Long-term outcome of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy by a single surgeon in patients with primary congenital glaucoma

PurposeAssess long-term outcome of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (CTT) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).MethodsData of PCG patients treated with CTT by a single surgeon between 1976 and 1993 were reviewed for reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuities, surgical success rates, and need for repeat surgeries at last follow-up (FU). At the last FU, IOP<21 mm Hg without any topical antiglaucoma medication (TAM) was complete success and with 1-2 TAMs was qualified success. IOP reduction ≥30% without any TAM was modified complete success and with 1-2 TAMs was modified qualified success. IOP>21 mm Hg, IOP reduction <30%, or use of >2 TAM at last FU, or need for additional surgery was considered as failure.ResultsTwo hundred thirty eyes of 121 patients had been followed up for 21.5-38 years (mean 28.87±2.77 years). Eyes that were pthisical (3), had immeasurable IOP (2), or IOP<6 mm Hg (3) were excluded from the success analysis. At last FU, mean IOP reduction was 22.71±11.28 mm Hg and TAM score was 1.71 (0-4). Complete success was achieved in 14 (6.3%), modified complete success in 14 (6.3%), qualified success in 148 (66.7%), and modified qualified success in 140 (63.1%). Success probability was 95% till 25 years and 92, 90, 85, 79 and 68% at 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 years, respectively. Severe visual impairment or functional blindness was found in only 13 (10.7%) patients.ConclusionCTT shows long-term success in PCG patients. All patients must be monitored for IOP control to avoid need for repeat surgeries.

Primary glaucomas: current concepts and management

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Delay in diagnosis of open angle glaucoma (OAG) results from lack of symptoms. In angle closure glaucoma (ACG) there is often neglect of symptoms. Creating awareness about the disease and screening the high risk groups would reduce the burden of irreversible blindness due to glaucoma. Adequate therapy in the form of drops, lasers and surgery is available. Close interaction with the physician is important as many topical antiglaucoma medications have adverse systemic side-effects and many drugs used for systemic diseases raise the intra-ocular pressure (IOP). All drugs currently available for glaucoma lower IOP but new drugs for neuroprotection may change the future management strategies. While drugs and surgery are the mainstay for OAG, laser iridotomy is the definitive treatment for ACG.

The role of artificial drainage devices in glaucoma surgery

The use of artificial drainage devices (ADDs) or "setons" in glaucoma surgery is generally restricted to patients with refractory glaucoma at high risk for failure from conventional filtration surgery. ADDs, both valved and nonvalved are currently available in this country. Recently, some of these devices have been propogated as primary treatment even for primary glaucomas. This article examines the role of ADDs in the modern management of the glaucomas. Specific indications for ADDs and methods to reduce the complication of overfiltration are discussed. The use of antimitotics, such as 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin, with traditional filtration has decreased the indications for ADDs. The literature and our experience confirm that currently there is no role for use of ADDs as a primary procedure in most glaucomas.

Mitomycin-C in congenital glaucoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the adjunctive use of mitomycin-C (MMC) during trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy for eyes with high-risk congenital glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed to compare the effect of a single, 4-minute intraoperative exposure to 0.2 mg/ml (group 1) or 0.4 mg/ml (group 2) of MMC on trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy in 16 high-risk cases (30 eyes) of congenital glaucoma.

RESULTS

The preoperative and final postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs) of the two groups did not differ significantly. At the final follow-up, IOP control (< 21 mm Hg) without medications was achieved in 60% of the eyes in group 1 and in 86.67% of the eyes in group 2 (P = 21). With medication, IOP control was achieved in 86.7% of the eyes of each group. In both groups, the rate of surgical failure was 13.3%. Avascular, thin, sharply demarcated blebs were noted in 33.3% of the eyes from group 1 and in 66.67% of those from group 2 (P = .14). Intraoperative and postoperative hyphema and postoperative hypotony were the complications encountered in both groups, whereas serous choroidal detachment and wound leakage were seen only in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative MMC applied at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml controlled postoperative IOP as effectively as a 0.4-mg/ml concentration in high-risk cases of congenital glaucoma, but with a lower incidence of complications and thin-walled blebs.

Traumatic glaucoma

In the management of an ocular injury, traumatic glaucoma is often overlooked. Prospectively reviewing 100 consecutive patients of traumatic glaucoma we found a very high correlation of postconcussional glaucoma with traumatic cataracts, angle recession of more than 180 degrees, significant injuries to the iris and a displacement of the lens. Two of these four clinical features were present in all cases. Penetrating injuries were followed by a secondary glaucoma if an adherent leucoma and/or evidence of lenticular damage or displacement were seen. These clinical features all point to a damage to the lens-iris diaphragm. The trabecular meshwork being directly related to these structures would also be involved in such an injury, leading to significant impairment of function, and the eye would therefore be more prone to developing glaucoma. Our study has highlighted certain clinical findings which could act as 'markers' for the early diagnosis of traumatic glaucoma.

Aqueous humour lactic acid and proteins in eyes with iris neovascularization

The content of lactic acid and proteins in the aqueous humour of eyes with neovascularization of the iris (NVI) of various etiology was determined. The results were analysed for any possible correlation with the angiogenesis observed in such eyes. Aqueous humour from patients with immature senile cataracts served as the control. The total protein concentration in cases of NVI (mean +/- SD, 345.7 +/- 161.0 mg/dl; n = 15) was significantly raised (P < 0.001) as compared with the control values (mean +/- SD, 30.91 +/- 14.95 mg/dl; n = 12). On the other hand, the concentration of lactic acid in cases of NVI (mean +/- SD, 45.97 +/- 15.5 mg/dl; n = 13) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) as compared with the controls (mean +/- SD, 65.86 +/- 10.9 mg/dl; n = 8). These findings show that angiogenesis is not associated with a raised level of lactic acid in the aqueous humour, whereas the elevated protein values are suggestive of a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier.

Sturge-Weber syndrome: management of glaucoma with combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy

We reviewed the records of 16 patients (19 eyes) with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Scleral pigmentation was present in 12 (63.2%) of these eyes; nevus of Ota in two (10.6%). Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy was performed in 18 eyes. After a mean follow up of 42 months (range, 1 to 8 years), intraocular pressure was controlled (< or = 22 mm Hg) in 11 eyes (61.1%), and visual acuity was better than 6/60 in eight. Intraoperative hyphema occurred in four eyes (22.2%); vitreous loss in three (16.7%). Postoperative choroidal detachment occurred in three eyes (16.7%); vitreous hemorrhage in one (5.6%). In all of the cases of repeat surgery (three eyes), postoperative subconjunctival injections of 5-fluorouracil resulted in a diffuse filtering bleb. We conclude that combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy is a promising treatment for patients with SWS with glaucoma.

Role of anterior retinal cryoablation in the management of neovascular glaucoma

In a prospective study, the effect of anterior retinal cryoablation (ARC) in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) was evaluated over two years, in 72 patients (74 eyes). The outcome of trabeculectomy/seton surgery preceded by 360 degrees ARC was also analysed in 12 eyes of 12 patients (6 eyes in each group). Following ARC, pain relief with dramatic regression of anterior chamber inflammatory reaction was observed in 95% of the patients (59 eyes). At the end of the follow up, as confirmed by iris fluorescein angiography, regression of neovascularization of the iris was documented in 93.5% (58 eyes) of the cases. Intraocular pressure control (< or = 22 mm Hg) was achieved in 82.3% (51 eyes) cases. IOP control of < or = 22 mm Hg was achieved in all the 6 eyes with the seton surgery following ARC. Similarly, control of IOP was successfully achieved in all the 6 eyes of patients with NVG with trabeculectomy with post operative course of 5-fluorouracil following ARC. ARC is strongly recommended in NVG, especially in eyes with media opacities and as a preliminary procedure for filtering surgery or drainage implant surgery.

A modified technique of anterior peribulbar anaesthesia

A modified technique of peribulbar anaesthesia consisting of a single injection of anaesthetic solution with a 26G, half inch insulin needle was evaluated in 50 eyes. The operative procedures included extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in 20 eyes, intracapsular lens extraction in 20 eyes, and trabeculectomy in 10 eyes. Complete anaesthesia was obtained in 45 eyes (90%). No significant complications were observed except for mild to moderate conjunctival chemosis in 40 eyes (80%). The technique is easy to learn, safe, effective and relatively economical.

The additive influence of nevus flammeus and the nevus of Ota on congenital glaucoma

Nevus flammeus and nevus of Ota are commonly encountered dermatological conditions, but both individually, are only occasionally associated with glaucoma. The occurrence of isolated nevus flammeus along with nevus of Ota in the same patient is also extremely rare. We are presenting two unusual cases, both having a nevus of Ota, together with nevus flammeus and severe congenital glaucoma.

Secondary juvenile glaucomas in India

A comparative retrospective study of 164 cases of juvenile secondary gla as presenting to the glaucoma service in 1984 and 100 cases in 1988, to the changes brought about by health education and innovations in ophthalmic care is undertaken.

Argon laser iridoplasty: a primary mode of therapy in primary angle closure glaucoma

Argon laser iridoplasty was performed in 40 eyes of 33 patients of primary angle closure glaucoma. There were 12 male and 21 female patients. The mean ages of the male and female patients were 51 years and 48.4 years respectively. Forty eyes were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of ten eyes of subacute angle closure glaucoma and group II included thirty eyes of chronic angle closure glaucoma. Argon laser iridoplasty was performed with Coherent 9000 model using laser settings of spot size 200 micron, duration 0.2 second and power 0.7 watt. A total of 80 spots were applied over 360 degree circumference. The intraocular pressure control (below 22 mm Hg) was achieved after iridoplasty in all the eyes (100%) in group I, where as in group II the intraocular pressure was controlled in 70% eyes. The follow up period varied from 3 months to one year with a mean of eight months. The success rate with iridoplasty was directly related to the extent of peripheral anterior synechiae, optic disc cupping and presence of visual field changes.

Medical and socio-economic aspects of long term therapy of open angle glaucoma

Hundred patients of open angle glaucoma (OAG) who were on any one of the three drugs pilocarpine, timolol and epinephrine--for an average period of 3.3 years were chosen. Proforma regarding socio-economic status and the patients' reaction to long-term medication were recorded. Though the objective and subjective effects of long term medication were negligible the financial constraints were considerable. More than 70% patient would prefer laser's and surgery because of the cumbersome schedule and financial burden. The visit to the clinic was a time consuming process suggesting a lack of adequate glaucoma follow-up at the peripheral level. The study reflects a need for reorientation of glaucoma management.

A prospective evaluation of anterior retinal cryoablation in neovascular glaucoma

We report a prospective evaluation of the effect of anterior retinal cryopexy on 62 eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Pain was relieved and anterior chamber inflammatory reaction regressed dramatically in 95%. Iris neovascularization was reduced or regressed in 93.5%. Control of intraocular pressure was clinically significant in 82.3% 1 year after the procedure, especially in patients with pretreatment pressures less than 40 mm Hg on maximal medical therapy. Anterior retinal cryopexy is recommended in eyes with media opacities and as a preliminary procedure for filtering surgery in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.

Evaluation of peribulbar anesthesia in eye camps

Modified peribulbar anesthesia was administered with a 26-gauge, half-inch, insulin needle to 367 eyes of 360 patients in three eye camps in India. The intraocular procedures consisted of cataract extraction in 349 eyes, trabeculectomy in 11 eyes, and combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy in seven eyes. The overall success rate of the anesthesia technique was 90.2% (supplemental anesthesia was required in 36 eyes). There was good lid and globe akinesia and anesthesia, adequate pupillary dilatation for intracapsular cataract extraction, and excellent hypotony. No significant local or systemic complications were observed, except for mild to moderate chemosis in some eyes, which did not produce any intraoperative or postoperative problems. We found this technique easy to learn, relatively safe, effective, and well tolerated by our patients.

Role of 5 fluorouracil in the management of failed glaucoma surgery

Filtering surgery for glaucoma usually controls the intraocular pressure adequately. However, in glaucoma patients with aphakia, neovascularisation of iris, previous failed filtering surgeries and relatively young patients, results of surgery leave much scope for improvement. Most failures of filtering surgery are related to extra-ocular factors. Histopathological studies of eyes after failed filtering operations have suggested that proliferation of fibroblasts and deposition of collagen constitute a barrier to filteration. There is also a positive correlation between success of filtering surgery and inhibition of fibroblast growth by the patients aqueous humour. Thus agents inhibiting fibroblast proliferation should play an important role in increasing the success rate of filtering surgery. 5 Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analogue which has been utilised for over 15 years as an antimetabolite in cancer therapy. Its efficiency in inhibiting fibroblast proliferation in vitro and in rabbit eyes has been proved beyond doubt. We undertook a pilot project to estimate the efficiency of the subconjunctival 5 FU to increase the changes of success in problematic cases of glaucoma in pigmented eyes.

Electrophysiological studies of the eye, peripheral nerves and muscles in epidemic dropsy

The involvement of the neurological system in epidemic dropsy is controversial. During two outbreaks of epidemic dropsy, detailed neurological and ocular examinations and electrophysiological studies of peripheral nerves and muscles (motor nerve conduction velocities, sensory nerve latencies and electromyography) and eye (electroretinogram and visually evoked cortical responses) were therefore undertaken. Amongst the 239 subjects examined, burning sensation and tingling paraesthesias of feet were reported by 42.3 and 35.6%, respectively; but none had any objective evidence of central or peripheral nervous system involvement. Electrophysiological studies of peripheral nerves and muscles (10 cases with subjective manifestations) and eyes (24 eyes of 12 patients hospitalized for control of glaucoma) were essentially normal. It is concluded that Argemone mexicana or its toxins do not have any significant effect on the nervous system.

Microsurgical instruments and their care

The microsurgical instruments should be chosen such that they are less than 10 cm long, made of titanium, dulled, have very little closing pressure and the working parts do not open more than 10mm. They should be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners and sterilised preferably by Ethylene oxide, though Cidex and dry heat can also be used.

Pathogenesis of epidemic dropsy glaucoma

Thirty-one cases of epidemic dropsy with raised intraocular pressure were studied. Glaucoma was bilateral in all, with open angles and no signs of anterior segment inflammation. The outflow facility was unimpaired (C value, 0.24 +/- 0.09 microL/min/mm Hg). Aqueous bioassays revealed significantly elevated prostaglandin E2 level (23.33 +/- 4.32 ng/mL) and histamine activity (13.0 +/- 2.76 ng/mL) in all samples from patients with epidemic dropsy glaucoma as compared with negligible levels in control samples from patients with open angle glaucoma. Aqueous biochemical analysis revealed increased total protein level (1.03 +/- 0.10 g/L) with a normal globulin pattern as compared with controls (0.26 +/- 0.08 g/L). On histopathologic and histochemical testing, a normal trabecular meshwork was found in 11 of the 12 trabeculectomy specimens. It is concluded that dropsy glaucoma is hypersecretory in nature; prostaglandin and histamine release may have significant roles in its pathogenesis.

Aspergillus endophthalmitis

A case is reported of bilateral aspergillus endophthalmitis in an infant without any detectable systemic predisposition or focus of infection. The patient is the youngest recorded case of endogenous aspergillus endophthalmitis so far, with an onset of symptoms at the age of 15 days. After histopathological confirmation of the aetiology by enucleation of the atrophic eye, systemic amphotericin B therapy was instituted with excellent results in the fellow eye. This is the first recorded instance of a complete clinical cure in aspergillus ocular disease on systemic amphotericin B therapy alone.

Epidemic dropsy following transcutaneous absorption of Argemone mexicana oil

Four cases manifesting features characteristic of epidemic dropsy following body massage with contaminated mustard oil are reported. A transcutaneous route of absorption for the toxin (sanguinarine) resulting in epidemic dropsy has not been documented previously in man. Oil used for body massage was found to be adulterated with Argemone mexicana oil, while hydrogenated vegetable fat used for cooking did not reveal any contamination. Diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by establishing the presence of sanguinarine in the urine and serum of all four cases.