Transient Intraocular Pressure Spike Research Articles

False Passage of 5-0 Polypropylene Suture into Episcleral Vein during Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is a promising cost effective minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The main advantage being safety with regards to low risk for hypotony and its related complications. However, the Schlemm’s canal (SC) based procedures have a different set of complications, the most common being hyphema and transient intraocular pressure spike. The other rare complications being, false passage of the suture by traversing the external wall of the SC into the suprachoroidal space or posterior chamber; or breaching the internal wall of SC into the anterior chamber. Although these complications are rare, knowledge about them is important not only for early identification but for prevention and management if they occur. Through this case report, we describe a rare complication where the suture had traversed through a dilated episcleral vein during GATT. To our knowledge, there has been no prior report of such a complication.

Efficacy and safety of first-line or second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty for normal-tension glaucoma: a multicentre cohort study

Background/aimsThis study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of first-line and second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).Methods100 patients with NTG were...

'Microincisional trabeculectomy for glaucoma".

To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT), a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy. Consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma identified from the hospital database that underwent MIT with or without cataract surgery between September 2021 to June 2022 at a tertiary eye centre in East India, were screened. Those with a follow-up of < 6 months or with incomplete data were excluded. MIT was done ab-interno using microscissors and microforceps in 2-4 clock hours of the nasal angle via a temporal incision. The intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at 6 months, and reduction in the number of medications after surgery were analysed. Surgical success (IOP>6 and <22 mm Hg), complications, angle features on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and the need for additional surgeries were analysed. We included thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with open-angle glaucoma (including n = 9 eyes that underwent concurrent cataract surgery) with a preoperative mean IOP of 22 ±11.1 mm Hg and visual field index of 47±37.9%. All eyes achieved >30% IOP reduction, with a final IOP of 14±6.9 mm Hg at 6 months. Surgical success in 31 of 32 eyes with complete success seen in 28 eyes with none of the eyes requiring >1 medication for IOP control. Hyphema was seen in 4 eyes, while transient IOP spikes at 1 day-1 month were seen in 5 eyes, none of which required any additional interventions. One eye with persistent raised IOP at 1 month required incisional trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP with 2 medications. MIT, a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy, is effective in terms of IOP control and reduction in the number of medications while having fewer complications. Long-term studies comparing the efficacy of MIT with incisional trabeculectomy, or other procedures are warranted in the future.

Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty with 577 nm Wavelength at 1500 or 1000 mW for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Pilot Study.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) using a 577 nm yellow wavelength laser randomly assigned to either 1500 or 1000 mW in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: A prospective, double-blinded study of POAG patients was performed in a single center. MLT treatment included a 577 nm micropulse laser (IRIDEX IQ 577TM, IRIDEX, Mountain View, CA, USA) to 360° of the trabecular meshwork at randomly assigned varying powers: 1500 mW in one eye (MLT 1500 group) and 1000 mW in the other (MLT 1000 group). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal central thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell count (ECC) were evaluated at baseline (T0), post-operative 1 h (T1), 24 h (T2), 1 month (T3), 3 months (T4), and 6 months (T5) after laser treatment. Topical medications were assessed pre-treatment and at T4. Results: Among the 18 eyes included, we achieved a success rate (IOP reduced > 20%) in 77% of sampled eyes. In particular, IOP reduced at T2 and T3 with both MLT 1500 and 1000 without any significant differences (IOP reduction 22.9% vs. 17.3%, respectively, MLT1500 vs. MLT1000 at T2). The IOP returned to baseline values at T4 and T5 in both groups, with a reduction in topical medications administered from 2.5 ± 1.1 to 2.0 ± 1.2 to the 1500 mW group and from 2.4 ± 1.0 to 1.9 ± 1.0 to the 1000 mW group. At 1 h post-laser treatment, a transient IOP spike was registered among the MLT1500 group. There were no differences in CCT and ECC at any timepoint according to the laser powers. Conclusions: Over a 6-month follow-up period, 577 nm MLT at either 1500 or 1000 mW reduces IOP, enabling a stable reduction in the number of topical medications required for patients treated for POAG without any significant difference in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Surgical Outcomes of Penetrating Canaloplasty in Patients with Uncontrolled Posner-Schlossman Syndrome: A Prospective Study

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the surgical outcomes in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) at one year. Methods A prospective interventional study in PSS patients with penetrating canaloplasty. Main outcome measure was success rate (6 mmHg≤ intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg) with or without medications. Results Thirteen eyes in 13 patients with PSS underwent complete catheterization. The mean IOP and medications (Meds) were reduced to 16.1 ± 4.8 mmHg on 0.5 ± 1.0 Meds at 12 months. Complete and qualified success rates were 61.5% and 84.6% at 12 months. The postoperative recurrent rate of PSS was 69.2%, the mean peak IOP during attacks and episodes were decreased to 26.7 ± 8.3 mmHg and 1.7 ± 2.0 times respectively. Transient IOP spike (61.5%) and hyphema (38.5%) were the two most common postoperative complications. Conclusion Penetrating canaloplasty achieves a high success rate in PSS without serious complications.

Clear Lensectomy with Hydrus Stent in Black and Afro-Latino Patients: A 1-Year Retrospective Study.

Purpose To determine the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification, clear lensectomy, and the Hydrus microstent (Ivantis, Inc.) in Black and Afro-Latino glaucoma patients. Method This is a retrospective nonrandomized study of 134 Black and Afro-Latino patients who underwent clear lensectomy with Hydrus stent implant for the treatment of glaucoma. For comprehensive analysis, patients were divided into mild, moderate, and advanced glaucoma. The evaluated parameters were reductions in the number of medications, intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation on visual field test, and visual acuity. Results A total of 134 patients with 1-year follow-up were evaluated. At 1 year, the average number of medications significantly decreased from 2.5 ± 1.4 preoperatively to 0.43 ± 1.04 (p < 0.001) and IOP decreased from 14.4 ± 3.9 to 13.8 ± 3.10 (p=0.16). 110 (82.1%) patients were medication-free at 1 year (n = 57, 83.8% mild glaucoma; n = 37, 92.5% moderate glaucoma; n = 16, 61.5% advanced glaucoma). There was stabilization of mean deviation on the visual field test (baseline, −8.28; 1 year, −8.28; p=1). The most reported adverse effects were transient IOP spike and hyphema (n = 7, 5.2%; n = 3, 2.2%, respectively); both events were self-resolving. No decline in vision or sight-threatening complications were reported at 1 year, and no additional surgeries were required. Conclusion This 1-year retrospective study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of clear lensectomy and Hydrus stent implantation in decreasing medication burden while maintaining lower IOP in Black and Afro-Latino glaucoma patients.

Ab-externo XEN gel stent implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma: 6-month follow-up

Purpose: XEN gel stent (XGS) is one of the minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures offering substantial intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of XGS implantation via an ab externo approach in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We present 13 cases of successful XEN implantation via an ab externo approach in these patients.Study design: Retrospective case series.Methods: This was a retrospective case series involving patients diagnosed with POAG at a tertiary referral centre who underwent XGS implantation between February 2019 and June 2020 for uncontrolled IOP despite maximum topical medications. All patients underwent XGS implantation via an ab externo approach placed at the superotemporal quadrant. The main outcome measure was IOP reduction and number of antiglaucoma medications after XGS implantation, postoperative procedures, and surgical complications.Results: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were included in the analysis. At the 6-month follow-up, mean IOP reduction was 2.73 ± 3.66 mmHg and mean IOP was 13.8 ± 1.99 mmHg on an average of 1.6 antiglaucoma medications. Complications included transient hypotony and transient IOP spikes requiring needling. Two patients required stent removal due to recurrent conjunctival erosion and stent migration into the anterior chamber.Conclusion: XGS implantation is able to achieve good IOP control with reduced need for antiglaucoma medications after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Longer follow-up is needed to assess its long-term outcome.

Preliminary efficacy of ab interno canaloplasty combined with micro-incision cataract surgery in primary open angle glaucoma combined with cataract: one-year results

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) combined with micro-incision cataract surgery for treating primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) combined with cataract. Methods: Prospective case series study. Patients diagnosed with POAG and concurrent cataract were enrolled to receive ABiC combined with micro-incision phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from June 2018 to October 2019. Intraocular pressure (IOP), use of hypotensive medications, visual acuity, visual field, and optic nerve at baseline as well as at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively were assessed. Subgroup analyses were further performed to evaluate these data between controlled and uncontrolled POAG, as well as among mild, moderate, and advanced POAG. Success rate and complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 68 eyes in 42 patients completed a follow-up of 12 months. Compared to the baseline IOP under medical control [(18.25±2.65) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)], the mean postoperative IOP at 1 month [(14.31±3.25) mmHg], 3 months [(14.00±3.09) mmHg], 6 months[ (14.58±2.93) mmHg], and 12 months[ (14.84±2.73) mmHg] was all significantly reduced (P<0.05). The median (upper quadrant, lower quadrant) of the hypotensive medication number was 2.5 (2, 3) at baseline, which was significantly reduced to 0 (0, 1) at 1 month, and 0 (0, 0) at 3, 6, and 12 months (P<0.05). The complete success rate and qualified success rate at 12 months were 80.88%(55/68) and 89.71%(61/68), respectively. No deterioration in the visual field or optical coherence tomography scan of the optic nerve was observed at 12 months compared to the baseline status. Hyphema (26 eyes, 38.24%) and transient IOP spike (23 eyes, 33.82%) were the most common complications, but no severe case was present. Conclusion: ABiC combined with micro-incision cataract surgery is considerably effective and safe in the treatment of POAG combined with cataract in the Chinese population.

Interim Analysis of STREAMLINE® Surgical System Clinical Outcomes in Eyes with Glaucoma.

PurposeTo characterize the clinical outcomes of a novel ab interno minimally invasive procedure with the STREAMLINE® Surgical System for creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation in eyes with mild to severe primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsIn a prospective, single-arm, first-in-human case series, 20 eyes of 20 subjects with mild to severe POAG underwent creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation following phacoemulsification cataract extraction after washout of all intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications. The angle surgery portion was performed with a single-use handpiece tipped with a microcannula that creates precise goniotomies through the trabecular meshwork into the canal of Schlemm and delivers a small volume of ophthalmic viscosurgical device directly into the canal via precise catheterization. Outcomes in this interim analysis included mean reduction in IOP and medications through 6 months of follow-up, as well as the proportion of eyes achieving IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline.ResultsAt month 6, mean IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline was achieved in 89.5% of eyes (17/19). Mean (standard deviation) medicated IOP at screening was 16.3 (3.6) mmHg and unmedicated baseline IOP (after washout) was 23.5 (2.5) mmHg. Mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline through 6 months of follow-up to 14.7 (2.4) mmHg (p<0.001), representing an IOP reduction of 8.8 mmHg (36.9%). Overall, 57.9% (11/19) of eyes decreased dependence on IOP-lowering medications by at least one medication, and 42.1% (8/19) were medication free. Mean medication use was reduced from 2.0 (0.8) at screening to 1.1 (1.1) at 6 months (p<0.001). Three eyes had transient IOP spikes treated with topical medications.ConclusionThe creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation safely and effectively reduced IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications by both clinically and statistically significant magnitudes in eyes with mild to severe POAG undergoing concomitant phacoemulsification cataract extraction through the first 6 months of follow-up.

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: One year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS.

To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9±2.6mmHg (±standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3±1.9; p<0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7±0.7 to 0.3±0.8 (p<0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

Cirugía combinada de trabeculostomía láser excímer y facoelmusificación: datos a un año en el mundo real de una MIGS de tipo láser

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. Patients and methodsSingle-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. ResultsThirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9 ± 2.6 mmHg (± standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. ConclusionCombining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

Real-world efficacy of the Hydrus microstent in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma: a retrospective study.

Purpose:The purpose was to determine the real-world efficacy of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma.Methods:A retrospective noncomparative single-center study of 76 Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent placement for treatment of glaucoma at single practice. Investigated parameters were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, mean deviation on visual field test, and visual acuity. Patients were also subgrouped into mild, moderate, and advance glaucoma for further analysis.Results:We reviewed a total of 76 patients who had 6 months of follow up in the study. The mean number of medications decreased significantly from 2.6 ± 1.5 preoperatively to 0.72 ± 1.4 in 6 months (p < 0.0010), while IOP decreased from 14.7 ± 3.7 to 13.9 ± 4.3 (p = 0.25). At 6 months, 55 patients (74%) of all patients were medication free (n = 27, 84.4% mild glaucoma; n = 17, 70.8% moderate glaucoma; n = 10, 50% advance glaucoma). There was significant improvement in visual acuity (p < 0.00010) and stabilization of mean deviation on visual field test (baseline −9.2; 6 months −9.1; p = 0.22). The most common adverse effect was a transient IOP spike and transient corneal edema (n = 6, 7.9%; n = 6, 7.9%, respectively) with spontaneous resolution in all cases. No sight-threatening complications were reported at 6 months.Conclusion/clinical relevance:This 6-month retrospective study demonstrated the efficacy of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and Hydrus microstent in reducing the medication burden while maintaining lower IOP in Black and Afro-Latinx patients with glaucoma.

Early transient intraocular pressure spike after cataract surgery in highly myopic cataract eyes and associated risk factors

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of the early transient intraocular pressure (IOP) spike after cataract surgery in eyes with highly myopic cataract (HMC) and associated risk factors.MethodsConsecutive patients treated with phacoemulsification...

Clinical outcomes of patterned laser trabeculoplasty as adjuvant therapy in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

To assess the efficacy and safety of patterned laser trabeculoplasty (PLT) as an adjunctive treatment in open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) patients who were under antiglaucoma medical treatment. This study was a retrospective review of primary or secondary OAG patients and OHT patients with medically uncontrolled (≥18 mm Hg) intraocular pressure (IOP) who underwent 360° PLT from June 2016 to August 2016. Follow-up visits at week 1, and 1, 3 and 6mo were performed. IOP, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complications and eye drop glaucoma medication were recorded at each follow-up visit. Success was defined as IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline. Forty-one eyes of 25 patients were included in this study. Pre-treatment mean IOP was 20.2±1.6 mm Hg. After PLT, IOP was 19.3±5.2, 16.1±2.7, 17.1±3.7 and 16.3±3.5 mm Hg, at 1wk, 1, 3 and 6mo, respectively. IOP reduction from baseline was statistically significant from the first month, remaining stable at 6mo (P<0.001). PLT success at 6mo of follow-up was 48.78%. The number of glaucoma medication per eye (P=0.10) and the mean BCVA both remained constant (P=0.37). Complications included transient IOP spikes in 4 eyes (9.8%) and peripheral anterior synechiae in 7 eyes (17.1%). PLT is an effective and safe method for the management of patients with OHT or OAG as an adjunctive therapy. Additional larger studies should be designed to verify the long-term stability of IOP reduction with this laser technology.

Comparison of the performance and safety of 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical devices in cataract surgery

To compare the clinical performance and safety of 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs)-Twinvisc (OVD 1) and Duovisc (OVD 2)-in cataract surgery. European multicenter study. Prospective randomized controlled study. Patients with cataract had phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in 1 eye. They were randomly assigned to receive OVD 1 or OVD 2. Preoperative and postoperative examinations over 3months included mean intraocular pressure(IOP), incidence of IOP peaks (≥30mm Hg and ≥24mm Hg), endothelial cell count (ECC), corneal thickness, and intraocular inflammation. A subjective evaluation of the OVDs was performed. The study comprised 220 patients. The incidence of IOP peaks and the mean IOP were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups at any of the follow-up visits. At 6hours, the incidence of IOP spikes 30mm Hg or higher was 6.5% and 7.2% in the OVD 1 and the OVD 2 groups, respectively (P=.846). For the IOP spikes 24mm Hg or higher, the incidence was 16.8% and 25.2%, respectively (P=.128). Three months postoperatively there was no statistically significant difference in ECC and pachymetry between the 2 groups. Mild inflammation was noticed up to 7days postoperatively after which it resolved in both groups. Subjectively, the OVD 2 was easier to use, whereas the OVD 1 had better cohesive and dispersive properties. Both OVDs have similar performance and safety profiles in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. No clinically relevant differences were found between the 2 devices regarding transient IOP spikes, mean IOP, corneal endothelium injury, or inflammation.

Modified 360-degree suture trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for glaucoma and coexisting cataract

To assess the efficacy and safety of a modified 360-degree suture trabeculotomy combined with a cataract surgery technique in patients with glaucoma and coexisting cataract. Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. Retrospective case series. Medical records of patients with glaucoma having a modified 360-degree trabeculotomy combined with cataract surgery (Group 1) were reviewed. Another group of patients who had the modified 360-degree suture trabeculotomy alone served as controls (Group 2). Both groups comprised 46 patients. In each group, eyes were diagnosed with primary angle-closure glaucoma in 2 eyes, primary open-angle glaucoma in 24 eyes, exfoliation glaucoma in 4 eyes, uveitic glaucoma in 15 eyes, and steroid glaucoma in 1 eye. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) values were 27.2mm Hg±7.3 (SD) on 3.0±0.5 medications in Group 1 and 27.7±10.7mm Hg on 2.9±0.6 medications in Group 2. Twelve months after surgery, the mean IOPs were 13.4±3.7mm Hg on 0.8±1.1 medications in Group 1 and 13.9±4.1mm Hg on 0.6±0.9 medications in Group 2. The success rate (<18mm Hg) at 12months was 89.1% and 93.5%, respectively. Major complications included transient IOP spikes (30.4% and 37.0%) and prolonged hyphema (10.9% and 6.5%) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The data showed the equivalent effects of suture trabeculotomy combined withcataract surgery and suture trabeculotomy surgery alone on postoperative safety and efficacy. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty: current perspectives.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been used in the treatment of glaucoma for just over a decade. Here, we review the current literature in terms of suggested mechanism, efficacy, method of treatment, predictors of success, adverse events, repeatability, and cost of SLT. The exact mechanism by which SLT lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) remains unknown although circumstantial evidence has come in many forms in relation to structural alteration; oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; tight junction integrity; proliferative responses; and microbubble formation. SLT is as effective as argon laser trabeculoplasty and medications in reducing IOP in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The treatment is not uniformly effective in all eyes, and its IOP-lowering effect decreases over time. High pretreatment IOP is the strongest predictor of success; however, significant pressure reduction has also been shown in normal-tension glaucoma and in patients already taking multiple antiglaucoma drops. Mild, transient adverse effects are common. Transient IOP spikes usually resolve quickly with or without antiglaucoma treatment but may be problematic in pigmented angles. The limited available evidence suggests SLT is repeatable and cost-effective for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Intraocular Pressure Following Combined Routes of Bevacizumab-augmented Trabeculectomy for Refractory Neovascular Glaucoma

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) control following combined routes of adjuvant bevacizumab with trabeculectomy in refractory neovascular glaucoma. Methods: From June 2011 to December 2011, 5 consecutive cases of neovascular glaucoma with persistent raised IOP on maximal medical treatment underwent adjuvant bevacizumab by combined routes (subconjunctival (SC) and/or intracameral (IC), intravitreal (IV) injections) before pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Needs for repeat procedures or medications for IOP control over the postoperative period were assessed. Results: The mean IOP (1 SC, 1 IC + IV, 3 SC + IC routes) reduced from 40 ± 5.5 mm Hg to 17 ± 3.7 mm Hg at a mean final follow-up of 4 ± 3.7months (range 1–9 months), respectively (p < 0.001 for each). All eyes had transient IOP spikes 1–3 months after surgery, which normalized spontaneously after PRP, while one eye required topical medications for IOP control. Conclusions: Combined routes of adjuvant bevacizumab augmented trabeculectomy may help in better IOP control (IC + IV > IC + SC > SC) in refractory neovascular glaucoma but require additional procedures for sustained effect.

Optimizing gene transfer to conventional outflow cells in living mouse eyes

The mouse eye has physiological and genetic advantages to study conventional outflow function. However, its small size and shallow anterior chamber presents technical challenges to efficient intracameral delivery of genetic material to conventional outflow cells. The goal of this study was to optimize methods to overcome this technical hurdle, without damaging ocular structures or compromising outflow function. Gene targeting was monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy after transduction of adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein driven by a CMV promoter. Guided by a micromanipulator and stereomicroscope, virus was delivered intracamerally to anesthetized mice by bolus injection using a 33 gauge needle attached to Hamilton syringe or infusion with glass micropipette connected to syringe pump. The total number of particles introduced remained constant, while volume of injected virus solution (3–10 μl) was varied for each method and time of infusion (3–40 min) tested. Outflow facility and intraocular pressure were monitored invasively using established techniques. Unlike bolus injections or slow infusions, introduction of virus intracamerally during rapid infusions (3 min) at any volume tested preferentially targeted trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells, with minimal transduction of neighboring cells. While infusions resulted in transient intraocular pressure spikes (commensurate with volume infused, Δ40–70 mmHg), eyes typically recovered within 60 min. Transduced eyes displayed normal outflow facility and tissue morphology 3–6 days after infusions. Taken together, fast infusion of virus solution in small volumes intracamerally is a novel and effective method to selectively deliver agents to conventional outflow cells in living mice.

The Efficacy of Low-Energy Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

to analyze the efficacy of low-energy selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients. in 74 patients (74 eyes) with ocular hypertension, suspected glaucoma, or primary open-angle glaucoma, SLT was the first-choice treatment. Thirty-nine patients in the low-energy group received treatment using half of conventional laser energy over 360° of the trabecular meshwork (at 100 points). Thirty-five patients in the control group received conventional laser energy. Patients were observed for 1 year. Complications and intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed. postoperative transient IOP spike (≥ 3 mm Hg) occurred in three eyes on the day of treatment and partial peripheral anterior synechiae occurred in one eye 1 month after treatment only in the control group. Effective rates of treatment (≥ 20% IOP reduction) at week 2 and month 1, 3, 6, and 12 after treatment were 69.23%, 64.10%, 61.54%, 53.85%, and 48.72% in the low-energy group and 71.43%, 71.43%, 60%, 51.43%, and 48.57% in the control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at various time points (P = .836, .501, .892, .835, .990). compared with SLT using conventional laser energy, low-energy SLT lowers IOP with fewer complications, making it a safe and effective option.