Postoperative Glaucoma Medications Research Articles

Surgery Outcomes of Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation in Refractory Glaucoma Patients at Sardjito General Hospital

Introduction & ObjectivesGlaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation was an effective surgical procedure in treatinguncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) of glaucoma patients in certain complicated conditions. GDDimplants were classified into valved and non-valved in which its surgical outcomes in different typesof device and various etiologies were not similar. This study aimed to evaluate the surgery outcomesof GDD implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma at Sardjito General Hospital.
 MethodsAll 12 eyes of 11 patient’s medical records who underwent GDD implantation during 2022 at SardjitoGeneral Hospital was reviewed. Baseline data include age, gender, eye laterality, type of glaucoma,IOP and visual acuity. The IOP and visual acuity (LogMAR) were measured at week 1, month 1, 2and 3. Type of GDD implants, postoperative glaucoma medications, complications and need forfurther glaucoma surgery were documented.
 ResultsThe mean IOP at baseline was 44 ± 14.2 mmHg with 3.4 ± 0.6 glaucoma medications. It decreasedafter surgery into 19.1 ± 11.2 mmHg (p=0.003) at 3 months follow up with 0.7 ± 1.7 (p=0.002)glaucoma medications. The mean initial visual acuity was 1.9 ± 0.6 and changed insignificantly to1.7 ± 0.8 (p=0.624) at last follow up. Six eyes (50%) were implanted with valved implant. The mostcommon early postoperative complications were recurrent high IOP (4 eyes, 33.3%) associated toripcord of non-valved implant (p=0.025). Five eyes (41.7%) needed additional surgery related tonon-valved implant type (p=0.003).
 ConclusionGDD implantation especially valved type appears to be safe and effective surgical option in treatingrefractory glaucoma patients.

SURGERY OUTCOMES OF GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE DEVICE IMPLANTATION IN REFRACTORY GLAUCOMA PATIENTS AT SARDJITO GENERAL HOSPITAL

Introduction: Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation was an effective surgical procedure in treating uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) of glaucoma patients in certain complicated conditions. GDD implants were classified into valved and non-valved in which its surgical outcomes in different types of device and various etiologies were not similar. This study aimed to evaluate the surgery outcomes of GDD implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma at Sardjito General Hospital. Methods: All 12 eyes of 11 patient’s medical records who underwent GDD implantation during 2022 at Sardjito General Hospital was reviewed. Baseline data include age, gender, eye laterality, type of glaucoma, IOP and visual acuity. The IOP and visual acuity (LogMAR) were measured at week 1, month 1, 2 and 3. Type of GDD implants, postoperative glaucoma medications, complications and need for further glaucoma surgery were documented. Results: The mean IOP at baseline was 44 ± 14.2 mmHg with 3.4 ± 0.6 glaucoma medications. It decreased after surgery into 19.1 ± 11.2 mmHg (p=0.003) at 3 months follow up with 0.7 ± 1.7 (p=0.002) glaucoma medications. The mean initial visual acuity was 1.9 ± 0.6 and changed insignificantly to 1.7 ± 0.8 (p=0.624) at last follow up. Six eyes (50%) were implanted with valved implant. The most common early postoperative complications were recurrent high IOP (4 eyes, 33.3%) associated to ripcord of non-valved implant (p=0.025). Five eyes (41.7%) needed additional surgery related to non-valved implant type (p=0.003). Conclusion: GDD implantation especially valved type appears to be safe and effective surgical option in treating refractory glaucoma patients Keywords: Glaucoma drainage device, refractory glaucoma, glaucoma surgery, intraocular pressure

Safety and Efficacy of Hydrus and I-Stent inject combined with Phacoemulsification in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients: 2 year follow up study

Aims: To compare the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification combined with two individual kinds of trabecular bypass micro-stent device insertion. This study compares Phacoemulsification with Hydrus stent versus phacoemulsification combined with I-Stent inject W in patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Material and Methods: A retrospective comparative case series. Results: Eighty eyes of 75 patients with 2 years completed follow-up after combined phacoemulsification with trabecular by-pass stent (s) were included. Forty eyes of 37 patients had Hydrus stent (Hydrus Group-PH) and the other 40 eyes of 38 patients had I-stent inject W (I-stent Group-Pi) insertion combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Patient demographics and preoperative characteristics of the two groups studied are comparable. A post-operative decrease of 20 percentage or more in the IOP was achieved in 33 eyes (82.5%) in PH group and 30 eyes (75%) in Pi group (p=0.57). The Hydrus group (PH) had a post-operative reduction in the mean number of medications in 22 eyes (55%) in comparison to 18 eyes (45%) in the I-stent group (Pi). Second stage trabeculectomy was avoided in 31 eyes (77.5%) in the Hydrus group and 27 eyes (67.5%). There was no significant difference in rate of complications between two groups. Conclusion: Both Hydrus stent and I-stent inject W combined with phacoemulsification and intra-ocular lens implantation, are efficacious and safe for treating patients with medically uncontrolled mild and moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The reduction in the mean IOP and in the mean number of post-operative glaucoma medications was higher for the patients in Hydrus stent group than in I-stent inject W group.

Risk Factors for Flat Anterior Chamber Requiring Intervention After Glaucoma Drainage Implant: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Study

To identify risk factors for flat anterior chamber that required additional intervention in the postoperative period (90 days) after uncomplicated Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant (BGI) surgery. Retrospective, matched case-control study. A total of 42 cases (eyes) that received BGI at Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital between February 1, 2011, and January 1, 2019, and that developed flat anterior chamber were included. For each case, we matched 2 controls (84). Variables included sex, diagnosis, diabetes, hypertension, pre- and postoperative glaucoma medications, ocular conditions, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Multivariable conditional logistic regression determined odds ratios (ORs) for independent predictors. Case patients were more likely to be female (69.1% case patients/41.7% controls), to have a history of taking oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) at tube opening (21.4%/7.1%), to be of another race/ethnicity (11.9%/0.0%), and to have pseudoexfoliation (23.8%/6.0%), and were less likely to be using cholinergic agonists (0.0%/11.9%) at baseline and to have primary open angle glaucoma (42.9%/64.3%). Case patients had greater mean age (75.9/64.9 years), earlier tube opening time (5.6/6.2 weeks), and lower IOP after tube opening (7.2/14.4 mm Hg), but IOP before opening was higher (24.7/19.5 mm Hg). We identified 3 independent predictors: older age (10-year increase OR=3.59, P < .0001), oral CAI use at tube opening (OR=5.65, P=.009), and higher IOP prior to tube opening (3 mm Hg increase OR=1.30, P=.018). Risk factors for flat anterior chamber were older age, oral CAIs at tube opening, and higher IOP before tube opening. Strategies to minimize the acute IOP reduction that preceded this complication such as discontinuing oral CAI prior to tube opening may be considered.

Outcomes of XEN Stent in Patients With Glaucoma and Previous Corneal Transplantation.

The XEN stent safely and effectively controls intraocular pressure in select patients with history of corneal transplantation. Glaucoma is a common complication after corneal transplantation and can be difficult to manage in these patients. This study reports outcomes of XEN stent implantation in eyes with glaucoma in the setting of previous corneal transplantation. Noncomparative retrospective case series including eyes with a history of corneal transplantation and subsequent XEN stent implantation by a single glaucoma surgeon in Surrey, British Columbia, between 2017 and 2022. The analysis included patient demographics, pre and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), pre and postoperative glaucoma medications, peri and postoperative complications and interventions, and incidence of repeat corneal transplantation and additional glaucoma procedures to control IOP. Fourteen eyes with previous cornea transplantation underwent XEN stent implantation. Mean age was 70.1 years (range: 47-85y). Mean follow-up was 18.2 months (range: 1.5-52mo). The most common glaucoma diagnosis was secondary open angle glaucoma (50.0%). There was a significant reduction in IOP and the number of glaucoma agents at all postoperative time points ( P < 0.05). IOP decreased from 32.7 ± 10.0mm Hg at baseline to 12.5 ± 4.7mm Hg at the most recent follow-up. Glaucoma agents decreased from 4.0 ± 0.7 to 0.4 ± 1.0. Two eyes required additional glaucoma surgery to control IOP, with an average time to reoperation of 7 weeks. Two eyes underwent repeat corneal transplantation, with an average time to reoperation of 23.5 months. In selected patients with previous corneal transplants and refractory glaucoma, the XEN stent was safely implanted and effectively reduced IOP in the short term.

Ahmed and Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Devices in Childhood Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis.

The effectiveness of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) was comparable in the management of childhood glaucoma over the long term despite initial better success rate with BGI. There were higher tube block and retraction rates in the BGI group and higher tube exposure rates in the AGV group. To evaluate the outcomes and safety of AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma. We performed a systematic literature review of publications from 1990 to 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and google scholar for studies evaluating AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and glaucoma medication reduction. The secondary outcome measures were the success rates and incidence of postoperative complications. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1480 eyes were included. The mean IOP reduction was 15.08 mm Hg ( P < 0.00001) for AGV and 14.62 ( P < 0.00001) for the BGI group. The mean difference between pre and postoperative glaucoma medications was 1 ( P < 0.00001) fewer medications in the AGV group and 0.95 ( P < 0.0001) fewer medications in the BGI group. There was a lower success rate in the AGV versus BGI groups at 2 years [63% vs 83%, respectively ( P < 0.0001) and 3 years (43% vs 79%, respectively ( P < 0.0001)]; however, the success was higher for AGV at 5 years (63% vs 56% in the BGI group, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was comparable in the AGV and BGI groups, with rates of 28% and 27%, respectively. The IOP and glaucoma medication reduction, success rates, and incidence of postoperative complications were comparable in Ahmed and Baerveldt groups. Most literature comes from retrospective low-quality studies on refractory childhood glaucoma. Further larger cohort studies are needed.

Advances in Canaloplasty-Modified Techniques Yield Strong Pressure Reduction with Low Risk Profile.

For decades, trabeculectomy (TE) was considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma owing to its powerful intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering potency. However, owing to the invasive nature and high-risk profile of TE, this standard is changing, and minimally invasive procedures are becoming more preferable. In particular, canaloplasty (CP) has been established as a much gentler alternative in everyday life and is under development as a full-fledged replacement. This technique involves probing Schlemm's canal with a microcatheter and inserting a pouch suture that places the trabecular meshwork under permanent tension. It aims to restore the natural outflow pathways of the aqueous humor and is independent of external wound healing. This physiological approach results in a significantly lower complication rate and allows considerably simplified perioperative management. There is now extensive evidence that canaloplasty achieves sufficient pressure reduction as well as a significant reduction in postoperative glaucoma medications. Unlike MIGS procedures, the indication is not only mild to moderate glaucoma; today, even advanced glaucoma benefits from the very low hypotony rate, which largely avoids a wipeout phenomenon. However, approximately half of patients are not completely medication-free after canaloplasty. As a consequence, a number of canaloplasty modifications have been developed with the goal of further enhancing the IOP-lowering effect while avoiding the risk of serious complications. By combining canaloplasty with the newly developed suprachoroidal drainage procedure, the individual improvements in trabecular facility and uveoscleral outflow facility appear to have an additive effect. Thus, for the first time, an IOP-lowering effect comparable to a successful trabeculectomy can be achieved. Other implant modifications also enhance the potential of canaloplasty or offer additional benefits such as the possibility of telemetric IOP self-measurement by the patient. This article reviews the modifications of canaloplasty, which has the potential to become a new gold standard in glaucoma surgery via stepwise refinement.

Impact of postoperative choroidal detachment on trabeculectomy outcomes: a four-year comparative study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare trabeculectomy outcomes in patients with and without post-operative serous choroidal detachment (CD) and establish an association between CD and trabeculectomy outcomes.MethodsIn this 4-year retrospective cohort study, medical records of glaucoma patients older than 18 who underwent primary trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. Phakic eyes without history of any other intraocular surgery and with at least one year of follow-up were included in the study. Postoperative CD was defined as clinically visible CD developed within the first postoperative week. Cases were categorized into with and without CD and trabeculectomy outcomes were compared. Comparison was carried out using postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications and surgery success. Two levels of success were defined regardless of glaucoma medications; criteria A) 5 < IOP < 19 mmHg and criteria B) 5 < IOP < 16 mmHg. In addition to the defined IOP ranges, IOP reduction less than 20% from baseline and further glaucoma surgery were also counted as surgery failures.ResultsTotal of 183 patients including 153 without CD (mean age 58.73 ± 11.40 years, mean IOP 23.7 ± 6.63 mmHg) and 30 with CD (59.00 ± 12.59 years, mean IOP 22.2 ± 3.83 mmHg) entered the study. Post-trabeculectomy mean IOPs were significantly higher in the CD group at all follow-up visits at year 1 through 4 (14.70, and 14.82 mmHg vs. 11.03, and 12.59 mmHg; p-value < 0.05). Similarly mean number of glaucoma medications was higher in the CD group at all follow-up visits (p-value > 0.001). Based on success criteria A, cumulative probability of success for patients with CD wasn’t significantly different compared to those without CD at years 1 through 4 (80.0%, and 69.6% vs. 88.2%, and 74.1% respectively; p-value > 0.05, log-rank). However, based on success criteria B, patients with CD had significantly lower cumulative probability of success at years 1 through 4 (50.0% and 8.9% vs. 79.7% and 59.8%, p-value < 0.001).ConclusionWe established that early post-trabeculectomy serous choroidal detachment is associated with adverse surgery outcomes. Lower rate of surgery success and higher mean postoperative IOP and glaucoma medications were observed in patients with post-trabeculectomy choroidal detachment and this was more pronounced in patients who required more stringent IOP control (success definition 5 < IOP < 16 mmHg).

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.

Modifications of canaloplasty : Strong pressure-lowering effect with alow risk profile

Trabeculectomy still achieves the strongest intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of all glaucoma surgical techniques, but with the drawback of asignificant risk profile. Against this background, canaloplasty has established itself as amuch gentler alternative which achieves sufficient IOP reduction and enables asignificant reduction in postoperative glaucoma medication. However, approximately half of patients are not completely medication free. In response, anumber of modifications have been developed with the goal of further enhancing the IOP-lowering effect of canaloplasty, but without the risk of serious complications. By combining canaloplasty with the newly developed suprachoroidal drainage, auveoscleral drainage is created in addition to the trabecular outflow improvement, which seems to have an additive effect. Thus, for the first time, an IOP-lowering effect comparable to successful trabeculectomy can be achieved. Numerous other modifications with implants also enhance the potential of canaloplasty or offer other additional benefits such as the possibility of telemetric IOP self-measurement by the patient. The additional creation of asubconjunctival drainage with or without use of cytostatic drugs also seems promising. Ab interno procedures, on the other hand, have limited pressure-lowering potential but may provide some additional benefit in mild glaucoma and in the setting of cataract surgery.

A 12-Month Retrospective Comparison of the Efficacy and Complications of Device-Based and Non-Device-Based MIGS Procedures

Background: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) encompasses a group of procedures designed to reduce trauma to the target tissue and reduce the incidence of complications. MIGS procedures can be divided into two overall categories: device-based procedures and non-device-based procedures. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and complications of device-based and non-device-based MIGS procedures in eyes combined with phacoemulsification. &#x0D; Methods: 55 eyes from 36 patients with combined MIGS (iStent, GATT, ABIC, BANG, and KDB) and phacoemulsification were included. The glaucoma diagnoses included primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open angle glaucoma (SOAG), and combined-mechanism glaucoma (CMG). The efficacy of the device-based and non-device-based procedures was determined by the mean postoperative IOP and glaucoma medication reduction. Early complications included adverse events and IOP spikes. Late complications included additional surgeries. &#x0D; Results: At 12 months post-operatively, non-device-based eyes had a greater statistically significant reduction in IOP (3.6 ± 1.3 mmHg) when compared to device-based eyes (.07 ± 1.3 mmHg). There was not a statistically significant difference regarding glaucoma medication burden change between the non-device-based eyes (.58 ± .20, 29.7% reduction) and the device-based eyes (.76 ± .19, 31.7% reduction) (p = .52). The occurrence of hyphema was not statistically significantly greater in device-based eyes compared to non-device-based eyes with the sample sizes in this study. The difference between IOP spikes in the two groups was not statistically significant. &#x0D; Conclusion: Non-device-based MIGS procedures reduced the 12-month post-operative IOP more than the device-based MIGS procedures. There was not a statistically significant difference regarding glaucoma medication burden change between the study groups. Post-operative complications occurred at a similar frequency between the two groups. &#x0D; Clinical Impact and Implications: The results of this study can help surgeons choose the appropriate MIGS procedure for their patients depending on the efficacy and safety profile.

Intraocular Pressure Reduction and Complications Profile of Trabeculectomy with 5 Fluorouracil Versus Phaco-trabeculectomy with 5 Fluorouracil in Nigerian Glaucoma Patients

Aims: To evaluate the surgical outcome of combined phacoemulsification cataract surgery plus posterior chamber intraocular and trabeculectomy with adjunctive 5-Fluorouracil versus trabeculectomy with 5-Fluorouracil in the management of Primary open angle glaucoma.&#x0D; Study Design: it was retrospective comparative interventional study&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Glaucoma Unit, Eye foundation Hospital Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria between January 2015, and December 2017&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive 29 eyes (29 patients) who had trabeculectomy with 5-Fluorouracil compared with 26 eyes (26 patients) who had combined phacotrabeculectomy with 5-Fluorouracil from 2015 to 2017. All patients had a minimum follow up of 3 months.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of 54.48±14.42 years in Trabeculectomy group was significantly (p&gt;0.001) lower than 70.76±7.22 years for the Phacotrabeculectomy group. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medication were similar for the two groups (19.86±9.63mmHg versus 22.23±8.99mmHg; 2.66±1.20 versus 2.73±0.72 medication, trabeculectomy versus phacotrabeculectomy respectively). The postoperative IOP and glaucoma medication after a mean follow up period of 17.11±9.81 months was not significantly different between the two groups (11.55±2.71mmHg versus 12.31±4.33mmHg, p=0.436 for trabeculectomy versus phacotrabeculectomy respectively). Both groups significantly required fewer number of antiglaucoma medication at final follow-up (1.14±0.92 vs 1.46±1.10, trabeculectomy vs phacotrabeculectomy. In the trabeculectomy group, 25 (86.2%) had IOP of ≤15mmHg with or without topical antiglaucoma drops. In the phacotrabeculectomy, 21 (80.76%) had IOP of ≤15mmHg with or without topical antiglaucoma medication (Qualified success). On the other hand, 8 (27.58%) had IOP of ≤15mmHg without topical antiglaucoma medication at the end of the follow-up in the trabeculectomy (Complete success). In the phacotrabeculectomy group, 5 (19.23%) had final IOP of ≤15mmHg without topical antiglaucoma medication.&#x0D; Few complications occurred in both groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Phacotrabeculectomy augmented with 5-Fluorouracil gave comparable surgical success to 5-Fluorouracil augmented trabeculectomy alone.

Intraluminal stenting versus external ligation of Ahmed glaucoma valve in prevention of postoperative hypotony.

To compare intraluminal stenting and external ligation of Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGV) for refractory glaucoma management and postoperative hypotony prevention. This randomized prospective blind study included 30 eyes of 25 patients (age range: 44-56y) with refractory glaucoma. This study was conducted from September 2018 to January 2020. The study included two groups, AGV with intraluminal stenting group (n=15 eyes) and AGV with external ligation group (n=15 eyes). Follow-up period was one year postoperatively. The primary outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP) and its association with the number of postoperative glaucoma medications. IOP≤21 mm Hg without medications indicated complete success while IOP≤21 mm Hg with medications indicated qualified success; and IOP<6 mm Hg was defined as hypotony. After a year of follow-up, IOP was significantly reduced in the intraluminal stenting group than in the external ligation group (11.67±0.89 vs 14.2±4.0 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.024). Postoperative hypotony was more common in the external ligation group (2 cases, 13.33%) than in the intraluminal stenting group (1 case, 6.67%). Application of intraluminal stenting or external ligation during AGV surgery usually prevents postoperative hypotony (transient and persistent) that occurs in conventional AGV surgery.

Ex-Press® versus Baerveldt implant surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma.

To compare surgical outcomes between Ex-Press® (EXP) and Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgeries for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) patients. This was a retrospective single-facility study. The inclusion criteria were that the patient's preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was > 21mmHg and the post-surgery follow-up was > 1year. We recruited 161 patients who had undergone a trabeculectomy with EXP (89 eyes) or BGI surgery (72 eyes). We compared these groups' postoperative IOP values and postoperative glaucoma medications, the reduction rate of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), surgical outcomes, complications, the hospital stay duration, and the number of visits within 3months post-surgery. Both the EXP and BGI surgeries could significantly decrease the IOP. When the surgical success was defined postoperative IOP ≤ 21mmHg, the surgical outcome of BGI was significantly better than EXP (p = 0.0148). When the surgical success was defined postoperative IOP ≤ 18, 15 , and 12mmHg, the surgical outcomes between BGI and EXP surgeries were not significantly different (p = 0.0815, p = 0.331, and p = 0.910). The mean ECD reduction rate was significantly faster in the EXP group. The BGI patients had significantly shorter stays in the hospital and fewer visits within 3months post-surgery (p < 0.0001). BGI surgery could provide comparable surgical outcomes as EXP surgery for POAG or PEXG patients with high preoperative IOP. BGI surgery has some advantages: fewer post-surgery visits, less postoperative interventions, and a lower ECD reduction rate.

Outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma.

To report the outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) for juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG). A consecutive case series of JOAG patients who underwent GATT was reviewed with follow-up period of up to 18 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications and success rate were compared between eyes with and without prior glaucoma surgery, and between mild-to-moderate and severe cases defined based on Humphrey Visual Field mean deviation. In total, 59 eyes of 48 patients were included. Overall, IOP was reduced from 26.5 ± 9.0 mmHg on 3.7 ± 0.9 medications preoperatively to 14.7 ± 3.0 mmHg on 0.7 ± 1.2 medications at 12 months and to 14.1 ± 2.3 mmHg on 0.4 ± 0.8 medications at 18 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). The complete and qualified success rates were 70.8% and 81.2% at 12 months, and 58.6% and 81.2% at 18 months, respectively. Eyes with and without prior glaucoma surgery did not differ significantly in terms of postoperative IOP, glaucoma medication and success rate. In addition, GATT was effective for both mild-to-moderate and severe cases; the latter achieved a surgical success of 79.1%. GATT is effective for JOAG. In particular, this case series suggests that GATT is promising in treating severe JOAG and those with prior glaucoma surgery.

Bleb Morphology Using Anterior-Segment Optical Coherence Tomography after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Surgery with Tenon Capsule Resection.

Objectives To evaluate the internal morphology of blebs using anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and the surgical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery with Tenon capsule resection compared to conventional AGV surgery in patients with refractory glaucoma. Patients and Methods. This randomised prospective study included 30 eyes from 30 patients (age range: 42–55 y) with refractory glaucoma from March 2018 to February 2020. The study included two groups: AGV with the Tenon capsule resection group (n = 15) and the conventional AGV surgery group (n = 15). Follow-up continued until 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP) and its association with the number of postoperative glaucoma medications, best corrected visual acuity, visual field, and postoperative complications. The internal morphology of the blebs in both groups was evaluated at 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up using AS-OCT in terms of the consequent changes in bleb wall thickness, bleb wall reflectivity, and bleb cavity morphology throughout the 6-month follow-up period. Results A significant reduction in IOP was found in both groups, with a greater reduction in group I, where the mean IOP decreased from 32.73 ± 2.12 mmHg in the preoperative period to 13.33 ± 1.59 mmHg after 6 months, whereas in group II, the mean IOP decreased from 33.2 ± 2.21 mmHg in the preoperative period to 14.27 ± 1.44 mmHg after 6 months (p value <0.05). The difference between the 2 groups in terms of the decrease in IOP was insignificant except at 1 and 3 months, where there was a significant difference (p value = 0.016 and 0.01 at 1 and 3 months, respectively). The bleb analysis revealed a significant reduction in the wall thickness in both groups at 1 and 3 months, which was mostly associated with the hypertensive phase. In group I, the bleb wall thickness decreased from 754.67 ± 53.93 μm in the first postoperative day to 684 ± 81.66 μm and 671.6 ± 69.48 μm at 1 and 3 months, respectively, while in group II, the bleb wall thickness decreased from 707.13 ± 31.7 μm in the first postoperative day to 499.53 ± 99.1 μm and 506 ± 76.91 μm at 1 and 3 months, respectively. There was a significant reduction in AS‐OCT, and bleb reflectivity was insignificant throughout the follow-up period (p value >0.05). Regarding postoperative complications, the hypertensive phase occurred more frequently in group II (6 eyes, 40%) than in group I (2 eyes, 13.3%). Other complications were also reported more frequently in group II such as hypotony, shallow anterior chamber (AC), and tube exposure. Conclusion AS-OCT was beneficial in the analysis of bleb morphology after AGV surgery where there were more diffuse functioning multicystic blebs and less thinning in the bleb wall thickness during the hypertensive phase after resection of the Tenon capsule, which might be related to the less incidence of fibrosis around the surgical site.

Performances of glaucoma operations with Kahook Dual Blade or iStent combined with phacoemulsification in Japanese open angle glaucoma patients

To compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with glaucoma surgical techniques performed with either Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) or iStent for Japanese patients with either primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma. We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcomes of 129 eyes of 84 Japanese patients with glaucoma who underwent KDB or 44 eyes of 34 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery. The primary outcome was surgical success or failure [with surgical failure being indicated by <20% reduction from preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) or IOP>18 mm Hg as criterion A; IOP>14 mm Hg as criterion B on two consecutive study visits; or reoperation requirement]. In addition, we assessed the number of postoperative glaucoma medications and the resulting complications. The probability of success was significantly higher in the KDB group than in the iStent group for criterion A (60.2% vs 46.4%, P=0.019). In the KDB group, the mean preoperative IOP of 19.8±7.3 mm Hg decreased significantly to 13.0±3.1 mm Hg (P<0.01), and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.5±1.4 decreased significantly to 1.6±1.6 (P<0.01) 12mo postoperatively. In the iStent group, the mean preoperative IOP of 17.8±2.9 mm Hg significantly decreased to 14.3±2.3 mm Hg (P<0.01), and the mean number of glaucoma medications at 2.2±1.1 decreased significantly to 0.9±1.4 (P<0.01) 12mo postoperatively. The overall IOP reduction percentage was higher in the KDB group (26.2%) than in the iStent group (19.0%) 12mo postoperatively (P=0.03). Hyphema occurred significantly more frequently in the KDB group (16.3%) than in the iStent group (2.3%, P=0.017). KDB and iStent procedures combined with cataract surgery both result in significant IOP and glaucoma medication reductions after the 12-month follow-up. The patients in the KDB group have a higher success rate for the target IOP of less than 18 mm Hg and a higher complication rate than those in the iStent group.

Tenon Capsule Grafting versus Autologous Scleral Graft in Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Surgery.

Objective To compare between the surgical outcomes of Tenon capsule grafting and autologous scleral graft in Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in the management of refractory glaucoma and prevention of tube exposure. Patients and Methods. This prospective randomised study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with refractory glaucoma, who were aged between 46 and 58 years and diagnosed with refractory glaucoma. This study was conducted in Menofia University Hospital between July 2018 and December 2019. Informed patient consent was obtained. The studied eyes were divided into two groups: the first group included 15 eyes for which AGV with Tenon capsule grafting was performed, while the second group included 15 eyes for which AGV with autologous scleral graft was performed. All patients were followed up for one year after the surgery. The outcomes were evaluated according to intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of postoperative glaucoma medications. Visual acuity, visual field, number of postoperative glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications were followed throughout the 1-year follow-up period. Results There was a significant reduction in IOP in both groups, with more reduction in the Tenon graft group where the mean IOP after one year was 11.66 ± 0.89 mmHg, whereas in the scleral graft group, the mean IOP was 14.20 ± 4.0 mmHg (p value < 0.001). However, the difference between the 2 groups in lowering IOP was insignificant. Regarding postoperative complications, tube exposure was observed in one case in the scleral graft group with associated scleral melting and hypotony, postoperative hypotony was more in the scleral graft group with 3 cases (20%), and in the Tenon graft group, hypotony occurred only in 1 case (6.67%). In addition, less vascular blebs were seen in most cases in the Tenon graft group, while most blebs seen in the scleral graft group were vascular blebs. In addition, both groups showed stability in terms of visual acuity and visual field. Conclusion Tenon capsule grafting and autologous scleral grafting might be effective and safe techniques when applied with AGV in the management of refractory glaucoma. Tenon capsule resection with grafting showed relatively low incidence of tube exposure and hypertensive phase.

ExPress mini shunt device with trabeculectomy surgery in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma of Middle Eastern descent.

PURPOSE:The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of ExPress mini shunt in glaucoma patients of Middle Eastern descent.METHODS:This is a prospective cohort study. Uncontrolled glaucoma patients were subjected to ExPress mini-shunt implant. Pre- and post-operative glaucoma clinical indices were measured and compared. Both intra- and postoperative complications and surgical success rates were assessed. In addition to comparing a group of combined ExPress mini-shunt implant with cataract surgery versus ExPress mini-shunt implant alone.RESULTS:A total of 35 eyes of 31 patients were involved. The most common type of glaucoma was primary open-angle glaucoma in 13 eyes (37.1%). Fourteen eyes (40.0%) were combined ExPress device with cataract surgery. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) (±standard deviation) at the last visit dropped from 24.6 mmHg (±8.3) to 13.9 mmHg (±4.5). There was a significant reduction in the number of postoperative glaucoma medications from 3.0 ± 0.5 to 1.3 (±0.7). In cases combined with cataract extraction, the patients required fewer anti-glaucoma medications. Complete success was achieved in 22 eyes (63%) and qualified success was achieved in 9 eyes (26%), whereas 4 eyes (11%) were considered a failure. The two most common complications encountered were hypotony (28.6%) and hyphema (11.4%).CONCLUSION:Among the studied population of patients, ExPress offers IOP reduction that is comparable to reported rates following standard trabeculectomy. Postoperative hyphema was encountered at a slightly higher rate.

Long-term outcomes of uveitic glaucoma treated with Ahmed valve implant in a series of Chinese patients.

To report long-term outcomes of secondary glaucoma due to uveitis treated with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in a series of Chinese patients. The retrospective study included 67 eyes from 56 patients with uveitic glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation. Success of the treatment was defined as patients achieving intraocular pressure (IOP) levels between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without additional anti-glaucoma medications and/or a minimum of 20% reduction from baseline IOP. The main outcome measurements included IOP, the number of glaucoma medications at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo after surgery, surgical complications, final best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The mean follow-up was 53.3±8.5 (range 48 to 60)mo. The cumulative probability of success rate was 98.5%, 95.5%, 89.6%, 83.6%, 76.1%, 70.1%, 65.7% and 61.2% at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo, respectively. IOP was reduced from a baseline of 30.8±6.8 to 9.9±4.1, 10.1±4.2, 10.9±3.7, 12.9±4.6, 13.8±3.9, 13.2±4.6, 12.3±3.5 and 13.1±3.7 mm Hg at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60mo, respectively (P<0.01). The number of postoperative glaucoma medications was significantly decreased compared with baseline at all time points during the study period (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative BCVA. Remarkable surgical complications were not found after surgery. The VF and RNFL of the patients were stable after the surgery. AGV implantation is safe and effect in terms of reducing IOP, decreasing the number of glaucoma medications, and preserving vision for patients with uveitic glaucoma.