Preexisting Glaucoma Research Articles

A comparative study on the phaco time and corneal endothelial count in phacoemulsification using the stop & chop and divide & conquer techniques in Indian eyes

Cataract, a leading cause of curable blindness requires surgical management. Endothelium which is crucial for corneal transparency gets injured during intraocular surgeries like phacoemulsification. Various studies have compared the impact of different techniques of phacoemulsification on endothelium. But few studies conclude that Phaco time & endothelial loss is lesser in Stop & Chop than Divide & Conquer technique. An Interventional study involving 30 eyes in Group A (Stop & Chop) and 30 in Group B (Divide & Conquer) with Nuclear sclerosis grade II and III, excluding any pre-existing corneal diseases and Glaucoma was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. All pre-operative parameters were similar in both groups. Post-operative values of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intra ocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell count, central corneal thickness (CCT), Absolute Phaco time were recorded. Data entered in Excel sheets and analysed with SPSS. Paired, Unpaired t tests were used. P value <0.05 was statistically significant. Mean Absolute Phaco time for Group A was shorter (25.10±10.54 s) than that for Group B (44.20± 6.94 s) with statistical significance (p<0.05). Mean cell loss & changes in endothelium were higher in Group B than Group A (p<0.05). Absolute Phaco time was shorter in Stop & Chop than Divide & conquer as well as the corneal endothelial damage and changes were lesser in Group A. Hence Stop & Chop technique of phacoemulsification is recommended for less corneal morbidity.

Corticosteroid-induced Glaucoma: An avoidable blindness

Healthcare professionals frequently advise the use of topical steroid eye drops to manage and control postoperative inflammation following phacoemulsification. Although there are many benefits associated with steroid usage, it is imperative to recognize the potential negative repercussions that may arise. In individuals who respond to steroids, the use of topical steroid drops can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Increase in IOP resulting from the side effects of steroids typically manifests several weeks following the initiation of eye drop therapy. The first documentation of steroid induced glaucoma (SIG) can be traced back to the 1950s on the administration of systemic adrenocorticotropic hormones. The elevation of IOP is a complex issue influenced by various factors, but the primary factor is the increased resistance within the outflow mechanisms of the trabecular meshwork. Out of all the risk factors related to ocular hypertension caused by steroid use, a preexisting glaucoma diagnosis is the most frequently seen. The usage of different routes of steroids administration has been linked to the occurrence of ocular hypertension. The current management approach prioritizes the exploration of steroid-sparing treatment options, discontinuing steroid use, employing medications to lower intraocular pressure, and considering interventional laser and surgical procedures.

Incidence of Acute Endophthalmitis after Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Plain Language SummaryIn this study, we analyzed the occurrence of acute endophthalmitis following secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in South Korea. Using data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-National Health Information Database (NHID), we identified patients who underwent secondary IOL implantation or IOL exchange between 2002 and 2021 due to IOL dislocation or mechanical IOL complications. Postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) was defined as patients having received intravitreal antibiotic injection or vitrectomy for acute endophthalmitis diagnosed within 42 days after the claim for secondary IOL surgeries. Out of 39,364 patients who received secondary IOL implantation during the study period, acute POE was diagnosed in 62 patients, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.16%. The majority of POE cases were identified within the first-week post-surgery. In the univariate analysis, there was a higher incidence of endophthalmitis in patients with pre-existing glaucoma and those who underwent concurrent vitrectomy. Our findings suggest that the incidence of acute endophthalmitis following secondary IOL implantation in South Korea was similar to that of other nations. This study, based on retrospective claims data, represents the largest study of its kind in South Korean patients.

Poor visual outcome and associated factors among patients underwent cataract surgery at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the proportion of poor visual outcome and associated factors among adult patients who underwent cataract surgery at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in northwestern Ethiopia in 2023.MethodsA hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 adult patients who had undergone cataract surgery from June 07 to August 07, 2023. Patients were recruited using systematic random sampling with an interval of 2. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, medical record review, and ophthalmologic examination were used to collect data. The collected data was entered into Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with poor visual outcomes of cataract surgery. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 408 study participants with a median age of 65 years and a response rate of 97.6% took part. The proportion of poor visual outcomes of cataract surgery from 4 weeks to one year was 25.7% (95%CI: 21.6%, 30.3%). Factors responsible for poor visual outcomes of cataract surgery were intraocular lens implantation without a posterior chamber (AOR = 2.91, 95%CI:1.46,5.80), per-existing central corneal opacity (AOR = 3.83, 95%CI:1.52,9.69), pseudoexfoliation (AOR = 3.91,95%CI:1.39,11.88), age-related macular degeneration(AOR = 3.75, 95%CI:1.22, 11.88), glaucoma (AOR = 3.11, 95%CI:1.06,9.17) and striate keratopathy(AOR = 3.4, 95%CI: 1.11, 10.88).ConclusionIn this study, the proportion of poor visual outcomes of cataract surgery is higher than the World Health Organization recommendation. The study found that implantation of an intraocular lens without a posterior chamber, pre-existing central corneal opacity, pre-existing age-related macular degeneration, pre-existing glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation, and striate keratopathy were significantly associated with poor visual outcomes of cataract surgery. We recommend that ophthalmologists and cataract surgeons prioritize the reduction of surgical complications and pre-existing ocular co-morbidities to enhance post-operative visual acuity. Improving pre-operative assessment and refining surgical techniques like phacoemulsification will aid in achieving this goal.

"CYP3A4 Poor and Intermediate Metabolizers Have a Higher Rate of Steroid-Induced Intraocular Pressure Response".

Evaluate the relationship between CYP3A4 phenotype, the gene encoding the enzyme that metabolizes exogenous steroid, and the rate of steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) response. Lymphocyte-derived DNA sequencing of CYP3A4 from 10073 patients was completed using the PGRN-Seq assay. Subjects with CYP3A4 intermediate metabolizer or slower phenotypes were identified and compared with controls matched by age, race and sex. All subjects had at least three eye exams with at least an exam while on topical/systemic/local steroid in any body location except the eye. Patients with pre-existing glaucoma or glaucoma suspect were excluded. Of the 10073 patients, there were 63 patients who had CYP3A4 poor or intermediate metabolizer phenotype. Of the 63 patients, 22 had documented steroid use. Fifty-nine percent (13/22) of patients with CYP3A4 poor/intermediate metabolizer had a steroid-induced IOP response of 3 mmHg or more, significantly higher compared to 23% (5/22) of matched controls (P=0.031). Although more poor /intermediate metabolizers were steroid responders, the average IOP elevation in steroid responders in both groups were similar (5.0 ± 2.5 mmHg in CYP3A4 poor/intermediate metabolizers compared to 4.1 ± 2.1mmHg in controls, P=0.327). Family history of glaucoma was similar in both groups (7/22 vs. 8/22, P=1.0). Reduced CYP3A4 phenotypes may help identify patients at a higher risk of steroid-induced IOP elevation. This retrospective study examined patients with sequenced CYP3A4, a gene encoding an enzyme that metabolizes exogenous steroids. When compared to normal metabolizers, CYP3A4 poor or intermediate metabolizers have a higher steroid-induced IOP response rate.

Comparison of the effect of 2 mL versus 3 mL sub-Tenon xylocaine injection on akinesia and analgesia in cataract patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Sub-Tenon anesthesia is a form of local anesthetic techniques used in ophthalmic procedures, especially in cataract surgery. Few studies in our environment have reported the effects of sub-Tenon anesthesia on akinesia and analgesia as well as optimum volumes of anesthetic agents that are required for effective analgesia and akinesia. The objective of this study is to determine and compare the level of analgesia and akinesia and the effect of ocular compressions after sub-Tenon injection of 2 mL versus 3 mL of xylocaine among patients booked for cataract surgery in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). A cross-sectional comparative study among cataract patients booked for surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology at UITH was carried out from March 2017 to August 2017. A total of 200 cataract patients that met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study over 6 months. Lists of cataract patients booked for surgery formed the sampling frame. Questionnaires were administered to obtain information on sociodemographic, ocular symptoms, and other histories. Visual acuity was checked, and ocular examination was done with a pen-torch, ophthalmoscope, and slit-lamp examination with 78D. Tonometry and optic nerve assessments were done to exclude any patient with preexisting glaucoma or suspicious disc. About 200 patients were randomly allocated into one of two volume groups (Group 1 had 2 mL sub-Tenon xylocaine injection whereas Group 2 had 3 mL); level of analgesia and akinesia was checked 12 min and 15 min, respectively. The age range was 20-107 years; mean age for Group 1 was 63.8 ± 12.64, whereas the mean age of Group 2 was 64.14 ± 14.14. There was a slight female preponderance given a M:f of 1:1.4 and more than half of the patients presented with right eye (RE) cataract. Levels of analgesia 12 min after sub-Tenon injections in both groups were similar. However, two patients were found to have severe pain in Group 1, and no patients had severe pain in Group 2. The level of akinesia which was assessed 15 min after injection in both groups was found to be significantly better in Group 2. There was a slight female preponderance with about two-third of the total patients being female and the percentage of females who had no pain was more than the male, more than 50% of the patients had RE cataracts. Sub-Tenon anesthesia whether with 2 mL or 3 mL led to a statistically significant rise in intraorbital pressure (IOP); however, with ocular compression, the IOP was found to decrease below the preinjection pressure in both groups. Levels of analgesia were similar in the two groups, whereas akinesia was statistically better in the group that had 3 mL injection.

Outcomes of Boston Keratoprosthesis Type I Implantation in Poland: A Retrospective Study on 118 Patients.

Background: Boston Keratoprosthesis Type I (BI-KPro I) is a synthetic cornea that can be used to restore vision in patients with corneal blindness. This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of BI-KPro implantation in 118 patients. Material: The mean age of the patients was 56.76 ± 14.24 years. Indications for keratoprosthesis implantation were as follows: graft failure, 47 (39.83%); ocular burn, 38 (32.20%); neurotrophic keratopathy, 11 (9.32%), mucous membrane pemphigoid 9 (7.67%); autoimmune, 6 (5.08%); Stevens-Johnson syndrome, 4 (3.39%); and aniridia (2.54%). Methods: The surgeries were performed between March 2019 and June 2022 at a single clinical center in two locations. The postoperative visual acuity, complications, and need for additional surgical procedures were analyzed. Results: The Best Corrected Visual Acuity before surgery was 0.01 ± 0.006. After one year (V1), it was 0.30 ± 0.27; at two years (V2), it was 0.27 ± 0.26; and at three years (V3), it was 0.21 ± 0.23. The percentage of patients with visual acuity better than 0.1 on the Snellen chart was 37.29% after 1 year, 49.35% after 2 years, and 46.81% after 3 years of follow up. The most common complications were glaucoma (78 patients; 66.1%), corneal melting (22 patients; 18.6%), and retroprosthetic membranes (20 patients; 17.0%). Conclusions: The BI-KPro can significantly improve visual acuity. The worst long-term results were obtained in the group of patients with autoimmune diseases; therefore, careful consideration should be given to implanting BI-KPro in this group. The high incidence of de novo glaucoma or the progression of pre-existing glaucoma suggests the need for careful monitoring.

Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study (NYC-SIGHT): Subanalysis of Referral to Ophthalmology

Purpose The Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study aims to provide access to eye care for underserved populations, detect native rates of ocular pathology, and refer participants with eye disease to ophthalmology. This subanalysis describes the reasons for referral to ophthalmology and identifies risk factors associated with being referred. Methods Enrolled participants were aged ≥40 years, living independently in public housing developments and able to provide consent for eye health screenings. Those with habitual visual acuity 20/40 or worse, intraocular pressure (IOP) 23-29 mmHg, or an unreadable fundus image failed and were scheduled with the on-site optometrist. The optometric exam determined whether further referral to ophthalmology for a clinic exam was warranted. Those with an abnormal image or IOP ≥30 mmHg were referred directly to ophthalmology. Main outcome was factors associated with referral to ophthalmology. Results A total of 708 individuals completed the eye health screening over 15 months. A total of 468 participants were referred to ophthalmology (250 had an abnormal image and 218 were referred by the optometrist). Those referred were predominantly older adults (mean age 70.0 ± 11.4 years), female (66.7%), African American (55.1%) and Hispanic (39.5%). Seventy percent of participants had not had a recent eye exam. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants with pre-existing glaucoma (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.62 to 6.08, p = 0.001), an IOP ≥23 mmHg (OR 5.04, 95% 1.91 to 13.28, p = 0.001), or vision impairment (mild) (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.77, p = 0.001) had significantly higher odds of being referred to ophthalmology. Conclusion This targeted community-based study in Upper Manhattan provided access to eye care and detected a significant amount of ocular pathology requiring referral to ophthalmology in this high-risk population.

Coexistence of open-angle glaucoma and sarcoidosis-associated optic neuropathy

BackgroundIn cases with advanced glaucomatous disc changes, further changes associated with other optic neuropathies cannot be easily identified. We present a case of preexisting open-angle glaucoma and concurrent involvement of sarcoidosis-associated optic neuropathy.Case presentationA 53-year-old man presented with gradual visual loss in his left eye, which began 1 year ago and accelerated 3 months ago. The best-corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and counting fingers in the left. Intraocular pressures (IOP) were 12 mmHg in the right eye and 34 mmHg in the left. We diagnosed him with advanced open-angle glaucoma in the left eye based on the advanced glaucomatous cupping of the left optic disc. The IOP in the left eye dropped to 10 mmHg and was well controlled with antiglaucomatous medication; however, his left optic disc developed pallor 3 months after the treatment. The patient was revealed to be diagnosed with sarcoidosis a month ago and had been treated with systemic corticosteroids thereafter by a pulmonologist. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed sarcoidosis-associated optic neuropathy in the left eye. Subsequently, optic neuropathy occurred in his right eye.ConclusionsIn eyes with advanced glaucomatous disc change, detecting the coexistence of other optic neuropathies can be difficult. This report highlights the importance of careful ophthalmic examinations and investigation for etiologies of other optic neuropathies if non-glaucomatous changes are suspected even in eyes with advanced glaucoma.

Review of Risk Factors and Complications of Anterior Migration of Ozurdex Implant: Lessons Learnt from the Previous Reports.

Purpose: Ozurdex had shown promising anatomical and functional outcomes in managing refractory Irvine-Gass syndrome over the years. Burgeoning usage of Ozurdex has prompted the study of its related complications, particularly the anterior chamber migration of the implant. Methods: Literature reviews on the anterior chamber migration of the Ozurdex via PubMed, EBSCO, and TRIP databases were searched from 2012 to 2020. The predisposing factors, outcomes, and management of such cases were evaluated. Results: A total of 54 articles consisting of 105 cases of anterior migration of Ozurdex were included in this analysis. The vitrectomized eye and compromised posterior capsule were highly associated with this complication. About 81.9% of the cases had cornea edema upon presentation, with 31.4% of them ending up with cornea decompensation despite intervention. Although there was high intraocular pressure reported initially in 22 cases, only 2 cases required glaucoma filtration surgeries in which they had preexisting glaucoma. Numerous techniques of repositioning or surgical removal of the implant were described but they were challenging and the outcomes varied. Conclusions: A noninvasive method of manipulating the Ozurdex into the vitreous cavity via the "Trendelenburg position, external pressure with head positioning" maneuvers is safe yet achieves a favorable outcome. Precaution must be taken whenever offering Ozurdex to the high-risk eyes. Prompt repositioning or removal of the implant is crucial to deter cornea decompensation. Clinical Trial Registration number: NMRR-22-02092-S9X (from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia).

Comparison of Five-Year Graft Survival After Keratoplasty in the Veteran Population

Purpose: We investigated the corneal graft survival rate after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in a veteran population. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients undergoing a primary PK or DSEK at a large Veterans Affairs Medical Center between January 2005 and August 2019. Exclusion criteria included patients with a postoperative follow-up less than 5 years and patients undergoing additional ocular procedures during surgery. Patients were classified into 3 groups depending on their glaucoma status before corneal transplant: no pre-existing glaucoma, medically managed glaucoma, or surgically managed glaucoma. Graft survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: A total of 30 eyes underwent PK, and 28 eyes underwent DSEK. There was no significant difference in graft survival rates between PK and DSEK at 1 year (83% vs. 79%, P = 0.555), 3 years (53% vs. 64%, P = 0.536), and 5 years (40% vs. 54%, P = 0.399). When combining PK and DSEK groups, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a highly significant difference in 5-year graft survival between patients without pre-existing glaucoma (58%) and patients with either medically (50%) or surgically managed glaucoma (0%). Conclusions: We find approximate parity in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates after PK and DSEK within the veteran population. However, survival rates for both procedures are lower than those previously reported within other populations. Additional studies to understand these differences in larger cohorts are warranted. Ophthalmologists must understand the increased risk of graft failure in the veteran population to provide appropriate counseling.

Complications of uneventful phacoemulsification on the first postoperative day: to determine the necessity of the first day review

Purpose: To establish the type and number of complications detected on the first postoperative day and to determine the necessity of the first day review.
 Study design: Clinical audit.
 Methods: This is a retrospective review of 297 patients who underwent routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery by qualified ophthalmologists and trainees from September to December 2020 at our day-care operation theatre. All cases of uncomplicated phacoemulsification were analysed for the types and frequency ofcomplications on postoperative day one.
 Results: Of 297 cases of routine cataract surgery, 6.7% of cases were excluded due to intraoperative complications. Of the remaining 277 cases, a total of 54 cases (19.5%) were found to have complications on day 1 postoperative review. These included raised intraocular pressure (67.0%), epithelial defect (20.0%), intense inflammation with presence of fibrin (5.0%), retained soft lens matter (4.0%), retained fibres (2.0%), and exposed corneal suture (2.0%). Two patients (0.7%) needed the removal of soft lens matter. Of 36 cases of raised intraocular pressure, 1 patient required anterior chamber paracentesis for retained viscoelastic, 18 patients required topical antiglaucoma medication, 15 patients needed systemic oral acetazolamide, and 2 patients with pre-existing glaucoma were instructed to continue their antiglaucoma medications.
 Conclusions: Following uneventful phacoemulsification, only 19.5% of patients were found to have complications on day 1 postoperative review. The most frequent complication was raised intraocular pressure, which can be detected on the day of surgery. Reviewing patients on the same day of surgery can reduce workload and demands on clinician time. It can also significantly reduce health care costs without compromising patient safety.

The effect of delivery type (vaginal delivery versus cesarean section) on intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in healthy women

Introduction: Pregnancy imposes physiological stress and significantly changes human body. This change may have potential effects on visual system. Little is known about pregnancy effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma. Objectives: The present study tended to evaluate and compare the effect of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) versus cesarean section (CS) on IOP and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in healthy women. Patients and Methods: Sixty pregnant women participated in this prospective cross-sectional study. The participants were assigned to two groups; the first group consisted of 30 candidates for NVD and the second group of 30 candidates for CS. Then, IOP in three states before delivery, during delivery, and six weeks after delivery then RNFLT were measured and compared by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in two states before delivery and six weeks after delivery. Results: Based on the results, there was no significant difference in the RNFLT in left and right eyes, before and after delivery in the NVD and CS groups (P=0.081 and P=0.090, respectively). Additionally, following the comparison of NVD and SC groups, no significant difference in the RNFLT between two groups was detected (P>0.05). According to IOP measurements in both eyes, IOP during delivery was significantly higher than before and after delivery in NVD group (P=0.05 and P=0.048, respectively) and CS group (P=0.028 and P=0.035, respectively). In addition, IOP in NVD group was higher than CS group in all states, but no statistically significant difference was seen among them (P>0.05). Conclusion: In general, the results showed that delivery type does not significantly affect RNFLT and IOP. It is also possible that an increase in IOP will lead to different results in women with pre-existing glaucoma or risk factors for it. Therefore, in cases with a positive background of glaucoma, specialized examinations and delivery under the supervision of a specialist are recommended.

United Kingdom Database study of Intravitreal Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) for Macular Edema related to Retinal Vein Occlusion.

To study the treatment patterns, visual outcomes and safety profile of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) used for the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (ME-RVO). Up to 2 years of routinely collected anonymized data within electronic medical record systems were remotely extracted from 16 centers. The outcome measures include visual outcome, number of injections, and safety measures, including the rate of IOP rise, frequency of IOP-lowering medication usage and cataract surgery rates. The study included 688 eyes (44.4%) with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 862 eyes (55.6%) with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO); 1250 eyes (80.6%) were treatment-naïve and 28% (275/989) had high IOP or were on IOP-lowering medications before IDI use. we found that 31% (476) of eyes received 2 injections, 11.7% (182) and 3.7% (58) of eyes received 3 and 4 injections, respectively. The mean baseline Snellen VA improved from 20/125 to 20/40 after the first injection. The probability of cataract surgery was 15% at 24 months. The proportion of eyes with ≥ 10 mmHg change from baseline was higher in phakic (14.2%) compared to pseudophakic eyes (5.4%, p=0.004). Three eyes required IOP filtering surgery (0.2%). The visual results of IDI in eyes with ME-RVO in the real world are comparable to the clinical trial setting. Increased IOP in eyes with pre-existing ocular hypertension or glaucoma can be controlled with additional medical treatment. IOP rise with IDI may be more frequent in phakic than pseudophakic eyes.

Central Corneal Thickness and Intraocular Pressure Changes Post- Phacoemulsification Surgery in Glaucoma Patients with Cataract

To compare the changes of central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) post-phacoemulsification between cataract patients with and without pre-existing glaucoma. A prospective cohort study of 86 patients with visually significant cataract: 43 with pre-existing glaucoma (GC group) and 43 without pre-existing glaucoma (CO group). CCT and IOP were evaluated at baseline (pre-phacoemulsification), as well as at 2 hours, 1 day, 1 week and 6 weeks post-phacoemulsification. The GC group have significantly thinner CCT pre-operatively (p = 0.003). There was a steady increase of CCT with the highest peak at 1 day post-phacoemulsification, followed by a steady decline of CCT and back to baseline at 6 weeks post-phacoemulsification in both groups. The GC group demonstrated a significant difference in CCT at 2 hours (mean difference 60.2 μm, p = 0.003) and 1 day (mean difference 70.6 μm, p = 0.002) post-phacoemulsification, compared to the CO group. There was a sudden increase in IOP at 2 hours post-phacoemulsification measured by GAT and DCT in both groups. This was followed by a gradual reduction of IOP, with significant reduction at 6 weeks post-phacoemulsification in both groups. However, there was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups. IOP measured by GAT and DCT showed strong correlation (r > 0.75, p < 0.001) in both groups. There was no significant correlation between GAT-IOP and CCT changes; nor between DCT-IOP and CCT changes in both groups. CCT changes post-phacoemulsification in patients with pre-existing glaucoma were similar, in spite of having thinner CCT pre-operatively. IOP measurement was not affected by CCT changes in glaucoma patients post-phacoemulsification. IOP measurement using GAT is comparable with DCT post-phacoemulsification.

The Effect of Blue-Light Filtering Intraocular Lenses on the Development and Progression of Glaucoma.

Among patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery, an advantage was seen to blue-light filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) in terms of glaucoma-free survival and glaucoma procedure-free survival. Among patients with preexisting glaucoma, no advantage was seen. To assess the effect of BLF IOLs on the development and progression of glaucoma after cataract surgery. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery between 2007 and 2018 at Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Finland. Survival analyses for the overall risk of developing glaucoma or undergoing glaucoma procedures were assessed between patients who received a BLF IOL (SN60WF) and a non-BLF IOL (ZA9003 and ZCB00). A separate analysis was performed on patients with preexisting glaucoma. Included 11,028 eyes of 11,028 patients with a mean age of 75 ± 9 years (62% females). The BLF IOL was used in 5188 eyes (47%) and the non-BLF IOL in 5840 eyes (53%). During the follow-up (mean: 55 ± 34 mo), 316 cases of glaucoma were diagnosed. Glaucoma-free survival rates showed an advantage to the BLF IOL ( P = 0.036). In a Cox regression analysis controlling for age and sex the use of a BLF IOL was again associated with a lower ratio of glaucoma development (hazard ratio:0.778; 95% CI: 0.621-0.975). Furthermore, glaucoma procedure-free survival analysis revealed an advantage to the BLF IOL (hazard ratio:0.616; 95% CI: 0.406-0.935). Among 662 cases, which already had glaucoma at the time of surgery, no significant differences were seen in any outcome. Among a large cohort of patients who underwent cataract surgery, the use of BLF IOLs was associated with favorable glaucoma outcomes compared with the use of non-BLF IOLs. Among patients with preexisting glaucoma, no significant advantage was seen.

Risk factors for secondary ocular hypertension in silicone oil-filled eyes following transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy - A prospective cohort study.

Our aim was to determine the various risk factors for secondary ocular hypertension (OHT) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil (SO) injection. A prospective cohort study was performed on 46 eyes of 42 patients who underwent PPV with SO injection under a single surgeon between January 2020 and July 2021. Complete ophthalmological examination including gonioscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry was performed preoperatively and on three postoperative visits, that is, day 7, day 30, and day 90. Axial length and lens thickness were measured at baseline using immersion A-scan. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for measuring anterior chamber depth (ACD) at baseline and at 3 months. There was a statistically significant increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) (>21 mmHg) on day 7 (4.70 ± 7.754 mmHg), day 30 (5.24 ± 7.481 mmHg), and day 90 (2.39 ± 5.659 mmHg) (P<0.01 for all). Age <50 years, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and pseudophakia had a strong association with short-term OHT on day 7. Preexisting glaucoma was the only independent risk factor for long-term OHT (day 90). Higher baseline IOP and SO emulsification also contributed to long-term OHT. There was a statistically significant elevation in IOP at all postoperative visits. Short-term OHT was associated with younger age (<50 years), RRD, and pseudophakia. Patients with emulsified SO in the anterior chamber, higher baseline IOP, and preexisting glaucoma were at higher risk for long-term OHT.

Management of Post-Keratoplasty Glaucoma: A Literature Review

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of graft failure after graft rejection. Sustained elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to corneal endothelial decompensation, graft failure and vision loss. Causes of glaucoma post-keratoplasty include steroid response, pupillary block, retained viscoelastic material, distortion of the trabecular meshwork or Schlemm’s canal, haemorrhage, lens protein leakage, secondary angle-closure from peripheral anterior synechiae, and pre-existing glaucoma. Close monitoring, coupled with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of post-keratoplasty glaucoma are vital to the preservation of optic nerve function and a successful graft outcome.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with glaucoma.

Endothelial keratoplasty has become the standard for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction. In Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), only the endothelium and Descemet membrane are transplanted, providing superior outcomes compared to Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). A substantial subset of patients who require DMEK have comorbid glaucoma. Even in eyes with complex anterior segment such as eyes with previous trabeculectomy or tube shunts, DMEK can restore meaningful vision and outperforms DSEK in terms of visual recovery, decreased rejection rate, and the need for high dose of topical steroids. However, accelerated endothelial cell loss and secondary graft failure have been described in eyes with previous glaucoma surgery, namely trabeculectomy and drainage device. During DMEK and DSEK procedures, raised intraocular pressure is required to attach the graft, which could worsen preexisting glaucoma or cause de novo glaucoma. Mechanisms of postoperative ocular hypertension include delayed air clearance, pupillary block, steroid response, and damage to angle structures. Medically treated glaucoma has increased risk for postoperative ocular hypertension. By understanding these additional complications and making appropriate modifications in surgical techniques and postoperative management, DMEK can be performed successfully and achieve very good visual outcome in eyes with glaucoma. Such modifications include precisely controlled unfolding technique, iridectomies that can help avoid pupillary block, tube shunts that can be trimmed to facilitate graft unfolding, air fill tension that can be adjusted, and postoperative steroid regimens that can be modified to decrease the risk for steroid response. Long-term survival of the DMEK graft, however, is shorter in eyes with previous glaucoma surgery than those without, as observed after other types of keratoplasty.

Prophylaxis with intraocular pressure lowering medication and glaucomatous progression in patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy.

To investigate whether pretreatment with pressure-lowering medication prior to anti-vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) injections had an effect on glaucomatous progression in patients with preexisting glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT). A total of 66 eyes from 54 patients with a preexisting diagnosis of glaucoma or OHT, treated with six or more anti-VEGF injections were selected for chart review. Primary outcome measures were rate of visual field loss in dB/year, rate of change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in microns/year, and need for additional glaucoma intervention. The number of eyes requiring additional glaucoma medication was 5 of 20 (25.0%) and 14 of 46 (30.4%) for the pretreated and non-pretreated groups, respectively. The number of eyes requiring glaucoma laser or surgery was 4 of 20 (20.0%) and 13 of 46 (28.3%) for the pretreated and non-pretreated groups, respectively. Estimated mean rate of pattern standard deviation decline was not significant in either group (P>0.073), with no difference between groups (P=0.332). Although both groups showed significant RNFL change from baseline (P<0.011), no difference was detected between groups (P=0.467). Pretreatment has no detectable effect on structural or functional glaucomatous progression. Patients receiving repeated injections may be at risk for glaucomatous complications requiring invasive intervention.