Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in eyes with open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: To study the effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PHACO IOL) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes. METHODS: 38 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with cataract underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PHACO IOL) performed by one surgeon (RJU). None of the patients had prior intraocular surgery. Surgery was performed by scleral incision on 37% and by clear corneal incision on 63%. Patients were re-examined on the first postoperative day, after one week, 4 months, and in 29 cases 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years after the operation. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP was 18.4+/-3.3 mmHg with a mean of 1.7 glaucoma medications. On the first postoperative day, the mean IOP rose to 28.2 +/- 12.5 mmHg. IOP > or = 30 mmHg occurred in 39.5% of the eyes. After one week, IOP had returned to the preoperative level. After 4 months, IOP had further decreased to 16.1 +/- 3.8 mmHg (p = 0.0027). After a mean follow-up of 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years, the average postoperative IOP was 15.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg, being significantly (p = 0.001) lower than the preoperative IOP with 86% of the patients having a mean of 1.6 drugs on average. The type of incision (scleral vs. corneal) did not affect the postoperative IOP level. Using the criteria of Bigger and Becker (1971) the long-term IOP control after PHACO-IOL surgery was improved or unchanged in 86% and worse in 14% of the preoperatively well-controlled OAG eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In OAG eyes PHACO IOL is associated with a significant decrease in IOP with less medication up to 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years.     

The effects of prostaglandin analogues on the blood aqueous barrier and corneal thickness of phakic patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of topical latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost on the blood-aqueous barrier and central corneal thickness (CCT) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, masked-observer, crossover clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 34 phakic patients with POAG or OHT with no previous history of intraocular surgery or uveitis completed the study. Patients were randomized to use latanoprost 0.005%, travoprost 0.004%, or bimatoprost 0.03% once daily (2000 hours) for 1 month, followed by a washout period of 4 weeks between each drug. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare metre. CCT was calculated as the average of five measurements using ultrasound pachymetry. All measurements were performed by a masked observer (1000 h). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between baseline mean IOP, mean CCT, and mean flare values among the groups. There was no statistically significant increase in mean flare values from baseline in all groups (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between mean flare values among the groups (P>0.05). All medications significantly reduced the mean IOP from baseline (P<0.0001). IOP reduction obtained with travoprost (7.3+/-3.8 mmHg) was significantly higher than that obtained with latanoprost (4.7+/-4.2 mmHg) (P=0.01). A statistically significant reduction in mean CCT (0.6+/-1.3%) from baseline was observed when patients instilled bimatoprost (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost had no statistically significant effect on the blood-aqueous barrier of phakic patients with POAG or OHT. Bimatoprost may be associated with a clinically irrelevant reduction in mean CCT.     

Additive effect of 1% apraclonidine hydrochloride to nonselective beta-blockers.

The short-term additive effect and side effects of adding 1% apraclonidine hydrochloride to nonselective beta-blockers were investigated in 21 patients with ocular hypertension or early primary open-angle glaucoma. After a unilateral single dose application of topical 1% apraclonidine hydrochloride, intraocular pressure (IOP), heart rate, and interpalpebral distance were measured. The mean IOP of treated eyes showed a decline from a baseline of 20.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg to 18.1 +/- 3.2 mmHg at 1 hour (P less than 0.005), 16.5 +/- 2.6 mmHg at 2 hours (P less than 0.001), 15.2 +/- 2.5 mmHg at 3 hours (P less than 0.001), 18.5 +/- 3.0 mmHg at 12 hours (P = 0.02), and 19.2 +/- 2.9 mmHg at 24 hours (P = 0.2). No statistically significant change in the heart rate was seen. The interpalpebral distance of the treated eyes showed a significant increase (P less than 0.05) at all time intervals except 24 hours (P = 0.17). The authors conclude that 1% apraclonidine hydrochloride provides an additive pressure-lowering effect to nonselective beta-blockers for at least 12 hours after a single application, and shows promise as a useful adjunctive agent for short-term use in glaucoma therapy.     

Effects of bimatoprost 0.03% on ocular hemodynamics in normal tension glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bimatoprost 0.03% on ocular hemodynamics in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Twenty-two (22) patients with NTG were consecutively recruited. After basic eye examination and diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, color Doppler imaging was used to measure the peak systolic and end diastolic velocities and resistive index of the central retinal, lateral posterior ciliary, and medial posterior ciliary arteries. Patients received bimatoprost 0.03% for 4 weeks, and these measurements were then repeated. The worse eye of each NTG patient was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Bimatoprost 0.03% significantly reduced mean IOP from 15.1 +/- 3.8 mmHg at baseline to 12.0 +/- 2.9 mmHg after treatment in our sample of NTG patients (P < 0.001). No significant changes in blood velocities or resistance indices were observed in the retrobulbar vessels after the 4-week treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Topical bimatoprost 0.03% significantly reduced IOP in our NTG patients without causing significant hemodynamic changes in the retrobulbar vessels.     

Comparative evaluation of bimatoprost monotherapy in primary chronic angle closure and primary open angle glaucoma eyes: a three-year study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% monotherapy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary chronic angle closure glaucoma (PCACG) eyes. METHODS: A total of 55 consecutive primary adult glaucoma patients on bimatoprost monotherapy were prospectively evaluated in this 3-year, open-labeled, uncontrolled study. The primary outcome was the evaluation of a difference in the response to therapy of POAG eyes, as compared to PCACG eyes over a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: In the POAG group, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at the 36-month followup was found to be increased by 2.10 (+/-3.90) mmHg (confidence interval [CI], 0.975-4.185), compared to the mean IOP at 1 month (P = 0.047). In the PCACG group, the mean IOP at the 36-month follow-up was increased by 3.66) (+/- 3.34) mmHg (CI, 6.241-1.092), compared to the mean IOP at 1 month (P = 0.011). This upward drift in IOP was higher in the PCACG group, compared to the POAG group, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.54). Patients with POAG and PCACG showed a 50% and 40% chance of having an IOP of <18 mmHg with bimatoprost monotherapy (P = 0.23), respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that bimatoprost 0.03% monotherapy significantly lowers IOP in both POAG and PCACG eyes over a period of 3 years, though its efficacy appeared to decrease over time, to a similar extent, in both groups.     

Effect of bimatoprost on patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are nonresponders to latanoprost

PURPOSE: To test the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% 2D for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who did not respond to treatment with latanoprost 0.005% 2D. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial with a cross over design (two 30-day treatment phases with a 30-day washout phase in between). PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen patients were enrolled. Random allocation to treatment to a single eye only of every subject. Eligibility criteria: (1) IOP > 22 mmHg in both eyes on current treatment (on three separate readings > 24 hours apart), (2) angle wide open in both eyes, (3) no pseudoexfoliation and/or pigment dispersion in either eye, (4) documented medical history consistent with < 10% IOP decrease in both eyes on 2-month treatment with latanoprost 0.005% every day. METHOD: The following variables were measured at each study visit: (1) IOP (Goldmann applanation tonometry, 5 readings, 8 AM, 12 noon, 4 PM, 8 PM, and 12 midnight); (2) visual acuity (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution); (3) estimate of conjunctival hyperemia based on 5 standard photographs (graded as "none," "trace," "mild," "moderate," and "severe"). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: IOP. RESULTS: IOP data (mean and standard deviation) were the following: baseline = 24.7 +/- 0.9 mmHg, after washout = 24.8 +/- 1.1 mmHg, after latanoprost phase = 24.1 +/- 0.9 mmHg, after bimatoprost phase = 18.1 +/- 1.7 mmHg. IOP on bimatoprost proved lower than both baseline (P < 0.0001) and latanoprost (P = 0.0001). Thirteen of 15 patients showed a > or =20% IOP decrease with bimatoprost treatment. None of the 15 patients showed a > or =20% decrease of IOP after 30 days of latanoprost treatment. No significant IOP changes were observed in the fellow untreated eye in each patient throughout the study. Trace-to-mild conjunctival hyperemia was recorded more often with bimatoprost phase (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Thirteen of 15 patients, who were nonresponders to latanoprost, 0.005%, 2D, were successfully treated with bimatoprost, 0.03%, 2D. Bimatoprost treatment was associated with a higher incidence of trace-to-mild conjunctival hyperemia than latanoprost.     

Effect of bimatoprost on intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification in eyes with exfoliation syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bimatoprost 0.03% on intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in eyes with exfoliation syndrome. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, masked study comprised 90 eyes of 90 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification. The patients were divided into three groups (group 1 = without exfoliation, group 2 = with exfoliation syndrome, group 3 = exfoliation syndrome + bimatoprost). Immediately after phacoemulsification, one drop of bimatoprost was instilled in eyes in group 3. Baseline IOP was measured 1 day before surgery and routine follow-ups were performed at 6 hours, 20-24 hours and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative IOP was 15.0 +/- 2.7 mmHg in group 1, 15.6 +/- 3.2 mmHg in group 2 and 16.1 +/- 3.2 mmHg in group 3 (p = 0.372). Six hours postoperatively, there was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.013): IOP in group 2 (22.4 +/- 7.3 mmHg) was higher than in group 1 (18.4 +/- 4.4 mmHg) (p = 0.018) and group 3 (18.9 +/- 4.9 mmHg) (p = 0.044). In all groups, IOP values at 6 hours postoperatively were higher than preoperative values (p < 0.001), but IOP values at 20-24 hours and 1 week after surgery were not significantly different from baseline values (p > 0.05). The change in IOP in group 2, from baseline to 6 hours postoperatively, was greater than the equivalent changes in group 1 (p = 0.048) and group 3 (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Transient IOP increase and spikes were more common in eyes with exfoliation syndrome. Postoperative application of bimatoprost was effective in reducing IOP and preventing IOP spikes >/= 30 mmHg in eyes with exfoliation syndrome in the early postoperative period.     

Comparison of the effects of latanoprost and bimatoprost on intraocular pressure in chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of latanoprost and bimatoprost as primary therapy in patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) after peripheral iridotomy. METHODS: Eighty-two (82) consecutive CACG patients with an IOP greater than 19 mmHg after a peripheral iridotomy were recruited. CACG was defined as chronic elevated IOP, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and a corresponding visual field defect in eyes with occludable angle and peripheral anterior synechiae on gonioscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups based on daily treatment with either latanoprost 0.005% or bimatoprost 0.03% in the evening for 12 weeks. The IOP was measured at 9 AM and 4 PM on the same day at baseline and also at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Between-group differences in mean diurnal IOP and IOP reduction were analyzed. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, mean IOP for both the latanoprost and bimatoprost groups was significantly reduced when compared to the baseline value (21.6 +/- 1.9 to 16.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg and 22.1 +/- 2.0 to 16.9 +/- 2.4 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). There was no significant difference in IOP reduction between the two treatment groups (P = 0.40). At 4 and 8 weeks, the IOP changes from baseline were statistically significant at both times for both drugs (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both latanoprost and bimatoprost significantly reduced IOP in CACG patients who were inadequately treated by laser peripheral iridotomy.     

Effect of changing from concomitant timolol pilocarpine to bimatoprost monotherapy on ocular blood flow and IOP in primary chronic angle closure glaucoma.

The aim of the present prospective masked study was to assess the effect of bimatoprost monotherapy on ocular blood flow and intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes of primary chronic angle closure glaucoma patients already on concomitant timolol and pilocarpine. Thirty two patients of bilateral primary chronic angle closure glaucoma (PCACG) on topical timolol 0.5% twice a day and pilocarpine 2% three times daily were switched over to bimatoprost 0.03% once daily in both eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) were recorded before and after starting bimatoprost and were followed up every four weeks for three months. Bimatoprost had statistically significant (p < 0.05) mean IOP reduction from 19.3 +/- 6.6 to 13.5 +/- 4.5 mmHg (30.5%) and there was improvement from 858 +/- 260 to 1261 +/- 321 microL/min (46.8%) in mean pulsatile ocular blood flow (p < 0.05). Conjunctival hyperemia (32%) was the most common adverse effect of bimatoprost. Bimatoprost 0.03% monotherapy improved ocular blood flow and provided a better diurnal IOP control than concomitant timolol-pilocarpine in eyes with primary chronic angle closure glaucoma and was found to be well tolerated.     

Intracameral lidocaine in trabeculectomy. A preliminary safety and efficacy study

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of intracameral lidocaine as anaesthesia in trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: Trabeculectomy under intracameral anaesthesia using 1% preservative-free lidocaine was performed in 10 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Intraoperative pain score, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell count at 3 months were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain score was 1.70 +/- 1.34. The mean IOP was lowered from 24.60 +/- 8.28 mmHg preoperatively to 14.1 +/- 3.11 mm Hg postoperatively. There was no significant decrease in the mean endothelial cell count 3 months after the surgery (P = 0.375). CONCLUSION: Intracameral lidocaine may be a safe and effective alternative anaesthesia method in trabeculectomy for uncomplicated primary open-angle glaucoma.     

Nd:YAG激光房角穿刺治疗非穿透性小梁手术后高眼压

目的观察评估Nd:YAG激光行房角穿刺治疗非穿透性小梁手术后眼压控制不理想的原发性开角型青光眼患者的临床疗效。方法选取非穿透性小梁手术后眼压控制不理想(不用降眼压药物眼压>21mmHg,1kPa=7.5mmHg)的原发性开角型青光眼患者35例(38眼)为研究对象,硝酸毛果芸香碱缩瞳后,在激光房角镜下原手术部位行Nd:YAG激光房角穿刺,观察激光前及激光后1h、1d、1周、1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、18个月、2a时的眼压、滤过泡、房角及前房反应情况。结果激光前及激光后1h、1d、1周、1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、18个月、2a的眼压分别为(25.0±3.4)mmHg、(12.5±3.4)mm-Hg、(12.0±3.2)mmHg、(13.1±3.0)mmHg、(14.0±3.1)mmHg、(14.1±2.7)mmHg、(14.3±2.9)mmHg、(15.3±2.6)mmHg、(16.2±2.8)mmHg、(16.0±3.0)mmHg,激光后各时间点眼压均较激光前下降,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.01)。其中10眼激光后眼压、滤过泡无明显改善,28眼滤过泡形成或原滤过泡面积、隆起度增大;激光后发生浅前房2眼(5.3%),虹膜周边前粘连2眼(5.3%),无前房出血、脉络膜脱离等并发症发生。结论 Nd:YAG激光房角穿刺能够安全有效地改善非穿透性小梁手术后小梁网-狄氏膜的房水低滤过状态,是非穿透性小梁手术后高眼压治疗的有效方法。     

Comparison of the ocular hypotensive effects of bimatoprost and timolol-dorzolamide combination in patients with elevated intraocular pressure: a 6-month study

PURPOSE: To compare the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of topical bimatoprost and timolol-dorzolamide combination in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension during 6 months of treatment. METHODS: A sample of 65 patients with a diagnosis of POAG or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive either bimatoprost 0.03% once daily or timolol-dorzolamide combination twice daily. Study visits occurred at baseline and after 2 weeks and 1, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed at 12.00 hours at all study visits and also at 08.00 hours and 16.00 hours at baseline and 6-month visits. At each visit, local and systemic side-effects that occurred during the treatment period were recorded. Student's t-test was used to compare the differences between IOP values. RESULTS: Differences in IOP between the bimatoprost and timolol-dorzolamide groups were statistically insignificant at all study visits (p > 0.05). In the bimatoprost-treated group, the IOP reduction was 6.2 +/- 1.8 mmHg, whereas it was 6.5 +/- 2.3 mmHg in the timolol-dorzolamide group after 6 months of treatment. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The IOP-lowering efficacies of bimatoprost and timolol-dorzolamide combination were similar over a 6-month follow-up. Both bimatoprost and the timolol-dorzolamide combination were well tolerated. Bimatoprost can be used as a longterm monotherapy agent in the treatment of POAG and ocular hypertension.     

真空小梁成形术治疗开角型青光眼及高眼压症

目的 观察真空小梁成形术对原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压患者的降眼压效果和安全性.方法 前瞻性病例系列研究.开角型青光眼及高眼压患者100例（100眼）作为研究对象.所有研究对象都接受了全面的眼科检查,包括眼压、计算机视野检查,并进行UBM或前房角镜检查,排除前房角关闭者.进行真空小梁成形术治疗仪治疗.治疗后1d、1周、1月、3月复查.首次治疗后7d重复治疗1次.观察治疗前后眼压变化.结果 100例术前眼压为（24.50±4.14） mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）,治疗后1d、1周、1月、3月各时间点眼压为（22.96±3.66） mmHg,（21.27±2.91） mm-Hg,（19.65±2.77） mmHg,（19.80±1.79） mmHg,3个月观察期末与治疗前眼压差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.3个月观察期内,无视力下降者.结论 本文短期研究显示,真空小梁成形术可安全有效地降低开角型青光眼及高眼压患者的眼压.     

Intraocular pressure response of capsular glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma to selective Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty: a prospective,comparative clinical trial

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) response of uncontrolled capsular glaucoma (CG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Ten eyes often patients suffering from uncontrolled CG (CG Group) and ten eyes of ten patients with uncontrolled POAG (POAG Group) were treated with a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. IOP was measured before and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months after treatment. Success was defined as IOP more than 20% lower than before treatment. Any change of hypotensive medication led to the subjects' exclusion from the study. The two groups were compared using the independent-sample t test for continuous variables and the log-rank test for survival analysis. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 12.0 months (SD 5.5) for the CG group and 13.5 months (SD 4.3) for POAG (n.s.). No significant difference was found between the two groups for mean pretreatment IOP (23.6 mmHg +/- 5.70 in the CG group and 22.8 mmHg +/- 2.44 in the POAG group) or for mean IOP and mean IOP reductions during the follow-up. At all follow-up visits, IOP was reduced less in the CG group than in the POAG group (24.8% +/- 11.15 vs. 27.7% +/- 9.91 at 6 months, 22.0% +/- 6.66 vs. 30.6% +/- 6.35 at 12 months, and 31.4% +/- 5.55 vs. 35.1% +/- 1.75 at 18 months), but the difference was significant only at 12 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis gave an 18-month success rate of 64% in the CG group and 78% in the POAG group, with no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: SLTis an effective procedure forlowering IOP in CG and POAG eyes, although the effect seems to last less in CG eyes.     

四种前列腺素类药物的降眼压疗效和耐受性对比研究

目的　探讨四种前列腺素类药物治疗原发性开角型青光眼（primary open-angle glaucoma，POAG）的疗效和耐受性差异。方法　采用随机平行试验，64例(128眼)POAG患者随机分成4组，分别使用贝美前列素(贝美前列素组)、拉坦前列素（拉坦前列素组）、曲伏前列素（曲伏前列素组）和他氟前列素（他氟前列素组）滴眼液治疗，观察并比较4组患者用药前和用药后1个月、3个月和6个月的眼压、眼部检查和眼表疾病指数（ocular surface disease index，OSDI）评分。结果　贝美前列素组用药前眼压为（26.1±6.2）mmHg（1 kPa=7.5 mmHg），用药后1个月、3个月和6个月眼压分别为（17.1±3.4）mmHg、（15.6±4.2）mmHg、（15.5±2.9）mmHg，与用药前比较，差异均有统计学意义（t=17.408、13.016、12.352，均为P＜0.001）。拉坦前列素组用药前眼压为（24.7±2.4）mmHg，用药后1个月、3个月和6个月眼压分别为（16.3±3.0）mmHg、（17.0±3.8）mmHg、（17.4±2.6）mmHg，与用药前比较，差异均有统计学意义（t=12.238、13.365、16.140，均为P＜0.001）。曲伏前列素组用药前眼压为（24.4±1.9）mmHg，用药后1个月、3个月和6个月眼压分别为（16.3±2.0）mmHg、（17.4±1.3）mmHg、（14.9±1.1）mmHg，与用药前比较，差异均有统计学意义（t=12.109、14.451、11.732，均为P＜0.001）。他氟前列素组用药前眼压为（25.2±2.3）mmHg，用药后1个月、3个月和6个月眼压分别为（17.2±3.1）mmHg、（17.0±2.1）mmHg、（18.1±2.4）mmHg，与用药前比较，差异均有统计学意义（t=10.540、16.129、14.006，均为P＜0.001）。拉坦前列素组患者睫毛增长和虹膜变色的发生率最高，4组患者的结膜充血和角膜炎的发生率相似。用药6个月后患者的OSDI评分贝美前列素组（21.8±11.1）分、拉坦前列素组（32.1±24.1）分、曲伏前列素组（10.7±5.7）分、他氟前列素组（25.6±6.3）分，曲伏前列素组患者的OSDI评分显著低于其他3组，差异均有统计学意义（均为P＜0.05）。结论　四种前列腺素类药物均能显著降低POAG患者眼压，曲伏前列素耐受性较好，拉坦前列素的耐受性最差。     

The short-term IOP-lowering effect of brimonidine 0.2% and dorzolomide 2% combination in primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular hypotensive effect of dorzolamide 2% in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 22 mmHg despite ongoing twice daily treatment with brimonidine 0.2%. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen eyes of 19 patients with POAG and IOP >or= 22 mmHg, on twice daily brimonidine therapy, were included in the study. Intraocular pressure and adverse effects were recorded on days 2, 7, 14 and 30 after adding dorzolamide three times daily to the treatment. RESULTS: Mean pretreatment IOP was 27.6 +/- 2.2 mmHg. This decreased to 24.2 +/- 2.2 mmHg after a mean duration of 23.8 +/- 12.1 days. After dorzolamide was added to the treatment, mean IOP was 20.8 +/- 2.3 mmHg on day 2, 19.3 +/- 2.2 mmHg on day 7, 18.0 +/- 2.5 mmHg on day 14 and 17.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg on day 30. The differences between pre- and post-treatment IOP values were statistically significant (p < 0.0001, anova test). CONCLUSION: Dorzolamide administered three times daily has significant additive ocular hypotensive effect in POAG patients whose IOP is elevated despite ongoing treatment with brimonidine.     

The efficacy of timolol in gel-forming solution after morning or evening dosing in Asian glaucomatous patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of timolol gel-forming solution as a monotherapy and to compare the efficacy of timolol gel-forming solution morning instillation versus at night application in Asians with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative, parallel group study was conducted on 78 eligible patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma who received topical timolol gel-forming solution either on morning (AM dosing group; 39 patients) or evening (PM dosing group; 39 patients) as monotherapy treatment. Intraocular pressure was taken at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. RESULTS: Mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) for timolol gel-forming solution in general was 22.7 +/- 6.6 mmHg with the mean IOP reduction of 5.7 +/- 5.3 mmHg (23.1% reduction). The mean IOP reduction of the AM dosing group was 7.5 +/- 5.2 mmHg (31.0% reduction) and 3.9 +/- 4.9 mmHg (15.1% reduction) in the PM dosing group (P = 0.0002). There was a statistically significant difference of IOP reductions between AM and PM dosing group at 1 month (P = 0.041), 3 months (P = 0.037) and 12 months (P = 0.015) post-treatment. Seventy-five percent (24) of good responders was in the AM group and 67.4% (31) of poor responders were patients in the PM group. CONCLUSION: Timolol gel-forming solution is effective in reducing IOP in Asian eyes. Morning dosing was more effective in lowering the IOP compared to evening dosing.     

Effect of bimatoprost on ocular circulation in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Purpose To study the effect of bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan) on ocular hemodynamics in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.Methods One randomly selected eye of each of 26 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension was enrolled. Each patient received a drop of bimatoprost 0.03% once daily for 1 month. The effect of bimatoprost on ocular circulation was assessed by color Doppler imaging (CDI), which measured peak systolic, end-diastolic blood flow velocities and resistance indices in the ophthalmic, posterior ciliary and central retinal arteries. Retrobulbar hemodynamics by CDI, intraocular pressure by Goldmann applanation tonometer, blood pressure by cuff, and heart rate by palpation were measured at baseline and at 1 month after bimatoprost treatment.Results Blood flow velocities and resistance indices in all retrobulbar vessels showed no statistically significant differences between baseline and bimatoprost condition (P>0.05). Bimatoprost lowered intraocular pressure significantly (P<0.001), with a mean change of 6.5 mmHg (27%) after 1 month of treatment. The systolic (P=0.38) and diastolic (P=0.74) blood pressures and pulse rate (P=0.94) did not show statistically significant differences during the study period.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that topical bimatoprost 0.03% significantly reduces intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. However, it does not have any effect on retrobulbar hemodynamics in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.The authors have no commercial or proprietary interest in any of the equipment and medication mentioned in this study     

EX-PRESS青光眼引流器植入术治疗开角型青光眼

目的：EX-PRESS青光眼引流器植入术治疗开角型青光眼的临床疗效和安全性。方法：回顾经视力、眼压、房角镜、眼底、视野等检查确诊为开角型青光眼患者40例47眼。患者年龄6～73（平均39.9±16.5）岁,最佳矫正视力0.01～0.60,眼压18～65mmHg。给予3种以上降眼压药物控制不理想,行EX-PRESS青光眼引流器植入术。术后1,3d; 1wk进行眼压、裂隙灯检查。比较治疗前后最佳矫正视力、眼压的临床资料,观察其疗效及安全性。结果：术前平均视力0.26±0.29,术后1wk平均视力0.24±0.22,平均视力稍有下降,但无统计学意义（t=1.56,P=0.13）。术前平均眼压36.62±14.01mmHg,术后1,3d; 1wk平均眼压分别为10.04±5.77,9.59±4.93,9.47±3.06mmHg。EX-PRESS青光眼引流器植入术后1,3d; 1wk的眼压均较治疗前明显降低（F=157.20,P〈0.05）。除5眼术后1d眼压〈5mmHg,所有患者在治疗过程中及术后1wk均未见明显眼部或全身不良反应。结论：EX-PRESS青光眼引流器植入术治疗开角型青光眼是安全有效的,术中及术后风险低、并发症少。     

Clinical results of selective laser trabeculoplasty as adjunctive treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma patients

PURPOSE: We retrospectively investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as adjunctive treatment for glaucoma patients receiving maximal medical therapy. METHODS: Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who had no prior surgical therapy and has received SLT for the first time were included in this study. The results of their laser treatment were analyzed retrospectively. The age of patients was 61.1 +/- 13.0 (mean +/- standard deviation) years, the follow-up period was 7.1 +/- 4.8 months, and the number of medications before SLT was 3.5 +/- 0.7. A total of 57.0 +/- 11.5 spots were placed over 180 degrees of the trabecular meshwork at energy levels ranging from 0.5 to 1.4 mJ per pulse. RESULTS: The IOP significantly decreased from 20.9 +/- 3.4 mmHg at baseline to 18.7 +/- 4.6 mmHg at 1 month after SLT (p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that success rates at 6 and 12 months after SLT were 48.6% and 23.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although SLT significantly decreas ed the IOPs in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma receiving maximal medical therapy, the effects may be for a limited time only, as adjunctive treatment.