Effect of trabecular aspiration on intraocular pressure in pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma

OBJECTIVE: Recently, we described a new form of nonfiltering glaucoma surgery-trabecular aspiration-designed to increase trabecular outflow in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This study was carried out to investigate whether trabecular aspiration is equally safe and effective in the treatment of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma (PG). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized comparative trial with historical control. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by PDS or PG were treated by trabecular aspiration. INTERVENTION: Trabecular pigment particles were cleared with a pressure of 100 to 200 mmHg using a specially designed aspiration probe. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The IOP and number of medications before and after surgery were measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. Surgical success was defined as IOP < or = 21 mmHg with no more than one topical medication. Results were compared with those previously reported with similar treatment of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. RESULTS: Mean pretreatment IOP averaged 27.0 (standard deviation [SD], 3.3) mmHg and was significantly reduced to 23.7 (SD, 3.9) mmHg at last follow-up (20.1 +/- 8.6 months). However, the cumulative life-table success rates were only 42% and 15% at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Considering both groups separately, the success rates in the PDS group were 63% and 18% at 3 and 12 months compared with a success rate of 12% in the PG group as early as 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with PDS responded better to trabecular aspiration than do those with PG, indicating that PDS and PG are two successive stages of the same disease process. Altogether, trabecular aspiration failed to achieve long-term pressure control in either of the two groups.     

Early postoperative spikes of the intraocular pressure (IOP) following phacoemulsification in late-stage glaucoma

BACKGROUND: Modern cataract surgery with use of viscoelastics can induce remarkable early spikes of the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate risk factors for an early increase of the IOP following cataract surgery in eyes with end-stage glaucoma. Clear cornea phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable acrylic lens was performed in 25 eyes with end-stage glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma including normal tension glaucoma or exfoliative glaucoma) either under topical anesthesia or under general anesthesia. In eyes with exfoliative glaucoma, trabecular aspiration was performed additionally. IOP measurements were conducted at the day before surgery, 4 hours following surgery and on the first morning following surgery. RESULTS: Cataract surgery was performed without complications. The mean IOP was 18.5 +/- 4.2 mm Hg with 2.1 +/- 1.0 topical medications. 4 hours postoperatively, mean IOP was 31.3 +/- 11.9 mm Hg. In eyes with exfoliative glaucoma (n = 12) the early postoperative IOP was 28.5 +/- 12.0 mm Hg, but without significant difference compared to eyes with POAG (n = 13). The early postoperative IOP showed significant correlation with the maximum IOP in patient's history (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with late-stage glaucoma can experience considerable early IOP spikes following uneventful cataract surgery, although preoperatively IOP is controlled by topical medications. Postoperative IOP monitoring is recommended at the day of surgery, especially if high IOP values are reported in patient's history.     

Combined cataract-glaucoma surgery using the intracanalicular Eyepass glaucoma implant: first clinical results of a prospective pilot study

PURPOSE: To study prospectively the safety and pressure-reducing efficacy of the Y-shaped Eyepass glaucoma implant (GMP Vision Solutions, Inc.). SETTING: Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. METHODS: This study comprised 12 patients with primary open-angle or exfoliative glaucoma and cataract who had phacoemulsification with endocapsular implantation of a foldable intraocular lens and intracanalicular implantation of an Eyepass glaucoma implant. The implant is a silicone microtube shunt that bypasses the trabecular meshwork and connects the lumina of Schlemm canal with the anterior chamber in combined cataract-glaucoma surgery. Perioperative complications, intraocular pressure (IOP), and pressure-reducing topical medications were monitored over a preliminary follow-up. RESULTS: Perforation of the trabecular meshwork during Eyepass implantation occurred in 2 eyes; the antiglaucoma procedure was converted to trabeculotomy after the shunt was explanted, and both eyes were excluded from further follow-up. In the remaining 10 eyes, the mean maximum IOP was 30.4 mm Hg +/- 7.5 (SD) (range 21 to 46 mm Hg) preoperatively, 12.0 +/- 6.1 mm Hg (range 2 to 20 mm Hg) 1 day postoperatively, 17.2 +/- 4.1 mm Hg (range 12 to 27 mm Hg) at 4 weeks, and 18.3 +/- 4.5 mm Hg (range 12 to 25 mm Hg) at the end of the preliminary follow-up. The mean number of topical medications was 3.2 +/- 0.8 preoperatively and 0.9 +/- 0.7 at the end of follow-up (mean 7.1 months). Although there were no major complications requiring surgical revision, 4 eyes had an IOP of 18 or higher at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Combined cataract surgery with Eyepass shunt implantation was safe and appeared to be beneficial in glaucomatous eyes with cataract not requiring a low target IOP.     

Canaloplasty: circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm's canal using a flexible microcatheter for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma in adults: interim clinical study analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in a new surgical procedure for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). SETTING: Fourteen clinical sites in the United States and Germany. METHODS: In this international multicenter prospective study of adult patients with OAG having glaucoma surgery, patients with qualifying preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 16 mm Hg or higher and open angles were eligible. Evaluation was performed at baseline and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months preoperatively. After a nonpenetrating dissection technique to expose Schlemm's canal was performed, a flexible microcatheter (iTrack 250A, iScience Interventional) was used to dilate the full circumference of the canal by injecting sodium hyaluronate 1.4% (Healon GV) during catheterization. A suture loop was placed in the canal to apply tension to the trabecular meshwork. High-resolution ultrasound imaging was used to assess Schlemm's canal and anterior segment angle morphology, including distension of the trabecular meshwork caused by the tensioning suture. Data analysis was performed in 2 groups: Group 1, in which patients met all inclusion criteria, and Group 2, made up of Group 1 patients who had successful suture placement. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised 94 patients and Group 2, 74 patients. The mean baseline IOP in Group 1 was 24.7 mm Hg+/-4.8 (SD) on a mean of 1.9+/-1.0 medications per patient. In Group 2 (patients with sutures), the mean IOP was 16.1+/-4.7 mm Hg 3 months postoperatively, 15.6+/-4.0 mm Hg at 6 months, and 15.3+/-3.8 mm Hg at 1 year. Medication use dropped to a mean of 0.6+/-0.9 per patient at 12 months. Suture tensioning was an apparent contributing factor in achieving surgical success. Patients with measurable trabecular meshwork distension from suture tension had a mean IOP of 15.9+/-5.2 mm Hg at 6 months and 14.5+/-3.0 mm Hg at 12 months. Surgical and postsurgical adverse events were reported in 15 of 94 patients (16%) and included hyphema (3), elevated IOP greater than 30 mm Hg (3), Descemet's tear (1), hypotony (1), choroidal effusion (1), and exposed closure suture with eyelid edema and erythema epiphora (1); 4 patients were subsequently converted to trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION: Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm's canal was a safe and effective surgical procedure to reduce IOP in adult patients with OAG.     

Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal (canaloplasty) with temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification cataract surgery for open-angle glaucoma and visually significant cataract: one-year results

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of the inner wall of Schlemm canal, a new nonpenetrating surgical procedure (canaloplasty) to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG), combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Multicenter surgical sites. METHODS: This international multicenter prospective study comprised adult patients with OAG having combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. Patients with qualifying treated preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 21 mm Hg or higher and open angles were eligible. Evaluation was performed at baseline and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative high-resolution ultrasound imaging was used to assess Schlemm canal and anterior segment angle morphology, including distension of the trabecular meshwork due to the tensioning suture. RESULTS: Data from 54 eyes that had combined glaucoma and cataract surgery performed by 11 surgeons at 9 study sites were analyzed for this interim analysis. The mean baseline IOP was 24.4 mm Hg+/-6.1 (SD) with a mean of 1.5+/-1.0 medications per eye. In all eyes, the mean postoperative IOP was 13.6+/-3.8 mm Hg at 1 month, 14.2+/-3.6 mm Hg at 3 months, 13.0+/-2.9 mm Hg at 6 months, and 13.7+/-4.4 mm Hg at 12 months. Medication use dropped to a mean of 0.2+/-0.4 per patient at 12 months. Surgical complications were reported in 5 eyes (9.3%) and included hyphema (n=3, 5.6%), Descemet tear (n=1, 1.9%), and iris prolapse (n=1, 1.9%). Transient IOP elevation of more than 30 mm Hg was observed in 4 eyes (7.3%) 1 day postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation was a safe and effective procedure to reduce IOP in adult patients with OAG.     

Evaluation of intraocular pressure in the immediate period after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of hypotony or intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes in the early period after clear corneal phacoemulsification in normal and glaucomatous eyes. SETTING: Ambulatory surgical center. METHODS: This retrospective analysis comprised 112 eyes that had clear corneal phacoemulsification. Postoperative IOP measurements were collected 30 minutes, 1 day, and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes had an IOP of 5 mm Hg or below 30 minutes postoperatively. The IOP at 30 minutes was lower than at 1 day in both the normal and the glaucoma group. The mean IOP in the normal group was 10.0 mm Hg +/- 4.3 (SD) at 30 minutes and 16.9 +/- 4.4 mm Hg at 1 day (P < or = .005). The means in the glaucoma group were 9.6 +/- 3.9 mm Hg and 16.9 +/- 5.7 mm Hg, respectively (P < or = .0002). The IOPs at 30 minutes and 1 day were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of eyes having clear corneal phacoemulsification had an IOP of 5 mm Hg or less 30 minutes after surgery. Even though there were no postoperative complications from hypotony and there was a relative absence of significant IOP elevation 1 day postoperatively, the frequency of low IOP at 30 minutes suggests that consideration be given to leaving postoperative eyes with a higher IOP at the completion of phacoemulsification rather than with the estimated 10 mm Hg tactile IOP strived for in this study.     

Seven-year follow-up of combined cataract extraction and viscocanalostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term success and complications of phacoemulsification combined with viscocanalostomy (phacoviscocanalostomy) in eyes with coexisting cataract and medically uncontrolled glaucoma. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Warrington Hospital, Warrington, United Kingdom. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study evaluated 165 consecutive eyes (114 patients) that had phacoviscocanalostomy. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, requirement for topical antiglaucoma medication, and the presence or absence of drainage blebs or bleb complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 38.7 months +/- 19.3 (SD) (range 12 to 90 months). There was a statistically significant decrease in IOP, from 24.1 +/- 5.1 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.8 +/- 8.1 mm Hg 1 day after surgery (P<.001), 16.0 +/- 4.1 mm Hg at 5 years (P<.001), and at all evaluations to the last follow-up. The mean number of medications per eye decreased significantly from 2.5 +/- 0.9 before surgery to 0.1 +/- 0.5 at last follow-up (P<.001). At the final follow-up, IOP was reduced by 33.2% (16.2 mm Hg versus 24.1 mm Hg). Complete success, defined as an IOP reduction of more than 30% from preoperative level without medications, was achieved in 48.5% of eyes, with 42% of eyes having an IOP of less than 16 mm Hg. The percentage fall in IOP was linearly related to the preoperative IOP level (P<.001). No eye developed a trabeculectomy-type bleb, and there were no bleb-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoviscocanalostomy was safe and effective for the management of eyes with coexisting cataract and medically uncontrolled glaucoma. It provided a stable and sustained reduction in IOP with a minimum requirement for topical medication.     

Combined endoscopic erbium:YAG laser goniopuncture and cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of endoscopic erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser goniopuncture combined with cataract surgery to treat glaucoma. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, and Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. METHODS: In this nonrandominized clinical trial, 20 eyes of 20 patients with cataract and glaucoma were treated by combined phacoemulsification and Er:YAG goniopuncture. The primary study endpoints were intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and number of antiglaucoma drugs 1 year after surgery. Two- and 3-year postoperative data were also measured. This prospective treatment arm was compared to a retrospective inclusion-matched control group treated by cataract surgery alone. RESULTS: The mean IOP dropped by 30% (23.5 mm Hg +/- 3.9 [SD] to 16.3 +/- 2.7 mm Hg) after 12 months in the laser-treated group (P<.0001) and by 9% (19.8 +/- 1.3 mm Hg to 18.1 +/- 1.8 mm Hg) in the control group (P =.12). After 3 years, the mean IOP in the laser group was 15.0 +/- 2.0 mm Hg. The mean number of antiglaucoma drugs needed decreased from 1.6 +/- 0.9 to 0.5 +/- 0.8 in the laser group (P<.0001) and from 1.0 +/- 0.9 to 0.8 +/- 0.9 in the control group (P =.21). Anterior chamber hemorrhage occurred in 12 eyes after laser treatment and resolved within 72 hours in all but 1 patient who was on warfarin sodium (Coumadin) therapy. There were no cases of hypotony in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic Er:YAG laser goniopuncture was a successful adjunct to cataract surgery in glaucoma patients. Sustained IOP reduction was achieved with few postoperative complications.     

非穿透性小梁手术联合双层羊膜植入物治疗青少年型青光眼

目的　探讨非穿透性小梁手术 (NPTS)联合羊膜植入物治疗青少年型青光眼的临床效果。方法　对 2 6例 (32只眼 ) 12～ 2 8岁青少年型青光眼患者进行非穿透性小梁手术联合羊膜植入物治疗。术后观察患者眼压、眼内反应及滤过泡情况 ,并做前房角镜检查。患者术后平均随访时间 (8 3± 4 2 )个月。结果　患者术后视力较术前无明显变化。患者术前平均眼压 (2 8 6± 7 3)mmHg(1mmHg =0 133kPa) ,术后 (15 7± 3 7)mmHg ,差异有显著意义 (t=4 82 ,P <0 0 1)。术前用药2～5种 ,平均 3 2种 ;术后用药 0～ 2种 ,平均 0 8种 ,差异有显著意义 (秩和检验 ,t=12 8,P <0 0 1)。随访期间眼压≤ 2 1mmHg者 30只眼 (93 8% ) ,无需药物治疗而眼压正常者 18只眼 (5 6 3% ) ,用药后眼压保持正常者 12只眼 (37 5 % )。术后 6只眼有轻微前房出血 ;无前房变浅、眼部炎性反应、脉络膜脱离等并发症发生。术后患者经前房角镜检查 ,可见术区后弹力膜及残存小梁网变薄 ,5只眼可见小梁处有微穿孔。结论　NPTS联合羊膜植入术能有效降低眼压 ,减少抗青光眼药物的应用 ,术后并发症少 ,是治疗青少年型青光眼的有效方法之一。     

Laser-induced mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension

PURPOSE. To develop an inducible mouse model of glaucoma. METHODS. An obstruction of aqueous humor outflow in adult C57BL6/J mice was induced by combined injection of indocyanine green (ICG) dye into the anterior chamber and diode laser treatment. To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP), tonometry was performed with a modified Goldmann tonometer. The function of the retina was evaluated with electroretinography (ERG). RESULTS. IOP was significantly elevated in surgical eyes compared with control eyes: before surgery, 15.2 +/- 0.6 mm Hg; 10 days after surgery, 33.6 +/- 1.5 mm Hg (P < 0.001); and 30 days after surgery, 27.4 +/- 1.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001). However, 60 days after surgery, IOP in the surgical eyes decreased to 19.5 +/- 0.9 mm Hg and was not significantly different compared with control eyes (control, 17.3 +/- 0.7 mm Hg; P = 0.053). ERG amplitudes, expressed as a ratio (surgical/control), were decreased in surgical eyes. The amplitudes for b-wave were: before surgery, 107.6% +/- 4.6%; 28 days after surgery, 61% +/- 4% (P < 0.001); and 56 days after surgery, 62% +/- 5.6% (P < 0.001). Oscillatory potentials were the most dramatically affected: before surgery, 108.6% +/- 6.7%; 28 days after surgery, 57.5% +/- 5% (P < 0.01); and 56 days after surgery, 57% +/- 8.5% (P < 0.001). Amplitudes of the a-waves had relatively smaller but still significant deficits: before surgery, 105.8% +/- 6.9%; 28 days after surgery, 72.2% +/- 5.4% (P < 0.01); and 56 days after surgery, 79.8% +/- 11.0% (P < 0.01). Histologic analysis of the surgical eyes revealed development of anterior synechia, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and thinning of all retinal layers. Electron microscopy of optic nerve cross sections revealed swelling and degeneration of the large diameter axons and gliosis. CONCLUSIONS. Diode laser treatment of ICG saturated episcleral veins causes a chronic elevation of IOP and sustained ERG deficits.     

Use of YAG-Selecta laser and argon laser in the treatment of open angle glaucoma

INTRODUCTION: The falling success rate of ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty) has raised the interest in some new laser techniques, such as q-switched Nd:YAG laser trabeculoplasty (Coherent Selecta 7000). The "selective" laser trabeculoplasty destroys melanosomes of pigmented trabecular meshwork cells, sparing adjacent non-pigmented cells and tissues. AIM: Our goal was to establish the IOP lowering effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT--Selecta Laser Trabeculoplasty) in comparison with ALT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have examined 27 patients (10 men, 17 women) aged 35-82, with open angle glaucoma and visual field deterioration despite maximal tolerated topical therapy (21 patients--POAG, 3--NPG, 1--pigmentary glaucoma, 1--pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, 1--juvenile glaucoma). One eye of each patient was randomly chosen for SLT, the other eye underwent ALT. In each method 50 burns were applied in 180 degrees angle with power settings of 600-1000 mW for ALT and energy settings of 0.5-1.4 mJ for SLT. The IOP was measured 1 hour before laser treatment and 1, 2, 24 hours and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: The mean initial IOP in eyes selected for SLT was significantly higher (21.26 +/- 4.82 mm Hg) than in eyes selected for ALT (20.26 +/- 4.01 mm Hg), t-test: p = 0.037. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the IOP lowering effect between eyes treated with SLT and eyes treated with ALT. The mean IOP drop from the pre-treatment values was -2.85 +/- 4.62 mm Hg after SLT and -2.63 +/- 3.60 mm Hg after ALT (t-test, p = 0.84). All values: 2, 24-hours and 3 months after treatment were significantly lower than pre-treatment values in both groups (t-test, p < 0.03). Only in the 1st hour after SLT the IOP drop was not significant. There was a significant correlation between the amount of pigment on the trabecular meshwork and the IOP fall (U Mann-Whitney test). In SLT group 6 patients (21%) developed mild iritis during 1st day after laser treatment, which disappeared after fluorometholon drop therapy. CONCLUSION: Both methods--SLT and ALT--have equivalent IOP lowering effect in short time observation (3 months). Due to entirely novel mode of Selecta laser action, long term results may show significant differences.     

Additive effect of dorzolamide or carteolol to latanoprost in primary open-angle glaucoma: a prospective randomized crossover trial

PURPOSE: To compare the additive effect of dorzolamide or carteolol to latanoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. DESIGN: Prospective open-label randomized crossover clinical study. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were treated with latanoprost 0.005% once daily for 3 months then randomized to receive latanoprost plus dorzolamide 1% 3 times daily (dorzolamide preceding group; n=32) or carteolol hydrochloride 2% twice daily (carteolol preceding group; n=32) for a further 3 months. Then, all patients were crossed over to the opposite treatment arm for a further 3 months. IOP was recorded each month at around the time same as on the baseline day. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (95%) completed this trial. In the dorzolamide preceding group, mean (+/-SD) IOP was 19.0+/-2.1 mm Hg at baseline and 16.0+/-2.1 mm Hg at the end of latanoprost monotherapy (P<0.01). Addition of dorzolamide reduced IOP to 15.0+/-1.3 mm Hg and this was not changed by switching to carteolol (15.1+/-1.7 mm Hg). In the carteolol preceding group, IOP was 19.1+/-1.9 mm Hg at baseline and 16.2+/-1.2 mm Hg at the end of latanoprost monotherapy (P<0.01). Addition of carteolol reduced IOP to 14.9+/-1.5 mm Hg, and after switching to dorzolamide IOP was 15.2+/-1.5 mm Hg. Mean additional IOP reduction was 0.9+/-1.2 mm Hg (5.6%) for the latanoprost-dorzolamide combination and 1.1+/-1.5 mm Hg (6.8%) for the latanoprost-carteolol combination. Hence, IOP reduction by carteolol and dorzolamide additionally to latanoprost was not different. CONCLUSIONS: Both dorzolamide and carteolol reduce IOP additively when used in combination with latanoprost, and the additive effect of these drugs is equal.     

The effect of trabeculectomy on the intraocular pressure of the unoperated fellow eye

PURPOSE: To investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in the unoperated fellow eye in patients who underwent trabeculectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOP changes in the unoperated fellow eyes of 107 patients who underwent trabeculectomy in 1 eye for high-tension glaucoma (48 primary open-angle glaucoma, 43 pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, and 16 narrow-angle glaucoma) were evaluated during the early postoperative period. All IOP measurements were recorded during the postoperative first 3 months and compared with preoperative values. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP levels were 37.0 +/- 10.0 mm Hg in the operated eyes and 15.1 +/- 3.1 mm Hg in the fellow eyes. Mean IOPs in the unoperated eyes on the postoperative first-day, first- and second-week, and first- and third-month visits (17.1 +/- 5.7, 17.5 +/- 5.1, 18.5 +/- 5.4, 18.6 +/- 5.1, and 19.0 +/- 5.9 mm Hg, respectively) were significantly different compared with the preoperative levels for each period of time (P < 0.01). Eight fellow eyes underwent operations for uncontrolled glaucoma before month 3. Among the remaining 99 eyes, higher postoperative IOP values were measured in 33 (33%) eyes at all postoperative visits compared with the preoperative IOP levels. A consistent IOP rise equal to or higher than 5 mm Hg was detected in 12 eyes (12%) and a consistent IOP elevation of 30% or more was found in 14 eyes (14%) during the postoperative first 3 months. Contralateral IOP elevation was not correlated with patient age, type of glaucoma, or preoperative antiglaucomatous medications prescribed to the operated or fellow eyes. CONCLUSION: After filtration surgery, IOP of the unoperated fellow eye should also be monitored closely in order not to overlook a possible insidious rise, especially in glaucomatous eyes that were previously under good medical control.     

Efficacy of latanoprost in reducing intraocular pressure in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma

Two independent, prospective trials were recently conducted to assess the efficacy of latanoprost in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). The first study was a 2-week, randomized, double-masked comparison of latanoprost treatment and timolol treatment in patients with PACG. Patients were randomized to one of two parallel treatment groups, receiving either placebo in the morning and latanoprost 0.005% in the evening, or timolol 0.5% twice daily. The mean IOP reduction in latanoprost group was 8.8 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM, p < 0.001; 34.2%) from a mean baseline IOP of 25.7 +/- 0.9 mm Hg, and the corresponding figures for the timolol group were 5.7 +/- 0.9 mm Hg (p < 0.001; 22.6%) from a mean baseline IOP of 25.2 +/- 1.1 mm Hg. A significantly greater IOP reduction of 3.1 +/- 1.5 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 6.0) was achieved in the latanoprost group compared to the timolol treatment group (p = 0.04). In the second study, latanoprost 0.005% once a day was added adjunctively to PACG patients with persistently elevated IOP after iridectomy, despite treatment with beta-blockers and pilocarpine. The IOP decreased by about 21% during the first 3 months, and showed a reduction of about 36% at the end of 1 year. At the 1-year follow-up, IOP was <20 mm Hg in all eyes. In both studies, latanoprost was well tolerated with few adverse events. These results demonstrate that latanoprost is effective in reducing IOP in patients with PACG.     

Effect of pilocarpine 4% in combination with latanoprost 0.005% or 8-iso prostaglandin E2 0.1% on intraocular pressure in laser-induced glaucomatous monkey eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of pilocarpine, an agent that reduces uveoscleral outflow, on the ocular hypotensive efficacy of latanoprost and 8-iso prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). METHODS: Each of the two treatment groups was composed of the same eight monkeys with unilateral laser-induced glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured hourly for 6 hours beginning at 9:00 AM on the baseline day (Thursday before treatment week) and on treatment days 1, 3, and 5 (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). On all five treatment days, one drop of pilocarpine 4% was administered at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM and one drop of latanoprost 0.005% or 25 microL of 8-iso PGE2 0.1% was administered at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. RESULTS: One hour after pilocarpine instillation on day 1, the reduction of IOP was similar (P > 0.90) in both treatment groups, 7.6 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (mean +/- standard error of the mean ) in the latanoprost group and 7.4 +/- 0.8 mm Hg in the 8-iso PGE2 group. However, the IOP effects of the two treatment groups became significantly different (P < 0.05) beginning 2 hours after dosing with latanoprost or 8-iso PGE, on day 1. A difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups persisted at all subsequent measurements. The reduction of IOP lessened with repeated dosing in the latanoprost and 8-iso PGE2 groups. Three hours after dosing with pilocarpine and two hours after dosing with the prostanoids, the IOP reduction was 8.3 +/- 0.9 mm Hg in the latanoprost group and 9.9 +/- 0.6 mm Hg in the 8-iso PGE2 group on day 1, and 2.1 +/- 1.0 mm Hg in the latanoprost group and 7.3 +/- 0.9 mm Hg in the 8-iso PGE1 group on day 5. CONCLUSIONS: The smaller reductions in IOP with pilocarpine and latanoprost than with pilocarpine and 8-iso PGE2 show that pilocarpine blocks much more of the ocular hypotensive effect of latanoprost than of 8-iso PGE2. The results also indicate that pilocarpine and latanoprost are mutually antagonistic. Enhancement of uveoscleral outflow appears to account for most of the ocular hypotensive effect of latanoprost and for much less of the ocular hypotensive effect of 8-iso prostaglandin E2.     

Effect of 5-MCA-NAT, a putative melatonin MT3 receptor agonist, on intraocular pressure in glaucomatous monkey eyes

PURPOSE: 5-MCA-NAT, a putative melatonin MT3 receptor agonist, reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in ocular normotensive rabbit eyes. This study evaluates the effect of topical application of 5-MCA-NAT on IOP in monkey eyes with laser-induced unilateral glaucoma. METHODS: A multiple-dose study was performed in 8 glaucomatous monkey eyes. One 25-microL drop of 5-MCA-NAT (2%) was applied topically to the glaucomatous eye at 9:30 am and 3:30 pm for 5 consecutive days. IOP was measured hourly for 6 hours beginning at 9:30 am for one baseline day, one vehicle-treated day, and treatment days 1, 3, and 5 with 5-MCA-NAT. RESULTS: Compared with vehicle treatment, twice daily administration of 5-MCA-NAT for 5 days reduced (P < 0.05) IOP from 1 hour to 5 hours after the first dose, and the IOP-lowering effects were shown to last at least 18 hours following administration, based on IOP measurements made after the fourth and eighth doses. The ocular hypotensive effect of 5-MCA-NAT was enhanced with repeated dosing. The maximum reduction (P < 0.001) of IOP occurred at 3 hours after each morning dose, and was 4.0 +/- 0.5 (mean +/- SEM) mm Hg (10%) on day 1, 5.6 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (15%) on day 3, and 7.0 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (19%) on day 5. Adverse ocular or systemic side effects were not observed during the 5 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: 5-MCA-NAT, a putative melatonin MT3 receptor agonist, reduces IOP in glaucomatous monkey eyes. Melatonin agonists with activity on the putative MT3 receptor may have clinical potential for treating elevated IOP.     

Goniocurettage for removing trabecular meshwork: clinical results of a new surgical technique in advanced chronic open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the long-term outcome of goniocurettage as a new technique in trabecular microsurgery for advanced open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial, 25 eyes of 25 patients with a mean age +/- SD of 72.7+/-10.1 years (range, 50 to 89 years) with uncontrolled chronic open-angle glaucoma that had undergone failed filtering procedures were treated by goniocurettage. Trabecular tissue was scraped away from the chamber angle by means of an instrument similar to a microchalazion curette (diameter, 300 microm). RESULTS: Before surgery, intraocular pressure ranged from 29 to 48 mm Hg (mean +/- SD, 34.7+/-7.1 mm Hg), and mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 2.2+/-0.56. Follow-up averaged (+/-SD) 32.6+/-8.1 months (range, 30 to 45 months). Overall success, defined as postoperative intraocular pressure of 19 mm Hg or less with one pressure-reducing agent, was attained in 15 eyes (60%), with five eyes (20%) being controlled without medication. Considering all successfully treated patients, the mean intraocular pressure was 17.7+/-3.1 mm Hg (range, 10 to 19 mm Hg) at the final visit. Mean intraocular pressure reduction was 17.1+/-7.1 mm Hg in these eyes, representing a net decrease from baseline of 49%. Number of antiglaucoma medications dropped to 0.63+/-0.29. Complications included localized Descemet membrane detachment in five eyes (20%) and moderate anterior chamber bleeding in four eyes (16%). CONCLUSIONS: This new surgical technique can effectively control intraocular pressure for long periods of time in patients with open-angle glaucoma and a history of failed filtering procedures. Goniocurettage may be a suitable alternative to surgical treatment of glaucoma patients with excessive conjunctival scarification.     

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with open-angle glaucoma: outcomes and risk factors for failure

PURPOSE: To evaluate tonometric outcomes of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with open-angle glaucoma and associated risk factors for failure. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Seventy-three pseudophakic patients (89 eyes) with primary open-angle, normal-tension, exfoliative, or pigmentary glaucoma were recruited. Success rates were defined according to three criteria: (A) intraocular pressure (IOP) < or = 18 mm Hg and IOP reduction > or = 20%; (B) IOP < or = 15 mm Hg and IOP reduction > or = 25%; and (C) IOP < or = 12 mm Hg and IOP reduction > or = 30%. IOP, visual acuity, complications, and additional interventions were documented after surgery. Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure. RESULTS: Mean IOP (+/-SD) decreased from a preoperative value of 18.8 +/- 6.6 mm Hg to 10.2 +/- 5.1 mm Hg at one year and to 10.0 +/- 4.2 at two years (P < .001 for both). Average number of preoperative medications decreased from 3.0 +/- 1.1 to 0.5 +/- 1.0 at one year and to 0.5 +/- 0.9 at two years (P < .001 for both). For criteria A, B, and C, success rates (+/-SE) were 87% +/- 4%, 83% +/- 5%, and 76% +/- 5% at 1 year and 67% +/- 4%, 58% +/- 8%, and 50% +/- 7 at two years. Laser suture lysis was performed in 30 eyes, and 11% of those required a second glaucoma procedure. CONCLUSION: Increasing age, use of a limbus-based conjunctival flap, and performance of laser suture lysis were factors that were associated with a smaller risk of failure. Present findings indicate that trabeculectomy with mitomycin C provides acceptable long-term success rates in pseudophakic patients, with a low incidence of complications.     

The effect of MK-927, a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, on IOP in glaucomatous monkeys

MK-927 is a water soluble, potent inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase (CA) II in vitro. Topical administration of MK-927 reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Elevated IOP was produced in cynomolgus monkey eyes by argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. IOP was measured at 0 hr, 0.5 hr and hourly for 8 hrs in 8 eyes for two baseline days, one day on vehicle and five days of therapy with 2% MK-927 b.i.d., after initial single-dose trials of various concentrations. IOP was not significantly different comparing baseline and vehicle treated days. Significant (p less than 0.05) reductions of IOP occurred for five days lasting at least 8 hrs after each dosing. At 3 hrs after treatment with vehicle the IOP was 31.6 +/- 3.4 (SE) mm Hg. Maximum reduction of IOP occurred at 3 hrs after application of MK-927, the IOP decreasing from day 1 (19.9 +/- 1.0 mm Hg) to day 5 (16.5 +/- 1.6 mm Hg). MK-927 appears to have great clinical potential.     

Evaluation of phacotrabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy alone

Our purpose was to evaluate phacotrabeculectomy (PT) versus trabeculectomy alone (TA). 161 eyes with primary open angle or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma operated on consecutively by one surgeon were followed prospectively. 1 year follow-up was available for 70 eyes with PT and 54 with TA (77% of all eyes). Intraocular pressure (IOP) in PT dropped from 23.4 +/- 8.9 to 13.3 +/- 3.4 mm Hg and in TA from 24.8 +/- 7.5 to 14.2 +/- 3.9 mm Hg. IOP difference between PT and TA at 1 year was nonsignificant (p > 0.1). The average number of medications in PT dropped from 1.9 +/- 0.9 to 0.1 +/- 0.5 and in TA from 2.2 +/- 0.9 to 0.3 +/- 0.6 (p > 0.1). We conclude that additional phacoemulsification does not influence intraocular pressure control at 1 years. Copyright Copyright 1999 S.Karger AG, Basel