Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Group Research Articles

Trace elements composition of the scleral shell of the eye in various forms of glaucoma

Purpose: a comparative study of the elemental composition of scleral biopsy specimens from patients with various clinical forms of glaucoma. Material and methods. 44 patients aged 79.5 ± 2.5 were divided into three groups depending on the form of glaucoma: 16 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (group 1); 13 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) (group 2); 15 patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG) (group 3). For elemental analysis, we used scleral biopsies obtained during planned surgical treatment of glaucoma (non-penetrating sinus trabeculectomy). Scleral fragments of 14 donor eyes with no history of glaucoma served as controls. The concentration of macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and Fe was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES, Agilent ICP-AES 720 ES, USA), while microelement concentration (Zn, Cu, Al, Mn) was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Bruker ICP-M S 820, Germany). Results. In all forms of glaucoma, scleral samples showed a varying increase in the content of such elements as Zn, Fe, Mg, AL, Ca, K. The highest content of Zn and Fe was found in the scleral tissue of patients with NTG, the difference with the control (p = 0.0001 andp = 0.0003) and with POAG (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0001) being highly significant. The difference between the content of Zn in scleral biopsies of patients with POAG and PEG was also statistically significant (p = 0.0002), whilst no significant difference in Fe content in the sclera (p = 0.69) was found between POAG and PEG Higher Mg concentrations as compared to the control were found in NTG (p = 0.00014) and POAG (p = 0.00002).Patients with POAG (p = 0.0005) and PEG (p = 0.00022) showed the highest accumulation of Ca in the sclera. No differences were found in Mg content of scleral biopsies between patients with NTG and POAG (p = 1.0), while the level of Ca in POAG (p = 0.02) and PEG (p = 0.00001) was significantly higher than in NTG. A significantly lower content of Cu was found in the sclera samples of patients with NTG (p = 0.022), POAG (p = 0.004) and PEG (p = 0.00004) as compared to the control, as well as a reduced content of Mn in POAG (p = 0.00003) and PEG (p = 0.0012). Contrarywise, NTG patients showed an increased content of Mn (p = 0.000003). No differences were found in the Cu content between the sclera of patients with NTG and POAG (p = 0.47), while Cu level in PEG was significantly lower than in POAG (p = 0.034) and NTG (p = 0.013). Conclusion. The macro- and microelement imbalance of the sclera of the eyes with different forms of glaucoma indicates differences in their pathogenesis. This can be the reason for the different severity of disorders of collagen biosynthesis and the formation of cross-links in the connective tissue structures of the sclera, as well as the varying degree changes in the hydrodynamics of the intraocular fluid, which on the whole can affect the level of intraocular pressure and the pattern of glaucoma development.

Parapapillary choroidal microvascular density in acute primary angle-closure and primary open-angle glaucoma: an optical coherence tomography angiography study

Back ground/aimsTo determine whether parapapillary choroidal microvasculature (PPCMv) density, measured by optical coherence tomography angiography, differed between acute primary angle-closure (APAC), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and controls.MethodsThis is a prospective,...

Structure-Function Relationship between Cluster Mean Defect and Sector Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose To determine the structure–function relationship between cluster mean defect (MD) offered by standard automated perimetry and corresponding sector peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Method 39 healthy eyes (control group), 43 early POAG eyes (global MD ≤ 6 dB, early group), 30 moderate POAG eyes (global MD between 6 and 12 dB, moderate group), and 53 advanced POAG eyes (global MD > 12 dB, advanced group) underwent visual field (VF) examination with Octopus perimeter (dynamic strategy/G2 pattern) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements with RTVue-100 FD-OCT. Spearman analysis was used to investigate the correlation between cluster MDs provided by Octopus perimeter and corresponding sector pRNFLT for the total sample and each subgroup, respectively. Then, linear (y = a+ bx) and curvilinear (quadratic, y = a+bx + cx2) regression analyses were employed to investigate the model for the cluster MD-sector pRNFLT pair with significant correlation. The strength of the relationship was characterized with correlation coefficient (ρ) and coefficient of determination (R2). For the cluster–sector pair that could be fitted by both models, Wilcoxon signed rank test of absolute residuals was used to compare the goodness of fit. Results Correlation between cluster MDs and corresponding sector pRNFLT was significant for all clusters in the total sample (ρ values: −0.572 to 0.832, P < 0.001) and in the POAG group (ρ values: −0.551 to −0.777, P < 0.001). The highest ρ values were found for cluster-sector pair 9 and pair 3, respectively. The curvilinear (quadratic) model provided better fit for all 10 cluster-sector pairs in the total sample (R2 values: 0.431–0.687, P < 0.001) and in the POAG group (R2 values: 0.364–0.594, P < 0.01). The highest R2 values were found also for cluster–sector pair 9 and pair 3, respectively. In the control group, no significant correlation was found for any cluster–sector pair (P > 0.01). In the early group, correlation was significant for cluster–sector pairs 3, 8, and 9 (ρ values: −0.449, −0.627, and −0.815, resp., P < 0.01). In the moderate group, correlation was significant for pairs 2, 3, 8, and 9 (ρ values: −0.703, −0.556, −0.680, and −0.637, resp., P < 0.01). In the advanced group, correlation was significant (P < 0.01) for all 10 pairs (ρ values: −0.395 to −0.699, P < 0.001) except for pairs 2, 3, and 8, and the highest ρ value was found for pair 1. For all cluster–sector pairs with significant correlation in the early, moderate, and advanced groups, only linear model could be fitted (P < 0.01), except for pair 9 in the early group and pair 5 in the advanced group. Conclusions Cluster MD of the Octopus visual field showed significant moderate-to-strong negative correlation and curvilinear (quadratic) relationship with the corresponding sector pRNFLT for POAG. This type of regional structure–function relationship varied according to the severity of POAG, and at each stage, the significantly correlated cluster–sector pairs mainly showed linear relationship. The results could provide guidance for better utilization of this regional structure–function method in the management of different stages of POAG.

Comparative analysis of OCT-defined parapapillary beta and gamma zones between primary open angle glaucoma and primary angle closure glaucoma

The ophthalmoscopic beta zone of parapapillary atrophy has recently been proposed to divide into a gamma zone and a (new) beta zone based on OCT imaging. The present study was undertaken to compare the microstructural characteristics of parapapillary gamma and beta zones and their influencing factors between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Seventy-three PACG patients that had no evidence of an acute attack and 78 POAG patients were enrolled. Patients were matched by propensity scores for age and visual field mean defect (MD) value. The area and angular extent of both zones were measured. In multivariate analysis, a larger beta zone was correlated with older age, severe MD value and longer axial length. A larger gamma zone was correlated with longer axial length. Older age and severe MD value were correlated with the concentric shape of beta zone. Comparing the PACG and POAG groups that adjusted for age and MD value, gamma zone was larger and more prevalent in the POAG group, while beta zone showed no significant difference. Taken separately, MD value was associated with the area and shape of beta zone in the PACG group. Axial length was associated with the temporal shape of beta zone in the POAG group. These data indicated that OCT-defined parapapillary beta and gamma zones exhibited different characteristics in two types of glaucoma. Clinically, the size of parapapillary beta zone may serve as a better indicator of glaucoma severity in eyes with PACG than that in POAG.

Comparison of Vascular Density and Structural Patterns Between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.

To compare the pattern of vascular density and structural damage in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) in the optic nerve head, circumpapillary, and macular regions, respectively. One hundred thirty-one eyes of 82 patients (53 eyes with PACG and 78 eyes with POAG) were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, Bruch membrane opening minimum rim width, circumpapillay retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL), and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) measurements and vascular density determination of the peripapillary and macular area with OCT and OCTA. A linear mixed model was used for the statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age ( P =0.94) and visual field mean deviation ( P =0.78). Female-to-male ratio was higher in PACG patients than the POAG group ( P =0.02), and AL was shorter in PACG eyes ( P <0.001). cpRNFL and GCC were not different between the 2 groups (all P values>0.05, except for nasal segment cpRNFL). Vessel densities in the peripapillary and macular areas were comparable between the 2 groups (all P values>0.05). Although Bruch membrane opening minimum rim width was thicker in PACG eyes on univariate analysis, the multivariable analysis showed no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). PACG and POAG eyes with similar visual field damages have comparable structural damage patterns in the peripapillary and inner macular thickness and vessel density measurements.

Outcomes of Prolene Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: A Comparative Study.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) provides greater intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) than in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the first year of surgery; however, the difference between groups equalizes in the long term. To compare outcomes of GATT in eyes with POAG and PXG. Single-center, retrospective, comparative case-series. A total of 202 eyes (91 eyes of POAG; 111 eyes of PXG) were included. GATT was performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract extraction. Outcome measures were change in IOP and number of medications at all time points (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36mo after surgery), success rate (IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline or IOP between 6 and 21mmHg, without further glaucoma surgery), and complication rate. Cumulative success probabilities were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. The mean IOP decreased by 8.8mmHg (34.4%) in the POAG group with a mean decrease of 2 glaucoma medications at final visit. In the PXG group, the mean IOP decreased by 12.8mm Hg (44.6%) on 2.3 fewer medications. Mean IOP reduction was significantly higher in PXG than POAG at all time points up to 2-year visit ( P <0.05 for all), after which the difference was not significant. Cumulative success probability during the first year was significantly higher in PXG (97.6%) than in POAG (86.8%) ( P =0.01); no significant difference was found at 2-year ( P =0.07) and 3-year visits ( P =0.24). GATT was safe and effectively reduced the IOP and medication burden in patients with POAG and PXG. In the first year after GATT, a significantly higher success rate was noted in PXG compared with POAG; however, in subsequent years, the success rate was similar at ~75%.

Imbalance of macro- and microelements in the scleral shell of the eye in various forms of glaucoma

PURPOSE. To conduct a comparative study of the balance of macro- and microelements in scleral biopsy samples taken from patients with various clinical forms of glaucoma.METHODS. The content of macro- and microelements was analyzed in scleral biopsy samples of 16 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 13 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and 15 patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG). The mean age of the patients was 79.5±2.5 years. For control, fragments of the sclera of 14 cadaveric eyes without a history of glaucoma were used. Concentration of macroelements — K, Mg, Ca, Fe — was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, the level of microelements — Zn, Cu, Al, Mn — by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.RESULTS. A statistically significant shift in the balance of Cu/Zn compared with controls was found in all forms of glaucoma: NTG (p=0.008), PEG (p=0.006), POAG (p=0.03); while no differences between NTG and POAG in this indicator were detected (p=0.609), with PEG the difference was significant (p=0.0001). The Cu/Fe ratio in the scleral samples of glaucomatous eyes also significantly differed from controls in both NTG (p=0.009) and PEG (p=0.006), as well as in POAG (p=0.006). This parameter in patients with POAG significantly differed from the corresponding parameter in the groups with NTG (p=0.0001) and PEG (p=0.016). A shift in the balance of Mn/Cu compared with controls was detected only in the sclera of patients with NTG (p=0.0064), there were no corresponding differences with controls in PEG (p=0.157) and POAG (p=0.773), but a significant difference was found between NTG and POAG groups (p=0.0001). The balance of Mn/Fe in comparison with the control group was disturbed in all forms of glaucoma: NTG (p=0.0066), PEG (p=0.00034), POAG (p=0.0027). At the same time, in patients with NTG and PEG, the balance of Mn/Fe differed significantly from this indicator in POAG (p=0.078 and p=0.0485, respectively). The most pronounced imbalance of Mg/Ca compared with controls was found in the sclera of patients with PEG (p=0.01) and POAG (p=0.0254).CONCLUSION. In all studied forms of glaucoma, disturbances in the ratios of Cu/Zn, Cu/Fe, Mn/Cu, Mn/Fe and Mg/Ca of varying severity in the sclera were revealed in comparison with the sclera of eyes without glaucoma. Differences in the indicated ratios between NTG, POAG and PEG have also been established, which may define the features in the pathogenesis and clinical course of these forms of glaucomatous lesions.

Pulsatile Trabecular Meshwork Motion: An Indicator of Intraocular Pressure Control in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

(1) Background: To investigate the value of pulsatile trabecular meshwork (TM) motion in predicting the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 20 normal patients and 30 patients with POAG. Of the POAG group, 20 had stable diurnal IOP and 10 had high IOP fluctuation. A clinical prototype phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) model was used to measure TM pulsatile motion with maximum velocity (MV) and cumulative displacement (CDisp). (3) Results: MV and CDisp were higher in the external region in both normal and POAG patients. All MV and CDisp reduced significantly in the POAG group (p < 0.001). In the POAG group, except MV in the external region (p = 0.085), MV and CDisp in the nasal area were significantly higher than those in the temporal area (p < 0.05). The MV and CDisp in the external region in the nasal area of POAG patients with high IOP fluctuation were much lower than those with stable IOP (pEMV3 = 0.031, pECDisp3 < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Pulsatile TM motion reduced in POAG patients relevant to the level of diurnal IOP fluctuation. This study presents the segmental variance of TM stiffness in human living eyes and suggests the clinical potential of the measurement of pulsatile TM motion with PhS-OCT for the evaluation of diurnal IOP fluctuation.

Alterations in Fixation Indices in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma by Microperimetry.

The aim of this study was to determine whether primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is associated with changes in fixation stability parameters assessed by microperimetry (MP) and whether the severity of glaucoma is related to a deterioration in these indicators. This study analyzed fixation stability using MP macular analyzer integrity assessment (MAIA) in patients with mild and moderate/severe POAG and healthy controls. The resulting fixation indices were correlated with parameters used to assess retinal function with MP and standard automated perimetry (SAP) and retinal structure with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). We enrolled 54 eyes in the POAG groups (32 eyes with mild POAG and 22 eyes with moderate/severe POAG) and 24 eyes in the healthy group. It was shown that fixation stability in POAG eyes deteriorated with increasing disease severity, and significant differences in bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) including 95% of fixation points were observed among groups (p = 0.042). Quantitative analysis of structural and functional retinal parameters also showed significant deterioration with the progression of glaucoma (p < 0.001). Correlations among fixation parameters and abnormalities in the retinal structure and function were confirmed. We concluded that POAG is associated with disturbances in the fixation pattern, which worsen as the disease progresses and can be effectively assessed by performing a MP test.

Fine Particulate Matter Exposure Levels in Patients with Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Population-Based Study from Taiwan.

Patients with NTG or POAG with more than one outpatient or discharge diagnosis from the ophthalmology department were included in the study. These data were merged with the PM2.5 data from the Air Quality Monitoring Network for analysis. This was a case–control study, with 1006 participants in the NTG group and 2533 in the POAG group. To investigate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure levels in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), patient data were obtained from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 for the 2008 to 2013 period. We used a multivariate logic regression model to assess the risk for each participant. The PM2.5 exposure levels were divided into four groups: <25th percentile (Q1), <617 μg/mm3; 25th to 50th percentile (Q2), 617 to 1297 μg/mm3; 50th to 75th percentile (Q3), 1297 to 2113 μg/mm3; and >75th percentile (Q4), >2113 μg/mm3. The results are expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. A multiple logistic regression was used to compare the results of the NTG group with those of the POAG group. Compared with the PM2.5 Q1 level, the OR of the PM2.5 Q2 level was 1.009 (95% CI 0.812–1.254), the PM2.5 Q3 level was 1.241 (95% CI 1.241–1.537, p < 0.05), and the PM2.5 Q4 level was 1.246 (95% CI 1.008–1.539, p < 0.05). Our research reveals that compared with POAG, the risk of developing NTG is more closely related with PM2.5 exposure, and PM2.5 has a concentration–dose effect. It is hoped that in the future, in the clinical judgment of NTG and POAG, the level of PM2.5 in the environment can be taken as a risk factor.

Postoperative Complications of Trabeculectomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Versus Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the frequency of postoperative complications of trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Study Design: Comparative experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from January 2017 to November 2019. Methods: Seventy-one patients who underwent primary trabeculectomy without antimetabolites for primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma during the given period were included in the study. Patients who had significant cataract, repeated trabeculectomy, failed argon laser trabeculoplasty and trabeculectomy done for congenital glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, secondary glaucoma were excluded from the study. Patients were followed up for 12 months and complications were compared. Secondary outcome was reduction in IOP. Results: Out of 71 patients, 52 had POAG and 19 had PACG. The mean age was 56.7 ± 10.9 for POAG and 52.2 ± 9.5 for PACG. The frequency of complications in POAG group was 28.2% and in PACG group was 21.1% (p &gt;0.005).Complications were: cataract, uveitis, hyphema, choroidal folds, shallow anterior chamber, high IOP and positive Seidel test. Mean IOP reduction was from 31 ± 6.7mm of Hg and 40 ± 14.8 to 15.6 ± 4.2 and 13.8 ± 4.7 in POAG and PACG respectively (p-value &gt; 0.005).Trabeculectomy was successful in 80.7% POAG and 73.6% PACG patients (p value &gt; 0.005). Conclusion: No significant difference was observed in the frequency of complications in POAG and PACG patientsfollowing Trabeculectomy, over a period of 12 months. Trabeculectomy was equally effective in lowering IOP in both the groups. Key Words: Glaucoma, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma, Trabeculectomy,

Comparison of early-stage SD-OCT findings in patients with primer open angle glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease

AIM: To provide an insight to the common pathophysiology of both most frequent and neurodegenerative diseases by comparing thickness parameters of macula and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with early stage of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and early stage of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 48 patients with an early stage of POAG, 34 patients with an early stage of PD and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy eyes as a control group. The RNFL and macular thicknesses in the nine macular quadrants according to the ETDRS were measured with an SD-OCT and Mean Deviation (MD) values by a visual field analyzer. POAG patients were selected only MD smaller than -6 dB. Patients with MD values below -6 dB were considered as early-stage glaucoma. PD severity was assessed using Hoehn and Yahr (H&amp;Y) and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The PD group selected only H&amp;Y Stage I-III patients. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was determined between all groups RNFL measurements except temporal RNFL (P&lt;0.05). Statistically significant difference was determined between all groups including fovea, mean macula thickness and macula outer quadrant thickness evaluations (P&lt;0.05). There was not any significant difference between thickness evaluation of macula inner quadrant for POAG and PD groups (P&gt;0.05). A weak negative correlation was determined between duration of disease and UPDRS score together with macula and RNFL thickness parameters in PD group. CONCLUSION: Similar thinning was detected by using SD-OCT for thickness parameters of macula and RNFL in early stage of POAG and early stage of PD group. However this thinning was more significant in early stage of POAG group. It can be declared that neurodegeneration on the macula which is caused by glaucoma is more destructive than PD. Thinning on foveal region is remarkable for PD patients.

Long-Term Outcomes of a Kahook Dual Blade Procedure Combined with Phacoemulsification in Japanese Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma.

We retrospectively evaluated the long-term surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with a Kahook dual blade (KDB) procedure in Japanese patients with open-angle glaucoma. The primary outcome was surgical success or failure. Surgical failure was indicated by a <20% reduction in preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) or IOP > 18 mmHg (criterion A), IOP > 14 mmHg (criterion B), or requirement for reoperation. Glaucoma medications after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. Surgical outcomes were compared between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) groups. The probability of success at 36 months postoperation was 52.5% using criterion A and 36.9% using criterion B. Mean IOP decreased significantly from 19.5 ± 6.9 mmHg preoperatively to 11.9 ± 2.7 mmHg at 36 months, and the mean number of glaucoma medications from 2.4 ± 1.4 to 1.6 ± 1.4 (both p < 0.01). IOP spikes were significantly more common in the ExG group (23.7% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.045), as was the need for additional glaucoma surgery (10.5% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.038). A KDB procedure combined with cataract surgery resulted in significant long-term decreases in IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. The complication rate was higher in eyes with ExG. Therefore, these eyes require more careful management after a KDB procedure.

Smell Sensitivity in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

This cross-sectional study of 20 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 20 with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG), 20 with exfoliation syndrome (XS) showed that exfoliative group had a significantly lower smell identification level as compared with the control groups. To investigate smell sensitivity in POAG, XFG, and XFS in comparison with healthy controls. This prospective, cross-sectional study included 20 patients with POAG, 20 with XFG, and 20 with XFS. The control group consisted of 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy subjects with no evidence of ocular disease. The Sniffin' Sticks smell test was used to determine the, threshold values, and to assess the ability of smell identification, and differentiation in all patients One eye per patient was included for statistical purposes. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between the groups. Tukey honestly significant difference was used as a post hoc test when significant differences were detected among the 3 groups. The XFG, POAG, and control groups showed a significant difference in the odor discrimination, odor identification, and threshold discrimination identification scores. The median (minimum-maximum) smell threshold levels for the POAG, XFG, and XFS groups and healthy controls were 4.5 (0 to 7.5), 4 (0 to 7.5), 5 (4.5 to 6), and 5.5 (4 to 7.5), respectively. The smell differentiation values for the POAG, XFG, and XFS groups and healthy controls were 12 (2 to 14), 8 (0 to 13), 11 (10 to 13), and 12 (9 to 14), respectively. Smell sensitivity for the POAG, XFG, and XFS groups and healthy controls were 26 (4 to 30.5), 19 (0 to 29.5), 28.3 (22.8 to 30.5), and 29 (26.5 to 32), respectively. The smell sensitivity and differentiation were significantly different among the groups (P<0.001). The XFG group had a significantly lower smell identification level than the POAG, XFS, and control groups. Patients with XFS and XFG revealed reduced smell sensitivity and identification compared with patients with POAG and those without glaucoma. These findings provide new insights into neural degeneration and pseudoexfoliation.

Detection of plasma complement and immune globulin in different sorts of glaucoma.

To compare the plasma immune globulin and complement levels in different sorts of glaucoma to assess its association. Cohort study. Plasma samples were collected from 226 normal controls and 236 glaucoma patients included 92 with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (APACG), 76 with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (CPACG), 68 with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). 163 glaucoma patients with high intraocular pressure(IOP) was classified as a subgroup. Six indexes were analyzed: C3, C4, CH50, IgA, IgG, and IgM. There was a significant difference in C4, IgA, IgG, and IgM between patients with high IOP and normal controls groups(P < 0.01). TheC4 (0.27 ± 0.69 g/L), IgA (3.11 ± 1.04 g/L), IgG (12.07 ± 1.92 g/L) and IgM (1.17 ± 0.49 g/L) were higher(P < 0.05) in the high IOP groups compared with the normal controls (C4:0.25 ± 0.07 g/L, IgA: 2.54 ± 1.07 g/L, IgG: 11.21 ± 2.22 g/L, IgM:0.99 ± 0.41 g/L). There was a significant difference in age, C3, IgA, IgG, and IgM among the normal control, APACG, CPACG, and POAG. The C3 level in the APACG group (1.14 ± 0.16 g/L) was higher than normal group (1.06 ± 0.18 g/L). The IgA level was lower(P < 0.05) in the normal group (2.54 ± 1.07 g/L) compared with APACG (3.16 ± 0.97 g/L) and POAG group (2.91 ± 1.11 g/L). The IgG level of normal controls (11.21 ± 2.22 g/L) was lower (P < 0.05) than APACG group (12.15 ± 2.02 g/L) and CPACG group (11.95 ± 2.28 g/L). The IgM level was lower(P < 0.05) in the normal group (0.99 ± 0.41 g/L) compared with the APACG (1.24 ± 0.66 g/L) and CPACG group (1.17 ± 0.45 g/L). The levels of the plasma expression of C3, IgA, IgG, IgM may be useful for discriminating the glaucoma patients and for assessing the progress of glaucoma in different sorts.

Comparison of long-term results of trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma: a single-center study.

To evaluate long-term surgical success and complications in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after trabeculectomy or phacotrabeculectomy. 96 PEXG eyes and 114 POAG eyes who underwent primary trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy were retrospectively evaluated considering intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, surgical success, and rate of complications. Two success criteria were used: Complete success comprised IOP of 5-18mmHg and 20% reduction of baseline IOP without medication. Qualified success comprised IOP of 5-18mmHg and 20% reduction of baseline IOP irrespective of medication. Success rates in PEXG and POAG groups, trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy groups, and four groups divided according to surgery and etiology were analyzed via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The complete and qualified success were not different between PEXG and POAG groups. The qualified success curves show a similar pattern among the four groups throughout the follow-up of 1,2,3,5,7 and 9years. Baseline IOP and the number of medications were similar in all four groups (p = 0.275 and p = 0.209, respectively). IOP levels and the number of medications were not statistically different between the four groups during the follow-up of 2,5 and 7years. The total number of complications and interventions were similar between PEXG and POAG groups (p = 0.258). Phacotrabeculectomy is an effective procedure as trabeculectomy with similar surgical success rates and few surgical complications when it comes to treating PAOG and PEXG patients. Both approaches resulted in similar postoperative IOP levels and medication numbers in both groups.

MRI findings suggestive of Alzheimer's disease in patients with primary open angle glaucoma - a single sequence analysis using rapid 3D T1 spoiled gradient echo.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a degenerative optic neuropathy disease which has somewhat similar pathophysiology to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to determine the presence of medial temporal atrophy and parietal lobe atrophy in patients with POAG compared to normal controls using medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scoring and posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) scoring system on T1 magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo. 50 POAG patients and 50 normal subjects were recruited and an MRI brain with T1-magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo was performed. Medial temporal lobe and parietal lobe atrophy were by MTA and PCA/Koedam scoring. The score of the PCA and MTA were compared between the POAG group and the controls. There was a significant statistical difference between PCA score in POAG and the healthy control group (p-value = 0.026). There is no statistical difference between MTA score in POAG compared to the healthy control group (p-value = 0.58). This study suggests a correlation between POAG and PCA score. Potential application of this scoring method in clinical diagnosis and monitoring of POAG patients. The scoring method used in AD may also be applied in the diagnosis and monitoring of POAGMRI brain, specifically rapid volumetric T1 spoiled gradient echo sequence, may be applied in POAG assessment.

The anterior scleral thickness in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma

PurposeTo investigate the anterior scleral thickness (AST) and its associations with Schlemm’s canal (SC) area, trabecular meshwork (TM) thickness and length, and scleral spur (SS) length in healthy and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) groups.MethodsThirty-five eyes of 35 healthy subjects and 23 eyes of 23 patients with POAG were included. The AST, SC area, TM thickness and length, and SS length were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography. AST was measured at 0 mm (AST0), 1 mm (AST1), 2 mm (AST2), and 3 mm (AST3) from SS. Associations between AST and SC area, TM thickness and length, and SS length were also estimated.ResultsAST0 (728.84 ± 99.33 vs. 657.39 ± 67.02 μm, p < 0.001), AST1 (537.79 ± 79.55 vs. 506.83 ± 57.37 μm, p = 0.038), AST3 (571.09 ± 79.15 vs. 532.13 ± 59.84 μm, p = 0.009), SC area (6304.26 ± 1238.72 vs. 4755.64 ± 1122.71 μm2, p < 0.001), TM thickness (107.21 ± 31.26 vs. 94.51 ± 24.18 μm, p = 0.035), TM length (736.20 ± 141.85 vs. 656.43 ± 127.03 μm, p = 0.004), and SS length (219.89 ± 50.29 vs. 174.54 ± 35.58 μm, p < 0.001) were significantly greater in healthy group than in POAG group. In addition, SC area, TM thickness, and SS length were significantly and positively associated with AST0 in the healthy group, whereas no similar associations were observed in the POAG group.ConclusionsCompared with the healthy group, AST was significantly thinner in the POAG group, which also had smaller SC and TM dimensions. Moreover, the SC area, TM thickness, and SS length were significantly and positively associated with AST in the healthy group. Thus, AST might play an important role in maintaining TM and SC morphology and further in the pathogenesis of POAG.

Interim Results of Post-Marketing Observational Study of Omidenepag Isopropyl for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension in Japan.

IntroductionThis post-marketing observational interim analysis evaluated the 12-month effectiveness and safety of omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI) ophthalmic solution in daily clinical settings.MethodsThis was a multicenter, large-scale, non-interventional, prospective, observational study conducted in Japan. The target enrollment was 3900 patients, and the overall observation period was 12 months. Patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OH) with no previous history of OMDI use were enrolled. The key endpoints were change in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline and the incidence of adverse reactions (ADRs).ResultsA total of 1862 patients were evaluated in this 12-month interim analysis. Most patients were diagnosed with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG, 62.0%). The treatment patterns with OMDI were naïve monotherapy (48.4%), switching monotherapy (18.4%), and concomitant therapy (31.1%). The overall incidence of ADRs was 24.3%, which was similar between the monotherapy and concomitant therapy groups. Common ADRs were conjunctival hyperemia, refractive disorder, and myopia. Macular edema was observed in four patients. No ADRs categorized as prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy were observed. There was a significant reduction in mean IOP at 12 months, with a change of − 1.9 ± 2.9 mmHg from baseline (reduction − 10.4 ± 16.5%). The mean IOP change from baseline was − 2.7 ± 2.6 mmHg in the naïve monotherapy group, − 1.1 ± 2.6 mmHg in the switching monotherapy group, and − 1.6 ± 3.1 mmHg in the concomitant therapy group (all P < 0.05). The mean IOP decreased by − 2.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, − 1.5 ± 2.4 mmHg, and − 2.3 ± 4.5 mmHg in the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), NTG, and OH groups, respectively. The treatment persistence with OMDI was 82.4%.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of OMDI for glaucoma and OH as monotherapy and concomitant therapy in daily clinical settings. In this interim analysis, OMDI showed a favorable benefit–risk profile, and can be first-line therapy for glaucoma.

A comparison of the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure in patients with primary glaucoma and normal individuals

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in patients with glaucoma and to compare them with normal persons.Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional comparative study of the circadian rhythm of IOP that was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with primary glaucoma on medical or surgical treatment and 30 normal individuals with no signs of glaucoma. There were three cases of primary angle closure glaucoma, and so they were excluded from the analysis.Results The mean age of all participants was 60.25±12.15 years. The mean age of the normal individuals was 58.60±12.33 years compared with 62.22±11.66 years in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), with no statistically significant difference (P=0.486). A higher proportion of females (63%) were found in the glaucoma group, though not statistically significant (P=0.138). The mean IOP was higher among the glaucoma group (19.92±6.18 mmHg) than in the normal individuals (14.83±1.75 mmHg), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). The mean diurnal variation of IOP in the right eye among the normal individuals (3.6±1.1 mmHg) was significantly lower than in the POAG group (7.11±4.8 mmHg) (P=0.001). Similarly, in the left eye, the mean diurnal variation was significantly higher in the POAG group (6.07±2.25 mmHg) compared with the normal individuals (3.52±1.25 mmHg) (P=0.00). The average peak of IOP among normal individuals and patients with POAG was 19.75±2.0 and 37.56.9 mmHg, respectively, in the right eye (P=0.01) and 20.00 ± 1.6 mmHg and 26.25 ± 2.2 in normal individuals and patients with POAG, respectively, in the left eye (P=0.001). The peak IOP among the POAG group was seen at 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., mostly outside office hours.Conclusion The diurnal variation of IOP was more among patients with glaucoma than normal individuals. The average peak of the IOP was seen only after office hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), thus emphasizing the need for 24-h monitoring of IOP. The 24-h measurement would help recognize the IOP spikes and help decide the time of instillation of antiglaucoma medication to avoid further glaucoma progression.