Treatment Of Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Research Articles

Open angle glaucoma in soluble guanylate cyclase α1-deficient mice and its association with the GUCY1A3/GUCY1B3 locus in humans

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness, due to irreversible retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss with optic nerve (ON) degeneration. Currently, there is no cure for POAG and available therapies offer incomplete protection, highlighting the need for novel drug targets. Although several POAG risk factors have been identified, including elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and genetic factors, the molecular signaling pathways involved remain largely unknown. Impaired nitric oxide (NO) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of POAG. Here, we report that mice lacking the α 1 subunit of the NO receptor soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC α 1 - / - mice) represent a novel animal model of POAG. sGC α 1 - / - mice develop moderate increases in IOP, a decrease in aqueous humor outflow rate, thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and loss of ON axons in the context of an open iridocorneal angle, all features of POAG. Importantly, a targeted gene association study in POAG patients with incident paracentral vision loss, a subtype of POAG thought to be associated with vascular dysregulation, identified a locus containing the genes encoding the α 1 and β 1 subunits of sGC. Our findings provide new insights into the genetics and biology of POAG, demonstrating that a well-characterized signaling pathway (NO-cGMP) is involved in the pathogenesis of POAG. In addition, identifying sGC α 1 - / - mice as a unique model for POAG, provides a tool for investigators to test new strategies for disease prevention, potentially informing the clinical development of existing cGMP-elevating therapeutic compounds for treatment of POAG.

A 4-week, dose-ranging study comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of latanoprost 75, 100 and 125 μg/mL to latanoprost 50 μg/mL (xalatan) in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated the effect of latanoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP). We compared the IOP-lowering effects of three higher concentrations of latanoprost with the commercially available concentration of 0.005% (50 μg/mL) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.MethodsTreatment-naive subjects or those receiving IOP-lowering medication with baseline IOP levels of ≥24 mmHg and ≤36 mmHg in at least one eye after washout were randomized to receive an evening dose of latanoprost 50, 75, 100, or 125 μg/mL for 4 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, ocular examinations were performed and IOP was measured. Ocular symptoms and adverse events were monitored. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in IOP from baseline to week 4 at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the per protocol (PP) population using a "worse eye" analysis. Secondary efficacy endpoints were change in IOP at each time point from baseline across all visits, and percentage change in IOP from baseline to week 4 at 8 a.m.ResultsIn all, 282 patients were randomized and treated; 274 were included in the PP population. Treatment groups were similar at baseline; 68% were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. Mean baseline IOP levels were comparable across treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in IOP reductions from baseline to week 4 at either time point between those treated with higher concentrations of latanoprost versus those receiving 50 μg/mL. Least squares mean IOP changes at 8 a.m. were −10.13, -9.59, -10.02, and −9.06 mmHg for latanoprost 50, 75, 100, and 125 μg/mL, respectively, and at 4 p.m. were −8.90, -8.29, -8.81, and −8.34 mmHg, respectively. Results of secondary efficacy analyses supported those of the primary analysis. Conjunctival hyperemia, the most commonly reported adverse event, occurred in 16.9%, 18.6%, 20.8% and 15.9% of subjects receiving latanoprost 50, 75, 100, and 125 μg/mL, respectively.ConclusionsIOP reductions were observed in all treatment groups postbaseline, with no clinically relevant or statistically significant differences detected favoring any of the higher concentrations of latanoprost compared with latanoprost 50 μg/mL. All doses of latanoprost were well tolerated.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01379144.

There is insufficient evidence to recommend lens extraction as a treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma: an evidence-based perspective - comment

Clinical & Experimental OphthalmologyVolume 40, Issue 6 p. 647-648 There is insufficient evidence to recommend lens extraction as a treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma: an evidence-based perspective – comment Lance Liu FRANZCO, Lance Liu FRANZCO Preston Eye Clinic, Preston, Victoria, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Lance Liu FRANZCO, Lance Liu FRANZCO Preston Eye Clinic, Preston, Victoria, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 07 March 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02786.xCitations: 1 Competing/conflicts of interest: No stated conflict of interest. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume40, Issue6August 2012Pages 647-648 RelatedInformation

Визначення термінів виконання Nd:YAG — лазерної трабекулотомії після неперфоруючої глибокої склеректомії первинної відкритокутової глаукоми

Визначення термінів виконання Nd:YAG — лазерної трабекулотомії після неперфоруючої глибокої склеректомії первинної відкритокутової глаукоми

The use of amniotic membrane in trabeculectomy for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma: a prospective study

BackgroundTo investigate the effectiveness of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on improving the outcomes of trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsFifty-nine eyes affected by primary open-angle glaucoma were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Thirty-two eyes underwent amnion-shielded trabeculectomy (study group) and 27 eyes underwent trabeculectomy without any antimetabolites (control group). Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <21 mmHg without any medications at 24 months follow-up. The two groups were compared in terms of IOP, bleb morphology, bleb survival and risk of failure, glaucoma medications, and complications.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in terms of postoperative IOP between the two groups and at 24 months median IOP was 15.5 mmHg for the AMT group and 16 mmHg for the control group. IOP postoperative reduction was 8 mmHg for the AMT group versus 6 mmHg for the non AMT group (P = 0.276). Two patients from the study group developed IOP >21 mmHg in contrast to seven patients from the classic trabeculectomy group. The study group had 61.0% less risk of developing IOP >21 mmHg (P = 0.203). No major complications in the AMT group were observed. AMT blebs were diffuse with mild vascularization.ConclusionIn patients with POAG, AMT showed favorable effects on bleb survival, however data failed to provide firm evidence that AMT could be used as a routine procedure in trabeculectomy.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty in Egyptian patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose:To assess the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in Egyptian patients after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a primary or adjunctive treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Materials and Methods:One hundred and six eyes with POAG were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: recently diagnosed cases with no preoperative medications (group 1) and; patients with confirmed glaucoma on medical therapy (group 2). All patients underwent 360° SLT. Patients were evaluated to 18 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed on postoperative changes in IOP, number of medications and complications. A P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant.Results:A statistically significant drop in IOP occurred, from 19.55 ± 4.8 mmHg preoperatively, to16.03 ± 2.8 mmHg postoperatively (P< 0.001). Each group had a statistically significant drop in IOP (P< 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of medications in group 2 from 2.25 ± 0.97 medications preoperatively to 1.0 ± 1.3 medications postoperatively (P=0.004). No serious complications occurred for the duration of the study.Conclusion:SLT can be safely and effectively used as primary or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of POAG.

Current primary open-angle glaucoma treatments and future directions

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness with no known cure. Management of the disease focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) with current classes of drugs like prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These treatments have not helped all patients. Some patients continue to experience deterioration in the optic nerve even though their IOPs are within the normal range. New views have surfaced about other pathophysiological processes (such as oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and retinal cell apoptosis) being involved in POAG progression, and adjunctive treatments with drugs like memantine, bis(7)-tacrine, nimodipine, and mirtogenol are advocated. This review examines the current and proposed treatments for POAG. Some of the proposed drugs (bis(7)-tacrine, nimodipine, vitamin E, and others) have shown good promise, mostly as monotherapy in various clinical trials. It is recommended that both the current and proposed drugs be put through further robust trials in concurrent administration and evaluated.

There is insufficient evidence to recommend lens extraction as a treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma: an evidence-based perspective

Cataract extraction in primary open-angle glaucoma has not been thought to provide a clinically useful or predictable decrease in IOP. This concept has now been challenged, with the opposite belief being promulgated: namely, that lens exchange should be considered as treatment for glaucoma. This revelation could bring a significant change in the glaucoma treatment paradigm. There are no randomised controlled trials to guide the role of lens extraction in primary open-angle glaucoma. The available evidence suggests at most a modest reduction in IOP from cataract extraction - greater in the presence of pseudoexfoliation - which is likely to be of marginal benefit, and only in milder forms of open-angle glaucoma. There is currently no evidence of any quality to suggest that lens extraction routinely represents a clinically useful treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma.

Peak Intraocular Pressure and Glaucomatous Progression in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

To evaluate the effect of 24-h peak intraocular pressure (IOP) on the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and the 24 h time points that best predict peak pressure. A retrospective analysis of clinical data evaluating long-term glaucomatous progression in patients with POAG who were previously in a 24-h study of the authors (IOP readings at 2/6/10 A.M. and 2/6/10 PM); had ≥3 treated 10 A.M. (±1 h) IOP measurements over 5-years after an untreated 24-h baseline; and had a treated 24-h curve with a 10 A.M. IOP±2 mmHg within the 10 A.M. mean IOP over 5-years. We included 98 nonprogressed and 53 progressed patients with POAG (n=151). The mean 24-h peak IOP (mmHg) was 19.9±2.7 for progressed and 18.3±2.0 for nonprogressed patients (P<0.001). Progressed patients also showed a higher mean 24-h IOP. Generally, patients with a mean or peak daytime (readings at 10 A.M., 2 and 6 P.M.) or 24-h peak IOP of ≤18 remained nonprogressed in 75%-78% of cases. Further, measuring IOP at night found a higher peak in only 20% of cases, which was ≤2 of the daytime peak in 98% of cases. A multivariate regression analysis showed only 24-h peak IOP as an independent risk factor for progression (P=0.002). This study suggests that daytime peak IOP may be clinically important in predicting long-term glaucomatous progression. Further, daytime peak IOP may assist, as much as daytime mean IOP and, in most cases, 24-h peak IOP, in helping to guide long-term treatment in POAG.

Biomarkers and special features of oxidative stress in the anterior segment of the eye linked to lens cataract and the trabecular meshwork injury in primary open‐angle glaucoma: challenges of dual combination therapy with N‐acetylcarnosine lubricant eye drops and oral formulation of nonhydrolyzed carnosine

The implication of oxidative stress associated with increased oxidant production in mammalian and human cells characterized by the release of free radicals, resulting in cellular degeneration, is involved in many ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal light damage, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and cataract. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 50% of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, is considered as a progressive optic neuropathy often caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) consequent to abnormally high resistance to aqueous humor (AH) drainage via the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal. Morphological and biochemical analyses of the TM of patients with POAG revealed the loss of cells, increased accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM), changes in the cytoskeleton, cellular senescence, and the process of subclinical inflammation. The TM is the target tissue of glaucoma in the anterior chamber, and the development and progression of glaucoma are accompanied by the accumulation of oxidative damage in this tissue. The separate studies were conducted to comparatively evaluate the sensitivity to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO) of anterior chamber tissues including TM. Accumulation of the primary, secondary, and end products of LPO (diene and triene conjugates, Schiff's bases) was noted in the studied extracts. Significant differences in the levels of all mentioned LPO products in comparison with the control were observed. The data may be considered as an evidence of LPO participation in the destruction of the trabecule and Schlemm's canal in POAG. Treatment of TM cells with oxidative stress induced POAG-typical changes such as ECM accumulation, cell death, disarrangement of the cytoskeleton, advanced senescence, and the release of inflammatory markers. By pretreatment with antioxidants, prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, or local carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, these effects were markedly reduced. Oxidative stress can induce characteristic glaucomatous TM changes, and these oxidative stress-induced TM changes can be minimized by the use of antioxidants and IOP-lowering substances. It is tempting to speculate that the prevention of oxidative stress exposure to the TM may help to reduce the progression of POAG. The author's laboratory has developed and patented the dual combination therapy with N-acetylcarnosine lubricant eye drops and oral formulation of nonhydrolyzed carnosine in ripe cataracts and POAG. The specific regimen for the treatment in each stage of age-related ophthalmic disease has been taken up. In the treatment of POAG, this dual therapy can be combined with conventional antiglaucoma therapy with beta-blocking and/or adrenergic agonist medicines providing the significant IOP-lowering effect and significant increase in outflow facility. The developed therapy is a prominent management care of the glaucomatous neurodegeneration.

Comparative efficacy and safety of the fixed versus unfixed combination of latanoprost and timolol in Chinese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

BackgroundA noninferiority trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a single evening dose of fixed-combination latanoprost 50 μg/mL and timolol 0.5 mg/mL (Xalacom®; LTFC), in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH) who were insufficiently controlled on β-blocker monotherapy or β-blocker-based dual therapy.MethodsThis 8-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, noninferiority study compared once-daily evening dosing of LTFC with the unfixed combination of latanoprost, one drop in the evening, and timolol, one drop in the morning (LTuFC). The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change from baseline to week 8 in diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP; mean of 8 AM, 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM IOPs). LTFC was considered noninferior to LTuFC if the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference was < 1.5 mmHg (analysis of covariance).ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar for LTFC (N = 125; POAG, 70%; mean IOP, 25.8 mmHg) and LTuFC (N = 125; POAG, 69%; mean IOP, 26.0 mmHg). Mean diurnal IOP changes from baseline to week 8 were -8.6 mmHg with LTFC and -8.9 mmHg with LTuFC (between-treatment difference: 0.3 mmHg; 95%-CI, -0.3 to 1.0). Both treatments were well tolerated.ConclusionsA single evening dose of LTFC was at least as effective as the unfixed combination of latanoprost in the PM and timolol in the AM in reducing IOP in Chinese subjects with POAG or OH whose IOP was insufficiently reduced with β-blocker monotherapy or β-blocker-based dual therapy. LTFC is an effective and well tolerated once-daily treatment for POAG and OH.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT00219596

Corneal Edema and Haze After Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

To report 2 cases of corneal edema, haze, and thinning in patients after undergoing selective laser trabeculopasty. Selective laser trabeculoplasty was performed for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma on 2 patients who subsequently developed corneal stromal haze within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. The patients were treated with topical steroids for several weeks. Although their corneal edema resolved, both patients were left with residual corneal scarring and thinning. One patient had a significant hyperopic shift. Corneal edema, haze, and thinning after selective laser trabeculoplasty is an extremely rare event, with only 2 other cases reported in the literature. Although certain causes are postulated to play a role in this complication, it is not yet understood what may predispose a patient to corneal changes as a result of this laser procedure.

Five-year extension of a clinical trial comparing the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Background:This study compared the efficacy of the EX-PRESS® glaucoma filtration device and trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma up to five years after surgery.Methods:Patients from a previously reported randomized, open-label, parallel-arm clinical trial in which 78 patients received either the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device or underwent a trabeculectomy were followed for up to an additional four years (five total) beyond the original study (39 eyes per treatment group). Risk-benefit data were obtained for up to five years after glaucoma surgery. Outcome variables were intraocular pressures and intraocular pressure medications. Complete success was denoted by intraocular pressure values ≤ 18 mmHg without medication.Results:The EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device controlled intraocular pressure more effectively without medication for more patients from year 1 (86.8% versus 61.5%, P = 0.01) to year 3 (66.7% versus 41.0%, P = 0.02) than trabeculectomy. At year 1, only 12.8% of patients required intraocular pressure medication after EX-PRESS implantation, compared with 35.9% after trabeculectomy. The proportions became closer at year 5 (41% versus 53.9%). The responder rate was higher with EX-PRESS and time to failure was longer. In addition, surgical interventions for complications were fewer after EX-PRESS implantation.Conclusion:This five-year analysis confirmed and extended the results reported after one year. Compared with trabeculectomy, EX-PRESS provided better intraocular pressure control in the first three years, and patients required fewer intraocular pressure medications and fewer surgical interventions during the five-year study period. For patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device, implanted under a superficial scleral flap, produced significantly higher success rates than trabeculectomy. EX-PRESS is an effective device for long-term treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Cost-Effectiveness of Glaucoma Interventions in Barbados and Ghana

More than 90% of blindness worldwide exists in the developing world, but information on the social and economic burden and the cost-effectiveness of treatment in these settings is often limited or nonexistent. We demonstrate the use of computer modeling to simulate the current and future epidemiology, outcomes, and treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma in high-incidence populations of the developing world. A previously validated vision model was modified to simulate the incidence progression and social and economic outcomes of glaucoma in Barbados, which was the source of epidemiology data, and Ghana, which has similar propensity for glaucoma but lower socioeconomic development. We then assessed the cost-effectiveness of hypothetical case-finding and treatment scenarios, including U.S. guideline-level care and one-time laser surgery. Barbados incurs relatively greater social and economic burden from glaucoma than Ghana. In Barbados, population screening followed by U.S. guideline levels of care appears to be highly cost-effective. Because of a younger population with higher mortality at younger ages, glaucoma appears to cause less visual impairment and blindness in Ghana than in Barbados, resulting in lower per capita disability and productivity losses. Population screening or guideline-level treatment scenarios were generally not cost-effective in Ghana, but treating self-referring patients with a hypothetical one-time laser surgery was highly cost-effective relative to World Health Organization willingness to pay thresholds. The social and economic burden of glaucoma is higher in developed nations because of increased life expectancy, an older population age profile, and higher per capita gross domestic product. Similarly, lower mortality rates and higher per capita gross domestic product increase the relative cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment interventions intended to mitigate glaucoma burden.

The use of biologically controlled ultrasound therapy for the combined treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma

The present study included 160 patients (206 eyes) presenting with the initial and advanced stages of primary open-angle glaucoma. 120 patients (157 eyes) were treated using biologically controlled ultrasound therapy besides traditional medicamentous therapy, the remaining 40 ones (49 eyes) were given only conventional medication. Results of the treatment were evaluated based on a set of commonly used hydrodynamic and electrophysiological characteristics of the quality of visual function. Biologically controlled massage of trabecular structures of the affected eyes made it possible to stabilize and improve major hydrodynamic characteristics of the eyeball drainage system, visual function, and electrophysiological parameters. Biologically controlled ultrasound therapy proved to produce a more pronounced beneficial effect on ocular hydrodynamics than the traditional ultrasonic treatment. The positive action of biologically controlled therapy persisted during 8 months; its repeated sessions prolonged this period up to 2 years.

Long-term effects of non-penetrating trabecular surgery versus trabeculectomy for treating glaucoma

To evaluate clinical outcomes of non-penetrating trabecular surgery (NPTS) and trabeculectomy surgery (TS) in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). It was a case-control study. A total of 63 patients (63 eyes) with POAG were observed retrospectively. Thirty one eyes and 32 eyes underwent NPTS and TS, respectively. Intraocular pressure (IOP), filtration bleb, visual field and post-operative complications were observed for 6-60 months. The CMH χ(2) test was used to analyse the difference of them. After operation, the IOP in the NPTS group were from (13.87 ± 4.88) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (24.01 ± 6.55) mm Hg, the IOP in the TS group were from (11.90 ± 4.92) mm Hg to (19.10 ± 7.43) mm Hg. The IOP in the NPTS group was significantly higher than that in the TS group (F = 5.137, P < 0.05). The ratio of sustained filtration bleb of NPTS group after surgery was 25/31 (80.6%), while 6/31 were flat filtration bleb. There were statistically significant difference in the rate of disappearance of filtration bleb between these two groups (χ(2) = 8.129, P < 0.05). The difference of visual field loss postoperatively between these two groups was not statistically significant. The incidence rate of newly developed cataract after NPTS and TS was 6/31 and 12/32, respectively. The difference of rate of complication between these two groups was statistically non-significant (χ(2) = 3.797, P < 0.05). The successful rate after NPTS and TS was 61.54% (16/26) and 14.29% (4/28), respectively. The difference of successful rate between these two groups was statistically significant (χ(2) = 14.463, P < 0.05). Both NPTS and TS are effective methods for the treatment of POAG. Postoperative complications after NPTS are less than those of TS, But patients with TS could maintain a lower IOP than those with NPTS. Long-term efficacy of NPTS is uncertain, it's important to choose the suitable surgery to gain a high success rate.

Medical decision, persistence of initial treatment, and glaucoma progression in a Brazilian reference hospital

To evaluate the initial medical decision regarding primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treatment in a referral center, and to assess the relationship between the persistence of treatment and the disease progression in cases managed exclusively with medication. A retrospective chart review was performed for 65 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma referred to a tertiary hospital. The following clinical data were analyzed: initial medication, persistence of treatment, best corrected visual acuity, visual field mean deviation index, cup/disc ratio, and intraocular pressure. Patients were classified into four categories in order to verify the clinical evolution. The mean number of visits/ year was 4.4 +/- 3.5, and the follow-up period was 40.7 +/- 22.8 months. Mean persistence time was 12.9 +/- 13.9 months. By six and twelve months, respectively, 39.1% and 62.5% of patients had discontinued the initially prescribed regimen, mainly by adding to (42%) or changing (26%) the course of treatment. Thirteen patients (21%) were reclassified to a worse category of primary open-angle glaucoma, however, despite this trend, no significant correlation was found between shorter persistence and primary open-angle glaucoma worsening. Persistence rates with initial therapy schemes were low, as measured by medical decisions to change the course of treatment. Therefore, improvement in the initial medical decision is crucial in order to offer a more stable and effective treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma.

Tailoring Pharmacological Therapy for the Progressing Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Patient – What Is the Best Approach?

Glaucoma progression can lead to a significant economic burden and reduction in quality of life. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of this condition, and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in POAG patients can either delay or stop disease progression. POAG treatment aims to preserve visual function and quality of life (QoL) by lowering the IOP to the target level needed to limit progression. Importantly, the decision to treat and treatment choice should be based on a patient-tailored approach to optimise treatment outcomes. Commonly used IOP-lowering medications include the first-line prostaglandin analogues/prostamides and β-blockers. POAG patients are initially treated with monotherapy; however, they often experience disease progression due to inadequate IOP reduction. In such cases, combination therapy may be considered to achieve better IOP lowering. Fixed combinations of IOP-lowering medication are highly preferred over unfixed preparations as the former are associated with better patient compliance to treatment. Among the fixed combinations, long-term data for the latanoprost/timolol fixed combination (LTFC, once daily [QD]) is now available, showing LTFC to be effective, well-tolerated and safe over a three-year period in glaucoma patients who did not achieve the target IOP with monotherapy. In addition, LTFC may allow effective treatment tailoring as it has IOP-lowering effects whether dosed in the morning or the evening.

Effects of brinzolamide vs timolol as an adjunctive medication to latanoprost on circadian intraocular pressure control in primary open-angle glaucoma Japanese patients

To study the effect of the concomitant use of brinzolamide and latanoprost on the 24-hour variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients first treated with timolol and latanoprost. We studied 30 eyes from 30 POAG patients previously treated with latanoprost monotherapy. After a washout of four weeks in both eyes, all patients were treated with 0.5% timolol and latanoprost. Three months after the initiation of treatment with timolol and latanoprost, the 24-hour IOP variation was measured. Thereafter, all patients were treated with concomitant 1% brinzolamide and latanoprost. Three months after changing the therapeutic regimen, the 24-hour IOP variation was measured a second time. Latanoprost was administered once a day, and timolol and brinzolamide were twice a day. IOP was measured with a noncontact tomometer. On treatment with brinzolamide and latanoprost, a significant decrease in IOP compared to timolol and latanoprost was observed at all time points except at 3 PM and 6 PM. As a group, the patients had a significantly lower diurnal mean IOP and nocturnal mean IOP during treatment with brinzolamide and latanoprost than with timolol and latanoprost. Treatment of POAG with a combination of brinzolamide and latanoprost demonstrated improved hypotensive effects compared with timolol and latanoprost during a 24-hour period.

Efficacy and safety of a steel drainage device implanted under a scleral flap

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a stainless steel miniature glaucoma drainage device (Ex-PRESS X200) implanted under a scleral flap for the surgical treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Study Design: Clinical, prospective, noncomparative, nonrandomized study. The efficacy and safety were evaluated on the full sample, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (maximum 24, mean 18). Participants: Thirty-seven eyes of 35 patients. Methods: The Ex-PRESS device was implanted under a scleral flap in patients with POAG. Results: Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 27.6 (SD 8.7) mm Hg; at last follow-up, IOP was 12.4 (SD 3.4) mm Hg (55.1% reduction). The success rates (IOP < 18 mm Hg and < 15 mm Hg at last visit without medications) were 78.4% (29/37) and 70.3% (26/37), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analyses (probability of IOP < 18 mm Hg and < 15 mm Hg without medications) at last follow-up were 72.6% and 47.9%, respectively. Early postoperative complications were clinically mild and included postoperative IOP < 5 mm Hg: 12 cases at 1 day, 8 cases at 1 week, 3 cases at 1 month, 1 case at 3 months; serous choroidal detachment: 9 cases, of which 3 spontaneously resolved, whereas in 6 cases, hypotony and flat chamber were treated with viscoelastic injection in the anterior chamber. At last follow-up, 6 patients were treated with 2 IOP-lowering medications. No sight-threatening consequences of surgery were observed. There were 8 cases (21.6%, n = 37) of bleb needling. Conclusions: Our data support the efficacy and safety of the implantation of this device under a scleral flap. The IOP reduction obtained was significant and long standing and complications were mild.