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The Multifarious Effects of Various Glaucoma Pharmacotherapy on Corneal Endothelium: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:1457-1478. [PMID: 36930417 PMCID: PMC10164223 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelium is a single cell layer that is mainly responsible for maintaining corneal clarity. Endothelial damage secondary to toxicity, stress, or genetic predisposition are common and in conjunction with the low regenerative ability of the cells, making their preservation critical for maintaining visual acuity. Patients with glaucoma, who are estimated to be close to 80 million worldwide, have a plethora of reasons for developing endothelial damage, being exposed to a spectrum that extends from various medical and surgical interventions to the disease itself. The wide spectrum of glaucoma pharmacotherapy that has been recently extended by addition of newer classes of medications has been the focus of extensive research on its effects on corneal endothelium. Both basic and clinical research have attempted to shine a light on the complex mechanisms associated with the effects of glaucoma medication on corneal endothelium and to answer the important question as to whether these findings are clinically significant. The aim of this review is to summarize and present current literature of the various findings, both from in vivo and in vitro studies that have focused on the complex relationship between different classes of glaucoma medication and their effect on corneal endothelium.
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2
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Lu Y, Zhong E, Wu J, Cao Y. The Effect of Prostaglandin Analogs on Central Corneal Thickness of Patients with Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension: A Systematic Review. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 66:431-444. [PMID: 36455536 DOI: 10.1159/000528461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) are first-line antiglaucoma agents that appear to either decrease or increase central cornea thickness (CCT), creating controversy regarding the benefits of PGAs in treating CCT. PURPOSE We performed the first meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the effects of PGAs on CCT in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT). METHODS This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was performed of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (Open Grey), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and the references of retrieved studies. Only observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The final CCT of patients and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each study were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). A fixed-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Subgroup analyses based on several stratified factors such as public bias (Begg's test) and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS Five cohort, 5 case-control, and three cross-sectional studies including 2,722 subjects were included. The pooled effect of all thirteen studies showed that PGAs reduced the CCT of patients with glaucoma or OHT slightly but significantly (WMD = -9.37; 95% CI [-12.18, -6.57]; p = 0.00; I2 = 45.5%). Significant effects were also observed in all three study designs: cohort (WMD = -5.17; 95% CI [-9.52, -0.82]), case-control (WMD = -15.31; 95% CI [-22.66, -7.97]), and cross-sectional (WMD = -8.65; 95% CI [-17.30, -0.01]). In addition, subgroup analysis of exposure time showed the effect of PGAs to be more obvious in the first (WMD = -5.81; 95% CI [-9.49, -2.14]) and second (WMD = -13.73; 95% CI [-20.19, -7.28]) years. CONCLUSIONS The pooled effects of previously reported studies suggest that PGA use can reduce the CCT of patients with glaucoma or OHT slightly but significantly, with this effect more pronounced in the first 2 years. These findings suggest that clinicians must closely monitor changes in CCT in the first 2 years of PGA use to identify cases of intraocular pressure misestimation and the efficacy of PGAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
| | - Enyu Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Carnevale C, Riva I, Roberti G, Michelessi M, Tanga L, Verticchio Vercellin AC, Agnifili L, Manni G, Harris A, Quaranta L, Oddone F. Confocal Microscopy and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Ocular Surface and Bleb Morphology in Medically and Surgically Treated Glaucoma Patients: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:581. [PMID: 34207162 PMCID: PMC8234834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma patients often suffer from ocular surface disease (OSD) caused by the chronic administration of topical anti-glaucoma medications, especially in cases of long-term therapy with preserved or multiple drugs. Additionally, glaucoma surgery may determine ocular surface changes related to the formation and location of the filtering bleb, the application of anti-mitotic agents, and the post-operative wound-healing processes within the conjunctiva. Recently, several studies have evaluated the role of advanced diagnostic imaging technologies such as in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in detecting microscopic and macroscopic features of glaucoma therapy-related OSD. Their clinical applications are still being explored, with recent particular attention paid to analyzing the effects of new drug formulations and of minimally invasive surgical procedures on the ocular surface status. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the main changes of the ocular surface identified at IVCM and AS-OCT in glaucoma patients under medical therapy, or after surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Carnevale
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Ivano Riva
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia—IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (I.R.); (L.Q.)
| | - Gloria Roberti
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Manuele Michelessi
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Lucia Tanga
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Alice C. Verticchio Vercellin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA; (A.C.V.V.); (A.H.)
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti—Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Manni
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alon Harris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA; (A.C.V.V.); (A.H.)
| | - Luciano Quaranta
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia—IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (I.R.); (L.Q.)
| | - Francesco Oddone
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.R.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.M.)
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Realini T, Gupta PK, Radcliffe NM, Garg S, Wiley WF, Yeu E, Berdahl JP, Kahook MY. The Effects of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Therapies on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density. J Glaucoma 2021; 30:209-218. [PMID: 33105305 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A healthy corneal endothelium is required for corneal clarity. Both the glaucoma disease state and its various forms of treatment can have adverse effects on the corneal endothelium. Both the presence of glaucoma and the magnitude of intraocular pressure elevation are related to endothelial cell loss (ECL). Topical medical therapy, laser procedures, and both traditional surgeries-trabeculectomy and tube-shunts-and newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries have variable effects on ECL. This review will summarize the reported effects of glaucoma and its treatment on ECL. Concerns for corneal endothelial cell health should be part of the decision-making process when planning glaucoma therapy for lowering intraocular pressure, with added caution in case of planned device implantation in eyes with preexisting ECL and low endothelial cell density at high risk for corneal endothelial decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Realini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV
| | - Preeya K Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Nathan M Radcliffe
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Sumit Garg
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | | | | | | | - Malik Y Kahook
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Figus M, Agnifili L, Lanzini M, Brescia L, Sartini F, Mastropasqua L, Posarelli C. Topical preservative-free ophthalmic treatments: an unmet clinical need. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:655-672. [PMID: 33280452 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1860014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The main role of preservatives in eyedrops is to ensure sterility and microbiological integrity of the drug, and to facilitate the penetration of active compounds into the eye. However, several studies documented significant toxic effects induced by preservatives, especially on the ocular surface. Consequently, most of the ophthalmic medications became progressively available in preservative-free (PF) formulations.Areas covered: We analyzed pre-clinical and clinical studies on PF eyedrops with particular attention to common chronic diseases such as dry eye and glaucoma. We discussed about the pros and cons of using PF eyedrops, in terms of efficacy, safety, and social-economic aspects.Expert opinion: There are still unresolved issues that make hard for PF medications to definitively conquer the drug market. Despite robust pre-clinical evidences of less toxicity, the low number of randomized clinical trials does not permit to state that PF eyedrops have, in clinical practice, a similar efficacy or a higher safety compared to preserved forms. These aspects limit their use to chronic diseases requiring long-term therapies with multiple daily instillations, especially in the presence of concomitant ophthalmic diseases that expose to a risk of ocular surface worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Figus
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Lanzini
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Brescia
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Sartini
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Chiara Posarelli
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Roberti G, Tanga L, Manni G, Riva I, Verticchio AC, Berardo F, Carnevale C, Oddone F. Tear Film, Conjunctival and Corneal Modifications Induced by Glaucoma Treatment. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4253-4261. [PMID: 31099319 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190517111823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ocular surface disease is characterized by tear film instability and histopathologic and clinical changes of the ocular surface. Glaucoma patients often suffer from ocular surface disease caused by the chronic use of preserved medical treatment to reduce intraocular pressure. Benzalkonium chloride is the preservative most frequently used in glaucoma medications. Its effect on tear film, conjunctiva and cornea and the consequences in glaucoma management are discussed in this mini-review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gianluca Manni
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy.,DSCMT University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Orazio Raimondo 18, 00173, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Purpose: Effective glaucoma therapy relies to a great extent on the patients' ability to regularly self-administer eye drops. This study aimed to assess self-reported nonadherence and to identify potential barriers to adherence in glaucoma patients. Methods: Participants completed a 16-item questionnaire, designed to examine nonadherence rate and assess the therapy experience. Inclusion criteria stipulated treatment duration of at least 1 year. Nonadherence was defined as missing ≥5% of the prescribed pressure-lowering eye drops doses. Results: In total, 201 glaucoma patients aged 24-88 years were included. Mean treatment duration was 9.4 years. Nonadherence was reported by 30.3% of participants and 69.7% were reported to be adherent. Individuals who experienced side effects reported higher levels of nonadherence than those who did not (37.6% vs. 18.4%; P = 0.004). Eye drops with preservatives were used by 84.1% of participants, 11.9% were on combined preservative and preservative-free treatment, and 4.0% on preservative-free medication only. Self-reported nonadherence levels were 32.0%, 25.0%, and 12.5%, respectively, for each of these groups. Men reported higher rates of nonadherence than women (36.8% vs. 24.5%; P = 0.066). Age, social status, history of migration, severity of disease, and fear of blindness were not associated with significant differences in nonadherence levels. Conclusions: Nonadherence with glaucoma therapy is a significant barrier to therapeutic success for approximately one-third of patients. Nonadherence may be reduced if side effects are avoided. Preservative-free products may provide adherence benefits. The patient experience should be a key consideration when selecting appropriate treatments, to reduce nonadherence and optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wolfram
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,2 Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erik Stahlberg
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,3 Department for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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8
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Rossi GCM, Scudeller L, Lumini C, Mirabile AV, Picasso E, Bettio F, Pasinetti GM, Bianchi PE. An in vivo confocal, prospective, masked, 36 months study on glaucoma patients medically treated with preservative-free or preserved monotherapy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4282. [PMID: 30862874 PMCID: PMC6414598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects at 3 years of preservative-free tafluprost on corneal health. It was a prospective, masked, study on consecutive patients with a new prescription of preservative-free (PF) tafluprost (naïve-N or switched-S, 44 and 14 patients), and preserved (P) bimatoprost 0.003% or travoprost 0.004% (P-group, 35 patients). A complete ophthalmic examination and an in vivo corneal confocal microscopy evaluation were performed at baseline and every 6 months for 3 years. Ninety-three patients were enrolled, clinical parameters were similar in the groups at baseline, apart from intraocular pressure (IOP) which was lower in the S-group (p = 0.012). Both at baseline and over time, confocal microscopy parameters had different trends. At baseline, keratocyte activation was similar in the three groups (p = 0.43) but over the next months naïve patients treated with PF-tafluprost presented a significant (p = 0.004) reduction in keratocyte activation. Sub-basal nerves tended to increase in patients switched to PF-tafluprost (p = 0.07) while were stable in the other two groups (p = 0.11 in PF and 0.40 in P group). Grade of tortuosity was stable over time in the three groups. Beading-like formations were stable over time for the P- and the PF-group, while significantly increased in the S-group (p = 0.027). Endothelial density values were statistically different at baseline (p = 0.007), they decreased both in PF-group and in S-group (p = 0.048 and 0.001, respectively), while increased in P-group (p = 0.006). Our study is the first to show that a PF-tafluprost formulation does not significantly alter the corneal structures as examined by confocal microscopy after 36 months of topical daily therapy, while improving corneal alterations due to chronic preserved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Caterina Maria Rossi
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luigia Scudeller
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometric Unit, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Lumini
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Venera Mirabile
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Picasso
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Bettio
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Emilio Bianchi
- University Eye Clinic, Università degli Studi di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Holló G, Katsanos A, Boboridis KG, Irkec M, Konstas AGP. Preservative-Free Prostaglandin Analogs and Prostaglandin/Timolol Fixed Combinations in the Treatment of Glaucoma: Efficacy, Safety and Potential Advantages. Drugs 2018; 78:39-64. [PMID: 29196953 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0843-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (OSD) is a serious pathology with a broad spectrum of insidious clinical presentations and complex pathogenesis that undermines long-term glaucoma care. Preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK), contained in topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications frequently cause or aggravate OSD in glaucoma. Management of these patients is challenging, and to date often empirical due to the scarcity of controlled long-term clinical trials. Most of the available data are extracted from case series and retrospective analysis. Preservative-free prostaglandins and prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations are novel options developed to remove the harmful impact of preservatives, especially BAK, upon ocular tissues. Based on what is currently known on the value of preservative-free antiglaucoma therapies it is tempting to speculate how these new therapies may affect the future medical management of all glaucoma patients. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the current literature on preservative-free prostaglandins and preservative-free prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Holló
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Maria u. 39, Budapest, 1085, Hungary.
| | - Andreas Katsanos
- Ophthalmology Department, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Kostas G Boboridis
- Third Ophthalmology Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Murat Irkec
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anastasios G P Konstas
- 1st University Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,3rd University Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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DI Staso S, Agnifili L, Cecannecchia S, DI Gregorio A, Ciancaglini M. In Vivo Analysis of Prostaglandins-induced Ocular Surface and Periocular Adnexa Modifications in Patients with Glaucoma. In Vivo 2018; 32:211-220. [PMID: 29475902 PMCID: PMC5905187 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are a first-line medical treatment for glaucoma because of their powerful intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect, few systemic side-effects (SEs), and the once daily administration. Despite the high systemic safety profile, the chronic use of PGAs may induce periocular and ocular surface (OS)-related side effects, which affect a significant proportion of glaucomatous patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about SEs of PGAs on periocular structures and OS, and their implications in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search on the PubMed platform was performed. Two hundred fifty articles fulfilling key words were identified, of which 180 were excluded since they did not concern the effects of PGAs on the periocular tissues and OS, or because of their limited relevance. The following key words were used and combined, to narrow-down the literature: "prostaglandin" and "ocular surface," which identified 184 unique publications, of which 68 were selected; "prostaglandin" and "periocular" which identified 46 unique publications, of which 11 were selected. An additional search was conducted using "prostaglandin" and "Meibomian glands (MGs)", which identified twenty unique publications, of which 8 were selected. Thus, a total of 70 articles were chosen based on their relevance and were included in this review. RESULTS Prostaglandin-associated peri-orbitopathy, skin pigmentation and hypertrichosis, eyelash growth, and MGs dysfunction are the most frequent modifications of periocular tissues. They are induced by the tissue accumulation of PGAs, and FP receptor stimulation. Without preservatives, PGAs act as stimulators of conjunctival goblet cells, which are the main source of ocular surface mucoproteins, and seem to increase conjunctival epithelium microcysts proposed as in vivo hallmark of the trans-scleral aqueous humour outflow. Additional PGA-induced modifications can be recognized in the cornea, corneo-scleral limbus, conjunctival stroma and, conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue, mainly appearing as inflammatory changes. OS epithelia desquamation, chemosis, apoptosis, dendritic cell activation, conjunctival or episcleral vasodilation, and sub-basal nerve plexus disruption were also described in patients receiving preserved PGAs. CONCLUSION PGAs induce several modifications of the OS structures and adnexa; nonetheless, none of them significantly reduces the local safety profile of this class of drugs. Moreover, the OS changes do not affect the IOP lowering efficacy of PGAs. On these bases, local SEs of PGAs should not discourage clinicians in using this class of medications because of their efficacy, the systemic safety profile, and the better adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio DI Staso
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Cecannecchia
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Angela DI Gregorio
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Ciancaglini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Rolle T, Spinetta R, Nuzzi R. Long term safety and tolerability of Tafluprost 0.0015% vs Timolol 0.1% preservative-free in ocular hypertensive and in primary open-angle glaucoma patients: a cross sectional study. BMC Ophthalmol 2017; 17:136. [PMID: 28768500 PMCID: PMC5541512 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-017-0534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of preservatives of antiglaucoma medications on corneal surface and tear function have been widely shown in literature; it's not the same as regards the active compounds themselves. The purpose of our study was to compare Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) signs and symptoms of Tafluprost 0.0015% versus preservative free (PF) Timolol 0.1% eyedrops in ocular hypertensive (OH) and in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study included patients in monotherapy for at least 36 months with Tafluprost 0.0015% (27) or PF Timolol 0.1% (24) and 20 healthy age and sex-matched volunteers. All subjects underwent clinical tests (Schirmer I and break-up time), in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and were surveyed using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Glaucoma Symptoms Scale (GSS) questionnaires. The groups were compared with ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Bonferroni's adjustment of p-values. RESULTS No significant differences were found in questionnaires scores, clinical tests, IVCM variables between therapy groups. Tafluprost 0.0015% group showed significantly higher OSDI score, basal epithelial cells density, stromal reflectivity, sub-basal nerves tortuosity (p = 0.0000, 0.037, 0.006, 0.0000) and less GSS score, number of sub-basal nerves (p = 0.0000, 0.037) than controls but similar clinical tests results (p > 0.05). PF Timolol group had significantly higher OSDI score, basal epithelial cells density, stromal reflectivity and sub-basal nerve tortuosity (p = 0.000, 0.014, 0.008, 0.002), less GSS score, BUT and number of sub-basal nerves (p = 0.0000, 0.026, 0.003) than controls. CONCLUSIONS Compared to PF Timolol 0.1%, Tafluprost 0.0015% showed similar safety with regards to tear function and corneal status and a similar tolerability profile. Both therapy groups show some alterations in corneal microstructure but no side effects on tear function except for an increased tear instability in PF Timolol 0.1% group. Ophtalmologists should be aware that even PF formulations may lead to a mild ocular surface impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Rolle
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Juvarra 19, 10122 Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Spinetta
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Juvarra 19, 10122 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaele Nuzzi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Juvarra 19, 10122 Torino, Italy
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Cruzat A, Qazi Y, Hamrah P. In Vivo Confocal Microscopy of Corneal Nerves in Health and Disease. Ocul Surf 2017; 15:15-47. [PMID: 27771327 PMCID: PMC5512932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is becoming an indispensable tool for studying corneal physiology and disease. Enabling the dissection of corneal architecture at a cellular level, this technique offers fast and noninvasive in vivo imaging of the cornea with images comparable to those of ex vivo histochemical techniques. Corneal nerves bear substantial relevance to clinicians and scientists alike, given their pivotal roles in regulation of corneal sensation, maintenance of epithelial integrity, as well as proliferation and promotion of wound healing. Thus, IVCM offers a unique method to study corneal nerve alterations in a myriad of conditions, such as ocular and systemic diseases and following corneal surgery, without altering the tissue microenvironment. Of particular interest has been the correlation of corneal subbasal nerves to their function, which has been studied in normal eyes, contact lens wearers, and patients with keratoconus, infectious keratitis, corneal dystrophies, and neurotrophic keratopathy. Longitudinal studies have applied IVCM to investigate the effects of corneal surgery on nerves, demonstrating their regenerative capacity. IVCM is increasingly important in the diagnosis and management of systemic conditions such as peripheral diabetic neuropathy and, more recently, in ocular diseases. In this review, we outline the principles and applications of IVCM in the study of corneal nerves in various ocular and systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cruzat
- Cornea & Refractive Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yureeda Qazi
- Cornea & Refractive Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Cornea & Refractive Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Boston Image Reading Center, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
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A 1-year randomized study of the clinical and confocal effects of tafluprost and latanoprost in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. Adv Ther 2015; 32:356-69. [PMID: 25893514 PMCID: PMC4415941 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-015-0205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the present study was to compare the confocal and clinical features of newly diagnosed glaucoma patients receiving unpreserved prostaglandins (tafluprost) versus preserved prostaglandins (latanoprost). Materials and Methods 40 patients were randomized to tafluprost 0.0015% (20 patients; 32 eyes) or latanoprost 0.005% + benzalkonium chloride 0.02% (20 patients; 35 eyes) once daily for 1 year. Inclusion criteria were new glaucoma diagnosis, and no ocular treatments for 6 months before the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months with a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, Schirmer’s test, break-up time test, confocal microscopy of the central cornea, and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP). Investigators were masked to treatment. Both eyes were analyzed if they fulfilled inclusion criteria. Treatments and changes between follow-up and baseline were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test and Chi-square test. Results At baseline, the two groups had similar age, ocular surface and confocal findings; keratocyte activation was present in 40%, branching pattern in 85%, and beading in 75%, with no inter-group differences. At follow-up, no significant clinical changes were detected, apart from a drop of IOP by 3.6–4.2 mmHg in the two groups (p < 0.001, with no difference between treatments). Despite inter-treatment ANOVA for confocal microscopy being negative, subtle changes were present. During follow-up, all eyes without nerve branching pattern at baseline progressively developed it when treated with latanoprost, whereas no change occurred using tafluprost treatment (p = 0.05). None of the eyes without beading at baseline developed it at the end of the study in the tafluprost group, whereas beading did occur in 75% of patients treated with latanoprost (p = 0.05). Both treatments were associated with increased keratocyte activation at follow-up; the change from baseline was statistically significant after month 3 with latanoprost (p = 0.02) and after month 6 with tafluprost (p = 0.04). Conclusions The two study treatments had similar clinical effects, but tafluprost had a more favorable profile for some confocal parameters of the cornea. Funding Merck Sharp & Dohme International. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0205-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Holló G, Katsanos A. Safety and tolerability of the tafluprost/timolol fixed combination for the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2015; 14:609-17. [DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2015.1010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Mastropasqua L, Agnifili L, Mastropasqua R, Fasanella V, Nubile M, Toto L, Carpineto P, Ciancaglini M. In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy of the ocular surface in glaucoma. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2014; 20:879-894. [PMID: 24576766 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927614000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, knowledge about the ocular surface in glaucoma has significantly increased through the use of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). This in vivo imaging method can show modifications at the cellular level induced by anti-glaucoma drugs on ocular surface structures and adnexa in the eye. High-quality images of the conjunctiva, cornea, limbus, meibomian glands, and lymphoid structures during therapy can be obtained. In addition, LSCM opened new fields of research on the patho-physiology of aqueous humor (AH) hydrodynamics in untreated, and in medically or surgically treated glaucomatous patients. In these conditions, an enhancement of the trans-scleral AH outflow contributed to clarification of the mechanism of action of different anti-glaucoma medications and surgical approaches. Finally, the use of LSCM represented a huge advance in evaluation of bleb functionality after filtration surgery, defining the hallmarks of AH filtration through the bleb-wall and distinguishing functional from nonfunctional blebs. Thus, signs seen with LSCM may anticipate clinical failure, guiding the clinician in planning the appropriate timing of the various steps in bleb management. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about in vivo LSCM of the ocular surface in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Luca Agnifili
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Rodolfo Mastropasqua
- 2Ophthalmology Unit,Department of Neurological,Neuropsychological,Morphological and Movement Sciences,University of Verona,Verona,53593,Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fasanella
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Lisa Toto
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Paolo Carpineto
- 1Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Medicine and Aging Science,University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti,66100,Italy
| | - Marco Ciancaglini
- 3Ophthalmic Clinic,Department of Surgical Science,University of L'Aquila,L'Aquila,67100,Italy
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Niwano Y, Iwasawa A, Ayaki M. Ocular surface cytotoxicity and safety evaluation of tafluprost, a recently developed anti-glaucoma prostaglandin analog. OPHTHALMOLOGY AND EYE DISEASES 2014; 6:5-12. [PMID: 24558301 PMCID: PMC3928056 DOI: 10.4137/oed.s12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cytotoxicity of tafluprost, which is the most recently developed anti-glaucoma prostaglandin (PG) analog, in ocular surface cells is addressed in comparison with other PG analogs. Irrespective of cell lines and models, the cytotoxicity of anti-glaucoma PG eyedrops was primarily related to the concentration of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) contained in the eyedrops as a preservative. Accordingly, preservative-free tafluprost was apparently less cytotoxic than BAK-preserved PG analogs. Furthermore, our study for cytotoxicity assays on ocular cells, conducted by comprehensive investigations covering a variety of concentrations and treatment times, which is termed the cell viability score (CVS) system, demonstrated that 0.001% BAK-preserved tafluprost was not cytotoxic, and suggested that tafluprost may even reduce the cytotoxic effect of BAK. It has been reported that adverse reactions associated with tafluprost in healthy human volunteers and patients with glaucoma include conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid pigmentation, eyelash bristles, and deepening of upper eyelid sulcus. Nonetheless, most clinical studies have demonstrated that not only preservative-free tafluprost but also BAK-preserved tafluprost is well tolerated and safe in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Niwano
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsuo Iwasawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ayaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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