 0.40 at month 18 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions During 18 months of follow-up, the combined treatments were safe and had a significant IOP-lowering effect. This study provides a new method of performing IDCP with a 532 nm laser, allowing for the use of internal cyclophotocoagulation without extra equipment.

Intermediate outcomes of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy and canaloplasty in POAG patients with prior incisional glaucoma surgery

BackgroundTo compare the efficacy and safety of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy (ECT) and canaloplasty on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with failed filtering surgery and intact schlemm’s canal (SC).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of POAG patients with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, who further received ECT and canaloplasty. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications at each follow-up point. The secondary outcome compared the quantified success rate at1-year follow-up between the groups.ResultsTwenty-nine eyes were recruited in the ECT group and 19 eyes in canaloplasty group. The postoperative IOP and the number of topical medications decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). The IOP at 3-month and 6-monthwas significantly lower in the ECT group (p = 0.039, p = 0.001) than in the canaloplasty group. Although the IOP at 12-mon was similar between the two groups, the number of topical medications was less in the ECT group (p = 0.040). Hyphema (72.4%) and ciliary body detachment (27.6%), which mainly resolve spontaneously, were two leading complications in the ECT group. The prevalence of hyphema was higher in ECT than in canaloplasty group (p < 0.001).ConclusionFor POAG with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, canaloplasty may be safer, whereas ECT presented better IOP control.Translational Relevance: Suggestions for surgical choice for POAG with failed filtering surgery.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty in enhancing glaucoma care

Background/Aim There is increasing evidence for using selective laser trabeculoplasty as a first line treatment for chronic open angle glaucoma. The current first-line treatment is pharmacological therapy using eye drops. This study aims to assess the outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension at a district general hospital and consider its role in reducing cost and treatment burden when treating patients with these conditions. Methods A single centre, retrospective case-note audit involving 58 eyes from 31 patients with a minimum follow-up of 4 months. Results Post selective laser trabeculoplasty, 62% had intraocular pressure &lt;20 mmHg on latest follow up (36/58 eyes). Post selective laser trabeculoplasty, 10 patients (32%) were prescribed one fewer topical medication, while 20 patients (65%) were prescribed the same number of topical medications. Only 1 patient (3%) was prescribed one additional topical medication. Conclusion Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a safe and effective option for managing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Selective laser trabeculoplasty may represent a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers as compared to pharmacological treatment.

Patient Outcomes Following Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation: Intermediate-term Results.

To report the safety and efficacy outcomes following micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTSCPC) procedure in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. Longitudinal retrospective cohort, multicenter study. Patients with different types of glaucoma who underwent MPTSCPC with P3 probe between July 2015 and May 2017. Patients were treated by different glaucoma specialists from 5 different locations (Tulane Study Group). Data on preoperative characteristics, surgical procedure(s) performed, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis using logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed with Stata software. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, need for incisional glaucoma surgery, need for repeat micropulse, and number of topical medications were studied. One hundred ninety-seven eyes from 161 patients were included. Median follow-up was 12 months [interquartile range (IQR), 6 to 14]. Glaucoma diagnosis included 141 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 8 neovascular glaucoma, and 12 others. The total success rate was 71%. Two percent (4 patients) developed postoperative cystoid macular edema. Preoperative mean intraocular pressure (SD) was 22±9 and 16±6 mm Hg at last follow-up (P<0.001). Median preoperative logMAR visual acuity (IQR) was 0.4 (0.2 to 1.0) and 0.3 (0.2 to 1.0) at last follow-up (P=0.65, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Median number (IQR) of topical medications was 3 (1 to 4) preoperative and 2 (1 to 3) at last follow-up (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated 90% of patients free from repeat MPTSCPC at 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression identified 3 significant independent predictors of total success: diagnosis (P=0.011) (POAG), previous glaucoma surgery (P=0.003), and other concurrent procedures (P=0.013). Our large longitudinal cohort study has provided evidence that MPTSCPC is a safe and generally effective option in the treatment of POAG up to 12 months.

A prospective randomized controlled study of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant versus Ahmed glaucoma valve in refractory glaucoma: A pilot study.

Purpose:To study the efficacy of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) compared to Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in patients with refractory glaucoma.Methods:This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Thirty-eight adult patients (>18 years) scheduled for a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) were randomized into two groups to receive either AGV or AADI. Primary outcome measures: intraocular pressure (IOP) control and requirement of antiglaucoma medications; secondary outcome measures: final best correct visual acuity (log MAR), visual field (Visual field index [VFI], mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]), postoperative complications and additional interventions. Complete success was defined as IOP ≥5–≤18 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications/laser/additional glaucoma surgery or any vision threatening complications.Results:There were 19 age and sex-matched patients in each group. Both groups had comparable IOP before surgery (P = 0.61). The AGV group had significantly lower IOP compared to AADI group (7.05 ± 4.22 mmHg vs 17.90 ± 10.32 mmHg, P = <0.001) at 1 week. The mean postoperative IOP at 6 months was not significantly different in the two groups (13.3 ± 4.2 and 11.4 ± 6.8 mmHg respectively; P = 0.48). At 6 months, complete success rate according to antiglaucoma medication criteria was 78.94% in AADI and 47.36% in AGV groups. AGV group required 1.83 times more number of topical medications than AADI group. There was no significant difference in early (P = 0.75) and late (P = 0.71) postoperative complications in the AADI and AGV group. The complete success rate was higher in AADI group (68.42%) than AGV group (26.31%) (P = 0.034).Conclusion:In this study, AADI appears to have comparable efficacy versus AGV implant with higher complete success rate at 6 months follow-up.

Endocyclophotodestruction in glaucoma patients undergoing combined surgery of pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification.

BackgroundThe purpose of this trail was to assess the effect of a novel intraoperative endocyclophotodestruction method on intraocular pressure in patients undergoing combined procedure of phacovitrectomy to determine the efficacy of this combined surgical approach.Material/MethodsThe study sample included 87 subjects divided into 2 groups: Group I consisted of 52 patients who underwent intraoperative endocyclophotodestruction performed during phacovitrectomy. Group II consisted of 35 controls. The follow-up duration was 12 months. The preoperative (baseline) intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined and later assessed postoperatively at the following time points: on 1 day and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Other evaluated parameters were the number of topical antiglaucoma medications, and the cyclophotodestruction circumference-to-outflow resistance ratio (R).ResultsThe mean postoperative reduction of intraocular pressure was by 4.26 mmHg at 6 months and by 4.91 mmHg at 12 months. The number of topical antiglaucoma medications was reduced postoperatively from the mean preoperative value of 1.66 to 0.69 at 6 months and 1.04 at 12 months.ConclusionsThe results show a significant reduction of intraocular pressure in patients undergoing the combined triple-procedure surgery and postoperative decrease in the number of topical medications. The best outcomes in terms of IOP decrease and reduced number of medications were achieved in patients with low outflow coefficient. Endocyclophotodestruction is an alternative IOP-reducing technique to be used in patients with glaucoma who require phacovitrectomy. It is recommended for patients with low outflow coefficient in whom posterior pole abnormalities constitute the main indications for surgery.

Risk Factors to Develop Ocular Surface Disease in Treated Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension Patients

To identify risk factors for developing ocular surface disease (OSD), to verify the prevalence of OSD, and to record efficacy of questionnaires in identifying symptoms' impact on patients' quality of life. . This was an observational, cross-sectional study of patients with topically treated glaucoma. Tear film break-up time (TFBUT) and punctate keratitis were evaluated; 2 quality-of-life questionnaires (National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire 25 and Glaucoma Symptom Scale) were submitted to all patients. Class of previous and current intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drugs, number of drugs, number of drops/day, and total and current benzalkonium chloride (BAK) exposure were collected. . A total of 233 patients completed the study. TFBUT was abnormal in 71 (30.5%) eyes; punctate keratitis was present in 74 (31.7%). Keratitis was more frequent with increasing number of eyedrops (p=0.008) and number of instillations per day (p=0.009). Ocular surface disease was present in 97 (41.6%) patients and was statistically related to number of medications used (p=0.026). The univariate analysis pointed out that patients with OSD were older (p=0.04), had lower IOP values (p=0.03), were topically treated for more time (p<0.0001), had assumed more BAK (p<0.0001), and presented worst quality of life (p<0.01). The multivariate analysis found that OSD was related to number of medications used (p=0.002), prolonged use of preserved medications (p=0.005), and total BAK exposure (p<0.001). There is clinical evidence that the number of medications, their prolonged use, and the total BAK exposure are risk factors to develop OSD in patients with glaucoma. To prevent OSD onset, BAK exposure and the number of topical medications should be reduced.

Kanaloplastik

Canaloplasty provides a new option in non-penetrating glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study is to examine its early postsurgical safety and efficacy. This was a retrospective study of canaloplasties performed at our institution in 2009 (n=46, 13 of which were combined with cataract surgery). The mean follow-up was 6.0±3.4 months. The most important parameters examined were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of topical medications, postoperative complications, and required additional surgery. Mean presurgical IOP: 18.2±5.8mmHg on a mean of 2.3±1.2 applied topical medications. Mean postsurgical IOP: 12.3±5.1mmHg at 3 months, 11.7±3.0mmHg at 6 months, and 12.6±2.4 mmHg at 12 months. Number of postsurgical medications: 0.8±1.1at 3 months, 1.2±1.3at 6 months, and 1.0±1.1 at 12 months. The most frequent postoperative complications were transient hypotension (32.6%), bleb leakage (26.1%), and microhyphema (23.9%). Revision surgery was required in 8.7% of all patients. Canaloplasty showed a good IOP-reducing effect. Complications occurred mostly temporarily and were of a controllable nature.

What do glaucoma specialists know about their patients?

Although interaction between doctor and patient is undoubtedly influenced by their mutual expectations, little information is available about the knowledge and expectations of glaucoma doctors concerning their patients' attitudes and treatment patterns. The aim of our prospective study was to compare the actual responses of glaucoma patients concerning various issues related to their disease and the responses the glaucoma doctors expected their patients to give. Glaucoma patients consecutively sent to our glaucoma centre were asked to complete a standardised questionnaire about their glaucoma history, treatment routines and opinions on issues related to glaucoma. Ophthalmologists at the glaucoma centre were asked to predict patients' answers. One hundred and twenty-eight consecutive glaucoma patients completed the patients' questionnaire and 12 glaucoma specialists completed the corresponding questionnaire for doctors. Frequency of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements and visual field testing, as well as the number of topical medications, were relatively accurately predicted by the glaucoma doctors. Differences between the doctors' predictions and patients' responses were found concerning discomfort after surgery and the influence of stress or environmental factors on IOP. The largest range of doctors' predictions (0-100%) was observed concerning the portion of patients claiming a 100% adherence to glaucoma medication. Glaucoma specialists are familiar with the treatment patterns of their patients. The knowledge of glaucoma specialists of their patients' subjective attitudes to glaucoma-related issues deserves further investigation, as discrepancies between doctors' and patients' responses were observed in this area.