Ocular Hypertensive Patients Research Articles

A comparative study of timolol plus either brimonidine (0.2%) or dorzolamide (2%) or latanoprost (0.005%) dual therapy in suboptimal responders to timolol (0.5%) monotherapy among patients of open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and normal-tension glaucoma

Background: Studies comparing the efficacy and tolerability of the three fixed combinations of timolol with its monotherapy are not readily available. In this background, the current prospective observational study was planned. Aim and Objective: To evaluate and compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, change in visual field, and cup-disc ratio in glaucoma patients receiving timolol monotherapy vis-a-vis timolol based dual therapies among timolol sub-optimal responders. Materials and Methods: After obtaining written informed consent and fulfilling the inclusion-exclusion criteria, fifty consecutive newly diagnosed cases of glaucoma or ocular hypertension with risk factors were recruited in the study. They received timolol eye drop up to 4th week. Participants not responding to timolol monotherapy optimally received either timolol plus brimonidine or timolol plus dorzolamide or timolol plus latanoprost for another 12 weeks. Participants responding optimally (at least 30% reduction of baseline) were continued with timolol monotherapy. Besides IOP changes, effects on visual field, visual acuity, cup disc ratio, safety, tolerability, and rate of persistency to therapy were studied. Results: Fifteen participants (30%) achieved target IOP reduction at 4 weeks of timolol monotherapy. All four treatment groups achieved significant IOP reduction (P < 0.001) from baseline to 16th week. Participants receiving timolol followed by timolol plus latanoprost had shown the highest IOP reduction at 16th week both from baseline and 4th week value (ANOVA test, P = 0.027, P = 0.000 respectively). No change in visual field or visual acuity or cup disc ratio was noticed. Adverse drug reactions observed were mild and mostly self limiting. Conclusion: Timolol and latanoprost combination might be a better choice in sub-optimal responders to timolol whereas it is wise to continue timolol monotherapy in optimally responders.

Topical Ripasudil as First Line Treatment for Ocular Hypertension in Uveitis Cases: AnAnalytic Study

Introduction: Uveitis can directly or indirectly lead to ocular hypertension which can lead to glaucoma. Ripasudil has a different mechanism of action than other anti-glaucoma medications available commercially and in contrary to these drugs, ripasudil also has anti-inflammatory properties providing an upper edge over other intraocular pressure lowering drugs. In addition to primary glaucoma, these new Rho kinase associated inhibitors can provide satisfactory results in glaucoma with secondary pathologies. Aim: To study the role of ripasudil as first line treatment for ocular hypertension in uveitis cases. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomised study comprising 40 patients of Ocular Hypertension (OHT) associated with uveitis was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care hospital in North India from October 2020 to January 2021. The diagnosis of uveitis was made clinically with detailed medical history and slit lamp biomicroscopic examination. All the diagnosed patients were started with topical ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate 0.4% eye drops twice daily along with anti-inflammatory medications. Intraocular Presure (IOP) was recorded after 4 weeks and 12 weeks at 8 am, 10 am and 4 pm. Effectiveness of the drugs was calculated in terms of mmHg fall in mean intraocular pressure using t-test and p-values. Results: Out of 40 patients with uveitis associated OHT, 20caseswere inflammation related (mean age was 56.2±16.3years,13 males, 7 females) and 20 cases were categorised as corticosteroid induced (mean age was 58.9±15.69 years, 14 males, 6 females). At 12 weeks there was 5.67±0.59 mmHg fall in IOP (22.70%) in inflammation related OHT and there was 6.37±0.07 mmHg fall in IOP (25.34%) in corticosteroid related OHT. There was statistically significant fall in IOP (p-value=0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that topical ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate 0.4% eye drops is effective in lowering the IOP, also there were no side effects, so it is safe and well-tolerated. So, ripasudil can provide a safe and effective alternative for lowering of IOP among uveitis related OHT.

Turn Back Elevation of Once Reduced IOP After Trabeculotomy Ab Externo and Kahook Dual Blade Surgeries Combined with Cataract Surgery.

PurposeTo evaluate the surgical outcome of internal trabeculectomy by Kahook dual blade (KDB) with that of external trabeculotomy, each combined with phaco-lensectomy and intraocular lens implantation (Phaco).Patients and MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative study. The primary and secondary outcome measures are postsurgical intraocular pressure and postsurgical hyphema. One eye each of 76 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) and ocular hypertension (OH) patients underwent external phaco-trabeculotomy, and that of 40 POAG, PEG and OH patients underwent phaco-KDB surgery.ResultsReduction of the intraocular pressure (IOP) by phaco-KDB at one and two years was 28.4 and 27.8%, respectively, and was not significantly different from that by external phaco-trabeculotomy of 32.7% (P=0.256) and 31.5% (P=0.468), respectively. Three months postsurgical IOP after phaco-KDB and external phaco-trabeculotomy was 16.1 and 15.9 mmHg, respectively. There was a significant turn back elevation of once reduced IOP to 17.1 (P=0.0207) and 17.0 mmHg (P=0.0096) at 24 months, respectively. There were no differences in success probability to achieve IOP below 17 mmHg (P=0.120), 21 mmHg (P=0.719) and >20% IOP reduction (P=0.309) with medication(s) at two years between the phaco-KDB and external phaco-trabeculotomy cohorts. Younger age was a significant (P<0.001) risk factor for failure; however, presurgical IOP (P=0.466), the type of surgery (P=0.219) and presence of postsurgical IOP spike (P=0.737) were not significant risk factors by the Cox proportional hazard model. Hyphema and spike of the IOP in phaco-KDB and external phaco-trabeculotomy cohorts were 40% and 88% (P<0.001), and 53% and 41% (P=0.238), respectively.ConclusionThe IOP reduction by the phaco-KDB was equivalent to that by external phaco-trabeculotomy up to two years. In both cohorts, once reduced postsurgical IOP tend to increase up to 24 months.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Normal Tension Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Purpose: To compare the corneal endothelial cell density (CED) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional Observational study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from April 2016 to March 2018.&#x0D; Methods: Patients having a single IOP reading of 21 mm Hg or more with glaucomatous cupping, visual field defect and open angle were labeled as POAG. Patients with IOP less than 21 mm Hg with same findings were labeled as NTG. Those eyes with raised IOP (more than 21 mm Hg), normal visual field and optic disc were labeled as OHT. Corneal endothelial cell count, central corneal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were measured in patients of POAG, NTG and OHT. These were compared with normal age matched values.&#x0D; Results: Thirty eyes with POAG, 10 with OHT and 10 with NTG were included in the study. In patients with POAG there was 13.33% CED and 27.7% mean RNFL thickness loss. In patients with NTG there was 3.06% CED and 34.04% mean RNFL thickness loss. In patients with OHT there was 7.17% CED and 5.5% mean RNFL thickness loss.&#x0D; Conclusion: The loss of both RNFL thickness and CED occurs in POAG, OHT and NTG. Severe loss of RNFL thickness occurs in POAG and NTG while severe loss of CED occurs in POAG and OHT. Mild loss of RNFL thickness occurs in OHT while mild loss of CED occurs in NTG.&#x0D; Key Words: Specular Microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, Nerve Fiber Layer, Open Angle Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension.

Efficacy of corneal shape index in the evaluation of ocular hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliative glaucoma.

The aim of the present study is to calculate Concavity Shape Index (CSI) in patients with POAG and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and correlate CSI with the severity of glaucoma, comparing to control and ocular hypertension (OHT) patients. This was a cross‑sectional study with 146 eyes/146 subjects: 37 healthy eyes, 23 eyes with OHT and 86 glaucoma eyes (70 with POAG, 16 with XFG). The severity of glaucoma was scored with the Glaucoma Staging System 2 (GSS2). Corvis ST® was used to calculate CSI. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was significantly thinner in POAG (526 ± 40.0 µm) and XFG (520 ± 38.2 µm) than control group (553 ± 28.8 µm). CSI had no significant differences between the groups. XFG had a higher mean of GSS 2 (2.42 ± 1.38) than POAG (1.87 ± 1.55) and OHT (1.87 ± 1.55). OHT had a significantly less deformable cornea than: control (higher A1 length, lower A1 velocity, higher A2 velocity), POAG (higher A1 length, lower A1 velocity, lower deflection amplitude at highest concavity), and XFG group (lower A1 velocity, lower deflection amplitude at highest concavity), which was independent of age and CCT. No significant correlation was found between GSS 2 and CSI. OHT patients had stiffer corneas (less deformed by the air puff) when compared to control, POAG or XFG patients. A less deformable cornea could potentially be related to a more resistant LC/peripapillary sclera. As such, this would result in a lesser optic nerve susceptibility to IOP damage.

The evaluation of juvenile ocular hypertension by optical coherence tomography angiography

BackgroundVessel density (VD) of the elderly ocular hypertension patients measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) have been reported. However, the studies of VD in juvenile ocular hypertension (JOHT) are limited. We wished to evaluate VD changes using OCTA in JOHT. We also investigated the potential risk parameters of intraocular pressure (IOP) and vertical cup/disc ratio (CDR) with OCTA for observing the development of JOHT.MethodsWe examined 86 eyes in 45 control (Ctrl) subjects and 65 eyes in 34 patients with JOHT using OCTA at the glaucoma clinic of the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University. The VD of radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and the perifoveal superficial vascular plexus (SVP) was compared between the Ctrl and JOHT groups. Other basic study factors such as age, sex, blood pressure, best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, IOP, CDR, the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, visual field mean deviation, and pattern standard deviation were also recorded.ResultsBare difference was found in the nasal-inferior and temporal RPC-VD between the Ctrl and JOHT groups (P = 0.042 and P = 0.033, respectively) while SVP-VD was not (all P > 0.05). In the mixed linear regression model analysis, temporal RPC-VD was marginally negatively associated with high IOP (r = − 1.379, P = 0.043). Five additional sections of nasal, inferior-nasal, inferior-temporal, superior-temporal, and superior-nasal RPC-VD showed positive correlation with large CDR (all P < 0.05). SVP-VD in the superior and nasal regions was marginally negatively correlated with high IOP (r = − 1.877, P = 0.023; r = − 1.693, P = 0.049). No other regions were found statistical different of relationship between IOP, CDR and VD.ConclusionsNasal-inferior and temporal peripapillary VD was marginally lower in JOHT subjects. Regarding parameters of IOP and CDR, peripapillary temporal VD had a borderline level of negative correlation with IOP more than 21 mmHg while additional five regions were strongly positively correlated with large CDR. Some macular regions only found marginal positive correlation with parameter of high IOP. We conclude that OCTA can be used as a potential technique to evaluate the VD in JOHT and peripapillary scans should be analyzed individually based on different levels of CDR.

Distribution of Ocular Perfusion Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Aim: To describe the distribution of ocular perfusion pressure hypertensive patients.&#x0D; Design: Cross-sectional observation study.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Hospital-based, case control cross-sectional study conducted on 100 patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) was measured with a Mercury Sphygmomanometer. Mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) = ⅔ (mean arterial pressure − IOP), where mean arterial pressure (MAP) = DBP + ⅓ (SBP − DBP), systolic perfusion pressure (SPP) = SBP – IOP and diastolic perfusion pressure (DPP) = DBP − IOP was calculated.&#x0D; Results: High values of diastolic BP (&gt;90 mmHg) and low values of OPP (&lt;40 mmHg) were associated to an increased risk of confirmed POAG.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a close relationship between OPP and confirmed glaucoma in hypertensive patients.

Ocular hypertension following 40 mg sub-Tenon triamcinolone versus 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant versus 2 mg intravitreal triamcinolone

ObjectiveTo compare rates of ocular hypertension (OHT) in eyes receiving 40 mg sub-Tenon triamcinolone (STT), 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant (DEX), and 2 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT). MethodsThis study is a single-centre, retrospective case series. All patients receiving STT and DEX between 4/1/2014 and 3/1/2017 and IVT between 3/1/2012 and 3/1/2017 with a minimum of 3 months’ follow-up were included. OHT was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) >24 mm Hg. Patients receiving any other form of topical, oral, or intravitreal steroid were excluded. Results113 eyes from 104 patients in the STT group, 122 eyes from 109 patients in the DEX group, and 109 eyes from 103 patients in the IVT group were included. The mean number of injections for each eye was 1.7 in the STT group, 2.6 for the DEX group, and 2.8 for the IVT group (p < 0.001). Twenty eyes (17.7%) developed OHT in the STT group, 19 eyes (15.6%) developed OHT in the DEX group, and 14 eyes (12.8%) developed OHT in the IVT group (p = 0.60). IOP was controlled in all eyes with observation, topical IOP-lowering medication, or surgical intervention. The rate of incisional glaucoma surgery was 1.7% in the STT group, 1.6% in the DEX group, and 0% in the IVT group (p = 0.55). ConclusionsThe rate of OHT was similar across treatment groups. The proportion of OHT in patients with a history of glaucoma was no different from that in patients without a history of glaucoma. All cases were successfully managed with observation, medical treatment, or incisional surgery.

Preliminary study of visual pathway in ocular hypertension patients using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor and 3D-OCT

Preliminary study of visual pathway in ocular hypertension patients using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor and 3D-OCT

Comparison between Fundus Automated Perimetry and Humphrey Field Analyzer: Performance and usability of the Fundus Automated Perimetry and Humphrey Field Analyzer in healthy, ocular hypertensive, and glaucomatous patients.

We compared the performance and usability of the Fundus Automated Perimetry (FAP) and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) in patients with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and healthy subjects. A total of 60 participants, divided in three groups of 20, glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension (OHT), and controls group, underwent a HFA test 24-2 SITA standard and a FAP test 24-2 ZEST sequence, in randomized order. The mean differences between perimeters of mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD) were correlated using the t-test and the Bland-Altman plot while execution time, Glaucoma Staging System 2 (GSS2), Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson staging system, localization of the defect, false positives (FP), and false negatives (FN) were compared with t-test analysis. Usability was measured through answers of a dedicated questionnaire. MD's difference was higher for FAP than HFA: OHT -2.20 ± 1.33 dB (p < 0.001), POAG -2.00 ± 1.66 dB (p < 0.001), and controls -1.08 ± 1.43 dB (p < 0.001). PSD's difference was higher for FAP than HFA: OHT 0.85 ± 1.16 dB (p < 0.001), POAG 0.78 ± 2.32 dB (p = 0.043), and controls 0.49 ± 1.15 dB (p < 0.001). GSS2's difference showed that FAP found more severe defects than HFA. Exams duration was longer for FAP versus HFA: in OHT 363 s versus 301 s, in POAG 494 s versus 362 s, and in controls 360 s versus 277 s. For FN and FP, there were no statistically significant differences. The 77% of all subjects preferred FAP to HFA test. Considering MD and GSS2 classification, FAP finds more severe defects. Moreover, although FAP duration is longer, this method is preferred by most of the patients.

The outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty at six months

Purpose: To study the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) at six months and to determine factors that can predict the success of SLT.&#x0D; Study design: Prospective cohort study with convenience sampling.&#x0D; Material and methods: The patients were seen at the Glaucoma Clinic, Selayang Hospital from October 2017 to September 2018. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), and ocular hypertension (OHT) of mild to moderate severity that needed further IOP reduction were recruited. Baseline characteristics were documented followed by water drinking test (WDT) and SLT. Follow-up was scheduled at one week, six weeks, three months, and six months. WDT was repeated at six months.&#x0D; Results: Eighteen eyes of 18 patients were recruited. IOP at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months was 19.3 ± 3.7,16.7 ± 3.8,16.5 ± 2.7,16.6 ± 3.2 and 15.3 ± 3.8 mmHg, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The reduction of baseline IOP, peak IOP, and IOP fluctuation were 20.7%, 26.7%, and 31.4%, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The cumulative success at six months was 44%. The significant success predictors were mean deviation on Humphrey visual field and IOP one week post-SLT.&#x0D; Conclusions: SLT can be used to treat mild to moderate POAG, NTG, and OHT patients, either as first-line treatment or as an adjunct to medical therapy.

Need and Time to Redo Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose: Examine the need and the timeframe to redo selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) that was applied in open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive patients. Methods: Patients received SLT as primary, adjunctive or replacement therapy. Data were recorded up to 5.5 years after SLT treatment. Target pressure was defined as intraocular pressure at least 20% lowered. On exceeding the target pressure, patients received a second SLT. Primary outcome were the need and the time to redo the SLT. We examined differences between the groups (primary, replacement or adjunct SLT) and correlations between time and need to redo and pre-SLT parameters. Results: 108 patients (194 eyes) could be followed for at least 0.5 year and up to 4.5 years, with a mean follow up of 22.35 ± 18.94 months. Our population at start was a varied one; 34% of patients received primary SLT, 50% had replacement SLT, 16% had SLT as adjunctive treatment. These three groups showed no difference in evolution of IOP or medication in time. Time to redo varied, with a mean of 31.13 ± 11.24 months. Conclusion: We set out to have a general idea of how many patients could be expected to need a retreatment with SLT after a first successful SLT in a private clinic setting. In our population, the percentage of redo needed was 5.6% after 2 years, 35.4% after 3 years and 45.4% after 4 years. No differences could be measured with regard to the type of SLT performed nor could any significant correlation be found between need to redo and pre-SLT characteristics.

Ocular Perfusion Pressure and the Risk of Open-Angle Glaucoma: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) has been proposed as an important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression, but controversy still exists between studies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association between OPP and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases. The pooled absolute and standardised mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls were evaluated using the random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors associated with OPP difference between OAG patients and controls. A total of 43 studies were identified including 3,009 OAG patients, 369 patients with ocular hypertension, and 29,502 controls. The pooled absolute mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls was −2.52 mmHg (95% CI −4.06 to −0.98), meaning significantly lower OPP in OAG patients (P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that OAG patients with baseline IOP > 21 mmHg (P = 0.019) and ocular hypertension patients also had significantly lower OPP than controls (P < 0.001), but such difference in OPP was not significant between OAG patients with baseline IOP of ≤21 mmHg and controls (P = 0.996). In conclusion, although no causal relationship was proven in the present study, our findings suggest that in patients with high baseline IOP, who already have a higher risk of glaucoma, low OPP might be another risk factor.

Clinical-Evolutionary Staging System of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered one of the main causes of blindness. Detection of POAG at early stages and classification into evolutionary stages is crucial to blindness prevention. Methods: 1001 patients were enrolled, of whom 766 were healthy subjects and 235 were ocular hypertensive or glaucomatous patients in different stages of the disease. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to determine Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and the thicknesses of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) rings with diameters of 3.0, 4.1 and 4.7 mm centred on the optic nerve. The BMO-MRW rim and RNFL rings were divided into seven sectors (G-T-TS-TI-N-NS-NI). The k-means algorithm and linear discriminant analysis were used to classify patients into disease stages. Results: We defined four glaucoma stages and provided a new model for classifying eyes into these stages, with an overall accuracy greater than 92% (88% when including healthy eyes). An online application was also implemented to predict the probability of glaucoma stage for any given eye. Conclusions: We propose a new objective algorithm for classifying POAG into clinical-evolutionary stages using SD-OCT.

Visual Field Outcomes from the Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Trial (LiGHT)

To compare visual field outcomes of ocular hypertensive and glaucoma patients treated first with medical therapy with those treated first with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Secondary analysis of patients from the Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension study, a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Three hundred forty-four patients (588 eyes) treated first with medical therapy and 344 patients (590 eyes) treated first with SLT. Visual fields (VFs) were measured using standard automated perimetry and arranged in series (median length and duration, 9 VFs over 48 months). Hierarchical linear models were used to estimate pointwise VF progression rates, which were then averaged to produce a global progression estimate for each eye. Proportions of points and patients in each treatment group with fast (<-1 dB/year) or moderate (<-0.5 dB/year) progression were compared using log-binomial regression. Pointwise and global progression rates of total deviation (TD) and pattern deviation (PD). A greater proportion of eyes underwent moderate or fast TD progression in the medical therapy group compared with the SLT group (26.2% vs. 16.9%; risk ratio [RR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.93; P < 0.001). A similar pattern was observed for pointwise rates (medical therapy, 26.1% vs. SLT, 19.0%; RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.33-1.42; P < 0.001). A greater proportion of pointwise PD rates were categorized as moderate or fast in the medical therapy group (medical therapy, 11.5% vs. SLT, 8.3%; RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.32-1.46; P < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in the proportion of eyes that underwent moderate or fast PD progression (medical therapy, 9.9% vs. SLT, 7.1%; RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.95, 2.03; P = 0.0928). A slightly larger proportion of ocular hypertensive and glaucoma patients treated first with medical therapy underwent rapid VF progression compared with those treated first with SLT.

Optic nerve head diurnal vessel density variations in glaucoma and ocular hypertension measured by optical coherence tomography angiography.

To evaluate diurnal variations in optic nerve head (ONH) vessel density assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in healthy subjects, ocular hypertension (OHT), and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. Forty subjects (OAG, 21; OHT, 6; healthy, 13) were assessed for vessel density percentage (VD%) and flow index in the ONH (NH VD%, NH index), and in the radial peripapillary capillary layer (RPC VD%, RPC index) at 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00 on a single day. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test for changes in the parameters measured at multiple time points. All OCT-A parameters analyzed at the different time points were statistically lower in the OAG patients compared to both the OHT and healthy groups (p < 0.05). In the OAG group, the NH index, RPC index, NH VD%, and RPC VD% were statistically lower at 18:00 compared to 14:00, and the RPC VD% was statistically lower at 9:00 than 14:00. In the OHT group, the RPC index was statistically lower at 9:00 than 11:00. In the healthy group, the NH VD% and RPC VD% were statistically lower at 16:00 than 18:00, and the RPC index was statistically lower at 9:00 than 11:00. No other statistically significant difference was found in none of the three groups comparing any other time point (p > 0.05). In healthy subjects, OHT and OAG patients, the variations in the OCT-A derived parameters were relatively small. These results suggest that in the clinical practice the OCT-A assessment can be performed independently of the time of the day, contrasting IOP evaluation.

The efficacy of the fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol versus other fixed combinations for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: Asystematic review and meta-analysis.

Fixed-combination (FC) therapy is used in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) patients who require more than one medication to reach their target intraocular pressure (IOP). Currently, there are several FC therapies available for the treatment of glaucoma. The FC of latanoprost/timolol (LTFC) is a commonly used FC. Here, we conducted systematic review to compare the IOP-lowering effects of LTFC with other FCs for patients with POAG and OHT. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized-controlled clinical trials and cross-over studies. The outcomes were mean IOP and IOP fluctuation after one month of treatment. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan (version 5.1) software. After conducting meta-analyses, we rated the quality of each meta-analysis as high, moderate, low, or very low using the "GRADE" system. We included 16 trials in this meta-analysis. Moderate-quality meta-analysis showed that LTFC had a comparable mean IOP to that of a fixed combination of travoprost and timolol (TTFC) [mean difference (MD): 0.07 mmHg] and a fixed combination of dorzolamide and timolol (DTFC) [MD: -0.31 mmHg], and it also had a comparable IOP-fluctuation effect compared to that of TTFC [MD: 0.13 mm Hg] and DTFC [MD: 0.25 mmHg]. Compared to the fixed combination of bimatoprost and timolol (BiTFC), moderate-quality evidence showed a higher mean IOP in the LTFC group [MD 0.76 mmHg], whereas low-quality meta-analysis showed higher IOP fluctuation [MD 1.09 mmHg] in the LTFC group. LTFC is as effective as TTFC and DTFC, but worse than BiTFC in controlling mean IOP and IOP fluctuation for POAG or OHT patients. The quality of our meta-analyses was assessed as moderate, with the exception of one low-quality analysis that compared the IOP fluctuation of LTFC and BiTFC.

The impact of intraocular pressure fluctuations and other factors on conversion of ocular hypertension to primary open-angle glaucoma.

To evaluate the role of intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and other factors on conversion of ocular hypertension to open-angle glaucoma (OAG) within a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. The study population included patients with ocular hypertension defined by IOP > 21mmHg with normal appearing optic discs and no visual field defect. IOP fluctuation, mean and maximum were examined in 61 eyes over a follow-up period of 36months (standard deviation (SD) 24). All patients underwent at least two 48-h IOP profiles including night-time IOP measurements in the supine position, visual field examinations, Heidelberg retina tomograph analyses (HRT) and optic disc photographs. Regression analyses were performed to demonstrate the impact of IOP parameters, myopia, sex, cup/disc ratio and visual field results on conversion to glaucoma. While IOP fluctuation and mean did not impact conversion, myopia proved to be a risk factor (HR 14.4; 95% CI: [3.9-53.0]; p ≤ 0.001). Over an average of three years, 6/61 converted to OAG. The study yielded a mean long-term IOP over all available pressure profiles of 18.1mmHg (SD 3.2) and an IOP fluctuation of 1.9mmHg (SD 1.1) within a mostly treated cohort. Conversion-free five-year rate was 59.8%. The amount of fluctuation we measured in our study sample did not result in the development of glaucoma in treated ocular hypertension patients. Myopic subjects with ocular hypertension are at a higher risk for glaucoma conversion than non-myopic ocular hypertensive subjects are.

ICare Pro: Age Dependent Effect of Central Corneal Thickness on Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Patients

ABSTRACTPurpose: Measurement of the exact intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential in glaucoma diagnosis and follow-up, thus all therapeutic options affect IOP in order to win sighted lifetime. As it is known that corneal properties of glaucoma patients differ from normal subjects, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of CCT on rebound tonometry (ICT, ICare Pro) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients in dependency of age additionally considering different times of day.Methods: Three hundred sixty-two eyes of 190 subjects were included: 339 open-angle glaucoma and 23 ocular hypertension. IOP was measured at 5 different times of day (6 a.m., 12 a.m., 4 p.m., 9 p.m., and 0 p.m.) by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and Icare Pro rebound tonometry in a sitting position. Central corneal thickness was measured by central ultrasonic pachymetry (Pachymeter SP-100). Δ ICT was calculated as the difference of GAT, corrected according to age and CCT, and ICT, respectively at each time point.Results: All different GAT time points data correlated significantly (p < .05) with ICT time points. An age effect was observed on overall ICT (p = .02). A decrease of ICT was observed with increasing age. The within differences among ICT repeated measurements were significant as well. Additionally, repeated means of Δ ICT correlated significantly with age and CCT. Intercepts and coefficients were offered for each time point, respectively. GLM model yielded a relation between MD (dependent variable) and age together with CCT (age: p < .0001) and (CCT: p = .043).Conclusions: IOP measurements with ICare Pro were shown to be dependent on age, CCT and time of day in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients. Thus, aging, corneal biomechanical properties and circadian rhythms should be taken into consideration when adjusting IOP.

Investigation of the Association between the Oral and the Gut Microbiome inGlaucoma

Objective: Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons leading to painless damage of the visual field and finally blindness. The exact pathophysiology of RGC loss remains unknown. Alterations in the microbiome may be linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, possibly due to associated chronic low-grade inflammation. A recent study linked alterations in the oral microbiome and glaucoma. Methods: We investigated the microbiome of salivary and fecal samples in patients with normal tension glaucoma (10), ocular hypertension (11) and controls (11) using a case-control design with 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: For controls, but not the patient groups, salivary and fecal microbiome diversity was correlated in a given patient, suggesting an uncoupled saliva and fecal microbiome in the diseased groups. Such findings suggest that normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) might have similar characteristics. However, ocular hypertension patients seem to be resistant to neurodegenerative disease progression indicating that the uncoupled microbiome might affect characteristics linking ocular hypertension and normal tension glaucoma together. Moreover, we found the salivary microbiome to contain more differential taxa-level abundances of microorganisms suggesting the salivary microbiome might be advantageous to use in future studies investigating novel biomarkers in ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion: The finding of an uncoupled microbiome might indicate comparable characteristics among glaucoma patients and ocular hypertension patients.