Pseudoexfoliation Research Articles

FIL SSF intraocular lens opacification after pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade for traumatic lens luxation and retinal detachment: a case report and literature review

BackgroundTo report a case of sutureless scleral-fixated hydrophilic intraocular lens (FIL SSF IOL, Soleko, Italy) opacification following pars plana vitrectomy surgery using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) for traumatic lens luxation associated with retinal detachment.Case presentationA 77-year-old woman was referred to our emergency department after blunt trauma in her right eye. At the ophthalmic evaluation, visual acuity was hand movement, biomicroscopy showed pseudoexfoliation syndrome and a traumatic lens luxation in the vitreous chamber. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, subluxated cataract explantation, and FIL SSF IOL implant. During surgery, an inferior retinal detachment was encountered, requiring 20% SF6 gas tamponade. No adverse events were encountered. One month postoperatively, visual acuity (BCVA) improved to 0,3 logMAR. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient presented with BCVA of 0,5 logMAR, and biomicroscopy showed a minimal IOL opacification. Six months postoperatively, BCVA decreased to 1.0 logMAR, and diffuse, IOL opacification was noted at slit lamp examination. The patient refused any other surgical intervention for IOL exchange.ConclusionsAlthough hydrophilic IOL opacification gas related is known, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of FIL SSF IOL opacification after pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade for retinal detachment.

Risk factors for a phacodonesis surprise during cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation.

To evaluate the association of different pre-operative parameters with surprise phacodonesis during cataract surgery among patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF). This is a retrospective charts review of all PXF patients who underwent cataract surgery between the years 2013 and 2018. Pre-operative parameters (demographics, biometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell count, pupil size, cataract density, glaucoma status, cup to disc ratio, number of glaucoma medications, prior intra-vitreous injections, risk for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome) were compared between patients with and without surprise phacodonesis. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the predictive value of each parameter. Out of 396 surgical cases with computerized pre-operative assessment, we included 127 eyes of 120 PXF patients without evidence of phacodonesis preoperatively. The mean age was 77.8 ± 12.0 years, 63 (52.7%) were male, and 106 (84.2%) underwent phacoemulsification surgery. We identified 10 cases of surprise phacodonesis during surgery (8.2%). Compared to PXF cases without intraoperative phacodonesis, they had higher pre-operative IOP (23.0 ± 11.0 mmHg vs. 14.9 ± 3.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of B scan use due to dense cataract obscuring posterior pole evaluation [4 (40%) vs. 15 (12.8%), p = 0.04]. Multivariant binary logistic regression confirmed that only baseline IOP contributed to the prediction of surprise phacodonesis (OR 1.22 CI 1.04-1.43, p = 0.014). Among patients with PXF undergoing cataract surgery, elevated IOP and poor posterior segment visibility requiring B scan use were associated with zonular instability putting these patients at risk for intra-operative complications.

Evaluation of the corneal thickness and endothelial changes following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome by specular microscopy.

To evaluate corneal endothelial cell changes following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic patients with PEX, compared with diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients with PEX. This prospective, comparative, non-randomized cohort study included 61 eyes of 61 patients who were diagnosed as having senile cataract. Patients were divided into three groups: Group (1) included 19 eyes of patients with DM and PEX, group (2) included 22 eyes of diabetic patients, and group (3) included 20 eyes of patients with PEX. All included patients had uncomplicated phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Patients were examined by non-contact specular microscopy (NIDEK, CEM-530, Japan), preoperatively and postoperatively at regular follow-up periods (one, three, and six months postoperatively) with analysis of the endothelial cell density, percentage of hexagonal cells, CV, and CCT. By the end of follow-up period, there was a statistically significant reduction in ECD and HEX with a significant increase in CV and CCT in group one (DM-PEX). In group two (DM), a statistically significant decrease in ECD and HEX with a significant increase in CCT was reported, while in group three (PEX), the only significant difference was found in the form of ECD reduction. Patients with DM and PEX had significant changes regarding ECD, CV, HEX, and CCT which were more pronounced than in patients with DM only or PEX only. More attention should be paid while operating on diabetic patients with PEX to save corneal endothelium and decrease postoperative complications. The study was retrospectively registered (16 July 2021) on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04965168).

Evaluation of tear function and ocular surface changes in patients with pseudoexfoliation

This study intends to evaluate the Tear function and ocular surface changes in patients with pseudoexfoliation.This cross-sectional study will be conducted on a minimum of 45 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria in the department of Ophthalmology, at tertiary care institute. Tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer’s test, tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, conjunctival impression cytology were used to assess dry eye disease in pseudoexfoliation (PEX) patients. In our study the majority of patients with PEX were &amp;#62;70 years and females (23) are more than males (22). According to Grading of dry eye, 41(45.5%) were moderate grade, 24(26.7%) were mild grade, 13(14.5%) were severe grade and 12 (13.3%) were normal grade. Conjunctival impression cytology, fluorescein staining, TBUT, Schirmer's tests, and TMH, all showed a statistically significant results with dry eye in the current study. The patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome are more prone to develop dry eye, as it causes tear film irregularities and a reduction in the number of goblet cells which is evident with conjunctival impression cytology and Tear film tests.

6-Year Efficacy and Safety of iTrack Ab-Interno Canaloplasty as a Stand-Alone Procedure and Combined With Cataract Surgery in Primary Open Angle and Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma.

Significant reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of medications are sustained up to 6 years postoperatively for eyes that underwent ab-interno canaloplasty using the iTrack microcatheter, either as a stand-alone procedure or combined with cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of iTrack (Nova Eye Medical Inc.) ab-interno canaloplasty for reducing IOP and the number of glaucoma medications in patients with primary open angle (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. A retrospective single-center consecutive case series. Patients were treated with either ab-interno canaloplasty performed as a stand-alone procedure or combined with cataract surgery and were followed for up to 6 years. iTrack was used to circumferentially catheterize and viscodilate the Schlemm canal over 360 degrees. Primary efficacy endpoints included IOP and number of glaucoma medications at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months after surgery. Twenty-seven eyes of 22 patients, with a mean age of 76.9±6.3 years, were recruited. Mean IOP was reduced significantly from 19.9±5.2mmHg (n=27) at baseline (no washout) to 14.6±3.3mmHg at the 6-year follow-up (n=18; P <0.001). The number of medications was significantly reduced from 1.9±1 at baseline to 0.9±0.9 at 6 years (n=18; P =0.005). At all time points, there was no statistical difference between POAG (n=16) and pseudoexfoliative (n=11) eyes, nor between stand-alone procedures (n=4) and those combined with phacoemulsification (n=23). At 72 months, the mean reduction in IOP was 27% while 53% in the number of medications. No serious complications were recorded. iTrack ab-interno canaloplasty performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with cataract surgery significantly reduced IOP and number of medications in patients with POAG up to 6 years after the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, this is the longest ab-interno canaloplasty follow-up available in the literature.

Secondary glaucoma: Toward interventions based on molecular underpinnings.

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of progressive diseases that leads to irreversible blindness. Secondary glaucoma refers to glaucoma caused by a known underlying condition. Pseudoexfoliation and pigment dispersion syndromes are common causes of secondary glaucoma. Their respective deposits may obstruct the trabecular meshwork, leading to aqueous humor outflow resistance, ocular hypertension, and optic neuropathy. There are no disease-specific interventions available for either. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is characterized by fibrillar deposits (pseudoexfoliative material) on anterior segment structures. Over a decade of multiomics analyses taken together with the current knowledge on pseudoexfoliative glaucoma warrant a re-think of mechanistic possibilities. We propose that the presence of nucleation centers (e.g., vitamin D binding protein), crosslinking enzymes (e.g., transglutaminase 2), aberrant extracellular matrix, flawed endocytosis, and abnormal aqueous-blood barrier contribute to the formation of proteolytically resistant pseudoexfoliative material. Pigment dispersion syndrome is characterized by abnormal iridolenticular contact that disrupts iris pigment epithelium and liberates melanin granules. Iris melanogenesis is aberrant in this condition. Cytotoxic melanogenesis intermediates leak out of melanosomes and cause iris melanocyte and pigment epithelium cell death. Targeting melanogenesis can likely decrease the risk of pigmentary glaucoma. Skin and melanoma research provides insights into potential therapeutics. We propose that specific prostanoid agonists and fenofibrates may reduce melanogenesis by inhibiting cholesterol internalization and de novo synthesis. Additionally, melatonin is a potent melanogenesis suppressor, antioxidant, and hypotensive agent, rendering it a valuable agent for pigmentary glaucoma. In pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, where environmental insults drive pseudoexfoliative material formation, melatonin's antioxidant and hypotensive properties may offer adjunct therapeutic benefits. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Role of clusterin gene 3’-UTR polymorphisms and promoter hypomethylation in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) is a multifactorial age-related disease characterized by the deposition of extracellular fibrillar aggregates in the anterior ocular tissues. This study aims to identify the genetic and epigenetic contribution of clusterin (CLU) in PEX pathology. CLU is a molecular chaperone upregulated in PEX and genetically associated with the disease. Sequencing of a 2.9 kb region encompassing the previously associated rs2279590 in 250 control and 313 PEX [(207 pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS) and 106 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG)] individuals identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs9331942, rs9331949 and rs9331950, in the 3’-UTR of CLU of which rs9331942 and rs9331949 were found to be significantly associated with PEXS and PEXG as risk factors. Following in silico analysis, in vitro luciferase reporter assays in human embryonic kidney cells revealed that risk alleles at rs9331942 and rs9331949 bind to miR-223 and miR-1283, respectively, suggesting differential regulation of clusterin in the presence of risk alleles at the SNPs. Further, through bisulfite sequencing, we also identified that CLU promoter is hypomethylated in DNA from blood and lens capsules of PEX patients compared to controls that correlated with decreased expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Promoter demethylation of CLU using DNMT inhibitor, 5′-aza-dC, in human lens epithelial cells increased CLU expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that the demethylated CLU promoter provides increased access to the transcription factor, Sp1, which might lead to enhanced expression of CLU. In conclusion, this study highlights the different molecular mechanisms of clusterin regulation in pseudoexfoliation pathology.

Evaluation of Endothelial Cell Density after Torsional Phaco-Emulsification in Patients with Pseudo-Exfoliation

Background The corneal endothelium is a single layer of hexagonal cells that do not have the ability to regenerate. The normal density of corneal endothelial cells in adults is approximately 2500 cells/mm² and it is reduced by about 0.6% a year. The endothelium performs an essential function of maintaining the hydration of the cornea. When the endothelial cells density is reduced to approximately 800cells/mm², it may lead to corneal decompensation causing corneal edema and loss of corneal transparency which disrupts vision. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to compare pre-operative corneal thickness between normal subjects and subjects with pseudo-exfoliation and to determine the effects of phaco-emulsification surgery on corneal endothelial cell density in cataract patients with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome. Patients and Methods The type of study was case controlled study, at department of Ophthalmology at Ain Shams University hospitals. This study included 66 patients divided to two equal groups (33 each): study group: 33 patients with pseudo-exfoliation, control group: 33 patients with senile cataract without pseudo-exfoliation. Results We found that ECD loss was 11.42% in the study group and 8.11% in the Control group 4 weeks after surgery. Phaco time and used BSS values were significantly higher in patients with PXS but had no significant influence on endothelial cell loss. They also suggested that the corneal endothelium in PXS be vulnerable to cataract surgery. Conclusion Torsional mode phacoemulsification and IOL implantation provided a safe and favorable surgical outcome in patients with/without PXS. Torsional phacoemulsification led to significantly higher ECD loss in the PXS than that in the control group during the whole follow up period.

Comparison of peripapillary vascular density as measured by optical coherence tomography angiography between various types of open-angle glaucoma

The purpose of this study is to compare the peripapillary vascular density in patients with various types of open-angle glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma) with healthy subjects by optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Twenty-seven eyes with diagnosed POAG, thirty-four eyes with diagnosed PXG, twenty eyes with diagnosed PG and thirty eyes of healthy individuals were included in our study. Peripapillary vessel density measurements were performed with all images; (AI-DD), intra-disc (ID-DD) and peripapillary (PP-DD); measurement of vascular density in the radial peripapillary capillary network was performed by OCTA. The Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc test were performed for statistical analysis. AI-DD was 50.76±2.07% in the healthy group, 47.12±2.57% in POAG, 39.71±6.64% in PXG, and 43.37±1.55% in PG. ID-DD was 50.49±3.74% in the healthy group, 49.51±6.83% in POAG, 38.42±13.46% in PXG, and 40.9±4.45% in PG. PP-DD was 51.26±3.12% in the healthy group, 50.13±3.04% in POAG, 42.31±7.31% in PXG, and 47.6±1.40% in PG. While it was found that all image and intra-disc vascular density measurements were statistically significantly lower in the PG and PXG group compared to the healthy group and the POAG (P<0.001), there was no significant difference between PXG and PG or between the control group and POAG. The lower radial peripapillary capillary density in PXG and PG compared to the POAG and healthy groups suggests that the blood flow around the optic disc is negatively affected in these patients.

Retrocorneal fibrous membrane after phacoemulsification in an eye with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

ObjectifPrésenter un cas clinique d'apparition d'une membrane fibreuse rétrocornéenne et de décompensation cornéenne à la suite d'une phacoémulsification non compliquée dans un œil atteint de glaucome pseudo-exfoliatif. Nous présentons en outre une revue de synthèse de la littérature médicale sur les causes modernes de l'apparition d'une membrane fibreuse rétrocornéenne. MéthodeCas clinique et revue de la littérature médicale. RésultatsIl s'agit d'une femme de 83 ans n'ayant qu'un seul œil et présentant une décompensation cornéenne 1 an après l'extraction non compliquée d'une cataracte par phacoémulsification. La patiente, porteuse d'antécédents de glaucome pseudo-exfoliatif, avait subi 3 ans plus tôt une trabéculoplastie sélective au laser à 3 reprises dans le même œil. Compte tenu de l’œdème cornéen qui s'en est suivi, on a procédé à une kératoplastie endothéliale de la membrane de Descemet, laquelle a révélé la présence d'une membrane fibreuse rétrocornéenne. Le pelage chirurgical de la membrane s'est révélé difficile et a produit une hémorragie intraoculaire peropératoire de même qu'une légère iridodialyse en raison de l'extension de la membrane au-delà de l'angle et de l'iris. Après l'intervention, l’état de la cornée s'est rétabli, et la vision s'est améliorée de manière significative. À terme, la vision était toutefois limitée par l'atteinte maculaire. L'examen anatomopathologique a mis au jour la présence d'une membrane de Descemet à laquelle s'annexait une membrane fibrocellulaire. L'immunocoloration a permis de déceler la présence d'actine des muscles lisses dans celle-ci, signe évocateur d'une membrane rétrocornéenne. ConclusionsLes membranes fibreuses rétrocornéennes apparaissent le plus souvent après une greffe de cornée, de sorte que le retrait chirurgical risque d’être difficile. Nous présentons ici le premier cas de membrane fibreuse rétrocornéenne objectivée par examen anatomopathologique qui soit apparue au décours d'une chirurgie non compliquée de la cataracte par phacoémulsification et d'une trabéculoplastie sélective au laser.

A Study on the Candidate Gene Association and Interaction with Measures of UV Exposure in Pseudoexfoliation Patients from India

Purpose Environmental and genetic factors are associated with development of Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS). Here we intended to elucidate the association of candidate genes in relevance to UV exposure in these patients. Methods This is a case-control study of 309 subjects (N = 219 controls and 90 XFS cases) from India. PCR based direct sequencing was performed for candidate genes (LOXL1, POMP and TMEM136) followed by genotype and haplotype analysis. The promoter methylation status was assessed by Methylation specific PCR based direct sequencing of genomic DNA for all samples. The methylation status was compared with that of primary fibroblasts cultures established from patient’s Tenon’s tissue samples in subset of these patients. Results SNPs rs3825942, rs41435250, rs8818 (LOXL1) and rs3737528 (POMP) showed significant association with XFS. LOXL1 gene haplotype GAGC (rs1048661- rs3825942- rs41435250–rs8818) was associated with lower risk for XFS with a p value 4.1961 × 10−6 (OR =0; 95%CI, 0.000–0.003). POMP gene haplotypes for intronic SNPs (rs1340815- rs3737528- rs913797) TCC and TTC were associated with increased risk for the disease (OR > 1.0). Significant correlation for SNPs rs3825942 of LOXL1 (ρ= −0.132) and rs3737528 of POMP (ρ = 0.12) was observed with measure of lifetime UV exposure (CUVAF value). Reduced LOXL1 gene expression was observed in cultured tenon fibroblasts from the patients that correlated with differential methylation of the Sp-1 binding sites at -253, -243bp upstream to the transcription start site of LOXL1 promoter region. Conclusion Our results suggest a possible interaction for LOXL1 gene haplotype (GAGC) with the measure of ocular UV exposure in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Position of the ISTENT Inject® Trabecular Micro-Bypass System Visualized with the NIDEK GS-1 Gonioscope-A Postoperative Analysis.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally and is characterized by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells. The primary risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Numerous surgical interventions exist to lower IOP should conservative therapy fail. One trend in recent years has been minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as an alternative to traditional methods. The ISTENT inject® is an ab interno trabecular micro-bypass implant designed to be implanted through the trabecular meshwork into the Schlemm's canal to lower IOP. The aim of the study was the postoperative visualization and description of the positioning of the ISTENT inject® using automated circumferential goniophotography. Patients with symptomatic cataracts and mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX), and pigment-dispersion glaucoma were included who underwent combined cataract surgery with the ISTENT inject® and received postoperative automated gonioscopy with the NIDEK Gonioscope GS-1 to visualize the location of the implant. Twenty-four implants of 14 eyes in 11 patients could be visualized. Out of the implants, 14.3% were in the trabecular meshwork, 46.4% were at the border between the trabecular meshwork and scleral spur, 25% were below the trabecular meshwork, and 14.3% of the implants were not detectable in the gonioscopy. In the overall cohort, a statistically significant IOP reduction was found over the 12-month postoperative observation period. Even in three eyes, in each of which both stents were located below the trabecular meshwork, an IOP reduction over 12 months was observed compared to the baseline IOP. In this study, vertical two-dimensional positioning of the ISTENT inject® was performed for the first time using NIDKE GS-1 automated 360° goniophotography. The method is suitable for postoperative visualization, control, and documentation of positioning after ISTENT inject® implantation. Further studies are needed to analyze the correlation between positioning of the ISTENT inject® in the chamber angle and postoperative IOP reduction.

Lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) lncRNA differentially regulates gene and protein expression, signaling and morphology of human ocular cells.

Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis that disrupts conventional outflow function and increases intraocular pressure (IOP). Prolonged IOP elevation results in optic nerve head damage and vision loss. Uniquely, PEXG is a form of open angle glaucoma that has variable penetrance, is difficult to treat and does not respond well to common IOP-lowering pharmaceuticals. Therefore, understanding modulators of disease severity will aid in targeted therapies for PEXG. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in the long non-coding RNA lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) as a risk factor for PEXG. Risk alleles, oxidative stress and mechanical stretch all alter LOXL1-AS1 expression. As a long non-coding RNA, LOXL1-AS1 binds hnRNPL and regulates global gene expression. In this study, we focus on the role of LOXL1-AS1 in the ocular cells (trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal) that regulate IOP. We show that selective knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 leads to cell-type-specific changes in gene expression, ECM homeostasis, signaling and morphology. These results implicate LOXL1-AS1 as a modulator of cellular homeostasis, altering cell contractility and ECM turnover, both of which are well-known contributors to PEXG. These findings support LOXL1-AS1 as a key target for modifying the disease.

Evaluation of expression pattern of cellular miRNAs (let-7b, miR-29a, miR-126, miR-34a, miR-181a-5p) and IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a critical clinical and biological extracellular matrix systemic disorder. Despite the unknown nature of PEX etiopathogenesis, it is proven to be associated with various genes and factors. The present research focused on analyzing the expression of miR and inflammatory cytokines in PEX. Serum and aqueous humor (AH) were collected prior to cataract surgery or trabeculectomy from 99 participants (64 with PEX glaucoma, and 35 controls). Real-time PCR was used for assessing the expression pattern of some miRNAs namely let-7b, miR-29a, miR-126, miR-34a, and miR-181a-5p. ELISA was carried out to explore the transcription of some inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The indication of our results was a significant enhancement in the expression of let-7, miR-34a, and miR-181a-5p in PEX in contrast to the control group. Notwithstanding a significant suppression in miR-29a, and miR-126 expression levels in PEX in contrast to the control group. Analysis of ROC curve revealed that miR-29a and miR-34a are able to act as useful markers in order to discriminate the PEX group from the PEX negative subjects which were determined as the control group. According to the results obtained, the mean levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6 upregulated among PEX subjects in contrast to control samples. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the selected cytokines alongside the selected miRNAs could be introduced as a biomarker panel in the diagnosis of PEX.

Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: Clinical Presentation and Therapeutic Options.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) is one of the most common causes of open-angle glaucoma, with a higher risk of vision loss, a higher maximum and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at diagnosis, and a wider range of IOP fluctuation compared to primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients with this syndrome have a ten-fold higher risk of developing glaucoma than the normal population. A definite diagnosis can be made by the observation of pseudoexfoliation material (PEM) on the anterior lens surface, ciliary processes, zonules, and iris. PEM deposits on the zonules may explain the clinically observed zonular weakness and lens subluxation or dislocation. An increased incidence of cataract development is also associated with PES. There is growing evidence for systemic associations of PES with peripheral, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular system diseases, Alzheimer's disease, hearing loss, and increased plasma homocysteine levels. Indications for surgery are markedly more common in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma than primary open-angle glaucoma. The goal of this article is to review the latest perspectives on the clinical features, therapy, and systemic associations of this clinically and biologically challenging disease.

Influence of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C on Longitudinal Changes in the Visual Field in Glaucoma Patients with High Myopia.

To evaluate the effect of trabeculectomy (Trab MMC) on visual field (VF) progression in eyes with glaucoma and high myopia. Patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma who underwent Trab MMC as the first glaucoma surgery along with ≥3 VF tests preoperatively and postoperatively were enrolled. High myopia was defined as an axial length ≥26.5 mm. Postoperative reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed by survival analysis using IOP measurements obtained preoperatively. The longitudinal trends of the outcome measures were evaluated using linear mixed models. Thirty-five eyes of 32 patients were included in this study, including 22 eyes of 20 patients in non-highly myopic group and 13 eyes of 12 patients in highly myopic group. IOP decreased after Trab MMC, and the survival rate did not differ significantly in relation to axial length. Linear mixed-model analyses suggested that the inhibitory effects of Trab MMC on the rate of mean deviation (MD) changes were significant in the non-highly myopic group (-0.53 ± 0.15 dB/year preoperatively to -0.16 ± 0.13 dB/year postoperatively; P = 0.004), but not in the highly myopic group (-0.66 ± 0.19 dB/year preoperatively to -0.48 ± 0.18 dB/year postoperatively; P = 0.32). Trab MMC reduced IOP in both highly myopic and non-highly myopic eyes, and IOP reduction was very similar in both groups. The VF deterioration rate decreased in both groups, but the change was weaker and nonsignificant in the highly myopic group.

Prevalence of pseudoexfoliation in diabetic patients with senile cataract: A hospital-based study in Kashmir, India.

: To study the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in diabetics with senile cataracts and compare it to the prevalence in nondiabetic control group. : Two hundred and fifty diabetics and 250 nondiabetics (age and sex matched) were evaluated for PEX deposition. : Chi-squared test was employed, and a P value < 0.05 was considered significant. In the PEX group, most patients belonged to the age group of 60-70 years (55.17%). Out of 18 patients with PEX, 11 (61.1%) showed bilaterality. There was a higher frequency of raised intraocular pressure (IOP; >20 mmHg) in PEX eyes (10.3%) than in the non-PEX eyes (5.9%). The PEX group had a higher number of eyes with cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) >0.6 (11.12%) than the non-PEX group (4.32%). Nuclear cataracts were more frequent in PEX eyes than non-PEX eyes, whereas PSC and mature cataracts were more prevalent in the non-PEX group. Most eyes had PEX deposition on the anterior lens capsule and pupillary margin. Of the 500 study eyes corresponding to the diabetic group, 418 had cataracts (rest pseudophakic), of which 28 had pseudoexfoliation, accounting for 6.7% of the total. In the nondiabetic control group comprising 500 eyes, 430 had senile cataracts (rest pseudophakic), of which 105 had PEX deposition, accounting for 24.4% of the total. : According to our findings, diabetics have a lower prevalence of PEX than nondiabetics. Few such studies have been conducted so far, and none have been conducted in the Indian population.

Dilemmas of recurrent ocular inflammatory disease on immunosuppression and corona virus disease vaccination

The current study explores the occurrence of ophthalmic manifestations following coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccination. The study discusses the case of a 72-year-old Indian male, who received oral methotrexate for ocular inflammation (recurrent post-operative uveitis with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) and two doses of COVISHIELD™ vaccine and a booster in 2022. While he discontinued methotrexate for 2 weeks after the first dose, he continued the medication during the second and booster doses. Subsequently, he experienced mild ocular inflammation two weeks after the first dose, one day after the second dose, and one week after the booster dose. Topical steroids effectively controlled the inflammation, and an increased oral methotrexate dosage was used after the second dose. The study highlights the potential for autoimmune inflammatory syndrome following vaccination, although a definite causal link cannot be established. Nonetheless, the presence of side effects should not discourage individuals from receiving vaccinations.

Relationship of Serum Vitamin B12 and Serum Homocysteine Levels with Pseudo Exfoliation Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of serum Vitamin B12 and serum Homocysteine levels with Pseudo Exfoliation Syndrome. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun to Nov 2022. Methodology: We included 55 individuals with unilateral Pseudo Exfoliation Syndrome without glaucoma and 50 healthy individuals as controls. All participants were subjected to the assessment of serum Homocysteine levels by high-performance liquid chromatography and Vitamin B12 levels by chemi-luminescent enzyme immunoassay. Results: Thirty-two (58.18%) individuals out of 55 with unilateral Pseudo Exfoliation Syndrome had increased serum Homocysteine levels (&gt;5umol/L). Of these 32, 25(78.12%) individuals had moderately high serum Homocysteine levels, while 7(21.87%) had severely high serum Homocysteine levels. Twenty-six (47.27%) out of 55 individuals with Pseudo Exfoliation Syndrome had decreased serum Vitamin B12 levels, while the rest 29(52.72%) had normal-range serum Vitamin B12 levels. In comparison, 7(14%) had reduced serum Vitamin B12 levels, while the rest, 43(86%), had normal serum Vitamin B12 levels. Conclusion: Our study showed that raised Hcy levels were present in individuals with PXS without glaucoma and reduced serum Vitamin B12 levels. Assessment of Hcy level in individuals presenting with PXS may be undertaken as it is a known risk factor for vasuclopathies.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty-What Do We Know So Far? Review

Abstract Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been used for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with different types of glaucoma. It is a safe and effective procedure as initial or additional therapy when target IOP could not be achieved with medical therapy. SLT could specifically target pigmented cells in trabecular meshwork (TM) leaving nonpigmented cells unaffected, which may allow repeat treatments and thus has lower complication rate. It can be successfully used for IOP reduction in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), normotensive glaucoma (NTG), pigmentary glaucoma (PG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXFG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), silicone-oil-induced glaucoma, and high IOP after failed trabeculectomy. SLT could also be used in all stages of open agle glaucoma but failure of SLT in advanced glaucoma patients should go to immediate filtering surgery to avoid postoperative fibrosis. SLT reduces IOP fluctuation. IOP-lowering effect of SLT diminishes over time, but it can be repeated in order to achieve additional or recurrent IOP reduction. Higher baseline IOP up to a certain level is the strongest predictor of success after SLT.