Permanent ocular remodeling in the setting of chronic hypotony after trabeculectomy: A case report

Purpose

Trabeculectomy surgery is a commonly performed procedure for treatment of glaucoma. While the goal is to lower intraocular pressure, over-filtration may cause hypotony with ocular structural changes and vision loss.

Observations

A 53-year-old woman with primary open-angle glaucoma was referred to our service for further evaluation. The patient previously underwent trabeculectomy 9 years prior and was found to have a cataract and hypotony maculopathy in the right eye. Treatment options included cataract surgery alone, bleb revision alone, or combined cataract extraction and bleb revision. Biometry revealed corneal astigmatism in the right eye, and significant disparity in axial length between the two eyes. Since the axial length and corneal astigmatic changes were presumed to be at least partially reversible, measurements from the non-operative left eye influenced the lens selection for the hypotonous right eye. The patient underwent combined phacoemulsification and bleb revision. While IOP increased and hypotony was partly reversed, there was hyperopic and astigmatic refractive surprise after surgery.The patient subsequently underwent intraocular lens exchange using biometric values of the previously hypotonous eye and met the target post-operative refractive goal.

Conclusions and importance

This case demonstrates changes to the axial length and ocular structure following longstanding hypotony maculopathy may be permanent, even after restoration of normotensive intraocular pressure.

Management of experimental trabeculectomy filtering blebs via crosslinking of the scleral flap inhibited vascularization

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether UVA-light-activated riboflavin-induced collagen crosslinking (UVA-CXL) can maintain the function of filtering blebs after trabeculectomy (TRAB) in rabbits.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy rabbits were randomized to one of the following groups with 12 rabbits in each group: Trabeculectomy group (TRAB group), trabeculectomy combined with CXL group (CXL group), and trabeculectomy combined with MMC group (MMC group). Six rabbits of each group were performed with intraocular pressure (IOP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA). Bleb structure was observed via hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry, proteomic study, western blot, and tensile test were performed between CXL group and the control. In vitro, cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 and Calcein/PI staining. TRPV4 and VEGF-a expression levels were measured by Q-PCR. Ca2+ concentration was observed with Fluo-4 AM.

RESULTS

The IOP and bleb median survival day were significantly modified in CXL (5.92 ± 0.32 mmHg and 15.5 days) than TRAB group (7.50 ± 0.43 mmHg and 9 days). The bleb area and height increased. CXL inhibited vascularization, and vascularization peaked at postoperative day (POD) 14 and then decreased gradually. In proteomic analyses, Z disc, actin filament binding, and sarcomere organization were significantly enriched. CXL inhibited scleral stress‒strain in tensile tests. Compared with TRAB group, TRPV4 expression was significantly increased, but VEGF-a and TGF-β1 levels were reduced in the CXL group in western blot. Meanwhile, TRPV4 expression colocalized with CD31. In vitro, CXL inhibited HUVECs cell viability. After CXL, expression level of TRPV4 was increased and calcium influx was activated, but VEGF-a was decreased in HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that intraoperative UV-RF CXL can significantly improve the success rate of TRAB via inhibiting filtering bleb vascularization. CXL increased sclera stiffness, in turn, induced TRPV4 activation, thus contributing to vascular endothelial cells suppression.

Comparing outcomes of tube versus trabeculectomy among patients with angle-closure glaucoma

PURPOSE

Compare outcomes of tube shunt surgery (Tube) and trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (Trab-MMC) in patients with angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized comparative study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 80 eyes from 80 patients with ACG who underwent either Tube (N = 50) or Trab-MMC (N = 30) between January 2015 and January 2022 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

METHODS

Reviewed and analyzed 390 visits from patient charts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Kaplan-Meier (KM) success rates, Intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), and complications.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics were similar between both groups, except for a higher proportion of patients with pseudophakia and prior incisional ocular surgery in the Tube group. The Trab-MMC procedure had significantly higher Kaplan-Meier complete success (CS) rates than the Tube procedure, but similar qualified success (QS) rates. Under QS, the cumulative probability of survival was 87% in the Tube group and 83% in the Trab-MMC group at year 1 (P=0.77), and 75% in the Tube group and 58% in the Trab-MMC group at year 2 (P=0.14). Under CS, the cumulative probability of survival was 13% in the Tube group and 59% in the Trab-MMC group at year 1 (P<0.001), and 11% in the Tube group and 41% in the Trab-MMC group at year 2 (P<0.001). Both Tube and Trab-MMC procedures resulted in significant patterns of IOP and medication reduction from baseline up to 2 years with mean IOP reduced to 12.6 ± 5.9 mmHg on 2.8 ± 1.4 medications after Tube, and 12.1 ± 6.6 mmHg on 2.4 ± 1.7 medications after Trab-MMC. Patients who underwent Trab-MMC required less IOP-lowering medications at every follow-up visit up to year 1, but a similar number at year 2. No significant differences were found in IOP reduction, BCVA, or complication rates between groups."

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that Trab-MMC confers similar IOP reduction and QS rates to Tube placement in ACG patients. Trab-MMC, however, demonstrated greater medication burden reduction up to 1 year, and more favorable CS rates up to 2 years, while still maintaining similar complication rates to Tube.

A comparative study of cystoid macula edema following glaucoma drainage device surgery versus trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To assess and compare the risk for development of cystoid macula edema (CME) after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation versus conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin (trab) for glaucoma.

METHODS

Retrospective review of consecutive patients receiving trab or GDD implantation between 2016 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were availability of pre- and postoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the macula. SD-OCT images were evaluated for presence of CME qualitatively, central subfield thickness (CST) and macular volume (MV).

RESULTS

73 eyes could be included, 42 received trab and 31 GDD surgery. Eyes receiving trab on average had 0.8 ± 0.8 previous intraocular operations, while eyes with GDD implantation had 3.1 ± 1.9 (p < 0.001). Occurrence of postoperative CME was significantly more frequent after GDD implantation (6 out of 31 (19.4%)) than after trab (2 out of 42 eyes = 4.8%), (p = 0.049). Mean preoperative CST as well as MV was comparable in both groups (CST before trab: 282.7 ± 23.0 µm, CST before GDD 284.2 ± 27.3 µm, p = 0.287; MV before trab: 7.8 ± 1.1 mm3, MV before GDD: 8.0 ± 0.8mm3, p = 0.305). Mean postoperative CST and MV were significantly higher after GDD (CST 338.5 ± 129.3 µm, MV 8.8 ± 2.6 mm3) than after trabeculectomy (CST 290.6 ± 60.2 µm, p = 0.038; MV 7.8 ± 1.2mm3, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

In real-life conditions, GDD surgery seems to be associated with a higher risk to develop CME when compared to conventional trabeculectomy. This information may be helpful for glaucoma surgeons to advise the patients on postoperative risks of surgery.

Comparison of bleb morphologies between phacoemulsification combined with Ex-PRESS mini shunt implantation, phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy alone: a two-year retrospective in vivo confocal microscopy study

BACKGROUND

To compare the bleb morphologies of phacoemulsification combined with Ex-PRESS implantation (Phaco-ExPRESS), phaco trabeculectomy (Phaco-Trab), and trabeculectomy (Trab) in postoperative two years.

METHODS

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with or without cataracts were included in this study. All patients underwent surgeries of either Phaco-ExPRESS, Phaco-Trab, or Trab. The morphologic structures of the filtering bleb, including microcysts area, hyperreflective dot density, and stromal connective tissue under in vivo confocal microscope (IVCM), were compared between the three groups. The data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine eyes from 89 patients were enrolled, including 32 in the Phaco-ExPRESS group, 25 in the Phaco-Trab group, and 32 in the Trab group. In a 24-month follow-up, bleb morphologies in Phaco-ExPRESS were similar to the Trab group. The area of epithelial microcysts was significantly increased in Phaco-ExPRESS and Trab groups while significantly decreased in Phaco-Trab. At postoperative 24 months, the complete success rate was 65.1% in Phaco-ExPRESS, 32.0% in Phaco-Trab, and 59.4% in the Trab group (P = 0.03). The phaco-Trab group had more postoperative anti-glaucoma medications than the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Phaco-ExPRESS group and Trab group had similar blebs morphologies in IVCM, with larger microcyst area, looser connective tissue, and less inflammation than Phaco-Trab, indicating that the function of blebs in the Phaco-ExPRESS and Trab group, was more potent than that of Phaco-Trab. All these surgical methods provided adequate IOP control, but Phaco-Trab required more anti-glaucoma medications.

Two-year outcomes of anterior versus posterior scleral application of mitomycin C-soaked sponge in trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy of two different application methods of mitomycin C (MMC)-soaked sponge in trabeculectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

We included 71 eyes of 71 patients that had undergone trabeculectomy. In the anterior scleral application group, 36 eyes were treated using the long side of the MMC-soaked sponge placed parallel to the limbus. The efficacy and safety in these eyes were compared with eyes treated with the posterior scleral application group, consisting of 35 eyes treated with the long side of the MMC-soaked sponge placed perpendicular to the limbus. The follow-up period was 2 years. The safety of the procedure, including bleb morphology and complications, was the primary outcome, while the success rate was the secondary outcome.

RESULTS

The cumulative success rate at 2 years postoperatively was 94.4% in the anterior and and 94.3% in the posterior scleral application group (P = 1.000). However, with the posterior scleral application of the MMC-soaked sponge, blebs were more low-lying (P = 0.048), less in extent (P < 0.001), more normally vascularized (P = 0.027) and more posteriorly directed (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of thin-walled cystic bleb (P = 0.028) and bleb leakage (P = 0.025) was significantly lower in the posterior scleral application group than in the anterior group.

CONCLUSION

Although there were similar success rates, the posterior scleral application of MMC-soaked sponge with trabeculectomy was safer with a better bleb morphology than the anterior scleral application.

Ab-Externo MicroShunt versus Trabeculectomy in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Two-Year Results from a Randomized, Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of the MicroShunt (Santen Inc) versus trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, multicenter trial conducted in the United States and Europe.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients (aged 40-85 years) with mild to severe POAG inadequately controlled on maximum tolerated medical therapy and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 15 mmHg and ≤ 40 mmHg.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 3:1 to stand-alone MicroShunt implantation (n = 395) or trabeculectomy (n = 132), both augmented with mitomycin C (MMC) 0.2 mg/ml for 2 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary effectiveness end point was surgical success, defined as ≥ 20% reduction in mean diurnal IOP from baseline with no increase in glaucoma medications. Secondary end points included changes in mean IOP and medication use from baseline and the need for postoperative interventions.

RESULTS

At 2 years, the rate of surgical success was lower in the MicroShunt group than in the trabeculectomy group (50.6% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.005). Mean diurnal IOP was reduced from 21.1 ± 4.9 mmHg at baseline to 13.9 ± 3.9 mmHg at 24 months in the MicroShunt group and from 21.1 ± 5.0 mmHg at baseline to 10.7 ± 3.7 mmHg at 24 months in the trabeculectomy group (P < 0.001 compared with baseline in both groups). Mean medication use decreased from 3.1 to 0.9 in the MicroShunt group and from 2.9 to 0.4 in the trabeculectomy group (P < 0.001 compared with baseline in both groups). Adverse events at 2 years were generally similar in the 2 groups, except that hypotony was more common in eyes undergoing trabeculectomy (51.1% vs. 30.9%, P < 0.001). Repositioning or explantation of the implant occurred in 6.8% of MicroShunt patients. The majority of these patients had device removal at the time of subsequent glaucoma surgery. Vision-threatening complications were uncommon in both groups.

CONCLUSION

At 2 years, both the MicroShunt and trabeculectomy provided significant reductions in IOP and medication use, with trabeculectomy continuing to have greater surgical success.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Cost-utility analysis of treating mild stage normal tension glaucoma by surgery in China: a decision-analytic Markov model

BACKGROUND

Many individuals suffer from normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in China. This study utilized Markov models to evaluate the cost-utility of applying many medications and surgery for mild-stage NTG when disease progression occurred at a mild stage.

METHODS

A 10-year decision-analytic Markov model was developed for the cost-utility analysis of treating mild-stage NTG with surgery and increased application of medication. We hypothesized that all 100,000 samples with a mean age of 64 were in mild stages of NTG. Transitional probabilities from the mild to moderate to severe stages and the basic parameters acquired from the CNTGS were calculated. Incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) were calculated for treating all patients with NTG by probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and Monte Carlo simulation. One-way sensitivity analysis were conducted by adjusting the progression rate, cost of medications or trabeculectomy, cost of follow-up, and surgical acceptance rate.

RESULTS

The ICUR of treating mild stage NTG with medication over 10 years was $12743.93 per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The ICUR for treating mild stage NTG patients with a 25% and 50% surgery rate with medication were $8798.93 and $4851.93 per QALYs, respectively. In this model, the cost-utility of treating NTG was sensitive to disease progression rate, surgical treatment rate, and medication costs.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the cost-utility analysis, it was a reasonable and advantageous strategy to administer a lot of medication and surgery for NTG in the mild stages of the disease. In the model, the greater the probability of patients undergoing surgery, the strategy becomes more valuable.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy in advanced-stage pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare clinical outcomes between gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and trabeculectomy (TRAB) in patients with advanced-stage pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG).

METHODS

This comparative study comprised 62 patients who underwent GATT (N = 31) or TRAB (N = 31) for advanced-stage PEXG. Primary outcome was cumulative probability of surgical success at the end of 12-month follow-up. Success was determined as intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction ≥ 30% from baseline, IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg and IOP upper limits for IOP < 15 mmHg and < 12 mmHg, separately. Secondary outcomes were IOP reduction, antiglaucoma medication (AGM) use, and complications in the study.

RESULTS

Age, sex, cup/disc ratio, mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05 for all). The probability of cumulative surgical success at the end of 12 months was similar between the two groups for IOP < 15 mmHg and < 18 mmHg but significantly higher after TRAB (92.0%) than GATT (82.5%) for IOP < 12 mmHg (log-rank test p = 0.035). Percentage of IOP reduction from baseline was similar between the groups (53.1 ± 18.6% in GATT group and 53.0 ± 16.6% in TRAB group, p = 0.98) at the end of 12 months. No significant difference in the mean number of AGM was present at the 12-month visit (1.3 ± 1.4 in GATT and 1.1 ± 1.4 in TRAB, p = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

At the end of 12 months, IOP reduction rate was similar between GATT and TRAB. Cumulative surgical success was higher after TRAB than GATT for IOP < 12 mmHg.

A novel adjustable PHBV basement film for enhancing the efficacy of glaucoma surgery by inhibiting scar formation

Trabeculectomy is the primary surgical approach used to treat glaucoma, but scarring of the filtering passage (filtering bleb) after surgery often leads to treatment failure. To address this issue, we have developed a drug release system called RSG/Pd@ZIF-8 PHBV film. This system enables the sustained release of an anti-fibrosis drug, aiming to prevent scarring. In vitro, the film has the function of continuous Rosiglitazone (RSG) release, with accelerated release after laser irradiation. The antibacterial experiments revealed that the film exhibited antibacterial rates of 87.0 % against E.coli and 97.1 % against S.aureus, respectively. Moreover, we confirmed its efficacy in a rabbit eye model undergoing trabeculectomy. After implantation of the film, we observed a prolonged postoperative period for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), increased survival rate of filtering blebs, and improved long-term surgical outcomes in vivo. Additionally, the film exhibited excellent biosafety. In summary, the designed sustained-release film in this study possesses the aforementioned functionalities, allowing for the regulation of anti-scarring drug release without causing harm post-surgery. This personalized and precise anti-scarring strategy represents a significant advancement.

Hypotony Failure Criteria in Glaucoma Surgical Studies and Their Influence on Surgery Success

PURPOSE

Review hypotony failure criteria used in glaucoma surgical outcome studies and evaluate their impact on success rates.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review and application of hypotony failure criteria to 2 retrospective cohorts.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 934 eyes and 1765 eyes undergoing trabeculectomy and deep sclerectomy (DS) with a median follow-up of 41.4 and 45.4 months, respectively.

METHODS

Literature-based hypotony failure criteria were applied to patient cohorts. Intraocular pressure (IOP)-related success was defined as follows: (A) IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with ≥ 20% IOP reduction; (B) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with ≥ 20% reduction; (C) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg with ≥ 25% reduction; and (D) IOP ≤ 12 mmHg with ≥ 30% reduction. Failure was defined as IOP exceeding these criteria in 2 consecutive visits > 3 months after surgery, loss of light perception, additional IOP-lowering surgery, or hypotony. Cox regression estimated failure risk for different hypotony criteria, using no hypotony as a reference. Analyses were conducted for each criterion and hypotony type (i.e., numerical [IOP threshold], clinical [clinical manifestations], and mixed [combination of numerical or clinical criteria]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hazard ratio (HR) for failure risk.

RESULTS

Of 2503 studies found, 278 were eligible, with 99 studies (35.6%) lacking hypotony failure criteria. Numerical hypotony was predominant (157 studies [56.5%]). Few studies used clinical hypotony (3 isolated [1.1%]; 19 combined with low IOP [6.8%]). Forty-nine different criteria were found, with IOP < 6 mmHg, IOP < 6 mmHg on ≥ 2 consecutive visits after 3 months, and IOP < 5 mmHg being the most common (41 [14.7%], 38 [13.7%], and 13 [4.7%] studies, respectively). In both cohorts, numerical hypotony posed the highest risk of failure (HR, 1.51-1.21 for criteria A to D; P < 0.001), followed by mixed hypotony (HR, 1.41-1.20 for criteria A to D; P < 0.001), and clinical hypotony (HR, 1.12-1.04; P < 0.001). Failure risk varied greatly with various hypotony definitions, with the HR ranging from 1.02 to 10.79 for trabeculectomy and 1.00 to 8.36 for DS.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotony failure criteria are highly heterogenous in the glaucoma literature, with few studies focusing on clinical manifestations. Numerical hypotony yields higher failure rates than clinical hypotony and can underestimate glaucoma surgery success rates. Standardizing failure criteria with an emphasis on clinically relevant hypotony manifestations is needed.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Early Drainage of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage Combined with Surgical Correction of Hypotony after Trabeculectomy

Aims and background

Delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage (DSCH) is a vision-threatening complication of intraocular surgeries with a higher prevalence in postglaucoma filtering surgeries. Through these case series of trabeculectomy complicated with DSCH, we aim to emphasize that correction of hypotony (inciting factor) is fundamental for complete resolution and prevention of recurrence.

Case description

All three glaucoma patients underwent trabeculectomy surgery followed by DSCH on postoperative day 1. Drainage of DSCH using a 23 gauge trocar cannula within 48 hours of onset was performed along with exploration for the cause of hypotony. All three patients had satisfactory visual and anatomical outcomes.

Conclusion

Early drainage using 23 gauge trocar cannulas gives good results in DSCH. The cause of hypotony must simultaneously be corrected during the drainage of DSCH. Preventive measures against hypotony should be taken while doing glaucoma filtering surgery.

Clinical significance

Surgical exploration for the cause of hypotony must simultaneously be performed during drainage of DSCH. Primary preventive measures against hypotony and bleeding during glaucoma filtering surgeries, like the use of releasable sutures, viscoelastic in the anterior chamber, and discontinuation of anticoagulants, can be done. Early drainage using trocar cannulas gives satisfactory results in DSCH postglaucoma surgeries.

How to cite this article

Beri N, Verma S, Bukke AN, et al. Early Drainage of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage Combined with Surgical Correction of Hypotony after Trabeculectomy. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(1):23-27.

A novel bleb revision technique: lining with tenon's patch graft for treatment of large, ischemic, leaking blebs with severe conjunctival scarring after trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

We report a new bleb lining technique with Tenon's patch graft for late-onset leakage from large ischemic bleb with severe conjunctival scarring and impractical conjunctival mobilization after trabeculectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

This study includes six cases with late-onset leakage from large ischemic blebs. Small Tenon's tissue is dissected from the incisional site or a previously made inferior incision for Tenon's anesthesia. A passage is created from the small incision to the leaking area of the bleb using a bleb knife or micro scissors. The Tenon's tissue, stained with indocyanine green, is inserted under the ischemic bleb's conjunctiva. A transconjunctival compression suture is placed across the leaking point to fix the Tenon patch graft positionally.

RESULTS

In all cases, bleb leakage was completely sealed immediately after surgery. In 4 cases, the closure of the bleb leakage was maintained after surgery during the follow-up period (6-17 months). In two cases, bleb leakage recurred from different leaking points 7 or 9.5 months after the surgery; however, repeated tenon's patch lining revisions successfully closed these leakages. The intraocular pressure at the final visit was 5-13 mmHg (median, 10 mmHg) without glaucoma medication or additional glaucoma surgery.

CONCLUSION

Tenon's patch-lining technique is a promising method for bleb leakage with large ischemic bleb and impractical conjunctival mobilization.

Comparison of Long-Term Effects Following Phacoemulsification Combined with Goniosynechialysis and Trabeculectomy in Patients with Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma and Cataract

INTRODUCTION

Goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL) is a logical therapeutic approach for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and cataract. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effectiveness and safety of Phaco-GSL and trabeculectomy (TRB) in the management of PACG with coexisting cataract.

METHODS

A review was conducted on 96 Chinese patients (96 eyes) with PACG and cataract from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Among them, 56 patients underwent Phaco-GSL, while 40 underwent TRB. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), use of supplemental antiglaucoma medical therapy, surgery success rates, and complications for both procedures were assessed.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 50.3 ± 18.7 months in the Phaco-GSL group and 61.2 ± 15.1 months in the TRB group. At the final follow-up, IOP decreased from 27.0 ± 11.1 mmHg to 13.5 ± 2.1 mmHg in the Phaco-GSL group and in the TRB group IOP decreased from 27.1 ± 7.7 mmHg to 16.5 ± 5.5 mmHg. The long-term postoperative IOP in the Phaco-GSL group was significantly lower than that in the TRB group. There was a statistically significant reduction in medication usage in both groups, with the TRB group having a higher number of postoperative medications at the final follow-up. The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the TRB group compared to the Phaco-GSL group.

CONCLUSIONS

Phaco-GSL is the recommended surgical approach for Chinese patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and cataract. Compared to traditional TRB, eyes undergoing Phaco-GSL show a reduced requirement for antiglaucomatous medications, improved management of IOP, decreased risk of complications, and higher long-term cumulative probability of treatment success for patients with PACG.

Comparing Outcomes of Trabeculotomy with Mitomycin C to 45-μm Gelatin Stent Placed Ab Externo with Open Conjunctiva

PURPOSE

To compare trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (trab-MMC) and XEN45 Gel Stent placed ab externo with open conjunctiva (XGS AEO) with or without cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma.

DESIGN

Nonrandomized, retrospective, comparative study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 204 eyes from 204 glaucoma patients who received XGS AEO or underwent trab-MMC with or without cataract surgery between July 2018 and August 2021 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

METHODS

Visits from 204 patient charts were reviewed after either trab-MMC or XGS AEO from 2018 to 2021 from a level 3 triage center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, Kaplan-Meier success rates, 5-fluorouracil impact, and complications.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-seven patients underwent trab-MMC and 47 underwent XGS AEO. Groups had similar baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and medications (meds). Intraocular pressure and meds decreased similarly at 1.5 years (11.2 mmHg vs. 7.4 mmHg, P = 0.62; 2.9 vs. 2.8 meds, P = 0.92, respectively for trab-MMC and XGS AEO). Success was defined as IOP reduction ≥ 20% with 5 mmHg ≤ IOP ≤ 18 mmHg for 2 consecutive visits. Complete success (CS) did not allow meds; qualified success (QS) allowed for ≤ baseline meds. When IOP fluctuations in the first 60 days were not counted as failures, CS was 43% for trab-MMC, about 8.5% higher than for XGS AEO (P < 0.01). Qualified success was similar between the groups (65%-67%). Procedure time was shorter for XGS AEO than trab-MMC (44 vs. 63 minutes, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

XEN45 Gel Stent AEO may provide similar benefits to trab-MMC, especially for patients who tolerate some meds, with shorter procedure times.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Comparison between primary Ahmed valve implantation and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with exfoliative glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of primary Ahmed valve implantation (AVI) and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with pseudophakic exfoliative glaucoma (XFG).

METHODS

All enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the TRAB group, comprising patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC, and the AVI group, comprising patients who underwent AVI. Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD), endothelial cell density of cornea (ECD), and the number of topical anti-glaucoma agents used during study period were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success rates were compared between two groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Three levels of surgical success were defined as follows: (1) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20% without medication; (2) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 25% without medication; and (3) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20%, irrespective of medication.

RESULTS

The TRAB and AVI groups comprised 40 and 36 patients, respectively. At 36 months postoperatively, IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg in the TRAB group and 16.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in the AVI group (p = 0.140). Surgical success rates in the TRAB group were 47.5, 37.5, and 77.5% and those in the AVI group were 41.6, 33.3, and 75.0% at 36 months for surgical criteria 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates between the two groups. However, regarding surgical criteria 2, the success rate of the AVI group at 1 year was significantly better than that of the TRAB group (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary AVI was not inferior to primary trabeculectomy with MMC in medically uncontrolled patients with XFG.

Combined minimally invasive conjunctival surgery with lens repositioning for traumatic bleb leak with dislocated intraocular lens

Purpose

We report a case of traumatic bleb leak following trabeculectomy and dislocated intraocular lens treated with combined minimally invasive conjunctival surgery (MICS) and lens repositioning.

Observations

A 36-year-old woman with a history of phacomorphic glaucoma secondary to microspherophakia and status post trabeculectomy underwent combined MICS and lens repositioning for a late-onset bleb leak and dislocated intraocular lens following minor trauma. The patient's vision rapidly improved postoperatively with prompt resolution of hypotony.

Conclusion/importance

MICS is an effective treatment for traumatic bleb leak following trabeculectomy that can be a particularly useful approach for patients undergoing concurrent ophthalmic surgery.

Long-term effects of intraoperative topical bevacizumab in sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy: a prospective clinical trial

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of the novel method sutureless trabeculectomy with topical administration of bevacizumab.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Primary open-angle glaucoma patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg despite maximum tolerated medication were included in a single-blind prospective interventional clinical trial. Group 1 underwent sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy with intraoperative topical administration of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) applied on the scleral incision for 1 min. Group 2 underwent sutureless trabeculectomy alone and group 3 (control group) underwent conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). Outcome measures were surgical success, IOP, number of needed anti-glaucoma medications, and complications. Patients were followed for two years.

RESULTS

Finally, 50 eyes from group 1, 46 from group 2, and 47 from group 3 were analyzed. At the end of 24 months, 52% (n = 26) of group 1, 34.8% (n = 16) of group 2, and 57.4% (n = 27) of group 3 had complete success (IOP < 18 mmHg without medication). The difference was only significant between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.003). 94% (n = 47) of group 1, 89.1% (n = 41) of group 2, and 91.5% (n = 43) of group 3 had qualified success (IOP < 18 mmHg with ≤ 2 anti-glaucoma medications) (p = 0.69). There was a significant difference in the overall IOP mean between the three groups (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in complication rates and the number of needed anti-glaucoma medications for IOP control.

CONCLUSION

Sutureless trabeculectomy with topical application of bevacizumab showed comparable surgical success rates with conventional trabeculectomy and MMC in long-term follow-up. Additionally, adjuvant use of topical bevacizumab had a significant positive impact on long-term IOP control.

Comparison of Short-term Visual Acuity Changes After Trabeculotomy ab Interno Using Trabectome and Trabeculectomy ab Externo

PURPOSE

To compare short-term visual acuity (VA) changes after trabeculotomy ab interno (TAI) using trabectome and trabeculectomy ab externo (TAE) performed on pseudophakic eyes.

DESIGN

A single-center retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with pseudophakic eyes who had primary open-angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma and underwent TAI or TAE alone.

METHODS

Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), medication score, Snellen VA, and the number of eyes with vision loss (loss of ≥ 2 Snellen lines) were evaluated at baseline, week 1, and months 1, 3, and 6. The risk factors for vision loss at 6 months postoperatively were analyzed in both groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity changes.

RESULTS

A total of 112 eyes of 112 patients were examined: 46 in the TAI group and 66 in the TAE group. Intraocular pressure was significantly lower in both groups at each visit than at baseline. The TAI group had a significantly higher mean postoperative IOP than the TAE group. Medication scores in the TAI group were significantly different after 3 months compared with baseline; however, decreased significantly at all study visits in the TAE group. The mean VA in the TAI group did not decrease significantly at each visit. In the TAE group, it decreased significantly up to 3 months but was not significantly different at 6 months. At all study visits, the number of eyes with vision loss was significantly lower in the TAI group than in the TAE group. Only 2 eyes in the TAI group (4.3%) had vision loss at 6 months, which was caused by macular edema. In the TAE group, 13 eyes (19.7%) experienced vision loss at 6 months. In all cases, the presence of preoperative split fixation [odds ratio = 7.30, P < 0.05] and the occurrence of hypotony-related complications [odds ratio = 6.76, P < 0.05] within 6 months were risk factors for vision loss.

CONCLUSIONS

TAI lowered IOP less than TAE; however, there was less vision loss with TAI. For eyes with a target IOP in the mid-teens, TAI can be recommended as initial surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosuremay be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Predictive potential of optical coherence tomography parameters for the prognosis of decreased visual acuity after trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma patients with good vision

BACKGROUND

Trabeculectomy (trab) is the most effective surgical procedure for lowering IOP and preventing glaucoma progression. However, decline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is one of the most serious postoperative complications of trab. Here, we investigated methods to predict decreased BCVA after trab in glaucoma patients with good preoperative BCVA.

METHODS

This study included 35 eyes of 35 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients (male / female: 21 / 14, age: 64.0 ± 9.7 years old, preoperative intraocular pressure: 15.9 ± 5.4 mmHg, mean deviation: -18.1 ± 5.6 dB) with preoperative BCVA of 0.7 or better who underwent trab and were observed for more than 12 months. As a preoperative analysis, we measured temporal quadrant circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and ganglion cell complex thickness in a central strip between the disc and fovea (csGCCT), an area that corresponds to the location of the papillomacular bundle (PMB) in swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). We defined BCVA decline as a loss of more than 3 lines of BCVA after 12 months. Measurement parameters were compared between the BCVA-decline group and the non-BCVA-decline group.

RESULTS

BCVA decline was detected in 11 cases (31.4%) 12 months after trab. There was a statistically significant difference in axial length (P = 0.049). A single logistic analysis showed that the BCVA-decline group had significantly lower cpRNFLT than the non-BCVA-decline group (27.7 ± 8.0 μm vs. 45.1 ± 5.3 μm, P < 0.001, cut-off value: 33.4 μm), as well as lower csGCCT (72.4 ± 7.7 μm vs. 87.5 ± 5.1 μm, P = 0.002, cut-off value: 82.3 μm). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the BCVA-decline group had significantly lower temporal quadrant cpRNFLT (P < 0.001) and lower middle csGCCT (P < 0.001) compared to the non-BCVA-decline group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower temporal quadrant cpRNFLT and middle csGCCT, OCT scan areas that correspond to the location of the PMB, might be biomarkers that predict BCVA decline after trab in OAG patients with good vision.

PRESERFLO ™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy: 1-year results on efficacy and safety

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after one year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Institutional prospective interventional cohort study comparing eyes with POAG, which had received the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy. The MicroShunt group was matched with the trabeculectomy group for age, known duration of disease, and number and classes of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications to have similar conjunctival conditions. The study is part of the Dresden Glaucoma and Treatment Study, using a uniform study design, with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria, follow-ups and standardized definitions of success and failure for both procedures.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

mean diurnal IOP (mdIOP, mean of 6 measurements), peak IOP, and IOP fluctuations.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

success rates, number of IOP lowering medications, visual acuity, visual fields, complications, surgical interventions, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients, 30 in each group, were analyzed after 1-year follow-ups. Median [Q25, Q75] mdIOP (mmHg) dropped from 16.2 [13.8-21.5] to 10.5 [8.9-13.5] in the MicroShunt and from 17.6 [15.6-24.0] to 11.1 [9.5-12.3] in the trabeculectomy group, both without glaucoma medications. Reduction of mdIOP (P = .596), peak IOP (P = .702), and IOP fluctuations (P = .528) was not statistically significantly different between groups. The rate of interventions was statistically significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group, especially in the early postoperative period (P = .018). None of the patients experienced severe adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Both procedures are equally effective and safe in lowering mdIOP, peak IOP and IOP fluctuations in patients with POAG, one year after surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02959242.

Fungal corneal ulcer after repair of an overhanging filtering bleb: A case report

BACKGROUND

Overhanging filtering bleb is a common complication after trabeculectomy and surgical repair is an effective treatment when the patient presents with apparent symptoms. Filtering bleb relevant infection including in the filtering bleb itself and even endophthalmitis in some severe cases has been reported. However, corneal fungal infection after filtering bleb repair is rarely reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57-year-old Chinese man who had sensations of redness and foreign body sensations in the left eye 3 wk after repair of overhanging filtering bleb. 3 wk ago, due to sensations of a foreign body in the left eye for 3 years with worsening for 3 mo. The patient was diagnosed as overhanging filtering bleb and underwent a repair of overhanging filtering bleb. Postoperative, the filtering bleb formed well and the intraocular pressure is normal. But the patient gradually develop redness, pain and a grey infiltrate of the cornea in the eye. Finally it developed into fungal corneal ulcer. Through asking the medical history, we found the patient had irregularly self-medicated for years with glucocorticoid eye drops for years to relieve the foreign body sensation in the eye caused by filtering bleb overhanging. Because the glucocorticoid eye drops he used years ago had provide normal sensation to the eye. After 3 mo of anti-fungal treatment, the inflammation was controlled.

CONCLUSION

In addition to avoiding the development of overhanging filtering bleb after trabeculectomy, the present case report also suggests that clinicians should pay more attention to the patient's ocular self-medication history. Particularly in patients with a history of glaucoma or eye surgery. Because these patients may be exposed to more types of eye drops than other individuals, they may select the wrong medications for long-term use, based on their previous experience.

Early postoperative visual acuity changes after trabeculectomy and factors affecting visual acuity

PURPOSE

To investigate the early visual acuity (VA) changes that occur after trabeculectomy and their reversal with recovery.

METHOD

Two hundred ninety-two eyes of 292 patients after initial trabeculectomy as a standalone procedure fulfilling the following conditions were included: 1) patients with a postoperative follow-up of at least 3 months; 2) patients with preoperative corrected VA less than 0.5 logMAR equivalent; 3) patients with reliable results of visual field; and 4) patients who had open angle glaucoma. VA and intraocular pressure (IOP) changes during the first 3 months after surgery and factors affecting VA postoperatively at 3 months were investigated.

RESULTS

The mean IOPs (mmHg) after trabeculectomy were significantly lower than preoperatively during the entire period (P < 0.0001). The mean corrected VA for all patients was 0.06 ± 0.17, 0.24 ± 0.38, 0.19 ± 0.26, and 0.14 ± 0.27 preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively, showing a significant decrease from the preoperative period at all time points (P < 0.0001). VA loss of two or more levels was observed in 13 eyes (4.45%) at 3 months postoperatively. Foveal threshold (FT), shallow anterior chamber (SAC), and choroidal detachment (CD) affected the change in VA before and at 3 months after surgery (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P = 0.0004, respectively). The factors that had significant effects on VA change were FT, SAC, and CD in POAG, FT and hypotonic maculopathy in NTG, and FT in XFG (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of serious vision loss was 4.45% for two or more levels of vision loss, and early postoperative VA changes after trabeculectomy may not be reversed even 3 months later. VA loss is influenced by preoperative FT, postoperative SAC and CD, but the impact of postoperative complications vary with disease type.

Ab Externo SIBS Microshunt with Mitomycin C for Open-Angle Glaucoma: Three-Year Results as a Primary Surgical Intervention

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness, risk factors for surgical failure, and adverse events in a large cohort of patients receiving stand-alone ab externo poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) microshunt implantation with mitomycin C (MMC) over 3 years of follow-up.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Glaucomatous eyes on maximally tolerated medical therapy with no previous subconjunctival glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

Records of eyes that underwent ab externo SIBS microshunt with MMC between July 2015 and November 2017 were reviewed. Data from all follow-up visits were utilized and included intraocular pressure (IOP), medication use, postoperative interventions, complications, and reoperations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was proportion of eyes at 3 years with (1) no 2 consecutive IOPs > 17 mmHg (or < 6 mmHg with > 2 lines of vision loss from baseline); (2) ≥ 20% reduction from baseline IOP; and (3) using no glaucoma medications (complete success). Secondary outcomes included 14 and 21 mmHg upper IOP thresholds with and without ≥ 20% IOP reduction from baseline, qualified success (with glaucoma medications), risk factors for failure, median IOP/medications, postoperative interventions, complications, and reoperations.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-two eyes from 135 patients were included. Complete and qualified success was achieved in 55.6% and 74.8% of eyes, respectively. Time to first glaucoma medication use was a median of 16.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 12.1-34.1) months; however, 59.4% of eyes remained medication free at 3 years. Significant risk factors for failure included receiving < 0.4 mg/ml of MMC (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-4.05) and baseline IOP < 21 mmHg (adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03-3.13). The most common complications were choroidal detachment, hyphema, and anterior chamber shallowing, occurring in 7%, 5%, and 5% of eyes, respectively. The needling rate was 15.1%, with significantly higher frequency for baseline IOP > 21 mmHg (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.38-7.48). Revisions occurred in 7% of eyes and reoperations in 2.6%. Eyes receiving < 0.4 mg/ml of MMC underwent more revisions (odds ratio, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.3-18.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Three-year follow-up data from this large cohort continues to support promising rates of qualified and complete success, with decreased medication burden postoperatively and few postoperative complications and interventions. Comparisons to other filtering surgeries will further facilitate integration of the SIBS microshunt into the surgical treatment paradigm.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Two-stage intra-tenon injection versus sponge-applied mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy: a one-year study

PURPOSE

Mitomycin C (MMC) is normally used to avoid scar formation in trabeculectomy. There has been a shift from conventional delivery via soaked sponges to preoperative injection of MMC. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a modified two-stage low-dose intra-Tenon injection with soaked sponges of MMC for trabeculectomy over a 1-year follow-up period.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients with glaucoma undergoing modified trabeculectomy with a two-stage intra-Tenon injection (0.01%, 0.1 mL) or soaked sponges (0.02%) of MMC. In the former group, patients received intra-Tenon injection of MMC (the first stage) at least 4 h before trabeculectomy (the second stage). Patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, antiglaucoma medication use, complications, and post-trabeculectomy surgical interventions were recorded during a 1-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

There were 36 and 35 eyes in the injection and sponge groups, respectively, in 58 patients. The injection group showed significantly lower intraocular pressure (p < 0.05) at every time point except on postoperative day 1 and week 1, fewer medications at the 1-year follow-up (p = 0.018), and a higher complete success rate (p = 0.011) than the sponge group. Both techniques showed a significant reduction in intraocular pressure and medication use at the 1-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in complications between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our two-stage intra-Tenon MMC injection technique resulted in lower postoperative intraocular pressure, less antiglaucoma medication use, and fewer needling revisions compared to the sponge technique.

Intraoperative primary partial occlusion of the PreserFlo MicroShunt to prevent initial postoperative hypotony

PURPOSE

The aim of the underlying study was to present a new surgical method in PreserFlo MicroShunt surgery for glaucoma. A removable polyamide suture was placed into the lumen of the MicroShunt during implantation to prevent early postoperative hypotony.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients undergoing stand-alone glaucoma surgery with implantation of a PreserFlo MicroShunt and an intraluminal occlusion were retrospectively reviewed and compared to a control group without occlusion. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma or secondary open-angle glaucoma due to pseudoexfoliation or pigment dispersion. Patients with a history of filtrating glaucoma surgery were excluded.

RESULTS

IOP decreased from 26.9 ± 6.6 to 18.0 ± 9.5 mmHg at the first postoperative day after PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation. Postoperative removal of the occluding suture resulted in a mean IOP reduction in 11.1 ± 7.6 mmHg. Mean visual acuity was 0.43 ± 0.24 logMAR during the first postoperative examination. The interval with the occluding intraluminal suture in place varied from days to 2-3 weeks. Patients were followed up to 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of a PreserFlo MicroShunt combined with an intraluminal suture prevented postoperative hypotony in all patients. Mean postoperative pressure was reduced despite the occluding suture in place.

AVASCULAR OVERHANGING BLEB REDUCTION WITH MODIFIED SUTURELESS TECHNIQUE

A late postoperative trabeculectomy complication could be the overhanging bleb, especially when antimetabolites are used. It can be associated with hypotony, foreign body sensation, dellen, and visual compromise. We report a case of an avascular overhanging bleb successfully reduced with a modified sutureless technique. Nine years before, our patient had trabeculectomy using mitomycin C. After the surgery, the intraocular pressure was correct, without progression in the visual field, but on slit-lamp examination, a large avascular overhanging bleb was noted. Partial excision was performed with dissection from the cornea, overhanging conjunctival trimming, leakage checking and Bandage Contact lens placement. Topical antibiotic and steroid treatment was administered for three weeks. The excised conjunctival histopathology showed avascular metaplastic epithelium. Six months after the surgery, the patient's visual acuity improved, with intraocular pressure of 12 mm Hg and a Seidel negative asymptomatic bleb. In conclusion, this less invasive technique preserves better bleb function without ripping the surrounding ischemic tissue. The procedure is safe and easy to perform, with less surgical time and fast recovery.

Outcomes of Glaucoma Reoperations in the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy Study

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence and outcomes of reoperations for glaucoma in the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (PTVT) Study.

DESIGN

Cohort study of patients in a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

The PTVT Study enrolled 242 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma and no previous incisional ocular surgery.

METHODS

Randomization assigned 125 patients to placement of a tube shunt (350-mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma implant) and 117 patients to trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC, 0.4 mg/ml for 2 minutes). Data were analyzed from patients who underwent additional glaucoma surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), use of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, surgical complications, and failure (IOP > 21 mmHg or reduced by <20%, IOP ≤ 5 mmHg, additional glaucoma surgery, or loss of light perception vision).

RESULTS

Additional glaucoma surgery was performed in 21 patients in the tube group and 12 patients in the trabeculectomy group in the PTVT Study, and the 5-year cumulative reoperation rate for glaucoma was 18.0% in the tube group and 10.4% in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.15). Follow-up (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) after additional glaucoma surgery was 35.1 ± 17.7 months in the tube group and 30.1 ± 17.6 months in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.44). At 3 years after glaucoma reoperation, IOP (mean ± SD) was 15.5 ± 4.8 mmHg in the tube group and 16.6 ± 7.3 mmHg in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.71). The number of glaucoma medications (mean ± SD) after 3 years of follow-up was 2.1 ± 1.7 in the tube group and 1.7 ± 1.0 in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.58). The cumulative probability of failure at 3 years after a glaucoma reoperation was 37.8% in the tube group and 21.3% in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.47).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in the rate of reoperation for glaucoma was observed after tube shunt implantation and trabeculectomy with MMC in the PTVT Study. Similar surgical outcomes were observed after additional glaucoma surgery, irrespective of the initial procedure to which the patient was randomized.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Corneal Endothelial Features in Patients Operated for Primary Congenital Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the corneal endothelial cell morphology using specular microscopy imaging between primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and age-matched healthy controls, and to determine if the endothelial cell parameters vary among different subtypes of PCG.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred forty-five eyes of 145 patients operated for PCG between 1991 and 2018 and who returned for a follow-up visit between June 2021 and May 2022. Three hundred and nineteen age-matched healthy individuals constituted the control group.

METHODS

Corneal endothelial cell layer analysis was performed with EM-3000 (Tomey) noncontact specular microscope. Patients were categorized according to the clinical subtypes of PCG (neonatal, infantile, and late-onset) based on the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network classification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Specular microscopic parameters, including endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell size, coefficient of variation (CV), and maximum and minimum cell size, were compared with that of the control group.

RESULTS

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of patients at endothelial imaging was 13.5 ± 6.54 years, and there was a male preponderance (n = 88, 61%). The majority of the patients had infantile-onset PCG (n = 67, 46%). Eyes with PCG demonstrated a significantly lower ECD compared with controls (2158.7 ± 636.5 vs. 2840.9 ± 232.5 cells/mm2; P < 0.0001). Other endothelial cell parameters were also significantly worse in PCG compared with controls. The mean ± SD ECD was 2344.3 ± 544.3, 2131.9 ± 626.4, and 2054.2 ± 714.0 cells/mm2 in neonatal onset, infantile, and late-onset PCG groups, respectively. Although the ECD was lowest in the late-onset PCG group, there was no significant difference in the ECD between the 3 subgroups. Except for CV, all the endothelial cell parameters were significantly worse in eyes with Haab striae than in eyes without.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PCG have significantly lower ECD compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, other endothelial cell parameters were also significantly worse in the PCG group. These changes in the corneal endothelium in patients with PCG should be considered in long-term medical and surgical management.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

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

Comparison of the Intrableb Characteristics of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Trabeculectomy according to Amniotic Membrane Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of filtering bleb with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) according to amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT).

METHODS

One hundred and sixteen eyes of 103 glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy with (AMT group; 85 eyes) or without AMT (control group; 31 eyes) were included. Intrableb parameters were evaluated with AS-OCT. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction ≥20% without medication at the time of AS-OCT examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with IOP control.

RESULTS

In the eyes with successful IOP control, the fluid-filled space area, score, and height were greater for the AMT group than the control group (all ps < 0.001), while stripping layer thickness was greater and bleb wall reflectivity was lower for the control group than the AMT group (all ps < 0.001). Surgical success in the AMT group was associated with greater fluid-filled space score, lower bleb wall reflectivity, and microcyst formation (odds ratio [OR] = 8.016, 0.913, and 16.202, respectively, all ps ≤ 0.041). Lower bleb wall reflectivity alone was associated with surgical success in the control group (OR = 0.815, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

The extent of the fluid-filled space was associated with successful IOP control after trabeculectomy with AMT. Hyporeflective bleb wall was associated with successful IOP control in AMT and control groups.

Comparison between Surgical Techniques Used for Revision of the Filter Bleb: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare two surgical revision techniques in failed trabeculectomies after 6 months.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy in at least one eye with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) after trabeculectomy performed at least 6 months before were enrolled in this prospective trial. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination at baseline. Randomization was performed to one eye per patient to double-masked trabeculectomy revision or needling. Patients were examined on the first day, 7 days, 14 days, and then monthly until completing 1 year after surgical intervention. All follow-up visits included the following: patients reported ocular and systemic events, best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, slit-lamp examination, and optic disc evaluation for cup-to-disc ratio. Gonioscopy and stereoscopic optic disc photographs were taken at baseline and 12 months. After 1-year, the IOP and number of medications were compared between the groups. Absolute success criteria in the study were IOP <16 mm Hg, for 2 consecutive measurements without using a hypotensive medication.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included in this study. Among them, 38 completed 1-year follow-up (18 in revision group and 20 in needling group). The age ranged from 21 to 86 years, with a mean of 66.82 ± 13.44. At baseline, the average IOP was 21.64 ± 5.12 mm Hg (range from 14 to 38 mm Hg) in the entire group. All patients were using at least two classes of hypotensive eye drops, and 3 patients were using oral acetazolamide. The mean use of hypotensive eye drop medications was 3.11 ± 0.67 at the baseline for the entire group. In the present study, 58% of the patients presented complete success, 18% qualified success, and 24% failed in both groups. After 1-year treatment, both techniques were similar for IOP parameters and also for number of medications (p = 0.834 and p = 0.433, respectively). Regarding intra- or postoperative complications, one patient in each group needed a new surgical intervention, one in the needling group due to shallow anterior chamber and one in the revision group due to spontaneous Seidel sign, and one patient in the needling group underwent posterior revision due to fail.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques were safe and effective for IOP control after 1 year of follow-up in patients who underwent to trabeculectomy more than 6 months before.

A multicenter phase II study on the safety of rho-kinase inhibitor (ripasudil) with needling for the patients after trabeculectomy

Background

There is no established method of maintaining or reducing intra ocular pressure after the needling procedure for failing blebs post trabeculectomy. Regarding newer antihypertensive medications, ripasudil, which is a rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor ophthalmic solution, was able to prevent excessive scarring in vitro. This study aims to evaluate the safety of glaucoma patients submitted to the needling procedure and administered ripasudil for preventing scarring after the procedure. We also investigate the efficacy of ripasudil after needling for bleb failure through suppression of fibrosis to the bleb.

Methods

This study is a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ripasudil in glaucoma patients after the needling procedure. Forty patients who will undergo needling at least 3 months after trabeculectomy will be recruited in Hiroshima university hospital and Hiroshima eye clinic. All the patients will instill ripasudil two times per day for three months after the needling procedure. The primary endpoint is the safety of ripasudil.

Conclusions

We plan to establish the safety of ripasudil and to collect information involving the efficacy of ripasudil widely in this study.

Noncontact Conjunctiva: A Better Mitomycin C Application Site for Trabeculectomy

INTRODUCTION

Bleb scarring is the most important complication of trabeculectomy. Changing the application position of mitomycin C (MMC) during trabeculectomy might affect the surgery outcome. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness and safety of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in two different application sites of mitomycin in trabeculectomy.

METHODS

This retrospective trial compared the surgical outcomes of 177 eyes that underwent trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C. In 70 eyes, an MMC-soaked sponge was applied under the scleral flap without touching Tenon's capsule. In 107 eyes, an MMC-soaked sponge was applied under the scleral flap covered by Tenon's capsule. Outcome measures were the IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), success rates, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

Within both groups, a highly significant IOP reduction was seen during follow-up. The effectiveness in reducing IOP and the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were similar between the two groups. Thin-walled blebs and postoperative hypotony were seen more often when MMC-soaked sponges were applied under the scleral flap covered by Tenon's capsule (P = 0.008 and P = 0.012, respectively). There was no significant difference in BCVA or other complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

Since the effectiveness of IOP reduction was similar between both groups and with a low incidence of thin-walled blebs and hypotony, the subscleral application without touching Tenon's capsule seems to be the safer application site of MMC during trabeculectomy.

Phaco-goniosynechialysis versus phaco-trabeculectomy in patients with refractory primary angle-closure glaucoma: a comparative study

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (phaco) combined with goniosynechialysis (phaco + GSL) versus phaco with trabeculectomy (phaco + trab) for the management of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) refractory to peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) of over 180°.

METHODS

This retrospective study followed 77 eyes of 77 patients for at least 6 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of glaucoma drugs, and PAS were recorded at the preoperative baseline and evaluated at each postoperative follow-up visit. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) was administered to patients enrolled in this study. Pearson's correlation analysis and multivariate linear analysis were performed to identify factors influencing changes in NEI VFQ-25 scores and to identify factors associated with increases in NEI VFQ-25 scores after the operation.

RESULTS

In total, seventy-seven eyes were included (43 with phaco + GSL and 34 with phaco + trab). Comparing preoperative baseline and month 6 after surgery measurements revealed that both groups found significant improvements in IOP, PAS, BCVA and the number of glaucoma drugs (P < 0.05). Baseline NEI VFQ-25 scores were similar in the two groups, but there was a significant difference in postoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores (74.47 ± 10.39 in phaco + GSL vs. 69.57 ± 8.54 in phaco + trab, P = 0.048 < 0.05), and the phaco + GSL group had better scores at the time of the last follow-up. The change in preoperative scores and the number of glaucoma drugs was significantly correlated with postoperative scores in the phaco + GSL group.

CONCLUSION

Phaco + GSL treatment is as safe and effective as phaco + trab for refractory PACG patients, and patients' subjective experience improved significantly after phaco + GSL surgery.

[Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery-Comparison of angle based procedures]

Surgical procedures are playing an increasing role in the care of patients with glaucoma. Within the last decade, new surgical procedures have been established, which are summarized under the term minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). A wide variety of different procedures are aimed at the structures in the angle of the anterior chamber, such as the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, to improve the physiological outflow or to improve the alternative uveoscleral outflow. The implementation of the treatment goal differs in the individual procedures, as does the maximum pressure reduction that can be achieved. Compared to trabeculectomy with the use of cytostatic agents, the achievable pressure reduction is usually significantly lower. In contrast, the significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative complication rates are emphasized as an advantage of these procedures. With increasing clinical experience and the growth of sufficient data on these new surgical procedures, a well-founded classification in the treatment algorithm of glaucoma surgery becomes easier; nevertheless, due to the small differences with respect to efficacy and safety profile, the final decision for an individual procedure often remains dependent on the surgeon's personal preferences.

Use of Ocular Response Analyzer Output Data in the Management of Low Intraocular Pressure after Glaucoma Filtration Surgery

Aim

To highlight potential benefits of using Reichert's ocular response analyzer (ORA) for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement following glaucoma filtering surgery (GFS), especially in cases of low IOP.

Background

Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is widely regarded as the gold standard of IOP measurement in clinical practice. The ORA also calculates corneal biomechanics, which is used in the calculation of the cornea-compensated IOP (IOPcc).1 This useful, previously unknown information can be used to guide management in challenging clinical cases.

Case description

A 78-year-old lady underwent right trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. During the first 9 months postoperatively, IOP's when measured with GAT, were found to be low (ranging between 2 mm Hg and 5 mm Hg). The patient displayed no clinical features of hypotony and visual acuity remained stable throughout. IOP was also measured with Reichert's ORA, which gives readings for corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor and corneal corrected IOP. IOPcc measurements obtained with ORA were consistently higher, ranging from 6.7 mm Hg to 9.3 mm Hg and were more in keeping with the clinical features of the case.

Conclusion

This case highlights the possibility that GAT can underestimate the true IOP in eyes with low IOP following GFS, as it does not account for corneal biomechanical properties.

Clinical significance

Ocular response analyzer (ORA)-measured IOPcc may be a useful adjunct in reassuring surgeons to manage postoperative numerical hypotony conservatively in the absence of any clinical signs of hypotony.

How to cite this article

Dawson S, Mohite A. Use of Ocular Response Analyzer Output Data in the Management of Low Intraocular Pressure after Glaucoma Filtration Surgery. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):104-105.

Early Inflammation Control After Trabeculectomy by Steroid and Non-steroidal Eye Drops: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

To compare the effect of three different anti-inflammatory regimens consisting of preservative-free dexamethasone (DEX), diclofenac (DICLO) eye drops, and their combination (DEX + DICLO) following trabeculectomy on early postoperative inflammation.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled trial. Sixty-nine patients undergoing trabeculectomy were randomized to receive either postoperative treatment with topical DEX (n = 23), topical DICLO (n = 23), or a combination of topical DEX and topical DICLO (n = 23) after trabeculectomy. The primary outcome was the anterior chamber flare measurement in the first 3 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, conjunctival injection, and number of cells in the anterior chamber from baseline to 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Anterior chamber flare reached a maximum 1 day after trabeculectomy with an increase of 55% (95% CI 37-73%) for DEX, 64% (95% CI 47-82%) for DICLO, and 57% (95% CI 39-75%) for DEX + DICLO and returned to near pre-operative values 6 weeks after surgery. There were no significant differences in anterior chamber flare [effect size for DICLO: 0.16 (95% CI - 4.3 to 4.6), effect size for DEX + DICLO: 0.09 (95% CI - 4.1 to 4.3)], intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, conjunctival injection, or number of cells in the anterior chamber between DEX, DICLO, or DEX + DICLO groups.

CONCLUSION

We found that topical diclofenac was not statistically different from topical dexamethasone in controlling early postoperative inflammation after trabeculectomy, while combining diclofenac and dexamethasone offered no added anti-inflammatory control compared to dexamethasone alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT04054830).

Impact of postoperative choroidal detachment on trabeculectomy outcomes: a four-year comparative study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare trabeculectomy outcomes in patients with and without post-operative serous choroidal detachment (CD) and establish an association between CD and trabeculectomy outcomes.

METHODS

In this 4-year retrospective cohort study, medical records of glaucoma patients older than 18 who underwent primary trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. Phakic eyes without history of any other intraocular surgery and with at least one year of follow-up were included in the study. Postoperative CD was defined as clinically visible CD developed within the first postoperative week. Cases were categorized into with and without CD and trabeculectomy outcomes were compared. Comparison was carried out using postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications and surgery success. Two levels of success were defined regardless of glaucoma medications; criteria A) 5 < IOP < 19 mmHg and criteria B) 5 < IOP < 16 mmHg. In addition to the defined IOP ranges, IOP reduction less than 20% from baseline and further glaucoma surgery were also counted as surgery failures.

RESULTS

Total of 183 patients including 153 without CD (mean age 58.73 ± 11.40 years, mean IOP 23.7 ± 6.63 mmHg) and 30 with CD (59.00 ± 12.59 years, mean IOP 22.2 ± 3.83 mmHg) entered the study. Post-trabeculectomy mean IOPs were significantly higher in the CD group at all follow-up visits at year 1 through 4 (14.70, and 14.82 mmHg vs. 11.03, and 12.59 mmHg; p-value < 0.05). Similarly mean number of glaucoma medications was higher in the CD group at all follow-up visits (p-value > 0.001). Based on success criteria A, cumulative probability of success for patients with CD wasn't significantly different compared to those without CD at years 1 through 4 (80.0%, and 69.6% vs. 88.2%, and 74.1% respectively; p-value > 0.05, log-rank). However, based on success criteria B, patients with CD had significantly lower cumulative probability of success at years 1 through 4 (50.0% and 8.9% vs. 79.7% and 59.8%, p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We established that early post-trabeculectomy serous choroidal detachment is associated with adverse surgery outcomes. Lower rate of surgery success and higher mean postoperative IOP and glaucoma medications were observed in patients with post-trabeculectomy choroidal detachment and this was more pronounced in patients who required more stringent IOP control (success definition 5 < IOP < 16 mmHg).

The anti-scar effect of tyrosine-kinase inhibitor nintedanib in experimental glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of nintedanib on preventing postoperative scar in formation following glaucoma filtering surgery (GFC) in rabbits in comparison with Mitomycin-C (MMC).

DESIGN

Experimental Animal Study.

METHODS

24 New Zealand rabbits were divided randomly into 3 groups as Sham, Nindetanib and MMC(n = 8). Limbal-based trabeculectomy was performed on the right eyes of the rabbits. Left eyes that did'nt undergo surgery were included in the control group (n = 8). Following surgery, Intraocular pressures (IOP), postoperative complications and morphological changes in the bleb were evaluated. On the 28th day, eight eyes from each group were enucleated and histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), Transforming Growth Factor-1 (TGF-B1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) were evaluated.

RESULTS

It was observed that nintedanib has no side effects and reduces subconjunctival fibrosis. Postoperative IOP values in the Nindetanib group were lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). The longest bleb survival was observed in the Nintedanib group and the shortest in the Sham group (p < 0.001). Conjunctival vascularity and inflammation was reduced in the Nintedanib group compared to the Sham group (p < 0.05). The highest subconjunctival fibrosis was observed in the Sham group and the least in the Nintedanib group (p < 0.05). Although the fibrosis score was found lower in the Nintedanib group compared to the MMC(p > 0.05). α-SMA TGF-β1, MMP-2 expressions were similar in Nintedanib and MMC groups (p > 0.05), however, it was observed that significantly decreased in both groups compared to Sham group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It has been observed that Nindetanib suppress fibroblast proliferation Thus, It may be a drug that can prevent subconjunctival fibrosis in GFC.

Influence of discontinuation of prophylactic antimicrobial agent for trabeculectomy

BACKGROUND

There is no unified view of the necessity of prophylactic antimicrobial agents in trabeculectomy. Preoperative prophylactic antimicrobial agent injection and cefazolin sodium (CEZ) for trabeculectomy were discontinued at the Hiroshima University Hospital. In this study, we evaluated whether discontinuation of preoperative administration of CEZ in ophthalmology affects the incidence of postoperative infections.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated patient background, concomitant medications, subconjunctival dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) injection at the end of the surgery, and the incidence of infective endophthalmitis within 6 weeks after surgery in the CEZ and non-CEZ groups. We also performed propensity score matching for background matching. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis was not significantly different between 629 and 751 patients in the CEZ and no-CEZ groups, respectively (0 in the CEZ group and 2 in the no-CEZ group, P = 0.504). More patients in the CEZ group were taking diabetes drugs preoperatively (P = 0.028) and fewer patients were receiving subconjunctival DEX at the end of surgery (P < 0.001) than those in the non-CEZ group. Propensity scores were calculated using the risk factors for postoperative infection as covariates, and matching (580 patients in the CEZ group and 580 patients in the non-CEZ group) showed no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis (P = 0.500).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy between the CEZ and non-CEZ groups, suggesting a decreased need for CEZ injections before trabeculectomy.

Defining the role of ab externo Xen gel stent in glaucomatous eyes with prior failed surgical intervention

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xen45 Gel stent (Xen; Allergan) in eyes that have failed prior surgical intervention, compared to traditional glaucoma drainage device (GDD) or continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). Since this population has low expected success rates with additional surgery, it is vital to compare to standard-of-care surgical options.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center, case-control study of ab externo transconjunctival Xen shunt in eyes that have previously undergone trabeculectomy and/or GDD surgery. Postoperative data were collected for 18 months. Failure was defined as no light perception, additional glaucoma surgery required, or intraocular pressure (IOP) of < 6 mmHg after 6 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighteen Xen eyes and 36 control eyes matched on both glaucoma type and previous glaucoma surgeries were included. Seventy-two percent had primary open angle glaucoma, 11% uveitic, 6% primary angle closure, 6% pseudoexfoliation, and 6% pigmentary glaucoma. Fifty-six percent of eyes in each group had prior trabeculectomy, 28% of Xen and 31% of control eyes had prior GDD, and 17% of Xen and 14% of control eyes had both. Baseline medicated IOP was lower in the Xen group (21.8 ± 7.2) compared to controls (27.5 ± 9.4, P = 0.043). The cumulative failure rate at year 1 was 17% for Xen and 20% for controls (P = 0.57). Mean survival time was 14.1 (± 1.5) months and 11.4 (± 0.6) months for controls. There was no difference in minor complication rates between groups (P = 0.65), but the Xen group had a significantly lower rate of serious complications (P = 0.043) defined as vision threatening or requiring surgical intervention in the operating room. When censored for additional glaucoma procedures, there were no differences at year 1 in IOP, change in IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, or number of medications reduced from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

The Xen shunt provides a reasonable alternative to current standard of care, with a similar failure rate at year 1, with a noninferior IOP reduction compared to GDD and CPC, and a preferred safety profile.

Surgical Results of Trabeculectomy among Groups Stratified by Prostaglandin-Associated Periorbitopathy Severity

PURPOSE

To report the role of prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP) severity in the surgical effectiveness of trabeculectomy (LEC).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 139 consecutive eyes of 139 Japanese subjects (74 men, 65 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 65.7 ± 10.6 years) who underwent LEC were included. All had primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), no history of conjunctival incisional surgery, completed all postoperative visits for 12 months, and information on the PAP severity using the Shimane University PAP Grading System (SU-PAP).

METHODS

Data were collected from a medical chart review at 2 hospitals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of surgical success rates among groups stratified by SU-PAP grades 0 to 3 by survival curve analysis using the definitions of failure based on surgical intervention other than laser suture lysis (LSL), intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction below 20%, postoperative IOP exceeding 15 mmHg (definition A) or 12 mmHg (definition B), and a postoperative IOP below 6 mmHg.

RESULTS

Twelve months postoperatively, the success rates of grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 86%, 68%, 40%, and 0%, respectively, for definition A (P < 0.0001, log-rank test) and 86%, 61%, 36%, and 0%, respectively, for definition B (P < 0.0001). Interventions other than LSL (P < 0.0001, Cochran-Armitage trend test), IOP reduction less than 20% (P = 0.010), and IOP exceeding 15 mmHg (P = 0.016) or 12 mmHg (P < 0.0001) were associated with surgical failure; IOP under 6 mmHg was not (P = 0.31). The proportional hazard model for definition A showed that compared with grade 0, grade 2 (risk ratio [RR], 5.82, P = 0.0043) and grade 3 (RR, 12.2, P = 0.0003) were associated with surgical failure. For definition B, grade 1 (RR, 3.53, P = 0.040), grade 2 (RR, 6.65, P = 0.0021), and grade 3 (RR, 12.0, P = 0.0003) were associated with surgical failure. Differences in age, gender, preoperative IOP and medications, refractive error, and simultaneous cataract surgery were not associated with surgical failure in both models.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative presence of severe PAP worsens the 1-year success rate of LEC in patients with POAG. To retain the surgical effectiveness, treating physicians should prevent patients from progressing to severe PAP, an avoidable side effect, by switching or stopping the causative medications.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Iris abnormalities may influence the efficacy and filtration strategies of Posner-Schlossman syndrome: a retrospective study involving trabeculectomy, ExPRESS and Ahmed valve implants

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the one-year efficacy and influencing factors of different filtration surgeries on Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study enrolling 91 PSS patients who underwent filtering surgeries and were followed for at least one year. Unilateral PSS was diagnosed as recurrent attacks of mild, unilateral, non-granulomatous anterior uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), keratic precipitates (KPs) on the corneal endothelium, open angle, no posterior synechia, and no inflammatory lesions in the posterior segment; the IOP and anterior segment returned to normal between attacks. Medical histories and thorough ocular examination results were collected. Trabeculectomy and ExPRESS were chosen as the first line and AGV was considered for those under high risk of fibrosis. Follow-up data, mainly IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior segment manifestations at the 1st week, 6th month, and 12th month were generated and analyzed. Iris abnormalities were determined by depigmentation or atrophic changes on the anterior segment photograph. Complete surgical success was defined as 5 mmHg < IOP ≤ 21 mmHg without IOP-lowering drug or needle revision; qualified surgical success was defined as 5 mmHg < IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with IOP-lowering drugs or needle revisions. Survival analysis was performed to obtain the success rates.

RESULTS

At the 12th month, the complete surgical success rate of trabeculectomy (N = 54), ExPRESS (N = 23), and AGV group (N = 14) was 58.97% (95%CI 46.91-77.09%), 84.21% (95%CI 68.33-100.87%), and 100%; the qualified success rate was 71.79% (95%CI 62.46-88.34%), 89.47% (95%CI 77.07-103.33%), and 100%, respectively. Patients undergoing trabeculectomy experienced the largest decline of BCVA (from 0.58±0.46 to 1.01±0.51, P < .05); the trabeculectomy group endured the highest IOP (20.84±9.92 mmHg) compared to ExPRESS (14.51±2.86 mmHg, P < .05) and AGV group (13.17±3.32 mmHg, P < .05). At the 12th month, in the ExPRESS group, patients with iris abnormalities had higher IOP than the normal ones (15.65±2.05 mmHg, 12.93±3.17 mmHg, P < .05). ExPRESS helped patients with iris abnormalities maintain lower IOP than trabeculectomy (15.65±2.05 mmHg, 22.52±10.67 mmHg, P < .05). Three patients developed hypotony at the 3rd month (1 in ExPRESS and 2 in trabeculectomy group).

CONCLUSION

AGV and ExPRESS performed better than trabeculectomy in PSS patients in terms of IOP and success rate. Iris abnormalities might influence the postoperative IOP and this may be valuable in guiding filtration strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR1800017532, date: 2018/08/02).

Uneventful Phacoemulsification after Trabeculectomy in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma versus Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

INTRODUCTION

Conflicting results have been reported on phacoemulsification in the filtered eyes with open-angle glaucoma. In this study, we aim to compare the effect of phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy between pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with XFG and POAG who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil (TRAB-PHACO group) were reviewed retrospectively and matched to patients who underwent trabeculectomy only (TRAB group). Comparisons were performed for IOP, medication numbers, and success rates. Surgical failure was defined as IOP >21 mm Hg or IOP ≤21 mm Hg with additional medication or glaucoma surgery. Survival analysis was investigated by Kaplan-Meier test and the factors influencing final success by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The records of 204 patients were reviewed. In XFG, when compared with the baseline, increase in IOP became statistically significant at the at 24-month visit in the TRAB-PHACO group (p = 0.002), at the 6-month visit (p = 0.001) in the TRAB group and remained so throughout the follow-up. In the TRAB-PHACO group, increase of glaucoma medications was statistically significant only at the last visit (p = 0.001) in XFG, at the 6-month visit (p = 0.02) in POAG and remained so throughout the follow-up. Two glaucoma types did not differ statistically from one another in terms of survival analysis. In the TRAB group, the additional glaucoma surgery was more common in XFG compared to POAG (p = 0.02). The trabeculectomy failure after phacoemulsification was related with an IOP spike >25 mm Hg at postoperative first 24h (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In the filtered eyes with XFG, uneventful phacoemulsification may delay time-related worsening in IOP control and may decrease the additional glaucoma surgery need.

[Revision of the PRESERFLO® MicroShunt with ologen and mitomycin C]

Bleb failure after implantation of filtering stents (e.g. Preserflo Stent) is a frequent challenge in glaucoma surgery that has occurred in recent years. In the following, a technique for open bleb revision with mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml) and ologen implantation is presented, which is intended to re-establish the filtration volume lost due to fibrosis and a long-term preservation.

Filtering Bleb Size in the Early Postoperative Period Affects the Long-term Surgical Outcome after Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate whether postoperative filtering bleb size affects the surgical outcome after trabeculectomy.

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 145 medically uncontrolled glaucoma patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) values >21 mmHg before surgery and data from ≥2 years of follow-up. Postoperative IOP, filtering bleb size including extent and height, and other clinical factors were measured after trabeculectomy. We divided bleb extent into quadrants and bleb height by 0.5 intervals of corneal thickness. The main outcome measure was surgical success. We confirmed complete success when the IOP was ≤21 mmHg and decreased by >20% from baseline without medication or additional procedures. Qualified success used the same criteria but allowed for medication or additional procedures. Cases with reoperation or two consecutive IOP measurements <6 mmHg were considered failures.

RESULTS

A total of 145 eyes of 145 patients was included. The average observation period was 30.8 ± 10.9 months. During multivariate Cox regression analysis, a larger extent of filtering bleb revealed significantly low hazard ratios in both complete and surgical success (0.509 and 0.494, respectively); however, there was no significant relationship between bleb height and surgical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of the filtering bleb was associated with surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MicroShunt implantation versus standard trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma (a SIGHT study): study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Trabeculectomy is the "gold standard" initial surgical procedure for open-angle glaucoma worldwide. During the last decade, the introduction of less invasive procedures, including new bleb-forming surgery such as the MicroShunt, has altered the approach of glaucoma management. At present, there is insufficient evidence comparing the effectiveness between these procedures nor versus trabeculectomy. Furthermore, there is no data available on patient impact and cost-effectiveness. This study aims to address this gap in evidence and establish whether MicroShunt implantation is non-inferior compared to trabeculectomy with regard to effectiveness and whether it is cost-effective.

METHODS

A multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial (RCT) studying open-angle glaucoma with an indication for surgery will be conducted. Patients with previous ocular surgery except for phacoemulsification are excluded, as are patients with ocular comorbidity compromising the visual field or requiring a combined procedure. After informed consent is obtained, patients will be randomly allocated to the intervention, a PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt implantation, or the control group, trabeculectomy, using block randomisation (blocks of 2, 4 or 6 patients). In total, 124 patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by centre. The primary endpoint will be intraocular pressure (IOP) one year after surgery. Secondary outcomes include IOP-lowering medication use, treatment failure, visual acuity, visual field progression, additional interventions, adverse events, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and cost-effectiveness. Study outcomes will be measured up to 12 months postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

This study protocol describes the design of a multicentre non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. To this date, cost-effectiveness studies evaluating the MicroShunt have not been undertaken. This multicentre RCT will provide more insight into whether MicroShunt implantation is non-inferior compared to standard trabeculectomy regarding postoperative IOP and whether MicroShunt implantation is cost-effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03931564 , Registered 30 April 2019.

The developments in amniotic membrane transplantation in glaucoma and vitreoretinal procedures

The main reasons why Amniotic Membrane (AM) is transplanted in Ophthalmology are: to provide a substrate for cellular growth and to provide tectonic support or as a biological bandage and barrier that protects the wound to facilitate an environment for wound healing. The application of AM is well-documented in corneal disorders of various aetiologies [1], however, research within the field has highlighted how it can be used in conjunctival disorders and most recently, in glaucoma and vitreoretinal procedures. This review explores the preservation modalities of AM and summarises the current literature regarding AM transplantation in Glaucoma and Vitreoretinal conditions. AM transplantation in conjunction with trabeculectomy was reported to be used in two different surgical techniques. They differ in relation to the position of the implant: below the scleral flap or over the entire exposed sclera. The results of these studies suggest that AM transplant is a safe procedure that helps in the improvement of the intraocular pressure when associated with trabeculectomies. Moreover, it enhances trabeculectomies success rates when used along with mitomycin C [2]. The use of AM is also described for managing leaking blebs. It is mentioned to be a suitable alternative to conjunctival advancement. Regarding AM transplantation in glaucoma shunt or valve surgeries, the current literature is relatively limited. However, AM has been described as a good tectonic support for shunt procedures [3]. Successful results are described in the literature for surgical treatments using AM plug for vitreoretinal procedures. In particular macular hole closure and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In conclusion, AM transplant is a very promising and versatile adjutant therapy. However, further studies are also required for a better understanding and refinement of surgical techniques.

Ipilimumab-related uveitis and refractory hypotony with a flat chamber in a trabeculectomized eye with exfoliation glaucoma: A case report

Purpose

Ipilimumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that occasionally causes ophthalmic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as dry eye, uveitis, and episcleritis. We report a case of ipilimumab-related uveitis and refractory hypotony with a flat anterior chamber (AC) in a trabeculectomized eye with exfoliation glaucoma.

Observation

A 69-year-old man with a history of cataract surgery and trabeculectomy for exfoliation glaucoma in the right eye presented with blurred vision at 2 months after initiation of ipilimumab for metastatic malignant melanoma (day 0). Although no ophthalmic irAEs were observed at the first visit, he developed iritis, vitreous opacity, and choroidal detachment by day 18.As a result of the irAEs, the scheduled course of ipilimumab was canceled and he was instead treated with corticosteroids (eye drops and systemic). The symptoms progressed, and on day 32 visual acuity was light perception, with a flat AC, hypotony maculopathy, and severe choroidal detachment in the right eye. The patient received two AC formations with a viscoelastic substance, but the flat AC and hypotony recurred. Because the effects of the surgeries were temporary, high doses of corticosteroids were administered. AC depth, anterior uveitis, intraocular pressure, and choroidal detachment resolved by day 91.

Conclusions

Ophthalmologists and oncologists should be aware of the rare but severe irAEs, and careful follow-up is required for ophthalmic irAEs caused by ipilimumab, especially in cases with a history of glaucoma surgery.

[Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and Ologen® implant in comparison to classical trabeculectomy]

BACKGROUND

Trabeculectomy (TE) with mitomycin C (MMC) is considered the gold standard in glaucoma surgery. A new modification is the use of an Ologen® implant (AEON Astron Europe B.V., Leiden, Netherlands) during TE, which was analyzed and compared to the standard TE in this retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

On 70 eyes Ologen® was applied during surgery (group 2), whereas 98 eyes were operated on without the implant (group 1). Both surgical procedures were compared regarding the efficiency of lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, the rate of complications and follow-up treatment. Data were collected up to 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

In group 1 the IOP was lowered from 28.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval, CI 26.6-29.4 mmHg) to 16.0 mmHg (14.0-18.1) after 24 months. In group 2, the pressure dropped from 28.5 mmHg (26.8-30.1) to 14.3 mmHg (11.7-17.0). The IOP reduction was significant in both groups (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Glaucoma-related follow-up treatments were performed more often in group 1 but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Both procedures significantly lower the IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. For our cases, TE with Ologen® and MMC is considered to be superior to TE with MMC regarding the lower rates of follow-up treatments as it is less time-consuming for the patients and the clinic.