Surgical management of post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma

Clinical outcomes of penetrating canaloplasty in patients with traumatic angle recession glaucoma: a prospective interventional case series

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of penetrating canaloplasty in traumatic angle recession glaucoma at 1 year.

METHODS

Patients with angle recession glaucoma underwent penetrating canaloplasty, a new Schlemm's canal-based internal drainage procedure, which creates a direct canal for flow of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber to the ostia of Schlemm's canal via a window created at the corneal scleral bed without use of antimetabolites. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. Success was defined as an IOP ≤21 mm Hg without (complete) or with (qualified) use of glaucoma medication.

RESULTS

Forty eyes in 40 patients with angle recession glaucoma underwent successful circumferential catheterisation. The mean patient age was 42±13 years. In patients with penetrating canaloplasty that was deemed to be completely successful, the mean IOP decreased from a preoperative value of 37.8±12.3 mm Hg on 3.3±1.2 anti-glaucoma medications to 18.5±6.4 mm Hg on 1.2±1.4 medications, 14.9±4.6 mm Hg on 0.1±0.5 medications, 15.7±5.4 mm Hg on 0.1±0.4 medications and 14.8±3.6 mm Hg on 0.1±0.5 medications at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05). Complete success was achieved in 35/40 eyes (87.5%) at 6 months and in 34/38 (89.5%) at 12 months. Hyphema (18/40, 45.0%) and transient IOP elevation (≥30 mm Hg, 9/40, 22.5%) were the most common postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Penetrating canaloplasty significantly reduces IOP and has a high success rate in angle recession glaucoma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1900020511.

Evaluation of primary Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation in post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma in Indian eyes

PURPOSE

To highlight the efficacy of primary Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in angle recession glaucoma following blunt ocular trauma in Indian eyes.

DESIGN

A retrospective analytical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 52 patients of angle recession glaucoma, who presented between Mar 2006 to Feb 2016, out of which 38 patients had undergone primary AGV implantation, while the rest were managed with topical anti-glaucoma medications. Preoperative data included age, sex, type and mode of injury, duration of injury, assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP). The extent of angle recession was observed by gonioscopy. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and the number of anti-glaucoma medications were measured postoperatively. The success of this technique was analyzed by using a Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve.

RESULTS

Following AGV implantation, the mean IOP was significantly reduced to 8.7 ± 2.2 at 1st day, 10.1 ± 2.2 at 7th day, 14.2 ± 3.4 at 3rd month, 15.6 ± 3.7 at 1 year, and 15.6 ± 3.6 at 3rd-year follow-up showing statistically significant values (p < 0.001) at each visit. The IOP was successfully controlled at the last follow-up without topical treatment. Mean BCVA at 3 years -post-AGV was 0.144 (0.151) (LogMAR) which was statistically significant (p < 0.001) as compared to the mean BCVA of 0.898 (± 0.205) LogMAR units at presentation. The success rate by Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was 90% at the mean follow-up duration of 29.47 ± 3.39 months. Overall surgical complications were noted in the form of prolonged hypotony, hyphema in 7 patients (13.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In medically uncontrolled post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma, primary AGV Implantation is a safe and effective surgical procedure with lesser complication rates providing long-term IOP control in a younger population.

Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C in Post-Traumatic Angle Recession Glaucoma in Phakic Eyes With no Prior Intraocular Intervention

PURPOSE

: To evaluate the outcomes of primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (trab MMC) in phakic eyes with post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma with no prior intraocular surgeries.

METHODS

: We included 32 phakic eyes of 32 patients who underwent trab MMC between January-2002 and December-2017. Complete success was IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg without anti-glaucoma medications (AGM) and failure was when IOP >21 mm Hg with AGM or need for additional intervention for IOP control or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

: Thirty-two eyes of 32 subjects with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 30.6 ± 12.6 years were included. The majority were male (97.6%) and the major cause of blunt trauma were sports injury in 28/32 eyes (88%) and 24/32 eyes (75%) had >180-degree angle recession. The Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 1.3 years (0.3,3.5). There was significant IOP reduction at 1-year postoperatively (34 (28,40) to 13 (12,16) mm Hg; p < .001). The median postoperative AGM at 1-year was significantly less (4 (3,4) to 0; p < .001) with stable Log MAR visual acuity (p = .24). The complete survival of trab MMC was 88% at 1 year and was 77% from 2 to 5 years. Complications were intraoperative vitreous prolapse needing limited vitrectomy in two eyes and postoperative choroidal detachment in two eyes that resolved with conservative management. The contralateral eyes of three patients (9.7%) developed elevated IOP during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

: Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C in phakic eyes with traumatic angle recession glaucoma showed good safety and efficacy in the medium-term follow-up. The contralateral fellow eye needs monitoring for glaucoma in these patients.

Pathophysiology and management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension related to trauma

Ocular trauma is a significant cause of blindness worldwide, particularly if associated with glaucoma. Direct damage from blunt or penetrating trauma, bleeding, inflammation, lens-related problems, orbital and brain vascular pathologies related to trauma, and chemical injuries may increase intraocular pressure and lead to traumatic glaucoma. Treatment may be as simple as eliminating the underlying cause in some conditions or management can be challenging, depending on the mechanism of damage. If proper management is not undertaken, visual outcomes can be poor. We discuss a broad spectrum of trauma-related mechanisms of intraocular pressure elevation, as well as their management.

Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed or Baerveldt Tube Shunt Implantation for medically Uncontrolled Traumatic Glaucoma

Aim

To describe postoperative surgical success of either Ahmed or Baerveldt tube shunt implantation for eyes with medically uncontrolled traumatic glaucoma.

Materials and methods

A review was carried out to identify patients with traumatic glaucoma that required tube shunt implantation between 2009 and 2015 at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Seventeen eyes from 17 patients met inclusion criteria, including at least 3-month postoperative follow-up. The main outcome measure was surgical success at 1-year follow-up after tube implantation.

Results

Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.1 ± 8.2 mm Hg on 3.1 ± 1.6 ocular hypotensive medications. Nine eyes (53%) sustained closed globe injury. Ten eyes (59%) received an Ahmed valve shunt and seven eyes (41%) received a Baerveldt tube shunt. Surgical success rate at 1 year postoperatively was 83%. Compared to preoperative, the mean postoperative IOP was significantly lower (16.1 ± 3.5 mm Hg, p < 0.001) on significantly fewer ocular hypertensive medications (1.3 ± 1.6, p = 0.001) at a mean follow-up of 10 months. Mean IOP reduction at last follow-up was 49%. There were three cases of surgical failures: One case of hypotony, one case of tube extrusion with subsequent explan-tation, and one case requiring second tube insertion for IOP control.

Conclusion

Implantation of an Ahmed or Baerveldt tube shunt provided successful control of IOP in patients with medically uncontrollable traumatic glaucoma.

How to cite this article

Yadgarov A, Liu D, Crane ES, Khouri AS. Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed or Baerveldt Tube Shunt Implantation for medically Uncontrolled Traumatic Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):16-21.

Abnormal increase of intraocular pressure in fellow eye after severe ocular trauma: A case report

BACKGROUND

An ocular injury can lead to secondary glaucoma in the traumatized eye in 3% to 20% of cases. Literature on the risk of developing elevated intraocular pressure in the nontraumatized fellow eye is scant. Clinicians treating ocular traumas should also bear in mind sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare bilateral granulomatous panuveitis following accidental or surgical trauma to 1 eye.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of high-pressure glaucoma of the fellow eye without any signs of uveitis. The left eye of a 24-year-old man was injured in an inadvertent movement during a free-time table-tennis match. The eye was severely crushed, leading to blindness. His right eye developed medically uncontrolled high-pressure glaucoma only 1 month after the injury.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports of post-traumatic glaucoma in the nontraumatized eye after open-globe injury.

The management of complicated glaucoma

Complicated glaucomas present considerable diagnostic and management challenges. Response to treatment can be unpredictable or reduced compared with other glaucomas. However, target intraocular pressure and preservation of vision may be achieved with selected medical, laser and surgical treatment. The evidence for such treatment is expanding and consequently affords clinicians a better understanding of established and novel techniques. Herein we review the mechanisms involved in the development of complicated glaucoma and the current evidence supporting its management.

Causes and treatments of traumatic secondary glaucoma

PURPOSE

To study the cause, treatment, and cure of traumatic secondary glaucoma in 103 cases (103 eyes).

METHODS

The records of 103 patients (103 eyes) were reviewed. Causes of the high intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed according to the time after trauma. Most patients achieved a better visual acuity and ideal IOP after positive medical, neodymium:Yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, or surgical treatment. The operations included anterior chamber irrigation, filtering operation combined with mitomycin C, lensectomy, vitrectomy, and combination surgery.

RESULTS

Clinical findings of secondary glaucoma associated with ocular trauma are complex. Causes resulting in high IOP include intraocular bleeding, lens dislocation, phacoanaphylaxis, angle recession, and siderosis. After medical, laser, or surgical treatment, the IOP of most patients could be ideally controlled. After follow-up for half a year, the IOP of 3 cases (2.91%) was below 10 mmHg and 92 (89.32%) cases between 10 and 21 mmHg; only 8 cases (7.77%) still had IOP over 21 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

In traumatic secondary glaucoma, antiglaucoma medication should be used at the early stage, and surgery should be carried out when medical treatment does not reduce the elevated IOP, or in difficult cases to avoid severe complications. The postoperative IOP of most injured eyes was controlled within the safe range.

Comparison of 90-s versus 5-min intraoperative 5-fluorouracil in trabeculectomy

To compare the relative efficacy of trabeculectomy surgery with 90-s and 5-min intraoperative exposure time to 5-fluorouracil. This was a retrospective, non-randomized comparative study. 41 eyes of 33 consecutive patients in the study group were compared to 40 eyes of 30 consecutive patients in the historical control group. Both groups were exposed to 5-fluorouracil (50 mg/ml) during trabeculectomy surgery. The exposure time was 90 s for the study group and 5 min for the control group. Three criteria were used to define surgical success: IOP (intraocular pressure) less than 21 mmHg; IOP less than 21 mmHg with more than 30% reduction in pressure; and IOP less than 15 mmHg with more than 30% reduction. The number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, complications, and interventions were recorded at regular intervals. Mean preoperative IOP was 21.6 +/- 4.8 in the 90-s group and 21.2 +/- 4.9 in the 5-min group. Mean follow-up was 28.2 +/- 5.1 months in the 90-s group and 48.0 +/- 4.9 months in the 5-min group. During the first 30 postoperative months, there were no statistically significant differences in IOP and requirement for antiglaucoma medications between the two groups. The 90-s group had shorter survival rates using the 1st success criteria, but no significant difference was detected when the more stringent 2nd and 3rd criteria were applied. Choroidal effusions were significantly less common in the 90-s group (P = 0.0076). The results of this small study suggest that a 90-s application of 5-fluorouracil may be as effective as a 5-min one in trabeculectomy.

[Wound healing modulation in glaucoma surgery]

The wound healing response is one of the major determinants of filtering surgery success. Over the last two decades, antifibrotic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC), have modified the prognosis of filtering surgery, particularly in patients at high risk for failure. Nevertheless, these agents are associated with severe complications. In order to maximize their benefits and minimize the rate of complications, the use of these powerful treatments has to be carefully evaluated in relation to patient risk factors for scarring. The choice of an antifibrotic agent, mode, dose and duration of application should be made with complete knowledge of the different effects of these treatments and adapted for each patient after an exhaustive preoperative evaluation.

[Glaucoma surgery and retinal pathology]

The occurrence of hypertonia during a surgically treated retinal disease is frequent because these disorders often involve the same population of patients. The main cause of postoperative hypertonia remains a preoperative unknown glaucoma. Hypertonia occurring before the treatment of a retinal detachment can result from angle recession glaucoma, ghost cell glaucoma, or Schwartz-Matzuo syndrome; all of which are frequently associated with trauma. Hypertonia occurring after the surgery of a retinal detachment can be caused by scleral buckling, a topical postoperative steroid treatment, or an internal tamponade with gas or silicone. The latter is responsible for severe hypertonia that is frequently resistant to treatment. Hypertonia occurring after the use of triamcinolone is usually controlled with medical treatment. Prior filtrating surgery can lead to technical problems during retinal surgery. The knowledge of pre-existing glaucoma may be reason for cautious management of retinal surgery.

The last 11 years of Molteno implantation at the University of Cape Town. Refining our indications and surgical technique

AIMS

To analyse outcomes, factors influencing surgical success, and surgical technique of Molteno implantation over the past 11 years in order to identify ways of improving long-term control.

METHODS

Retrospective interventional review of case records of all consecutive patients undergoing Molteno implantation at Groote Schuur Hospital between 1/1/1991 and 31/12/2002. Data were recorded on an MSAccess database and processed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and life table analysis.

RESULTS

We analysed 162 consecutive single-phase Molteno tube implantation procedures on 157 eyes of 148 patients with mean follow-up of 2.9 years. Intraocular pressure (IOP) dropped from a mean of 43.3 at booking to 19.1 at final follow-up. Overall 'complete success' was achieved in 30% and 'partial success' in 16%. A high preoperative IOP was a significant predictor of a high postoperative pressure. Pseudophakic patients had significantly better postoperative pressure control. Neovascular glaucoma was a risk factor for poor pressure control. Race, gender, previous surgery, uveitis, and trauma did not influence surgical outcome. Follow-up adjusted incidence of 2.4 cases of endophthalmitis per patient year was unexpectedly high. Tubes that migrated had been secured with absorbable sutures in 4/5 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, high preoperative IOPs were probably a significant contributing factor to relatively poor postoperative pressure control. Addressing this issue may aid in improving outcomes in future surgery. The high postoperative pressure outcomes suggest that single plate Molteno implantation is not an ideal way of achieving low target pressure in third world glaucoma patients.

A novel technique of ab interno glaucoma surgery: follow-up results after 24 months

PURPOSE

It was the aim of this study to investigate the efficacy, longevity, and safety of a new ab interno intervention for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

The previously described method of radiofrequency-mediated "sclerothalamotomy ab interno" was applied in 53 eyes of consecutive patients with POAG between April 2002 and July 2002. Average preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 25.6+/-2.3 mmHg (range 18-48 mmHg). Sclerothalamotomies were carried out with a custom-made high-frequency dissection 19 G probe (tip 0.3 x 1 mm) applying bipolar current with a frequency of 500 kHz (tip temperature 130 degrees C).

RESULTS

After a follow-up period of 24 months, the average IOP was 15.0+/-1.6 mmHg (range 11-20 mmHg) (p<0.005). The average number of topical agents was 2.6+/-1.0 (range 1-5) preoperatively. Twenty-four months after surgery such agents were used in only five (9.6%) eyes and the average was 0.21+/-0.53 (range 0-2). Transient IOP elevation was observed in 12 of 53 eyes (22.6%) postoperatively. In all cases elevated IOP could efficiently be controlled with topical medication. In general, IOP dropped continuously over the course of the 6 months following surgery and then remained constant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that sclerothalamotomy ab interno is a safe and efficient surgical method for the treatment of POAG. Long-term results clearly demonstrate the longevity of IOP reduction.

[Blunt ocular trauma. Part I: blunt anterior segment trauma]

Blunt ocular traumas include contusions and ruptures of the globe--open and closed globe injuries. Characteristic damage results in anterior and posterior segment trauma. Typical patterns of injuries are combinations of (1) hyphema grade II-IV, iris-lens injury, vitreal bleeding--choroidal rupture and increased risk of rebleeding, (2) angle recession >180 degrees--secondary open-angle glaucoma, and (3) vitreal prolapse and lens dislocation-retinal detachment. Patients with blunt eye trauma should be under steady observation by an ophthalmologist to handle late complications.

Long-term follow-up of traumatic glaucoma treated with Molteno implants

PURPOSE

To determine the long-term outcomes of patients with traumatic glaucoma treated with Molteno implants at Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand.

DESIGN

Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-eight patients with traumatic glaucoma and with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years.

INTERVENTION

Insertion of Molteno implant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP) and intraocular pressure-related surgical interventions after Molteno implant insertion.

RESULTS

Insertion of a Molteno implant controlled the IOP at 21 mmHg or less (with or without hypotensive medication) with a probability of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66, 0.93) at 5 years and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.56, 0.88) at 10 years. At final follow-up, intraocular pressure was controlled solely with the implant in 26 cases and controlled with the addition of hypotensive medication in three cases, whereas nine eyes were failures. Eleven patients (29%) underwent intervention for implant repositioning or tube orifice blockage. Thirty-four double- and six single-plate Molteno implants were inserted. Two patients had implants replaced. Seventy-nine percent became aphakic or pseudophakic from their trauma before or at the time of Molteno implant insertion. There were no exclusions resulting from extensive ocular damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Insertion of Molteno implants in traumatic glaucoma produced intraocular pressure control at long-term follow-up in 76% of cases.

Efficacy and safety of contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for advanced glaucoma

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory, advanced glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eyes of 100 patients with advanced glaucoma refractory to medical treatment were consecutively treated by transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg in eyes with a visual acuity of more than hard movements, relief of pain in eyes with a visual acuity of hand movements or less including blind eyes, and reduction of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor use in all eyes.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were followed up for 1 year after initial treatment. The overall success rate was 74.2%. Of 60 eyes with a visual acuity of more than hand movements, intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg was achieved in 41 (68.3%) eyes. Relief of pain was achieved in 28 (84.8%) of 33 eyes. Reduction of systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor use was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Within 1 year, 173 laser procedures (mean, 1.9 per patient) were performed. The probability of success increased significantly (P = 0.004) with the age of the patients, from 55% for patients younger than the age of 50 years to 83% for patients older than the age of 50 years. Previous ocular surgery decreased the success probability from 95% to 68% (P = 0.02). A high success rate was achieved in inflammatory glaucoma (75%), primary open-angle glaucoma (89.5%), and neovascular glaucoma (86.7%). The results were relatively poor in traumatic glaucoma (57.1%), aphakic glaucoma (57.1%), and congenital or juvenile glaucoma (62.5%). No significant relationship between loss of visual acuity and failure of treatment (P = 0.3) could be detected. No phthisis bulbi or persistent hypotonia developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of advanced, refractory glaucoma. However, repeated treatments are often necessary. Success of treatment depends on the age of patients, previous surgery, and the type of glaucoma.

Non-enhanced trabeculectomy by non-glaucoma specialists: are results related to risk factors for failure?

PURPOSE

To determine the 1 year success rate of non-enhanced trabeculectomy under the care of non-glaucoma specialists and the effects of risk factors on the surgical outcome as measured by intraocular pressure (IOP) control.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 167 patients undergoing trabeculectomy was performed. One hundred and four cases were performed in a teaching hospital and 63 in a district general hospital (DGH). Non-glaucoma specialists performed all the operations, enhanced trabeculectomy with antimetabolites being excluded. Information was recorded from a retrospective review of case notes, and post-operative IOPs at 12 months follow-up were analysed. Risk factors for failure were defined as: (1) age less than 40 years old, (2) black race, (3) diabetes mellitus, (4) miotic therapy > or = 18 months, (5) sympathomimetic therapy > or = 6 months, (6) pseudophakia or aphakia, (7) previous failed filtration procedure, (8) argon laser trabeculoplasty, (9) previous ocular surgery and (10) high-risk glaucoma (angle recession glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma). A success was defined to be a post-operative IOP at 1 year of less than 21 mmHg and at least 20% less than the presenting IOP on no medication.

RESULTS

The overall success rate was 139 of 167 (83.2%). Eighty-seven of 104 eyes (83.7%) were classified as a success in the teaching hospital group and 52 of 63 (82.5%) were classified as a success in the DGH group. There was no significant difference in the number of risk factors between the success and failure groups. Eyes with two or more risk factors had significantly higher IOPs at 1 year when compared with eyes with 0 or 1 risk factor (mean +/- SD: 17.4 +/- 6.34 mmHg vs 14.2 +/- 5.0 mmHg, p = 0.022). When only 'successful eyes' were analysed, those with two or more risk factors still had significantly higher IOPs at 1 year (mean +/- SD: 15.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg vs 12.8 +/- 3.9 mmHg, p = 0.046). There were significantly fewer eyes in the two or more risk factor group with IOPs < 16 mmHg at 1 year (26.1% vs 60.4%, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes at relatively low risk for failure operated upon by non-glaucoma specialists appeared to have success rates similar to previously published series. Eyes with two or more risk factors for failure have higher IOPs at 1 year in non-enchanced trabeculectomy. Adjunctive anti-scarring agents may be considered for these patients when filtration surgery is scheduled.

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the treatment of post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma

AIM

The presence of traumatic angle recession is a risk factor for failure of glaucoma filtration surgery and a previous study has suggested that antimetabolite treatment should be used in these patients. This study was undertaken to determine for the first time the mid term results of trabeculectomy with intraoperative application of mitomycin C in patients with post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of 43 consecutive trabeculectomy procedures in 41 young black/mixed race patients followed for a mean period of 25 months (range 2-66 months). Mitomycin C 0.02% was applied between the sclera and conjunctiva for 1-5 minutes at the time of surgery. The intraocular pressure and visual acuity were measured postoperatively. The success of this technique was analysed by using a Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve.

RESULTS

The intraocular pressure was successfully controlled at last follow up without topical treatment in 77% (33/43 eyes) and the visual acuity was the same or better in 81% (35/43 eyes). Cumulative probability of success was 85% at 1 year follow up, 81% at 2 years, and 66% at 3 years and thereafter. Hypotonous maculopathy occurred in one patient and no cases of late bleb infection were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In medically uncontrolled post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma trabeculectomy with mitomycin C is an effective surgical procedure with an acceptable complication rate. Good intraocular pressure control and preservation of vision can be expected in most patients.

Secondary glaucoma

PURPOSE: To review the common causes of secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Review of current literature. RESULTS: Secondary open and closed angle glaucomas are an important cause of ocular morbidity and vision loss in our community. Secondary glaucoma occurs with acquired ocular diseases (pigment dispersion, pseudoexfoliation, intraocular infection, intraocular inflammation and retinal vascular disease), blunt anterior segment injury, intraocular surgery (especially corneal grafting and congenital cataract surgery) and topical corticosteroid use. The medical treatment of secondary glaucoma is different from that of primary open angle glaucoma and must be tailored for the individual patient. Surgical treatment of secondary glaucoma carries a higher risk of complications and a lower rate of success than does surgical treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary glaucoma occurs with a variety of intraocular conditions and after a variety of intraocular insults. Awareness of patients at high risk should enable early detection and referral for appropriate management.

The effect of adjunctive mitomycin C in Molteno implant surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of adjunctive intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in Molteno drainage device implantation for patients with recalcitrant glaucomas.

METHOD

Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients who underwent one-stage, single-plate Molteno device implantation with adjunctive intraoperative MMC (0.5 mg/ml) for 3 to 5 minutes (MMC group) were compared to a historic control group of 51 eyes of 51 patients (control group) who received one-stage, single-plate Molteno device implantation without MMC. Success (survival) was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mmHg, inclusive, with (qualified success) or without (complete success) glaucoma medications and with no additional glaucoma surgery, phthisis, implant removal, or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

Preoperative conditions were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in surgical survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.13, log-rank test). There also were no significant differences in the postoperative IOP levels and numbers of antiglaucoma medications between the two groups at all times (P > 0.05). Visual acuity was improved or remained within one line of preoperative visual acuity in 76.1% of the MMC group and 78.7% of the control group at 1 year after surgery (P = 0.76, chi-square test). Complications and reoperation for complications were similar in both groups (P > 0.05, chi-square test) except for the incidence of early postoperative hypotony and the total number of eyes with complications not requiring reoperation, which were more common in the MMC group (P = 0.027, 0.005, respectively, chi-square test). The most common complications included hypotony with or without a flat anterior chamber or choroidal detachment, followed by hyphema and tube plugging.

CONCLUSION

Molteno device implantation with adjunctive intraoperative MMC in patients with complicated glaucoma may not offer a better chance of surgical success compared with Molteno implantation without MMC.

Preliminary report of sutureless phacotrabeculectomy through a modified self-sealing scleral tunnel incision

A method of combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy using phacoemulsification through a modified 5 mm sutureless scleral tunnel incision is described. In eight patients who were followed for a minimum of five months in an initial series, the intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased to less than 19 mm Hg; six achieved this result at six months on no medication. The IOP decreased from a mean of 30.88 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.75 mm Hg at two months and 14.00 mm Hg at six months. The preoperative mean of 3.63 antiglaucoma medications per patient decreased to 0.25 postoperatively. Although all patients had advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy with a preoperative mean cup/disc ratio of 0.79, visual acuity improved in six patients; four patients had an acuity of 20/40 or better at both one week and two months. Surgically induced astigmatism averaged 0.57 diopter (D) at two months, with a mean astigmatic shift of 0.08 D with the rule at two months and 0.41 D with the rule at three months. No hypotonous or flat anterior chambers were encountered; there were visible blebs in seven patients at six months. The sutureless phacotrabeculectomy preserves all the advantages of small incision phacoemulsification and appears to be a safe and effective combined procedure for IOP control in glaucoma patients with cataracts.

Molteno implant surgery for advanced glaucoma

PURPOSE

The use of adjunctive antimitotics with conventional filtering surgery appears to have decreased the need for Molteno implants in glaucomas with a poor prognosis. We review the current status, results and complications of Molteno implants.

METHODS

Review of the literature and practical experience from two university departments of ophthalmology.

RESULTS

Improvements in the design and surgical techniques for Molteno implants have decreased the incidence of over filtration, but this and other complications continue to pose problems. Increased success rates may be possible if antimitotics are used with Molteno implants.

CONCLUSION

Molteno implants continue to be an option when conventional filtration with or without antimitotics has failed; they continue to be regarded as a last resort for filtration. The use of antimitotics to increase the success rate of Molteno implants is not proven, but merits further investigation.

The detection of post-traumatic angle recession by gonioscopy in a population-based glaucoma survey

BACKGROUND

Blunt trauma is responsible for most eye injuries in urban populations. Anterior chamber angle recession has been reported to be the most common sign of previous blunt trauma to the eye. The cumulative lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic angle recession has not been reported previously, and the relation between angle recession and glaucoma in a population-based setting is unknown.

METHODS

As part of a population-based glaucoma survey, gonioscopy was performed on 987 (82.7%) of 1194 inhabitants of the village of Mamre, near Cape Town, South Africa, who were 40 years of age or older.

RESULTS

Some degree of angle recession was identified in one eye of 60 people and in both eyes of 86 people. Men were affected more than three times as often as women in the fifth, sixth, and seventh decades. The cumulative lifetime prevalence of angle recession in this community was 14.6%. The prevalence of glaucoma in people with angle recession was 5.5% (8/146). Of 87 eyes with 360 degrees of angle recession, only 7 (8.0%) had glaucoma. Excessive alcohol consumption was significantly related to the presence of angle recession in women (P < 0.001). The prevalence of monocular blindness due to trauma was 2.5% (25/987).

CONCLUSION

Although the importance of the study may be limited to this community, the findings suggest that future population-based studies of ocular trauma should include gonioscopy on all individuals examined. Secondary glaucomas, especially those related to trauma, should be screened for in developing countries when trying to establish the prevalence of potential visual loss from glaucoma.