Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Post Intravitreal Steroids: A Systematic Review

Changes in intraocular pressure following intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with history of glaucoma filtration surgery

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate changes in intraocular pressure following intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection, specifically in patients undergoing glaucoma filtration surgery.

METHODS

The degree of increase in intraocular pressure was compared retrospectively among three groups. Group 1 comprised patients who underwent prior glaucoma filtration surgery (54 eyes). Group 2 included patients with or suspected glaucoma without such surgical history (20 eyes). Group 3 included patients without glaucoma (33 eyes). Pressure measurements were taken before the injection and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-injection. A subgroup analysis was performed for pressure > 35 mmHg, > 30 mmHg, > 25 mmHg, and a difference > 10 mmHg between the peak and baseline pressure.

RESULTS

Group 1 consistently displayed lower pressures compared with Group 2, with significant difference at both 1- and 6-month post-injections (15.09 mmHg vs. 18.10 mmHg, P = 0.042 and 13.91 mg vs. 17.25 mmHg, P = 0.040). The proportion of patients in Group 1 and Group 3 with pressures > 25 mmHg, > 30 mmHg, and a difference > 10 mmHg did not significantly differ (15.6% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.231; 3.1% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.867; and 17.1% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.231). Notably, Group 2 exhibited a significantly higher proportion within each category (> 25 mmHg, 24.0%; > 30 mmHg, 20.0%; > 10 mmHg difference, 28.0%).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant did not increase the risk of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with a history of glaucoma filtration surgery compared with patients with suspected glaucoma; the risk was similar to those without glaucoma.

Triamcinolone Acetonide Subconjunctival Injection as Stand-alone Inflammation Prophylaxis after Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of a single injection of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide (TA) with that of postoperative topical prednisolone acetate (PA) with and without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for cataract surgery prophylaxis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative effectiveness cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 2018 through 2021.

INTERVENTION

Exposure groups included topical PA with or without NSAID and subconjunctival injection of TA (Kenalog; Bristol-Myers-Squibb) 10 mg/ml or 40 mg/ml in a low dose (1.0-3.0 mg) or high dose (3.1-5.0 mg).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association of postoperative macular edema (ME) and iritis diagnoses 15 to 120 days after surgery (effectiveness measures) and a glaucoma-related event (safety measure) between 15 days and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 69 832 eligible patient-eyes, postoperative ME, iritis, and a glaucoma-related event occurred on average in 1.3%, 0.8%, and 3.4% of eyes in the topical groups and 0.8%, 0.5%, and 2.8% of eyes in the injection groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis, compared with the PA reference group, the PA plus NSAID group had a lower OR of ME (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74-1.04; P = 0.135). and all injection groups had even lower odds, with the high-dose TA 10-mg/ml group reaching statistical significance (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.97; P = 0.033). A trend of lower odds of a postoperative iritis diagnosis was noted in the high-strength (40 mg/ml) groups. For postoperative glaucoma-related events, compared with PA, the TA 10-mg/ml low-dose group showed lower odds (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86; P = 0.001), the TA 10-mg/ml high-dose group showed similar odds (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.70-1.15; P = 0.40), and the TA 40-mg/ml low-dose and high-dose groups showed higher odds of an event occurring (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 0.98-2.18; P = 0.062] and OR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.36-3.37; P = 0.001], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The TA 10-mg/ml high-dose (4 mg) group was associated with a lower risk of postoperative ME and a similar risk of glaucoma-related events compared with the topical groups.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Glucocorticoid-Induced Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma

Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is indicated in many diseases, including ocular diseases. An important side-effect of GC therapy is GC-induced ocular hypertension (GIOHT), which may cause irreversible blindness known as GC-induced glaucoma (GIG). Here, we reviewed the pathological changes that contribute to GIOHT including in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal at cellular and molecular levels. We also discussed the clinical aspects of GIOHT/GIG including disease prevalence, risk factors, the type of GCs, the route of GC administration, and management strategies.

Does dexamethasone implant combination with aflibercept monotherapy affect one-year outcomes in treatment-naive diabetic macular edema with inflammatory biomarkers?

PURPOSE

To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of the combination of aflibercept and dexamethasone implant (CT) against aflibercept monotherapy (AM) in treatment-naive diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with serous macular detachment and hyperreflective foci.

METHODS

This study included 82 eyes of 82 patients with treatment-naive DME who completed the follow-up period of 12 months. All patients had optical coherence tomography biomarkers of an inflammatory DME phenotype. Patients were consecutively selected and classified into two groups: The CT group consisted of 39 eyes treated with aflibercept therapy and initially combined with a single-dose dexamethasone implant. The AM group consisted of 43 eyes treated with aflibercept alone. The primary outcome measures of the study were the mean reduction of the central macular thickness (CMT) and total macular volume parameters (TMV) and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS

In both groups, the patient characteristics, including age, gender, duration of diabetes, HbA1c levels, phakic percentage, and diabetic retinopathy status were similar (P > 0.05). The mean reduction in CMT and TMV was significantly higher in the CT group compared to the AM group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, mean letter gains were not significantly higher (P = 0.240) at the end of the study. In the CT group, 20.5% of patients showed a transient IOP increase, and 18% developed cataracts. In subgroup analysis, the mean letter gain in pseudophakic eyes was significantly higher (12.5 in the CT vs. 9.3 in the AM group, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

The CT, where inflammation is prominent, can provide faster recovery. The pseudophakic eyes seem to be the ideal patient group for CT.

Safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with ocular toxocariasis

AIMS

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant in patients with active uveitis due to ocular toxocariasis (OT).

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with OT were recruited in this retrospective study, including 51 patients in DEX group treated with intravitreal DEX implant and 27 patients in control group without intervention. The reduction of vitreous haze scores (VHS), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes, intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression and formation were recorded at baseline (V0), 1 (V1), 3 (V3) and 6 months (V6) after treatment in DEX group, and V0 and V6 in control group.

RESULTS

There was no change in VHS and BCVA in control group between V0 and V6. Better VHS (p=0.001) and BCVA (p=0.022) was achieved in DEX group; the rate of VHS=0 was 0%, 67.4%, 42.9% and 44.9% at V0, V1, V3 and V6, respectively (p＜0.001), and the mean BCVA was improved from logMAR 1.5±0.9 to 1.2±0.9 at V1, 1.4±1.0 at V3 and 1.4±1.2 at V6. A favourable BCVA at V1 was associated with older age (p=0.038) and uninvolved macula (p=0.000) in DEX group. No significant difference in IOP elevation ≥10 mm Hg, cataract progression and formation between groups. More eyes needed retinal surgery in control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first study to investigate use of intravitreal DEX implant in OT patients, which can efficiently reduce ocular inflammation and improve BCVA in macular uninvolved patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Given Either First-Line or Second-Line in Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the leading cause of severe visual impairment among the working-age population. Several therapeutic options are available for the management of DME, including intravitreal corticosteroids. They have been traditionally used as second-line treatment, due to the risk of intraocular pressure increase and cataract-related adverse events. However, attention has recently been focused on the primary or early use of intravitreal corticosteroids, due to growing evidence of the crucial role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of DME. Furthermore, intravitreal steroid implants offer the additional advantage of a longer duration of action compared to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (anti-VEGF). This review aims to summarize the available evidence on the efficacy and safety profile of dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant, with a specific focus on clinical scenarios in which it might be considered or even preferred as first-line treatment option by adequate selection of patients, considering both advantages and possible adverse events. Patients with contraindications to anti-VEGF, DME with high inflammatory OCT biomarkers, pseudophakic patients and phakic patients' candidates to cataract surgery as well as vitrectomized eyes may all benefit from first-line DEX implant. Additionally, DME not responders to anti-VEGF should be considered for a switch to DEX implant and a combination therapy of DEX implant and anti-VEGF could be a valid option in severe and persistent DME.

ILUVIEN® in diabetic macular edema that persists or recurs despite treatment: Results from the Retina.pt® RIVER audit

PURPOSE

Persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a problem in clinical practice, with many patients having a suboptimal response to the standard of care (SOC). Evidence supports the long-term efficacy of intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients that have responded sub-optimally, although there is still scarce data from real-world Portuguese practices. We aimed to monitor the current SOC in selected Portuguese practices prior to FAc implantation and then assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of the FAc implant.

SETTINGS

The study included patient data from five Portuguese public hospitals.

DESIGN

This was a non-interventional, multicenter audit of data collected from Retina.pt registry from patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite treatment.

METHODS

Outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results were compared at regular times over 36 months.

RESULTS

This study included 222 eyes from 152 patients. A significant decrease in BCVA (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in CMT (P = 0.013) were observed prior to FAc. A significant increase in BCVA was registered at 6 months after FAc implant administration (P < 0.001), which was maintained during follow-up. No relevant changes in IOP were observed. Treatment burden was reduced as a result of treatment with FAc (P < 0.001 for anti-VEGF, corticosteroids, or both treatments) in the full population.

CONCLUSIONS

In Portuguese practice, data showed that pre-FAc implantation, some patients did not respond to SOC treatment and/or they were undertreated. Following FAc implant administration, there were rapid, sustained, long-term visual and anatomical improvements, and a marked reduction in treatment burden.

Small RNA Sequencing Reveals a Distinct MicroRNA Signature between Glucocorticoid Responder and Glucocorticoid Non-Responder Primary Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells after Dexamethasone Treatment

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to regulate several physiological processes and are the mainstay in the management of inflammatory eye diseases. The long-term use of GC causes raised intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension (OHT) in about 30-50% of the susceptible individuals depending on the route of administration, and can lead to steroid-induced secondary glaucoma. The present study aims to understand the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in differential glucocorticoid (GC) responsiveness in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells using small RNA sequencing. The human organ-cultured anterior segment (HOCAS) model was used to identify whether donor eyes were from GC-responders (GC-R; n = 4) or GC-non-responders (GC-NR; n = 4) following treatment with either 100 nM dexamethasone (DEX) or ethanol (ETH) for 7 days. The total RNA was extracted from cultured HTM cells with known GC responsiveness, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIRs) were compared among the following five groups: Group #1: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-R; #2: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-NR; #3: overlapping DEGs between Group #1 and #2; #4: Unique DEMIRs of GC-R; #5: Unique DEMIRs of GC-NR; and validated by RT-qPCR. There were 13 and 21 DEMIRs identified in Group #1 and Group #2, respectively. Seven miRNAs were common miRNAs dysregulated in both GC-R and GC-NR (Group #3). This analysis allowed the identification of DEMIRs that were unique to GC-R (6 miRNAs) and GC-NR (14 miRNAs) HTM cells, respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified enriched pathways and biological processes associated with differential GC responsiveness in HTM cells. This is the first study to reveal a unique miRNA signature between GC-R and GC-NR HTM cells, which raises the possibility of developing new molecular targets for the management of steroid-OHT/glaucoma.

Ocular hypertension and intravitreal steroids injections, update in 2023. French guidelines of the French glaucoma society and the French ophthalmology society

These guidelines are a consensus of French glaucoma and retina experts on the management of ocular hypertension (OHT) observed in a third of the cases after corticosteroid implant intravitreal injections. They update the first guidelines published in 2017. Two implants are marketed in France: the dexamethasone implant (DEXi) and the fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAci). It is essential to assess the pressure status before injecting a patient with a corticosteroid implant. A molecule-specific monitoring of the intraocular pressure is needed throughout the follow-up and at the time of reinjections. Real-life studies have allowed optimizing the management algorithm by significantly increasing the safety of these implants. Corticosteroid testing with DEXi should be performed before switching to FAci to optimize pressure tolerance of FAci. Beyond topical hypotensive treatments, selective laser trabeculoplasty may be considered in the therapeutic arsenal for the management of steroid-induced OHT and subsequent injections.

GNAQ R183Q somatic mutation contributes to aberrant arteriovenous specification in Sturge-Weber syndrome through Notch signaling

Episcleral vasculature malformation is a significant feature of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma, the density and diameter of which are correlated with increased intraocular pressure. We previously reported that the GNAQ R183Q somatic mutation was located in the SWS episclera. However, the mechanism by which GNAQ R183Q leads to episcleral vascular malformation remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the correlation between GNAQ R183Q and episcleral vascular malformation via surgical specimens, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the HUVEC cell line EA.hy926. Our findings demonstrated a positive correlation between episcleral vessel diameter and the frequency of the GNAQ R183Q variant. Furthermore, the upregulation of genes from the Notch signaling pathway and abnormal coexpression of the arterial marker EphrinB2 and venous marker EphB4 were demonstrated in the scleral vasculature of SWS. Analysis of HUVECs overexpressing GNAQ R183Q in vitro confirmed the upregulation of Notch signaling and arterial markers. In addition, knocking down of Notch1 diminished the upregulation of arterial markers induced by GNAQ R183Q. Our findings strongly suggest that GNAQ R183Q leads to malformed episcleral vasculatures through Notch-induced aberrant arteriovenous specification. These insights into the molecular basis of episcleral vascular malformation will provide new pathways for the development of effective treatments for SWS secondary glaucoma.

[Intraocular pressure elevation and intravitreal steroid implant injection: State of the art in 2023. Recommendations of the French Glaucoma Society and French Ophthalmology Society [French version]]

These are the recommendations of French glaucoma and retina experts on the management of ocular hypertension (OHT) observed in 1/3 of cases after intravitreal steroid implant injections. They are an update to the recommendations first published in 2017. There are two implants on the French market: the dexamethasone (DEXi) and fluocinolone acetonide (FAci) implants. It is important to know the pressure status before injecting a patient with a steroid implant. Monitoring of the IOP adapted to the specific drug is necessary throughout follow-up and reinjections. Real-life studies have made it possible to optimize the management algorithm by significantly increasing the safety of use of these implants. A corticosteroid test with DEXi is necessary before switching to FAci to optimize the pressure tolerance of the latter. In addition to topical glaucoma medications, SLT laser can be considered in the therapeutic arsenal for the management of steroid-induced OHT and future injections.

Pathogenesis and current therapies for non-infectious uveitis

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a disorder with various etiologies and is characterized by eye inflammation, mainly affecting people of working age. An accurate diagnosis of NIU is crucial for appropriate therapy. The aim of therapy is to improve vision, relieve ocular inflammation, prevent relapse, and avoid treatment side effects. At present, corticosteroids are the mainstay of topical or systemic therapy. However, repeated injections are required for the treatment of chronic NIU. Recently, new drug delivery systems that may ensure intraocular delivery of therapeutic drug levels have been highlighted. Furthermore, with the development of immunosuppressants and biologics, specific therapies can be selected based on the needs of each patient. Immunosuppressants used in the treatment of NIU include calcineurin inhibitors and antimetabolites. However, systemic immunosuppressive therapy itself is associated with adverse effects due to the inhibition of immune function. In patients with refractory NIU or those who cannot tolerate corticosteroids and immunosuppressors, biologics have emerged as alternative treatments. Thus, to improve the prognosis of patients with NIU, NIU should be managed with different drugs according to the response to treatment and possible side effects.

Intravitreal immunotherapy in non-infectious uveitis: an update

INTRODUCTION

In the past several years, there have been numerous advances in pharmacotherapeutics for the management of uveitis and other ocular inflammatory diseases, including newer therapeutic agents and ocular drug delivery systems. One of the most attractive modes of drug delivery is the intravitreal route since it has proven to be safe and efficacious and prevents unwanted systemic adverse events related to the agent.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, intravitreal delivery of various pharmacotherapeutic agents for noninfectious uveitis has been described. An extensive review of the literature was performed using specific keywords on the PubMed database to identify clinical studies employing various pharmacotherapeutic agents with intravitreal drug delivery for noninfectious uveitis. The mode of action, safety, efficacy, and tolerability of these drugs have also been elucidated.

EXPERT OPINION

Several agents, including biologic response modifier agents, have been found to be safe and efficacious for various indications of uveitis, such as cystoid macular edema, active uveitis, and other conditions such as retinal vasculitis and vitreous haze. The use of intravitreal biological therapies, especially infliximab, has been fraught with potential safety signals such as photoreceptor toxicity. However, pharmacotherapeutic agents such as corticosteroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are now widely used in the clinical management of uveitis and its complications.

Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy and Goniotomy, With or Without Concomitant Cataract Extraction, in Steroid-Induced and Uveitic Glaucoma: 24-Month Outcomes

PRCIS

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and goniotomy with Kahook Dual Blade both achieved sustained reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication burden in eyes with steroid-induced or uveitic glaucoma at 24 months. Both procedures had favorable safety profiles.

PURPOSE

To characterize the 24-month surgical outcomes of GATT and excisional goniotomy in eyes with steroid-induced or uveitic glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of eyes with steroid-induced or uveitic glaucoma that underwent GATT or excisional goniotomy, either standalone or combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery, by a single surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute. IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and steroid exposure were recorded preoperatively and at multiple postoperative timepoints up to 24 months. Surgical success was defined as at least 20% IOP reduction or IOP <12, 15, or 18 mm Hg (Criterion A, B, or C). Surgical failure was defined as need for additional glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception vision. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported.

RESULTS

Forty eyes of 33 patients underwent GATT, and 24 eyes of 22 patients underwent goniotomy, of which 88% and 75%, respectively, had 24-months' follow-up. Concomitant phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed in 38% (15/40) GATT eyes and 17% (4/24) goniotomy eyes. IOP and number of glaucoma medications were reduced at all postoperative timepoints in both groups. At 24 months, GATT eyes had mean IOP 12.9±3.5 mm Hg on 0.9±1.2 medications, and goniotomy eyes had mean IOP 14.3±4.1 mm Hg on 1.8±1.3 medications. Surgical failure was 8% for GATT and 14% for goniotomy at 24 months. Transient hyphema and transient IOP elevation were the most common complications, and 10% GATT eyes required surgical evacuation of hyphema.

CONCLUSIONS

Both GATT and goniotomy demonstrate favorable efficacy and safety in steroid-induced and uveitic glaucoma eyes. Both procedures achieved sustained reductions in IOP and glaucoma medication burden at 24 months.

Dropless penetrating keratoplasty using a subconjunctival dexamethasone implant: safety pilot study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Rejection is the main cause of graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Its prevention by repeated instillation of steroid eye-drops has not evolved in decades. Poor adherence and discontinuous nature of eye-drop treatment may explain some PK failures. In a rabbit model, we previously demonstrated that a subconjunctival dexamethasone implant was well tolerated and prevented rejection efficiently in the first 5-6 weeks. This clinical trial investigates its tolerance and safety after PK.

METHODS

Single-centre, phase II non-randomised tolerance and safety pilot study (NCT02834260). Designed to analyse the risk of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), discomfort and resorption time. Fourteen patients with a low rejection risk indication of PK were enrolled between January 2017 and August 2018. The implant was injected in the 12 o'clock position, 5 mm from the limbus, at the end of PK. A steroid eye-drop treatment was planned when implant resorption was complete. Patients were monitored regularly for 12 months: IOP (main outcome measure at 1 month), discomfort and redness scores, implant status, rejection episode and central corneal thickness by optical coherence tomography. An independent data safety monitoring committee verified safety aspects.

RESULTS

No increase in IOP or other adverse event related to the implant was observed. Average resorption time was 6 weeks. The switch to steroid eye-drops was uneventful. One patient, included despite preoperative corneal neovascularisation (unintended protocol deviation) experienced a rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first proof of concept that dropless immunosuppression is possible after low rejection risk PK.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02834260.

Steroid Treatment in Macular Edema: A Bibliometric Study and Visualization Analysis

The use of steroids to treat macular edema (ME) is a research hotspot in ophthalmology. We utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to evaluate the Web of Science Core Collection publications and to build visualizing maps to describe the research progress in this topic. There were 3,252 publications for three decades during 1988–2021. The number of studies was low during the first 14 years but has risen consistently in the following two decades. The average publications per year were only 4.8 during 1988–2002, which jumped to 113 per year during 2003–2012, and 227 per year during 2013–2021. These publications came from 83 countries/regions, with the United States, Germany, and Italy leading positions. Most studies were published in Investigative Ophthalmology Visual Science, and Ophthalmology was the most cited journal. We found 9,993 authors, with Bandello F having the most publications and Jonas JB being the most frequently co-cited. According to our research, the most popular keyword is triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Macular edema, diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), dexamethasone (DEX), fluocinolone acetonide (FA), and some other keywords were commonly studied in this field. In conclusion, the bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hotspots and developmental tendencies in the macular edema study. While anti-VEGF therapy is the first-line treatment for DME and RVO-induced macular edema, steroids implant is a valid option for these DME patients not responding to anti-VEGF therapy and non-DME patients with macular edema. Combined therapy with anti-VEGF and steroid agents is vital for future research.

Secondary glaucoma after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) injection in patients with retinal disorder: A retrospective study

Purpose:

To investigate the rate of secondary glaucoma after intravitreal (IV) dexamethasone implant (ozurdex) 0.7 mg injection in a retinal disorder over a clinical treatment period of 2 years in a tertiary eye care center.

Methods:

Retrospective study based on the records of patients receiving IV ozurdex 0.7 mg implant for T/t of cystoid macular edema (CME), diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion/branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO/BRVO), and choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) at a tertiary eye care hospital for 2 years with 6 months of follow-up. The post-T/t intraocular pressure (IOP) and antiglaucoma medication (AGM) required was recorded at day 1, 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months and analyzed for secondary IOP spike or ocular hypertension defined as IOP >21 mmHg at any point in time. The patients with pre-existing glaucoma and lost to follow-up were excluded.

Results:

A total of 102 eyes of 80 patients were included in the study. The mean baseline IOP was 14.40 + 2.97 mmHg, post-injection was 15.01 + 3.22 mmHg at day 1, 15.15 + 3.28 mmHg at 1 week, 15.96 + 3.62 mmHg at 1 month, 16.26 + 3.95 mmHg at 2 months, 15.41 + 3.33 mmHg at 3 months, 15.38 + 3.28 mmHg at 4 months, and 14.27 + 2.69 mmHg at 6 months. No significant difference was seen from baseline IOP at day 1 (P = 0.163), 1 week (P = 0.086), and 6 months (P = 0.748). Statistically significant difference was seen at 1 month (P = 0.0009), 2 months (P = 0.0001), 3 months (P = 0.023), and 4 months (P = 0.026). The mean IOP peak at 2 months recovered to baseline by 6 months subgroup IOP trend shows a similar variation and the results are consistent with the studies in the literature. About 19/102 (18.62%) eyes showed an IOP spike post-T/t. The maximum was seen at 2 months; 16 eyes showed a rise in the range 22–25 mmHg; 8 in the range 26–30 mmHg; and 1 eye had 34 mmHg and required multiple AGM—no surgical intervention was needed.

Conclusion:

A secondary IOP spike post-IV ozurdex 0.7 mg seen in 18.62% of the cases require AGM. The IOP monitoring should be meticulously performed for the variations and secondary IOP spike management to prevent irreversible damage to the optic nerve and visual field.

Considerations for Polymers Used in Ocular Drug Delivery

PURPOSE

Age-related eye diseases are becoming more prevalent. A notable increase has been seen in the most common causes including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract. Current clinical treatments vary from tissue replacement with polymers to topical eye drops and intravitreal injections. Research and development efforts have increased using polymers for sustained release to the eye to overcome treatment challenges, showing promise in improving drug release and delivery, patient experience, and treatment compliance. Polymers provide unique properties that allow for specific engineered devices to provide improved treatment options. Recent work has shown the utilization of synthetic and biopolymer derived biomaterials in various forms, with this review containing a focus on polymers Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for ocular use.

METHODS

This provides an overview of some prevalent synthetic polymers and biopolymers used in ocular delivery and their benefits, brief discussion of the various types and synthesis methods used, and administration techniques. Polymers approved by the FDA for different applications in the eye are listed and compared to new polymers being explored in the literature. This article summarizes research findings using polymers for ocular drug delivery from various stages: laboratory, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and currently approved. This review also focuses on some of the challenges to bringing these new innovations to the clinic, including limited selection of approved polymers.

RESULTS

Polymers help improve drug delivery by increasing solubility, controlling pharmacokinetics, and extending release. Several polymer classes including synthetic, biopolymer, and combinations were discussed along with the benefits and challenges of each class. The ways both polymer synthesis and processing techniques can influence drug release in the eye were discussed.

CONCLUSION

The use of biomaterials, specifically polymers, is a well-studied field for drug delivery, and polymers have been used as implants in the eye for over 75 years. Promising new ocular drug delivery systems are emerging using polymers an innovative option for treating ocular diseases because of their tunable properties. This review touches on important considerations and challenges of using polymers for sustained ocular drug delivery with the goal translating research to the clinic.

Cost-effectiveness of dexamethasone and triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in Finland: A Markov-model

PURPOSE

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO), a complication of diabetes, causes vision loss and blindness. Corticosteroids are usually used as a second-line treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of dexamethasone implants compared to cheaper and more frequently applied triamcinolone injections.

METHODS

Markov-modelling, which incorporated both eyes, was used for economic evaluation. The model consisted of five health states based on visual acuity, illustrating the progression of DMO. A cycle length of five months was chosen for dexamethasone and four months for triamcinolone. Time horizons of two and five years were applied. Transition probabilities and health state utilities were sourced from previous studies. The perspective used in this analysis was the hospital perspective. The health care costs were acquired from Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.

RESULTS

In this cost-effectiveness analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ICER with 3% discount rate was €56 591/QALY for a two-year follow-up and -€1 110 942/QALY for a five-year follow-up. In order to consider dexamethasone as cost-effective over a 2-year time horizon, the WTP needs to be around €55 000/QALY. Over the five-year follow-up, triamcinolone is clearly a dominant treatment. Sensitivity analyses support the cost-effectiveness of dexamethasone over a 2-year time horizon.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the sensitivity analyses support the results, dexamethasone would be a cost-effective treatment during the first two years with WTP threshold around €55 000/QALY, and triamcinolone would be a convenient treatment after that. This recommendation is in line with the guidelines of EURETINA.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative intraocular pressure response to topical prednisolone eye drops in patients undergoing phacoemulsification

AIM/PURPOSE

To report the incidence, risk factors, and magnitude of steroid response in individuals receiving topical 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops following phacoemulsification surgery MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postoperative IOP of 1118 consecutive patients who had uneventful cataract surgery and used 1% topical prednisolone acetate were studied. Baseline ocular parameters like best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, and slit-lamp examination findings were noted preoperatively and at postoperative day 30. Incidence of postoperative intraocular pressure response to steroid was analyzed and graded as mild, moderate, or severe and risk factors studied.

RESULTS

The mean age of our study cohort was 59.49 ± 7.25 years. The overall incidence of steroid response was 3.2%, (2.8% being moderate responders, and 0.4% high responders). Mean preoperative IOP was 14.67 ± 2.2 mm Hg in the study cohort (n = 1118). Mean postoperative IOP was 21.33 ± 7.97 mm Hg in the steroid responder (SR) and 14.66 ± 2.8 mm Hg in the non-responder (NR), with a statistically significant difference from the baseline IOP in the SR group (p < 0.001) and no difference in the NR. Univariate analysis revealed younger age and high axial length as risk factors but on multiple regression analysis, only younger age < 50 years was found to be a significant risk factor for steroid response.

CONCLUSION

The overall steroid response in this population post-cataract surgery was low with most being moderate responders. Younger age and higher axial length were identified as risk factors for steroid response, and hence this warrants the judicious use of steroids in such individuals.

Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma and recommendations for glaucoma screening

Open-angle glaucomas are a group of chronic progressive optic nerve neuropathies with a gonioscopic open anterior chamber angle. They are one of the main causes of visual impairment and blindness in industrialized countries. The aim of this article is to discuss and evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors for the development of open-angle glaucoma and to present the screening procedure for open-angle glaucoma according to the recently published S2e guidelines of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF).

Epiretinal Membrane Vitrectomy With and Without Intraoperative Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with intravitreal dexamethasone implant vs. vitrectomy without the implant in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Studies that compared ERM vitrectomy with and without intraoperative dexamethasone implant with a follow-up ≥3 months were included. The primary outcome was mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change between eyes undergoing ERM vitrectomy combined with dexamethasone implant (DEX group) and eyes undergoing ERM vitrectomy alone (control group) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included mean BCVA change at 6 months and mean optical coherence tomography central macular thickness (CMT) change at both 3-months and 6-months follow-up. Mean differences (MDs) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. Meta-analyses were based either on random effect model or fixed effect model according to heterogeneity.

Results: Four studies were included. At 3 months, ERM vitrectomy combined with dexamethasone implant yielded a greater visual gain compared to vitrectomy alone (MD = 9.7; 95%CI = 2.6–16.8; p = 0.01). However, significant heterogeneity was found. A sensitivity analysis excluding the only retrospective non-randomized study confirmed a greater visual gain in the DEX group (MD = 7.1; 95%CI = 2.7–11.6; p < 0.01), with no heterogeneity. At 6 months, a non-significant but borderline difference in visual gain was shown between in the two groups (MD = 5.1; 95%CI = −0.3–10.5; p = 0.06), with no heterogeneity. Three-month analysis of CMT revealed a greater reduction in the DEX group (MD = −80.2; 95%CI =−149.1–11.2; p = 0.02), but with significant heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis excluding the only retrospective non-randomized study allowed to reduce heterogeneity, but no difference in 3-months CMT change was found between the two groups (MD = −50.0; 95%CI = −106.2–6.2; p = 0.08). At 6 months, no difference in CMT change was shown between the two groups (MD = −48.5; 95%CI = −120.5–23.5; p = 0.19), with significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions: Intraoperative dexamethasone implant in eyes undergoing vitrectomy for ERM provided a better visual outcome at 3 months compared to ERM vitrectomy without the implant, with limited evidence of better anatomic outcome as well. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether dexamethasone implant would ensure a significant long-term visual benefit as a result of a faster reduction of macular thickening.

Surgical removal of inadvertent intralenticular sustained-release dexamethasone implant (ozurdex) and implant one-piece posterior capsule intraocular lens

To report the therapeutic efficacy and results of an accidentally injected intralenticular sustained-release dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in a patient with macular edema secondary to diabetic macular edema. Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is an approved formulation in the management of macular edema. The most common adversarial effects are an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract, but the unintentional injection of the dexamethasone implant into the lens is a particularly rare event.We report a case of a 72-year-old man treated for resistant Diabetic macular edema (DME) with dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) in which the technique was complicated by accidental implantation into the lens body and review the management. The patient underwent phacoemulsification of the lens, removal of the Ozurdex, intravitreal Avastin injection, and implant of a one-piece lens in the posterior capsule.

Dril Influences Short-term Visual Outcome after Intravitreal Corticosteroid Injection for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) are considered the gold standard for diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite adequate anti-VEGF treatments, many patients present persistent DME. The aim of this study is to identify systemic, ocular and anatomical characteristics influencing functional and anatomical outcomes in refractory DME patients treated with IVI of corticosteroid.Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter hospital-based cohort study including type 2 diabetic adult patients with refractory DME that switched from intravitreal anti-VEGF to intravitreal corticosteroid between January 2017 and September 2018. Sociodemographic, clinical data, DME and treatment characteristics were collected at baseline (visit before switch), as well as spectral domain OCT features.Results: A total of 101 eyes were included. The median number of anti-VEGF injections before switch was 5.0 (min-max: 4.0-9.0) and the median anti-VEGF treatment duration before switch was 33.2 (min-max: 19.5-50.3) months. More than half of the patients (56; 54.9%) were diagnosed with diffuse DME. At baseline, 80 (88%) patients had cystoid DME, 55 (62.5%) patients had disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) and 16 (17.6%) had subretinal fluid. Dexamethasone was the corticosteroid more commonly used (71.4%), followed by triamcinolone (24.4%) and fluocinolone (4.2%). Regarding best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), post-switch results showed no statistically significant improvement at three-month follow-up (p = .048/0.096), but the mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly from 486.3 (SD = 159) µm to 369.3 (SD = 129) µm at three-month follow-up (p < .001). DRIL was the tomographic characteristic able to influence significantly both CMT and BCVA final results (p = .02 and 0.012, respectively).Conclusions: Subfoveal DRIL on structural OCT was the DME factor influencing significantly clinical and imaging outcomes in refractory DME patients treated with intravitreal corticosteroid. Portuguese care trend towards DME shows preference for the use of dexamethasone implant after therapeutic failure with ranibizumab or bevacizumab injection.

[Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma and recommendations for glaucoma screening]

Open-angle glaucomas are a group of chronic progressive optic nerve neuropathies with a gonioscopic open anterior chamber angle. They are one of the main causes of visual impairment and blindness in industrialized countries. The aim of this article is to discuss and evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors for the development of open-angle glaucoma and to present the screening procedure for open-angle glaucoma according to the recently published S2e guidelines of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF).

Uveitis in spondyloarthritis

Uveitis is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), occurring in up to one-third of the patients. In the majority of patients, uveitis is acute, anterior and unilateral and presents with photosensitivity, sudden onset of pain and blurred vision. Topical steroids are an effective treatment; however, recurrent or refractory cases may need conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biological treatment with monoclonal tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, thus also influencing treatment strategy of the underlying SpA. Though the exact pathogenesis of SpA and uveitis remains unknown, both seem to result from the interaction of a specific, mostly shared genetical background (among other HLA-B27 positivity), external influences such as microbiome, bacterial infection or mechanical stress and activation of the immune system resulting in inflammation. Up to 40% of patients presenting with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) have an undiagnosed SpA. Therefore, an effective referral strategy for AAU patients is needed to shorten the diagnostic delay of SpA and enable an early effective treatment. Further, the risk for ophthalmological manifestations increases with the disease duration in SpA; and patients presenting with ocular symptoms should be referred to an ophthalmologist. Thus, a close collaboration between patient, rheumatologist and ophthalmologist is needed to optimally manage ocular inflammation in SpA.

Corticosteroids in ophthalmology: drug delivery innovations, pharmacology, clinical applications, and future perspectives

Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of the treatment for various ocular conditions affecting the ocular surface, anterior and posterior segments of the eye due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, and anti-neovascularization properties. Prednisolone, prednisolone acetate, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide, and loteprednol etabonate are amongst the most widely used ophthalmic corticosteroids. Corticosteroids differ in their activity and potency in the eye due to their inherent pharmacological and pharmaceutical differences. Different routes and regimens are available for ocular administration of corticosteroids. Conventional topical application to the eye is the route of choice when targeting diseases affecting the ocular surface and anterior segment, while periocular, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal injections can be potentially effective for posterior segment diseases. Corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation and cataract formation remain the most significant local risks following topical as well as systemic corticosteroid administration. Invasive drug administration via intracameral, subconjunctival, and intravitreal injection can enhance ocular bioavailability and minimize dose and dosing frequency of administration, yet may exacerbate ocular side effects of corticosteroids. This review provides a critical appraisal of the ophthalmic uses of corticosteroid, routes of administration, drug delivery fundamentals and novel ocular implantable steroid delivery systems, factors influencing side effects, and future perspectives for ocular corticosteroid therapy.

Clinical-Decision Criteria to Identify Recurrent Diabetic Macular Edema Patients Suitable for Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant Therapy (ILUVIEN®) and Follow-Up Considerations/Recommendations

Current management of diabetic macular edema (DME) predominantly involves treatment with short-acting intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) and/or corticosteroids; however, short-acting therapies (lasting between 1 and 6 months) require frequent injections to maintain efficacy, meaning a considerable treatment burden for diabetic patients with multiple comorbidities. Continuous injections needed in some cases are an economic burden for patients/healthcare system, so real-life clinical practice tends to adopt a reactive approach, ie, watch and wait for worsening symptoms, which consequently increases the risk of undertreatment and edema recurrence. On March 7th 2019, a group of experts in retinal medicine and surgery held a roundtable meeting in Madrid, Spain to discuss how to (1) optimize clinical outcomes through earlier use of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN^®) in patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite therapy; and, (2) to provide guidance to assist physicians in deciding which patients should be treated with ILUVIEN. In this regard, a 36-month follow-up consensus protocol is presented. In conclusion, patients that achieve a complete or partial anatomical, and preferably functional, response following one or two intravitreal dexamethasone implants, but with recurrence of edema after 3-4 months, are deemed by the authors most likely to benefit from ILUVIEN, and the switch to FAc implant should not be delayed more than 12 months after the initiation of at least the first dexamethasone implant.

Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Liposomes as Primary Therapy for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To explore safety and therapeutic efficacy of a topical ophthalmic triamcinolone acetonide-loaded liposome formulation (TA-LF) as primary therapy in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with ME secondary to BRVO were exposed to a topical instillation of 1 drop of TA-LF (TA 0.2%) 6 times a day for 12 weeks to evaluate safety and efficacy. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examination, and central foveal thickness (CFT) were analyzed at every visit. In addition, the morphology of TA-LF was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Patients presented a significant improvement of BCVA and CFT without significant IOP modification (P = 0.94). Treated eyes showed BCVA improvement from 40 ± 12.05 to 64.83 ± 15.97 letters and CFT reduction from 682.91 ± 278.60 to 271.58 ± 57.66 μm after 12 weeks of TA-LF therapy (P < 0.001). No adverse events, including IOP rising, were registered. SEM analysis of liposomal formulations showed that liposome (LP) size depends on its concentration. As the concentration of TA increased, the average size of LPs and the number of larger particles increased as well. TEM study displayed that LP formulation efficiently solubilizes TA crystals in nanoparticles and encapsulates them. Conclusion: LPs can function as nanocarriers of TA and they could be used as topical ophthalmic primary therapy instead of intravitreal drugs in patients with ME secondary to BRVO.

Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and cardiovascular risk: the importance of a long-term perspective and a multidisciplinary approach to optimal intravitreal therapy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) resulting from vascular damage from persistently elevated blood glucose levels are among the serious secondary pathologies associated with long-standing diabetes mellitus. The established link between DR and CVD suggests the need for appropriate and early management of patients with diabetes to minimize CV risk. This is of particular importance in patients with recent, or a history of, major CV events. Early management of DR is a complex task that requires comprehensive evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach to manage complications, risk factors, and interactions between different aspects of the disease. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents have become an important therapeutic modality in ophthalmology. However, their use is contraindicated in patients with DR and/or DME with a CV event in the previous 3 months. In patients with DME, corticosteroids target the multifaceted inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of DR, with a broader spectrum of action than anti-VEGF agents. In this context, recent guidelines suggest the use of corticosteroids, and in particular dexamethasone intravitreal implant, as a well-tolerated and efficacious first-line treatment in patients with high CV risk, such as a history of or recent major CV events. This review focuses on the subset of diabetic patients with a prior CV event, DR, and DME and discusses the need for a holistic approach in evaluating the optimal therapeutic choice for the care of the individual patient, supported by real-world clinical experience on long-term dexamethasone intravitreal implant therapy.

Rebound Phenomenon after Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Macular Edema

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this article was to report on a rebound phenomenon after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy (DR) and central or branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO/BRVO).

METHODS

The data were analyzed retrospectively. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography, were performed before and 2 months after IVTA injection. The incidence of a rebound phenomenon was defined as an increase in central retinal thickness of >10% from baseline at 2 months after IVTA injection.

RESULTS

This retrospective study included 211 consecutive patients (268 eyes). One hundred ninety (71.2%), 39 (14.6%), and 39 (14.6%) eyes had macular edema (ME) due to DR, CRVO, and BRVO. In total, 9.7% of the eyes showed a rebound phenomenon (DR: 9.5%, CRVO: 5.2%, BRVO: 15.4%). The mean number of prior injections of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor or corticosteroid agent was statistically significantly higher in the rebound group (6.8 vs. 5.3) than in the nonrebound group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that 9.7% of the eyes with ME secondary to DR and RVO developed a rebound phenomenon following IVTA injection, limiting its therapeutic effect. We found an increased number of prior intravitreal pharmacotherapy to be a risk factor for a rebound phenomenon.

Steroid-induced glaucoma: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management

Glucocorticoids are a class of anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat various ocular and systemic conditions. Although the role of glucocorticoids in the treatment of numerous serious inflammatory diseases is pivotal, their prolonged use may increase intraocular pressure resulting in steroid-induced glaucoma. We provide a detailed update on steroid-induced glaucoma as a preventable cause of blindness in the adult and pediatric population and describe its epidemiology, social impact, and risk factors. Furthermore, we explore the propensity of different steroids to increase the intraocular pressure, the role of different routes of steroid administration, dosage and duration of treatment, as well as the clinical features, genetics, and management of steroid-induced glaucoma.

Elimination of Steroid Drops After Vitreoretinal Surgery

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammatory outcomes between patients receiving a single subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection at the end of surgery and those receiving subconjunctival dexamethasone at the end of surgery plus a traditional topical steroid drop taper.

Methods:

A retrospective consecutive case series compared patients operated on by 2 surgeons, both utilizing 500 mL BSS-PLUS (balanced salt solution with bicarbonate, dextrose, and glutathione; Alcon Laboratories, Inc) infusion solution containing 10 mg dexamethasone, which is added to the solution in the operating room or at the pharmacy. However, one surgeon utilized a single 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide subconjunctival injection at the end of surgery, without additional steroid drops (intervention group), and the other utilized subconjunctival dexamethasone plus a traditional topical steroid taper over a period of 4 to 6 weeks (control group).

Results:

There were 161 surgeries in the intervention group and 163 in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found in the usage rate of additional IOP-lowering drops, IOP > 29 mmHg, or IOP increase ≥ 10 mmHg over baseline during the follow-up period. Inflammatory complications were rare in both groups. Five percent of those in the intervention group received supplemental topical steroid drops postoperatively.

Conclusions:

A single subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection at the end of surgery may represent a reasonable alternative to requiring patients to use a steroid drop taper following vitreoretinal surgery.

INTRAOCULAR DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT POSITION IN SITU AND OCULAR HYPERTENSION

PURPOSE

To determine the association between the dexamethasone implant position in the vitreous cavity and ocular hypertension (OHT).

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with at least one intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection between 2012 and 2016. Patients who had a minimum follow-up for 6 months and documented evidence of the implant position were included in the study. Steroid responders, glaucoma patients, vitrectomized eyes, and eyes with liquefied vitreous were excluded. Relevant data were collected from patient charts. Three positions (P1, P2, and P3) were identified: P1 (in contact with the pars plana/ciliary body region), P2 (anterior to vortex veins), and P3 (posterior to vortex veins). Ocular hypertension was defined as absolute intraocular pressure > 25 mmHg and/or intraocular pressure rise > 10 mmHg. The relationship between implant position and intraocular pressure rise after factoring in other characteristics was the outcome measure. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 377 patients (432 eyes; 257 males; 677 injections) were eligible for analysis. The median age was 57.24 (±6.32) years. Eighty-eight eyes had OHT. Of these, 54 eyes had the implant in P1. P1 was associated with high intraocular pressure response (>15 mmHg; P = 0.004) and early (<15 days) onset OHT (r = 0.84, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Anterior position of dexamethasone implant in situ increases the risk of OHT.

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Treatment of Sarcoidosis-Related Uveitis

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection in the management of sarcoidosis-related uveitis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection for indications such as intractable vitritis, vasculitis, or cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

This study comprised 20 patients with sarcoidosis-related uveitis. A single injection was performed in 13 eyes (65%) and 35% required more than 2 injections during the follow-up period [median 16.5 months (range 6-32)]. The best-corrected visual acuity showed significant improvement at 1 month (P = 0.004) and 3 months (P = 0.001), but there was no significance at 6 months after implant injection (P = 0.186). One month after treatment, the central macular thickness decreased to 278.95 ± 52.20 μm (P = 0.023). It further decreased to 274.70 ± 55.88 μm at 3 months (P = 0.027), but there was no significance at 6 months (280.65 ± 64.48 μm, P = 0.074).The anterior chamber cell grade (P = 0.003) and vitreous haze (P = 0.001) were significantly decreased for up to 6 months after a single implant injection. The most common ocular complication was worsening of cataracts during the first 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection is efficacious in reducing anterior chamber inflammation, vitreous haze, and cystoid macular edema in patients with sarcoidosis-related uveitis. Considering that sarcoidosis shows a chronic course of disease in a significant proportion of cases, intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection is a possible option to relieve intraocular inflammation.

Vitrectomy Combined with Intraoperative Dexamethasone Implant for the Management of Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose

To evaluate the 1-year results of vitrectomy performed in combination with intraoperative dexamethasone implant for tractional and nontractional refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

Thirteen eyes from 13 subjects who were diagnosed with tractional DME and 17 eyes from 17 subjects who were diagnosed with nontractional refractory DME underwent vitrectomy and dexamethasone implant injection. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) during the one year following vitrectomy were evaluated in each group. Additionally, changes in intraocular pressure and other complications were investigated postoperatively.

Results

In eyes with tractional DME, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA was noted at 3, 6, and 12 months, and a statistically significant improvement in CMT was noted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline after vitrectomy (p < 0.05). In eyes with nontractional refractory DME, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA was noted at 12 months, but there were no significant improvements in CMT despite the tendency to decrease from baseline. Sixteen (53.3%) of the 30 eyes included in this study showed intraocular pressure elevation, which was addressed using antiglaucoma medication, and there were no other severe complications.

Conclusions

Vitrectomy combined with intraoperative dexamethasone implant may be safe and effective in treating DME, especially tractional DME. In this study, patients with nontractional DME required more additional treatments and time for anatomical and functional improvement compared to patients with tractional DME.

Dexamethasone Provides Effective Immunosuppression for Improved Survival of Retinal Organoids after Epiretinal Transplantation

We investigated the efficacy of the immunosuppressants rapamycin (RAP) and dexamethasone (DEX) in improving the survival of retinal organoids after epiretinal transplantation. We first compared the immunosuppressive abilities of DEX and RAP in activated microglia in an in vitro setting. Following this, we used immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry to investigate the effects of DEX and RAP on cells in the retinal organoids. Retinal organoids were then seeded onto poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) scaffolds and implanted into rhesus monkey eyes (including a healthy individual and three monkeys with chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) induction) and subjected to different post-operative immunosuppressant treatments; 8 weeks after the experiment, histological examinations were carried out to assess the success of the different treatments. Our in vitro experiments indicated that both DEX and RAP treatments were equally effective in suppressing microglial activity. Although both immunosuppressants altered the morphologies of cells in the retinal organoids and caused a slight decrease in the differentiation of cells into retinal ganglion cells, the organoid cells retained their capacity to grow and differentiate into retinal tissues. Our in vivo experiments indicate that the retinal organoid can survive and differentiate into retinal tissues in a healthy rhesus monkey eye without immunosuppressive treatment. However, the survival and differentiation of these organoids in OHT eyes was successful only with the DEX treatment. RAP treatment was ineffective in preventing immunological rejection, and the retinal organoid failed to survive until the end of 8 weeks. DEX is likely a promising immunosuppressant to enhance the survival of epiretinal implants.

Expert opinion on the use of biological therapy in non-infectious uveitis

INTRODUCTION

Conventional immunosuppressive drugs, anti-TNF alpha treatments and biotherapies are increasingly being used in non-infectious uveitis.

AREAS COVERED

The present work was led by a multidisciplinary panel of experts, including internal medicine specialists, rheumatologists and ophthalmologists, and proposes an extensive review on the use of biological agents in non-infectious uveitis.

EXPERT OPINION

In case of dependency to steroids or sight-threatening disease, conventional immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil) and/or biological therapies such as anti-TNF alpha treatments (adalimumab, infliximab) can be used to achieve and maintain disease quiescence. Interferon is an efficient immunomodulatory drug that can be proposed as second-line therapy in specific indications (eg. refractory macular edema, sight-threatening Behçet's uveitis). Other biologics, especially tocilizumab, are showing promising results. Local treatments (steroids, sirolimus etc.) can be used as adjuvant therapies in case of unilateral relapse. Therapeutic response must always be evaluated by clinical examination and appropriate ancillary investigations.

Comparative analysis of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin versus standard perioperative eyedrops in cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin (Tri-Moxi) to a standard eyedrop regimen in controlling postoperative inflammation, corneal edema, and the rate of high intraocular pressure (IOP) among cataract patients.

SETTING

Loma Linda University Eye Institute, California, USA.

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal comparative study.

METHODS

The electronic medical records of patients who underwent cataract surgery using triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin injection along with a postoperative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug drop were reviewed (Group 1). Group 1 was compared with patients who received a standard eyedrop (Group 2) in terms of intraocular inflammation and corneal edema severity, and the rate of high IOP, postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 1195 consecutive eyes (Group 1 [681 eyes], Group 2 [514 eyes]) of 919 patients were included in the study. The anterior chamber cell reaction severity decreased by 34.0% and 35.7% at 1 week and 1 month, respectively, after surgery following triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin injection compared with standard eyedrop therapy (P = .001 and P = .02, respectively). Group 1 was associated with increased severity of corneal edema (odds ratio, 1.48; P = .001) on postoperative day 1, with no statistically significant difference at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P = .25 and P = .48, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of high IOP between the two groups at different timepoints postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin injection is an effective method to control intraocular inflammation after cataract surgery. It is a promising substitute for standard eyedrop therapy, especially for patients who have poor compliance with eyedrop usage.

Factors Influencing Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone Treatment in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

PURPOSE

To evaluate factors associated with response to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in diabetic macular edema (DME).

METHODS

Ninety-one eyes of 88 patients diagnosed with DME were enrolled in this retrospective chart review. Group 1 included eyes that showed good response to IVB. Group 2 included eyes that did not respond to IVB but responded to IVTA. Group 3 included eyes that responded to neither. Clinical factors, HbA1c, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings including patterns of macular edema were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 44, 27, and 20 eyes were included in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. HbA1c was higher in group 3 than in the other groups. Proportion of full (combination of all patterns) type edema was higher in group 3 than in the other 2 groups. In group 1, the proportion of sponge-like diffuse retinal thickening type was higher and cystoid macular edema type was lower than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of diabetic control and morphologic subtypes with OCT should be considered to better predict the prognosis after treatment in DME.

Phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy in ocular hypertension secondary to dexamethasone intravitreal implant

PURPOSE

To evaluate the characteristics and progression of patients treated with a 0.7mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex^®) and required glaucoma filtering surgery (phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy) to control ocular hypertension (OHT).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study including patients treated with Ozurdex^® in a tertiary-care university hospital from May 2011 to April 2016.

RESULTS

In five years of follow-up, 1.10% (4/363) of patients treated with 0.7mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant required phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (PNPDS) to control OHT refractory to topical treatment. All four patients started or increased previous antihypertensive topical treatment since the first dexamethasone intravitreal implant. Three or more dexamethasone intravitreal implants were injected in the four cases before intraocular pressure (IOP) became uncontrolled and PNPDS was performed. All four patients have a successfully controlled IOP without treatment after PNPDS. Two patients required additional treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implants after PNPDS, maintaining IOP under control without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the successful results of PNPDS in OHT secondary to dexamethasone intravitreal implant. All four patients have achieved controlled IOP without treatment. Re-treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implant in those patients who underwent PNPDS is also possible, and IOP remains controlled.

Retina and glaucoma: surgical complications

Background

The close structural and microcirculatory co-relation between anterior and posterior segments of eye make them very vulnerable to complications when one of them is affected surgically. With the advent of anti-fibrotic agents in the management of glaucoma, the rates of vitreoretinal complications have become more frequent.

Main body

Common retinal complications after glaucoma surgeries include choroidal detachment; ocular decompression retinopathy; haemorrhagic choroidal detachment; hypotony maculopathy; malignant glaucoma; vitreous haemorrhage; bleb endophthalmitis; retinal detachment. Similarly, intraocular pressure rise is often noted after scleral buckle; pars plana vitrectomy; intravitreal gas injection; silicone oil injection; intravitreal steroid injection.

Conclusion

The article provides some insight into some of the complications after glaucoma and retina surgeries, including the pathogenetic mechanisms behind each complication and available management options.