Intraocular Pressure Reduction Research Articles

Fabrication of acetazolamide loaded leciplex for intraocular delivery: Optimization by 32 full factorial design, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacodynamics

The complex structure of the eye poses challenges in delivering drugs effectively, which can be circumvented by employing nanotechnologies. The present study aimed to prepareacetazolamide-loadedleciplex (ACZ − LP) using a simple one-step fabrication approach followed byoptimization employing a 32 Full Factorial Design. The ACZ – LP demonstrated high entrapment efficiency (93.25 ± 2.32 %), average diameter was recorded around 171.03 ± 3.32 with monodisperse size distribution and zeta potential of 41.33 ± 2.10 mV. Invitro release and ex vivo permeation studies of prepared formulation demonstrated an initial burst release in 1 h followed by sustained release pattern as compared to plain acetazolamide solution. Moreover, an ex vivo corneal drug retention (27.05 ± 1.20 %) and in vitro mucoadhesive studies with different concentration of mucin indicated strong electrostatic bonding confirming the mucoadhesive characteristics of the formulation. Additionally, the histopathological studies ensured that the formulation was non-irritant and nontoxic while and HET-CAM ensured substantial tolerability of the formulation. The in vivo pharmacodynamic investigation carried out on a rabbit model demonstrated that treatment with ACZ − LP resulted in a significant and prolonged reduction in intraocular pressure as compared to plain acetazolamide solution, acetazolamide oral tablet, and Brinzox®. In summary, the ACZ − LP is anefficient and versatile drug delivery approach which demonstrates significant potential in controlling glaucoma.

Forskolin is an effective therapeutic small molecule for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through ADCY6/cAMP/PKA pathway

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) arises from a pathogenic variant in the gene responsible for encoding the myocardium-associated protein. Forskolin (FSK), a labdane diterpene isolated from Sphingomonas capillaris, exhibits diverse pharmacological effects, including bronchospasm relief, intraocular pressure reduction, and glaucoma treatment. However, whether FSK could regulate HCM and its associated mechanism remains unclear. Here, we discovered that FSK could mitigate cardiac hypertrophy in two HCM mouse models (Myh6R404Q and Tnnt2R109Q) in vivo. Additionally, FSK could prevent norepinephrine (NE)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro. It reversed cardiac dysfunction, reduced enlarged cell size, and downregulated the expression of hypertrophy-related genes. We further demonstrated that FSK's mechanism in alleviating HCM relied on the activation of ADCY6. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that FSK alleviates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by modulating the ADCY6/cAMP/PKA pathway, suggesting that FSK holds promise as a therapeutic agent for HCM.

Evaluation of the lamina cribrosa after topical latanoprost therapy in primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PurposeTo investigate that the changes of lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness and depth after latanoprost therapy in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) patients. MethodsIn this single-center prospective cross-sectional study, 35 eyes from 35 patients with POAG or OHT (study group) and 26 age- and gender- matched healthy individuals (control group) were included. All participants were examined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) mode for LC thickness and depth measurements at the first visit before latanoprost therapy and at visits after 1 (second visit) and 3 (third visit) months of latanoprost therapy. ResultsThe mean LC thickness in both horizontal and vertical scans of the study group were thinner than the control group (p < 0.001, for both). During latanoprost therapy in the study group, the LC thickness values in horizontal scans significantly differed over the three visits, gradually increased (p < 0.05). There was significantly decrease in LC depth in horizontal scans between the first and third visits, and the second and third visits (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008, respectively). The gradual decrease in LC depth in vertical scans was observed at all visits, but the statistically significant difference was between the first and third visits only (p = 0.048). ConclusionPOAG/OHT patients showed more LC thinning compared with healthy individuals. The significant increase in LC thickness and the significant decrease in LC depth were detected after IOP reduction therapy with latanoprost in ocular hypertensive/ glaucomatous eyes.

Evaluation of Intrascleral Lakes after Phaco-Viscocanalostomy using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

This study aimed to investigate the results of combined phacoemulsification and viscocanalostomy (phaco-VC) in a six-month follow-up and its relationship with intrascleral lake (IL) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In total, 36 eyes with POAG eligible for phaco-VC were enrolled in this prospective observational study. All patients underwent AS-OCT evaluation and ophthalmologic examination including Goldman tonometry, cup-disc ratio assessment, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, and antiglaucoma medication(s) prior to surgery and one, three, and six months after the surgery. The width, length, area, and circumference of the ILs were evaluated using AS-OCT at each follow-up. A total of 36 eyes of 34 patients with POAG were investigated in this study. According to the results, the mean age of the patients was 70.09 8.73 years, and the majority of the cases were male (n = 23; 63.9%). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 20.11 7.22 mmHg on 2.47 1.1 medications, and the mean postoperative IOP reduced to 11.11 2.58 mmHg on 0.11 medications, which was statistically significant (P 0.001). ILs were detectable in all cases which resulted in a 100% qualified success rate. The reduction in the width, area, and circumference of the IL was significant during the six-month follow-up. The relationship between IOP changes and IL parameters on AS-OCT was not significant. This study evaluated the associations between IL changes and IOP reduction after phaco-VC. A six-month follow-up showed a notable reduction in the IL, but unexpectedly, IOP control did not decline. A reduction in IL diameter, when there is sufficient IOP control, indicates that there may be various IOP lowering mechanisms through VC other than the IL diameters. Further evaluation of VC focusing on long-term changes in IL and Schlemm's canal diameter is necessary to explain the precise mechanisms of lowering the IOP.

Effect of Bromfenac on Reducing Neuroinflammation in an Ischemia-Reperfusion Glaucoma Model.

In the context of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) and age are recognized as the primary factors contributing to its onset and progression. However, significant reductions in IOP fail to completely halt its advancement. An emerging body of literature highlights the role of neuroinflammation in glaucoma. This study aimed to explore Bromfenac's anti-inflammatory properties in mitigating neuroinflammation associated with glaucoma using an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) glaucoma model. Bromfenac's impact on microglia and astrocytes under pressure was assessed via Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate glial activation and changes in inflammatory marker expression in the IR model. Bromfenac led to the downregulation of inflammatory markers, which were elevated in the conditions of elevated pressure, and necroptosis markers were downregulated in astrocytes. In the IR model, elevated levels of GFAP and Iba-1 indicated glial activation. Following Bromfenac administration, levels of iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2-R were reduced, suggesting a decrease in neuroinflammation. Furthermore, Bromfenac administration in the IR model resulted in the improved survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and preservation of retinal function, as demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining and electroretinography. In summary, Bromfenac proved effective in diminishing neuroinflammation and resulted in enhanced RGC survival.

Establishing target intraocular pressure in newly diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma patients

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to determine the appropriate target intraocular pressure (IOP) for patients newly diagnosed with exfoliation glaucoma. Research design and methods The study followed a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed exfoliation patients for three years. The target IOP was defined using three methods to measure visual field deterioration, mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), and guided progression analysis (GPA). Results Over the three years, the mean deviation (MD) values declined by an average of −3.84 (±2.61) dB, while the visual field index (VFI) values dropped by an average of 9.66 (±6.25) %. The untreated IOP at inclusion was 32.52 ± 5.54 mmHg. At the end of the study (due to treatment), it was 17.94 ± 1.82 mmHg, resulting in a reduction of 14.58 mmHg (45% reduction). Based on the MD and VFI methods, the target IOP for the whole cohort was around 14–15 mmHg, while the target IOP based on GPA was around 15 mmHg. For advanced glaucoma cases, the target IOP was around 13 mmHg. Conclusions The study concludes that the traditional reported IOP reduction of 20% and/or IOP 18–20 mmHg may not be sufficient for patients newly diagnosed with exfoliation glaucoma. Instead, the study recommends a target IOP of 14–15 mmHg for these patients. Clinical Trial Registration The study was registered in the www.clinicaltrials.gov website with the number NCT06237764.

Consistent Intraocular Pressure Reduction by Solid Drug Nanoparticles in Fixed Combinations for Glaucoma Therapy.

Efficient topical drug delivery remains a significant challenge in glaucoma management. Although nanoparticle formulations offer considerable promise, their complex preparation processes, co-delivery issues, and batch consistency have hindered their potential. A scalable fabrication strategy is developed here for preparing solid drug nanoparticles (SDNs) with enhanced drug delivery efficiency. Utilizing hydrophobic antiglaucoma drugs brimonidine (BM) and betaxolol (BX), uniform fixed combination BM/BX SDNs are fabricated through a continuous process, improving batch-to-batch consistency for combined glaucoma treatment. With trehalose being used as a lyoprotectant, BM/BX SDNs can be stored as dry powder and easily reconstituted in phosphate buffered saline. Importantly, reconstituted BM/BX SDNs form clear, homogenous solutions, and exhibit negligible cytotoxicity and irritation, making them well-suited for topical administration as eyedrops. Ex vivo and in vivo studies demonstrated that topically applied BM/BX SDNs permeate through the cornea significantly (about two fold to three fold) compared to their hydrophilic counterparts, i.e., brimonidine tartrate, and betaxolol hydrogen chloride. Notably, BM/BX SDNs displayed consistent intraocular pressure lowering effects in vivo in both normotensive rats and glaucoma mice. Collectively, this study demonstrates the potential of the scalable fabrication strategy and the resultant BM/BX SDNs for improving glaucoma management through eyedrops.

Predictive biomarkers of intra-ocular pressure decrease after cataract surgery associated with trabecular washout in patients with pseudo exfoliative glaucoma

To investigate biomarkers of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) decrease after cataract surgery with trabecular washout in pseudo-exfoliative (PEX) glaucoma. A single-center observational prospective study in PEX glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery with trabecular washout (Goniowash) was performed from 2018 to 2021. Age, gender, visual acuity, IOP, endothelial cell count, central corneal thickness, medications, were collected over 16-month follow-up. Multivariable binomial regression models were implemented. 54 eyes (35 subjects) were included. Mean preoperative IOP (IOPBL) was 15.9 ± 3.5 mmHg. Postoperative IOP reduction was significant at 1-month and throughout follow-up (p < 0.01, respectively). IOPBL was a predictive biomarker inversely correlated to IOP decrease throughout follow-up (p < 0.001). At 1 and 12 months of follow-up, IOP decrease concerned 31 (57.4%) and 34 (63.0%) eyes with an average IOP decrease of 17.5% (from 17.6 ± 3.1 to 14.3 ± 2.2 mmHg) and 23.0% (from 17.7 ± 2.8 to 13.5 ± 2.6 mmHg), respectively. Performance (AUC) of IOPBL was 0.85 and 0.94 (p < 0.0001, respectively), with IOPBL threshold ≥ 15 mmHg for 82.1% and 96.8% sensitivity, 84.2% and 75.0% specificity, 1.84 and 3.91 IOP decrease odds-ratio, respectively. All PEX glaucoma patients with IOPBL greater than or equal to the average general population IOP were likely to achieve a significant sustainable postoperative IOP decrease.

One-year outcome of goniotomy with Kahook Dual Blade in primary open-angle glaucoma patients

Objectives: The objective is to describe a -year outcome of goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB, New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) either as a standalone or plus phacoemulsification (phaco). Material and Methods: We reviewed 12 eyes of 9 patients who had goniotomy with KDB either as a standalone or combined with cataract surgery by phaco from April 2017 to July 2018 at Eye Foundation Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. The patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.4 ± 8.8 years. The mean pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) for all eyes was 18.58 ± 5.42 mmHg. After 12 months of follow-up, the mean IOP was 14.27 ± 5.22 mmHg, representing a drop of 4.31 mmHg (23.2%) from baseline. For the Phaco+KDB group, the mean IOP changed from 19.25 ± 4.56 mmHg to 15.0 ± 6.03 mmHg for the same period, representing a reduction of 4.25 mmHg (22.1%) from baseline, and for the KDB as a standalone, the mean IOP change was 4.25 mmHg (24.6%) from baseline (17.25 ± 7.45 to 13.0 ± 3.83 mmHg). For all eyes, the mean number of topical antiglaucoma medications dropped by 0.88 (36.4%) from 2.42 ± 0.90 to 1.54 ± 1.51, whereas for the Phaco+KDB group, the topical antiglaucoma medications were reduced by 1.17 (46.8%) from 2.50 ± 0.93 to 1.33 ± 1.50. However, there was no change in the number of topical antiglaucoma medications in the KDB group after 12 months of follow-up (2.25 ± 0.96 to 2.25 ± 1.50). Transient hyphema in one and posterior capsular opacity (PCO) were the only recorded post-operative complications. Conclusion: KDB, either as a standalone or with phaco, recorded at least a 20% reduction in IOP after one year of follow-up in these series.

Outcomes of iStent versus endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) as adjunct to cataract surgery by phacoemulsification for glaucoma patients

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of iStent versus Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) as an adjunct to cataract surgery by Phacoemulsification for treating glaucoma patients in a tertiary eye center. Methods Retrospective study of 67 eyes of 61 patients with glaucoma and cataract who underwent either phaco-ECP or phaco-iStent. Primary efficacy endpoint is the Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, while reduction of glaucoma medications is the secondary outcome. In addition to IOP and number of glaucoma medications; visual acuity, degree of disc cupping, safety profiles were all assessed at different intervals up to 12 months. Results A total of 40 eyes underwent phaco-ECP, and 27 eyes underwent phaco-iStent. Both groups were associated with a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications; however phaco-iStent group achieved slightly lower IOP levels than the phaco-ECP group. Furthermore, iStent inject had better control of IOP at the last follow-up compared to first-generation stents. Moreover; 2 or more stents significantly reduced IOP than single stent ( p = 0.009 vs. p = 0.618, respectively). Phaco-iStent achieved a better reduction in the number of glaucoma medications for primary open-angle glaucoma ( p = 0.007) compared to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients ( p = 0.084). Complications were seen in 12 eyes (18%), of which five eyes in phaco-ECP (7.4%) and 7 eyes in phaco-iStent (10.4%), majority were mild and treated conservatively. Conclusions Both groups had equal efficacy in reducing the IOP. However, phaco-iStent seems superior in reducing the number of glaucoma medications after 1 year of follow-up compared to phaco-ECP, particularly when 2 or more stents are used. Both groups showed an overall good safety profile.

Efficacy and Safety of the Subtenon Injection of 0.01% Mitomycin C-augmented Trabeculectomy.

Background Trabeculectomy, with the application of mitomycin C (MMC), has been the gold standard glaucoma-filtering surgery. The conventional method of applying MMC using soaked sponges does not ensure a controlled amount of delivery of MMC, and incidences of blebitis are reported to be associated with leftover sponges. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a low dose (0.1 mg/ml) of MMC administered through subtenon injection during trabeculectomy combined with cataract extraction, addressing existing research gaps. Methods It is a prospective interventional study on patients who underwenttrabeculectomywith a subtenon injection of 0.1 mg/ml of MMC combined with cataract extraction and were followed up over six months. Efficacy was determined in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction; bleb architecture was graded using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading System (IBAGS) and success rate, and safety was commented upon in terms of complications. Results Thirty patients were enrolled, with the majority having primary open-angle glaucoma (63.33%), while 36.67% had primary angle-closure glaucoma. Baseline IOP was 31.40(±10.38) mmHg. It significantly reduced to 14.60(±3.75) mmHg on the first postoperative day, decreasing to 9.55(±1.57) mmHg by the sixth postoperative month (p=0.001). The percentage reduction in IOP was substantial, 69.57%, by the sixth postoperative visit. Bleb morphology assessment using IBAGS revealed significant improvements in bleb height and extent and a reduction in vascularity over the six-month follow-up (p=0.001), and no eyes had bleb encapsulation. Out of the total patients, 93.33% achieved controlled IOP without anti-glaucoma medications, while 6.67% required one medication for IOP control. Complications were minimal, with transient corneal edema in six patients and manageable postoperative hypotony in one case. Conclusion A subtenon injection of MMC during trabeculectomy effectively reduces IOP and promotes favorable bleb architecture, offering an effective and safer alternative to the conventional approach.

Efectividad de la válvula de Ahmed® implantada vía pars plana en pacientes con glaucoma refractario

PurposeTo evaluate the success rate and complications of the Ahmed® FP7 valve implanted via Pars Plana in a group of vitrectomized patients with refractory glaucoma and anterior segment abnormalities from January 2018 to June 2023. MethodsQuasi-experimental, prospective study. Eleven eyes with refractory glaucoma were included. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, visual acuity, characterization of glaucoma type, and number of antiglaucoma medications. ResultsThe mean baseline IOP was 37.3±11mmHg, which decreased to 13.5±3.0mmHg after one year. The qualified success rate was 63.7%, while the complete success rate was 36.3%. The most common diagnosis was neovascular glaucoma in 36.4% of cases. The most frequent postoperative complications were choroidal detachment and hypotony. ConclusionsOur data suggest that implantation of the Ahmed FP7 valve via pars plana is an effective and safe option for patients with refractory secondary glaucoma.

Matched case-control comparison of surgical success after XEN45 Gel Stent and PRESERFLO MicroShunt implantation in a Caucasian population.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of implantation of a XEN45 Gel Stent with the outcome of implantation of a Preserflo MicroShunt in a matched-pair analysis in eyes being naïve to filtering surgery. In this comparative, retrospective study, 50 eyes that had undergone XEN45 Gel Stent implantation were compared with 50 eyes after Preserflo implantation. Follow-up was at least 6 months, and surgical success was measured by criteria A (IOP < 21 mmHg, IOP reduction >20%, no repeat surgery); criteria B (IOP < 18 mmHg, IOP reduction >20%, no repeat surgery); and criteria C (IOP ≤15 mmHg, IOP reduction ≥40%, no repeat surgery). After a follow-up period of 12 months, mean IOP had decreased from preoperative 25.2 ± 4.8 mmHg in the XEN group to 14.5 ± 4.0 (n = 35) and from 25.3 ± 6.8 mmHg to 11.9 ± 2.9 (n = 41) in the Preserflo group, respectively. The IOP at the last follow-up of the two groups differed significantly (p < 0.01). The probability of surgical success did not differ concerning Criteria A and B, but surgical success was significantly higher in the Preserflo group for Criteria C (60%, p < 0.01). Both the Preserflo and XEN45 Gel Stent provide an effective and safe treatment option for advanced glaucoma and have a high potential to reduce intraocular pressure. Absolute IOP levels of <16 mmHg after 12 months were significantly more frequent in the Preserflo group.

Mitomycin C 0.2 mg/ml versus Mitomycin C 0.4 mg/ml during the Implantation of an Ab Externo Polystyrene-isobutylene-styrene Microshunt: A Mega-analysis

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness and adverse event profile of standalone SIBS microshunt implantation with adjunct MMC 0.2 mg/ml and MMC 0.4 mg/ml. DesignMega-analysis using individual patient data from international prospective and retrospective clinical studies. Study PopulationPatients with glaucoma who underwent implantation of a SIBS microshunt with MMC as a standalone procedure. MethodsA comparison of eyes that received MMC 0.2 mg/ml or 0.4 mg/ml Main Outcomes MeasuresPrimary outcome was complete success defined as the proportion of eyes at one year with all of the following: (1) no two consecutive IOPs > 17 mmHg; (2) no clinical hypotony (3) ≥20% IOP reduction from baseline and (4) no use of glaucoma medications. Secondary outcomes included IOP thresholds of 12 mmHg,14 mm Hg and 21mmHg, median IOP, number of medications, risk factors for failure, interventions, adverse events, and reoperations. ResultsAt 1 year, the complete success rate was significantly higher (71.3% vs 50.46%, p<0.001) and the median IOP significantly lower (13.0 vs. 14.2 mmHg, p<0.05) in the MMC 0.4 mg/ml group. MMC 0.2 mg/ml was found to be a significant risk factor for failure (HR 1.75 95%CI 1.14 to 2.67). Needling and surgical revision occurred at a lower rate in the MMC 0.4 mg/ml group (7% vs. 18.8%, p= 0.002 and 4.3% vs.13.7% p= 0.0087, respectively). Adverse events occurred at a similar frequency in both groups (26.6% MMC 0.2 mg/ml vs. 29.6% MMC 0.4 mg/ml, p=0.46), most of which were early and transient. ConclusionSIBS microshunt implantation with MMC 0.4 mg/ml resulted in a higher success rate with greater IOP reduction compared to MMC 0.2 mg/ml. Higher MMC concentration was not associated with increased serious adverse events.

Effect of intraocular pressure reduction on progressive high myopia (PHM study): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn adult patients with high myopia (HM), progressive axial elongation poses a significant risk for the development of subsequent ocular complications that may lead to visual impairment. Effective strategies to...

Minimally invasive bleb surgery versus minimally invasive glaucoma surgery: a 12-month retrospective study

This study aimed to compare the IOP-lowering effectiveness and safety of standalone Preserflo MicroShunt and iStent 1st generation implantation combined with phacoemulsification in Caucasian patients with a 12-month follow-up period. This retrospective study analyzed the medical histories of patients undergoing antiglaucoma surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Bialystok, between January 2019 and January 2022. The main outcome measures were success rates (complete: proportion of eyes with IOP < 18 mmHg (criterion A) and < 15 mmHg (criterion B) or 20% reduction in IOP without any glaucoma medication; qualified: proportion of eyes achieving IOPs < 18 mmHg and < 15 mmHg or 20% reduction in IOP from baseline with or without medications), mean reduction (%) in IOP, medication burden, number of complications and additional interventions. In both groups, a significant decrease in IOP and medication burden were observed at 6 and 12 months when compared with baseline. At 12 months, qualified surgical success in criterion A was recorded in 67.4% and 85.7% of patients in the Preserfo and iStent groups, respectively (p = 0.045). Complete surgical success in criterion B at 12 months accounted to 61.4% of patients from Prserflo group and 32.7% patients in iStent group (p = 0.04). Surgical failure at 12 months was documented in 30.2% and 6.3% of patients, respectively (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference between groups in %IOP reduction after 12 months. Greater reduction was observed in Preserflo group, MD = − 8.41 CI95 [− 15.88; − 0.95], p = 0.028, (− 33.49% ± 21.59 vs − 25.07% ± 14.15 in iStent group). Both procedures effectively reduced IOP and postoperative use of antiglaucoma medications in glaucoma patients.

Ocular Surface Changes in Glaucomatous Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery Combined with Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (2nd Generation Trabecular Stents Istent Inject ®): A Study about 69 Eyes

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ocular surface changes and dry eyes symptoms in patients undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification combined with implantation of two trabecular stents (Istent Inject®). Methods: This single-arm prospective interventional clinical trial enrolled 69 patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma taking 1 to 4 glaucoma medications that underwent phacoemulsification combined with implantation of two trabecular stents (Istent). We explored several key data about ocular surface and glaucoma evolution throughout the follow-up, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index score, the Oxford score, the Efron conjunctival score, and the Fluorescein Tear Break-up Time (FTBUT). Results: Mean OSDI scores improved from 40.1 ± 21.6 (severe dry eye) preoperatively to 17.5 ± 15.3 (mild dry eye) at 3 months. While 73% of eyes had moderate or severe OSDI scores preoperatively, only 29% had such scores at 3 months. The mean FTBUT increased from 4.3 ±2.4 seconds preoperatively to 6.4 ±2.5 seconds at 3 months; the average Oxford staining score decreased from 1.4 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 0.4 ± 0.6 at 3 months. There was a reduction in the number of glaucoma medications from 1.5 to 0.6 medications. Mean IOP decreased from 17.4 ± 4.2mmHg to 14.5 ± 3.2mmHg at the 3 months follow-up. The safety profile of the surgery was excellent. Conclusion: The implantation of two trabecular stents (Istent inject®) combined with cataract surgery resulted in clinical and functional improvements in ocular surface health, as well as significant reductions in IOP and medications in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Brief Report on 12-Month Outcomes of the ab Interno Gel Stent Using the Intraoperative Posterior Sweep of Tenons (PoST) Technique

87 eyes of 70 patients (mean age 75.03 years) with an average 12-months follow-up underwent ab-interno Xen45 gel stent with PoST technique. Primary outcome: mean IOP change. Secondary outcomes: change in medications and complications. Preoperative mean IOP and medications were 18.66 mmHg and 3.36 respectively. At 12 months, mean IOP and medications were 13.1 mmHg and 1.35. Cumulative proportion of success (IOP less than 22 mmHg, ≥ 20% reduction in baseline IOP and no additional surgical intervention) was 0.72. Needling proportion was 9%. Cumulative proportion of reoperation was 0.22. The PoST technique resulted in significant reduction in IOP and medications.

Análisis a tres años de resultados, seguridad y progresión en pacientes con glaucoma de ángulo abierto o hipertensión ocular, intervenidos de microcirugía trabecular

AimTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, structural and functional progression following the insertion of iStent inject ® implants in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension at a tertiary-level hospital. Materials and methodsA retrospective study included 98 eyes (57 males and 41 females) with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, which underwent iStent inject W® implantation (Glaukos, Corporation, CA) between December 2018 and December 2022. Differences in intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of hypotensive eye drops used, and structural and functional tests were assessed between preoperative values and subsequent reviews during a follow-up period of one (n=98), two (n=55), and three years (n=15) after surgery. ResultsAmong the 98 eyes studied, 85% were diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma (50% mild, 32% moderate, and 18% severe) and 15% with ocular hypertension. There was a statistically significant reduction in IOP compared to preoperative values for all visits except the 1-month (p=0.36) and 3-year (p=0.39) visits. Visual acuity increased from 0.39±0.25 to 0.72±0.24 (p<0.01), considering that a significant portion of the interventions included cataract surgery. Before surgery, 66% of the sample used 2 or more hypotensive medications. Post-surgery, the number of hypotensive medications decreased (from 1.88±0.84 to 0.21±0.59 at 3 years) (p<0.01), with an 88.9% reduction in the number of medications over three years. After surgery, 75% of cases did not require any medication.Regarding structural and functional tests, thickness of retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL (p=0.35), excavation / papilla ratio E/P (p=0.31), visual function index(VFI (p=0.06), and deviation mean (MD (p=0.06) showed no statistically significant differences post-intervention. However, standard deviation of the pattern (DSM) did exhibit differences, decreasing from 5.46±4.03dB to 5.34±3.48dB (p=0.02). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the iStent inject W® technique constitutes an effective and safe option for tension control and glaucoma treatment.

Influence of Laser Trabeculoplasty on Combined Phacoemulsification/Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy.

To investigate the influence of laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) on subsequent surgery with combined phacoemulsification/Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy (phaco-KDB) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. Patients undergoing phaco-KDB between 2019 and 2021 were divided into previously LTP treated and previously non-LTP treated, and LTP-treatment included argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). The primary goal was to investigate if previous LTP influenced later surgical outcome of phaco-KDB. The secondary goal was to investigate if the outcome of LTP could be predictive of the outcome of subsequent phaco-KDB. We also compared IOP- and medication reductions between LTP and non-LTP treated patients. A total of 111 LTP treated patients were compared to 139 non-LTP treated patients. In LTP treated patients, surgical success of phaco-KDB was 82.9%, compared to 88.5% in non-LTP treated patients (P=0.20). Reductions in IOP and medications were similar between groups. Furthermore, within the LTP group, patients with successful LTP-treatment had a subsequent surgical success of phaco-KDB in 80.7%, compared to 83.0% in patients with unsuccessful LTP-treatment (P=0.765). Previous LTP treatment does not predict the outcome of phaco-KDB. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the LTP effect and a later surgical success of phaco-KDB.