Changing epidemiology of neovascular glaucoma from 2002 to 2012 at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Risk Factors for Developing Neovascular Glaucoma in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Two-Year Real-World Study

PURPOSE

To explore potential risk factors for the development of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) over a two-year intensive follow-up period.

METHODS

This study reviewed 1545 patients with CRVO between 2005 and 2019 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Inclusion was restricted to (1) patients with acute CRVO within 3 months; (2) patients with ocular neovascularization at initial presentation (3) patients had not received any treatment at the time of CRVO; (4) at least bimonthly follow-up schedule over the course of 2 years. The included patients were screened for potential risk factors for developing NVG and assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Among the included 123 patients, the cumulative probability of developing NVG was 26.8% (33/123 cases) in overall follow-up period. The mean interval between the onset of CRVO and NVG was 507 days. Neither macular edema nor central macular thickness at baseline was correlated with the development of NVG (p =.104 and .25, respectively). Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), older age, and poor vision independently played significant risk factors for developing NVG after controlling other covariates. (p =.034, .001, and .013, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting with CRVO who have comorbidities such as DM, older age, and worse VA warrant closer attention and intensive follow-up for the development of NVG. Additionally, the statistical analysis indicated that the presence of macular edema, increased central macular thickness, CV events, history of glaucoma, and early PRP within 3 months had no significant impact on the likelihood of developing NVG.

Long-term outcome of surgical management in neovascular glaucoma: A retrospective, multicentric study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate and compare surgical outcomes among neovascular glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy (Trab), glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation, or trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC).

METHODS

This study analyzed the records of 176 neovascular glaucoma cases treated surgically between January 2017 and December 2021 at four Indian centers. Procedures included trabeculectomy with MMC in 80 eyes, GDD implantation in 25 eyes, and TSCPC in 71 eyes. Outcome measures comprised intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, antiglaucoma medication (AGM) usage, complications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

Following surgery, all groups exhibited a significant reduction in IOP. One year postoperatively, complete success rates were 42.9% for the implant group, 54.3% for the Trab group, and 33.3% for the TSCPC group, with corresponding qualified success rates of 57.1%, 36.7%, and 58.9%, respectively. Improvement in postoperative vision was noted, with an increase of 0.24 LogMAR in the Trab group, 0.11 in the GDD group, and a decrease of 0.35 in the TSCPC group. Complications occurred in 27% of Trab and 14% of TSCPC cases, while the GDD group experienced a hypertensive phase in 40% of eyes.

CONCLUSION

In managing neovascular glaucoma, trabeculectomy, GDD, and TSCPC provide comparable IOP control, with GDD showing a higher medication dependency. Trabeculectomy yields superior vision outcomes but carries a higher risk of postoperative complications, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment selection and vigilant postoperative care.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Penetrating Keratoplasty Outcomes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine possible associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors and graft survival after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing PK at a tertiary-care corneal practice at Wills Eye Hospital between May 1, 2007, and September 1, 2018. The first PK of the first eye was included. The primary outcome measure was graft failure, defined as irreversible and visually significant graft edema, haze, or scarring. Demographic and socioeconomic factors included yearly average adjusted gross income (AGI) based on residential zip code, age, sex, and race. Two income groups were created: 1) individuals from neighborhoods with the lowest 10% of AGI (N = 82, AGI=$32,100 ± 4000) and 2) the remaining 90% of individuals (N = 740, AGI=$86,900 ± 52,200). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of graft prognosis.

RESULTS

The 822 patients (822 eyes) included had a mean age of 57.1 ± 22.1 years at the time of PK. Over an average of 4.2 ± 3.1 years of follow-up, graft failure occurred in 35.3%. Age, sex, and follow-up duration were comparable between income groups (all P > 0.05). Black race was disproportionately represented in the lower-income group (50.0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified predictors of graft failure including residing in a lower-income neighborhood [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24-4.19, P = 0.008], younger age (HR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-1.00, P = 0.046), and Black race (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03-2.56, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a lower income, younger age, and Black race may be more vulnerable to graft failure after PK. Further studies are warranted to identify reasons for these associations.

Two-year outcomes of patients presenting to Sydney Eye Hospital with neovascular glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a sight-threatening condition that is often refractory to treatment. Current management principles are yet to be standardized due to lack of evidence. We studied the interventions used to treat NVG at Sydney Eye Hospital (SEH) and the two-year surgical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective audit of 67 eyes of 58 patients with NVG from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of medications, repeat surgery, recurrent neovascularization, loss of light perception and pain were studied.

RESULTS

The average age of the cohort was 59.67 years (SD 14.22). The most common etiologies were proliferative diabetic retinopathy (35 eyes; 52.2%), central retinal vein occlusion (18 eyes; 26.9%) and ocular ischemic syndrome (7 eyes; 10.4%). 70.1% of eyes (47) received vascular endothelial growth factor injections (VEGFI), 41.8% (28 eyes) received pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) and 37.3% (25 eyes) received both prior to or within the first week of presentation to SEH. The most common initial surgical interventions were trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) (36 eyes; 53.7%) and Baerveldt tube insertion (18 eyes; 26.9%). 62.7% of eyes (42 eyes) failed (IOP > 21 or < 6 mmHg for two consecutive reviews, further IOP-lowering surgery or loss of light perception) during follow-up. Initial TSCPC failed in 75.0% (27/36 eyes) compared with 44.4% (8/18 eyes) after Baerveldt tube insertion.

CONCLUSION

Our study reinforces the refractory nature of NVG, often despite intensive treatment and surgery. Improvements in patient outcomes may be achieved with earlier consideration of VEGFI and PRP. This study identifies the limitations of surgical interventions for NVG and highlights the need for a standardized management approach.

Murphy's Law and Ophthalmic Complications in a Patient With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes can lead to various acute clinical complications, although the occurrence of ophthalmic signs and symptoms is uncommon. Neovascular glaucoma (NG), a rare complication associated with diabetes mellitus, is one such condition. Additionally, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a rare complication of intravitreal bevacizumab. In this case report, we present a unique case of a patient with juvenile diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) who presented to the emergency room (ER) with typical features of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) accompanied by bilateral ocular pain. Subsequent investigation revealed secondary angle-closure neovascular glaucoma as the underlying cause. The patient received management for DKA in the ER and subsequent medicine ward. Various interventions were performed for glaucoma in the right eye, including addressing cataracts, which ultimately resulted in TASS. The patient was successfully treated with cryo-diode laser therapy.

Intermediate-term outcomes of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in neovascular glaucoma

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of the non-valved Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients with NVG who underwent AADI and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative rate of surgical failure defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mm Hg or reduced <20% below baseline, IOP ≤5 mm Hg, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception vision.

RESULTS

We included 85 eyes of 85 patients with NVG, with a mean age of 61.2±9.3 years. The most common aetiologies were proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n=43) and central retinal vein occlusion (n=24). The mean IOP decreased from 36.8±12.5 mm Hg at baseline to 15.8±7.5 mm Hg at 2-year follow-up (p<0.001) and the number of IOP-lowering medications reduced from 3.4±0.8 to 1.5±1.1 (p<0.001). The cumulative rate of failure increased from 3.1% (95% CI 1.1% to 11.8%) at 1 year to 33.8% (95% CI 20.4% to 52.5%) at 2 years. Multivariable analysis showed that eyes with open angles had a lower risk of failure (HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.03, p=0.09). The logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual acuity declined from 0.98±0.7 to 1.8±1.0 at 2 years (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of NVG eyes that received the AADI failed after 2 years of follow-up similar to other series. Early AADI implantation at the open angle stage of NVG may yield better results.

The pathological association between the anterior eye segment and the retina in a murine model of neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is caused by the formation of new blood vessels in the angle, iris, and cornea in retinal ischemic disease, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), which can reduce the visual acuity. However, the pathophysiological symptoms of NVG are still not well understood because there is no model for the formation of NVG in the angle, iris, and cornea. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of NVG during ischemic disease, in a murine model of retinal ischemia. We evaluated the changes of the intraocular pressure (IOP) and pathological symptoms in the anterior eye segment and retina in this model, and the changes in the RNA or protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrosis-related factors were analyzed in the retina and cornea by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the changes in IOP after intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF antibody. First, NVG formed in the retinal ischemic murine model, and the IOP was elevated in mice with NVG formation. Interestingly, VEGF expression was decreased in the retina but increased in the cornea in the murine model of NVG. On the other hand, fibrosis-related factors were increased in the retina and also significantly increased in the cornea in NVG. Moreover, the administration of anti-VEGF antibody immediately after vessel occlusion suppressed the increase in IOP, but administration at 7 days after vessel occlusion accelerated the increase in IOP. These findings suggest that the formation of NVG may be correlated with the pathological symptoms of retinal ischemic disease, via changes in VEGF and fibrosis-related factor expression.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Inpatients Undergoing Surgery for Glaucoma at Tianjin Eye Hospital from 2013 to 2017

Purpose

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of inpatients who underwent surgery for glaucoma at Tianjin Eye Hospital from 2013 to 2017.

Methods

All glaucoma inpatients who underwent surgery at Tianjin Eye Hospital from 2013 to 2017 were evaluated. The relationships of age and sex with different types of glaucoma were analyzed. The differences in the prevalence and family history of glaucoma among patients with different systemic diseases were compared. Additionally, the effects of different surgical methods for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were compared.

Results

A total of 4539 patients with glaucoma were retrospectively analyzed. The most prevalent type was PACG (60.15%), followed by secondary glaucoma (SG, 25.53%), POAG (7.6%), uncontrollable intraocular pressure (IOP) after antiglaucoma surgery (4.71%), mixed glaucoma (MG, 10%), and congenital glaucoma (CG, 0.9%). The main surgical methods were phacoemulsification (phaco), phacotrabeculectomy (phaco-trab), and trabeculectomy (trab). The rate of phaco-trab increased, while that of trab decreased. The proportion of women in the PACG group was higher than those in the POAG and SG groups, and there was a pronounced tendency for family clustering (P < 0.001), while in the POAG and SG groups, the proportions of men and those with diabetes were higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In Tianjin Eye Hospital from 2013 to 2017, the main type of glaucoma was PACG. Female sex and a family history of glaucoma were risk factors for PACG, while male sex and hyperglycemia were risk factors for POAG and SG. Among the antiglaucoma surgery methods, the proportion of phaco-trab increased, while the proportion of trab decreased.

Prevalence Rates and Risk Factors for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in the Middle East

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Current data has demonstrated the approximate distribution of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients of European, African, Hispanic, and Eastern Asian descent. However, a significant gap in the literature exists regarding the prevalence of POAG in Middle Eastern (ME) populations. Current studies estimate ME POAG prevalence based on a European model. Herein we screened 65 total publications on ME prevalence of POAG and specific risk factors using keywords: "glaucoma", "prevalence", "incidence", "risk factor", "Middle East", "Mideast", "Persian", "Far East", as well as searching by individual ME countries through PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, and Trip searches with additional reference list searches from relevant articles published up to and including March 1, 2021. Fifty qualifying records were included after 15 studies identified with low statistical power, confounding co-morbid ophthalmic diseases, and funding bias were excluded. Studies of ME glaucoma risk factors that identify chromosomes, familial trend, age/gender, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, intraocular pressure, vascular influences, optic disc hemorrhage, cup-to-disc ratio, blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus were included in this systematic review. We conclude that the prevalence of POAG in the ME is likely higher than the prevalence rate that European models suggest, with ME specific risk factors likely playing a role. However, these findings are severely limited by the paucity of population-level data in the ME. Well-designed, longitudinal population-based studies with rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria are ultimately needed to accurately assess the epidemiology and specific mechanistic risk factors of glaucoma in ME populations.

Presentation, etiology and treatment outcome of neovascular glaucoma in Ekiti state, South Western Nigeria

Background

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG), a form of secondary glaucoma has varying causes across geographical locations.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the presentation, aetiology, and outcome of treatment of patients with NVG in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Method

A retrospective review of records of all cases of NVG seen over a 5year period was carried out. Demographic characteristics, presenting visual acuity and coexisting ocular and systemic conditions were noted. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results

29 eyes of patients with NVG were analysed. Most of the patients (89.70%) presented with visual acuity less than 3/60 in the affected eye. All patients except one were treated with anti-glaucoma medications while only 9(31%) consented to and received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. No patient had improvement in visual acuity despite resolution of other symptoms at 12week follow up.

Conclusion

NVG though not as common as other forms of glaucoma accounted for a large proportion of monocular blindness in the affected eyes at presentation. There is need for health promotion and education among our people on the need for early preventive eye check practices.

Early Surgical Intervention for Neovascular Glaucoma in a Patient with Diabetes

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a cause of blindness in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and remains a clinical challenge. It results from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, which occurs in cases of severe retinal ischemia. Early detection and immediate comprehensive management, including early surgical intervention, are essential to maintain good intraocular pressure (IOP) control and achieve the best visual outcome, as presented in this case. A 42-year-old male patient with bilateral NVG secondary to PDR received complex management with early Ahmed valve implantation surgery, followed by pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) and intravitreal bevacizumab injection. After 22 months of treatment and follow-up, we could achieve the best visual outcome for the patient. Early surgical intervention for uncontrolled NVG with a glaucoma filtration device combined with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and adequate PRP showed beneficial effects in the IOP control with rapid resolution of iris neovascularization, thus achieving the best visual function.

Profile of Secondary Glaucoma at a Tertiary Hospital in East Java

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. The aim of this study was to review the profile of secondary glaucoma cases visiting a tertiary hospital in East Java. This is retrospective observational study, completed case records of new patients with secondary glaucoma who presented to glaucoma clinic from January 2014 to April 2016 were included. Out of the 363 case records screened, 66 cases were found to eligible for inclusion. The evaluation included a detailed history and examination performed including vision, anterior segment examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), gonioscopy, and fundus evaluation. Diagnosis of secondary glaucoma was made on the basis of presence of a secondary cause for presence of raised IOP. 66 cases were eligible for inclusion in the study, most of the cases was occurred in the range age 21-50 years. The male female ratio was 1.3:1. Frequent causes of secondary glaucoma were lens factor 30.8%, steroid induced 29.5%, uveitic 20.5%, neovascular15.4%, and surgical complication 3.8%. Most patients with secondary glaucoma have poor vision < 0.1 with high IOP at presentation. Assessment and early detection of underlying cause is the key guide to treatment strategy.

Trend of Neovascular Glaucoma in Taiwan: A 15-year Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To determine the trends in epidemiological data in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in Taiwan.

METHODS

The data were obtained from the 2016 version of the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, which contains data on two million randomly sampled patients. Patients with NVG diagnostic codes were enrolled in this study, after which we separated the study population according to different time periods. The demographic data, systemic and ocular comorbidities and treatments that were applied to manage NVG were collected from the database.

RESULTS

The overall age-standardized prevalence was 52.48 per 100,000 individuals, and the age-standardized incidence was 4.33 per 100,000 person-years in patients with NVG. In general, men had a higher prevalence and incidence, and the incidence was observed to fluctuate. The patients with the highest educational levels accounted for less than 5% of the NVG patients, and the patients with the highest income levels accounted for less than 15% of the NVG patients. Systemic comorbidities in NVG patients, especially metabolic syndrome, were observed to increase. The percentage of the patients receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments increased by more than two-fold after 2008, whereas reductions in trabeculectomy and cyclodestruction procedures were observed.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NVG was observed to increase in men, and the incidence fluctuated during the study period. Furthermore, the systemic comorbidities, and the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment increased; the latter may be associated with a decrease in the use of incisional glaucoma surgery for NVG in recent years.

Challenging Management of Neovascular Glaucoma to Achieve the Best Visual Outcome

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) resulting from ischemic insults caused by various diseases, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy and central vein occlusion, remains a challenging situation. This case report aims to describe the complex management of NVG, resulting from diabetic retinopathy, to achieve the best visual outcome. A 47-year-old male presented with poor visual acuity of both eyes. His right eye was inoperable. Ahmed valve implantation with intraoperative intravitreal bevacizumab injection was performed in his left eye. Panretinal photocoagulation was performed serially after phacoemulsification. However, intraocular pressure was found to be raised, thus necessitating 5-fluorouracil needling bleb revision and administration of intracameral bevacizumab injection. During 15 months of follow-up we were able to achieve the best visual outcome possible in this patient. Comprehensive management of NVG should be implemented with a multidisciplinary approach.

Altered Intrinsic Functional Connectivity of the Primary Visual Cortex in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

PURPOSE

The purpose was to investigate the differences in spontaneous functional connectivity (FC) of the primary visual cortex (V1) between patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and healthy controls (HCs) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients with NVG (nine males and nine females) and 18 HCs with similar age and sex background were enrolled in the study and inspected using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The differences in FC of the V1 between the two groups were compared using the independent samples t-test. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to compare the average FC values of NVG subjects with those of HCs.

RESULTS

FC in the left V1 and right fusiform gyrus, bilateral cuneus, and left precuneus was significantly decreased in the NVG group compared with that reported in the HC group. Meanwhile, patients with NVG presented increased FC between the right V1 and bilateral middle frontal gyrus. However, they also exhibited declining FC between the right V1 and left precuneus, and bilateral cuneus. The ROC curve analysis of each brain region indicated that the accuracy of the area under the ROC curves regarding NVG was excellent.

CONCLUSION

NVG involves aberrant FC in the V1 in different brain areas, including the visual-related and cognitive-related regions. These findings may assist in unveiling the underlying neural mechanisms of impaired visual function in NVG.

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection combined with panretinal photocoagulation for neovascular glaucoma in Indonesian patients with diabetes mellitus: a prospective study

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humor and the effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection combined with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on the management in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).  METHODS This study was a prospective, interventional study in DM patients with NVG. Paracentesis followed by intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection was performed in all eyes. The concentration of VEGF obtained from paracentesis was measured. In week-1, the intraocular pressure (IOP), sectorial iris neovascularization (NVI), and visual acuity were documented, and management was continued with PRP laser over a period of 1 week. All parameters and additional interventions performed after PRP were also recorded.  RESULTS A total of 18 eyes from 17 patients were studied. The mean (SD) level of VEGF in the aqueous humor was 3,864 (1,468) pg/ml, and the mean (SD) of initial IOP was 39 (10.2) mmHg. There was a significant reduction in IOP in week-1 after the first intervention to 24.4 (8.0) mmHg (p = 0.001); however, at 2 weeks the IOP increased to 30.4 (6.7) mmHg. NVI showed significant regression in week-1 after IVB combined with PRP laser (p < 0.05). All eyes required additional glaucoma implants (14 eyes) and cyclocryotheraphy (4 eyes).  CONCLUSIONS In the eyes of diabetes patients with NVG, VEGF levels were high. With the use of IVB, the IOP was reduced, and NVI regressed; however, due to the severe stages of disease, all eyes required glaucoma surgery.

Corneal Vibrations during Intraocular Pressure Measurement with an Air-Puff Method

Introduction

The paper presents a commentary on the method of analysis of corneal vibrations occurring during eye pressure measurements with air-puff tonometers, for example, Corvis. The presented definition and measurement method allow for the analysis of image sequences of eye responses—cornea deformation. In particular, the outer corneal contour and sclera fragments are analysed, and 3D reconstruction is performed.

Methods

On this basis, well-known parameters such as eyeball reaction or corneal response are determined. The next steps of analysis allow for automatic and reproducible separation of four different corneal vibrations. These vibrations are associated with (1) the location of the maximum of cornea deformation; (2) the cutoff area measured in relation to the cornea in a steady state; (3) the maximum of peaks occurring between applanations; and (4) the other characteristic points of the corneal contour.

Results

The results obtained enable (1) automatic determination of the amplitude of vibrations; (2) determination of the frequency of vibrations; and (3) determination of the correlation between the selected types of vibrations.

Conclusions

These are diagnostic features that can be directly applied clinically for new and archived data.