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。     

丝裂霉素C联合粘小管成形术治疗开角型青光眼的疗效

目的:评估丝裂霉素C(MMC)联合粘小管成形术治疗开角型青光眼的效果.方法:回顾性研究.收集2007-12/2014-03接受粘小管成形术患者104例122眼.记录术前术后眼内压(IOP),青光眼用药数量,视力,并发症,辅助治疗(激光前房角穿刺或青光眼用药)和成功率.IOP≤21 mmHg无额外用药为完全成功,IOP≤21 mmHg有或无青光眼用药为部分成功.结果:术前平均IOP为27.5±9.2 mmHg,术后平均IOP为14.5±6.6 mmHg(P<0.001).术前平均视力为0.42±0.4,术后为0.32±0.4 (P=0.726).部分成功106眼(86.9%),完全成功62眼(50.8%).激光前房角穿刺术43眼(35.2%),青光眼药物使用率为49.1%.术后平均随访27.29±16.78 (1~79)mo.结论:粘小管成形术并发症发生率低且术后视力稳定,是一种安全的选择,术后补充进行激光前房角穿刺术可以提高手术成功率.丝裂霉素C对于粘小管成形术的作用还需进行深入的比较研究.     

Complications of Neodymium:YAG laser goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy

PURPOSE: To study the complications of Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI). METHODS: All patients who underwent a Nd:YAG goniopuncture after a successful DSCI for primary open-angle glaucoma were included in a non-randomized clinical study. RESULTS: Nd:YAG goniopuncture was performed in 31 patients. The mean time from surgery to goniopuncture was 3.2 +/- 3.2 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before goniopuncture was 32.0 +/- 10.8 mmHg (SD); the mean IOP 1-2 hours after goniopuncture was 16.5 +/- 6.3 mmHg. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 +/- 2.8 months, the mean IOP was 17.8 +/- 11.6 mmHg. Three patients had a spontaneous iris prolapse after Nd:YAG goniopuncture and consequently high IOP. No signs of severe hypotension were observed. CONCLUSION: There are potentially serious complications relating to Nd:YAG goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy. However, further studies are needed to determine the safest time and level of IOP at which to perform Nd:YAG goniopuncture.     

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.     

Endoscopically controlled erbium:YAG goniopuncture versus trabeculectomy: effect on intraocular pressure in combination with cataract surgery

PURPOSE:. To compare the efficacy of endoscopic erbium:YAG laser goniopuncture in glaucoma treatment to trabeculectomy, both methods as adjuncts to cataract surgery. METHODS:. Fifty-nine eyes of 59 glaucoma patients with coexistent cataract were treated by phacoemulsification and endoscopic Er:YAG goniopuncture in a combined fashion. The primary study endpoints were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucomatous drugs, postoperative complications, hospitalisation time and visual acuity at 1 year after surgery. To date, 24 eyes have finished the 1-year follow-up. This prospective treatment arm was compared to a retrospective inclusion-matched control group treated by trabeculectomy and cataract surgery in a single procedure. RESULTS:. In the laser-treated group, the mean IOP dropped by 30% from 23.4+/-3.7 mmHg to 16.3+/-6 mmHg ( P<0.0001) after 12 months. Without reoperation, treatment was successful in 71% of these eyes. In the control group, the IOP decreased by 33.5% from 22.7+/-3.3 mmHg to 15.1+/-3.8 mmHg ( P<0.0001). The success rate without reoperation was 46%. The number of antiglaucomatous drugs needed decreased from 1.48+/-0.95 to 0.48+/-0.7 ( P<0.0001) in the laser-treated group and from 2.0+/-0.9 to 0.39+/-0.6 ( P<0.0001) in the control group. Postoperative complications were found more frequently in the control group ( P<0.0001). Hospitalisation was shorter in the laser group ( P<0.0001). Postoperative visual acuity was lower in the control group ( P=0.004). CONCLUSION:. Combined Er:YAG goniopuncture and cataract surgery lowers the IOP to an extent comparable to combined trabeculectomy and cataract surgery. Due to fewer postoperative complications, Er:YAG goniopuncture seems to be superior to standard fistulation surgery as the primary approach within the first year.     

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.     

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.     

Clinical results of selective laser trabeculoplasty

PURPOSE: Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a new technique aimed to developed to impact pigmented trabecular cells selectively. Compared with ordinary argon laser trabeculoplasty, it is expected to have fewer complications with more efficacy for open-angle glaucoma. In this study we performed SLT on 17 eyes of 10 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 1 eye with capsular glaucoma. METHODS: Follow-up period was up to 10 months. Average energy irrachieted was 28.14 mJ (0.47 mJ x 59 spots) against pigmented trabecular band over the half circumference of anterior chamber angle. RESULTS: Preoperative mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 22.8 mmHg and postoperative mean IOP was decreased significantly to 8.6, 17.3, and 16.1 mmHg at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, respectively. The average maximum IOP reduction was 8.8 (3-18) mmHg after SLT. Among 11 eyes showing transient IOP elevation, 6 eyes had an elevation of more than 5 mmHg. No remarkable postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: SLT is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and capsular glaucoma.     

Methods of argon laser trabeculoplasty, complications and long-term follow-up of the results

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) was performed on 125 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 32 eyes with capsular glaucoma; all eyes were surgical candidates where maximum tolerable medication had failed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP) below 20 mmHg. There were 93 eyes of men and 64 eyes of women, in the age range from 20 to 84 years. Three methods were used: Group 1, 36 eyes treated with about 100 laser shots to the trabecular pigment band over 360 degrees; Group 2, 84 eyes with about 50 shots to the pigment band over 180 degrees; and Group 3, 37 eyes with similar treatment to the anterior part of the trabecular band. The frequency of the initial IOP rise and the maximum postoperative IOP level were in the order of Groups 1, 2 and 3. Other complications, iritis, hemorrhage and peripheral anterior synechiae, were most frequent in Group 1. The success rate of the postoperative IOP control below 20 mmHg with continued medication was analyzed by the life-table method: It was 39 +/- 8% over the period averaging 39 months in Group 1, 66.5 +/- 6% over 17.3 months in Group 2, and 33.7 +/- 15% over 8.1 months in Group 3. The ALT over 180 degrees aimed at the pigment band gave better IOP control with less complications than 360 degrees ALT. The success rate in the eyes of Group 2 was 57 +/- 6% and 94 +/- 6% in POAG and capsular glaucoma, respectively. The IOP distribution after the ALT had a peak at 16-17 mmHg; the IOP was lower than 15 mmHg in about 21% of the eyes. Concurrent IOP measurement and tomography revealed that the IOP reduction after ALT was due largely to a reduction of the outflow resistance in the aqueous outflow channel.     

Ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential efficacy of ophthalmic laser microendoscope photocoagulation of the ciliary processes in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma. METHODS: Ten patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma underwent ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation via a pars plana incision. The device and surgical technique are discussed. RESULTS: Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ranged from 36 mmHg to 62 mmHg (mean, 43.6 mmHg). Postoperative final IOP ranged from 3 mmHg to 27 mmHg (mean, 15.3 mmHg). This represents an absolute decrease of 28.3 mmHg (65%). Postoperatively, 9 eyes had an IOP of less than 21 mmHg, although 3 of these eyes required medication. One eye attained a final IOP of 27 mmHg. All eyes were treated once. Nine patients were treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors preoperatively, and six patients were able to discontinue this medication postoperatively. Phthisis was not observed, but hypotony evolved in two eyes with chronic retinal detachment. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 11 months (mean, 8.8 months). CONCLUSION: This new therapeutic modality, which combines endoscopic visualization of the ciliary processes with diode laser photocoagulation, can be effective in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma.     

Postoperative intraocular pressure rise in open-angle glaucoma patients after cataract or combined cataract-filtration surgery

Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in patients with open-angle glaucoma undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with a posterior chamber lens implant (ECCE-PC IOL). Patients considered to be under adequate medical glaucoma control had cataract surgery alone or combined with a posterior lip sclerectomy. Patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma had cataract surgery combined with either a posterior lip sclerectomy or a trabeculectomy. Cataract surgery alone (n = 26) was associated with a significantly (P less than 0.001) increased IOP on postoperative day 1: preoperative IOP, 18.9 +/- 3.6 mmHg; postoperative IOP, 34.2 +/- 12 mmHg. An IOP rise of 10 mmHg or more occurred in 69% of the eyes, whereas 77% of the eyes had an absolute IOP over 25 mmHg. Eyes undergoing combined surgery (n = 42) had a preoperative IOP of 21.3 +/- 4.8 mmHg. On postoperative day 1, the mean IOP was 14.9 +/- 12.0 mmHg. An IOP rise of 10 mmHg or more was observed in 14%, and an IOP over 25 mmHg in 21% of combined surgery eyes. Cataract surgery in eyes with open-angle glaucoma requires careful monitoring and therapy for early postoperative increases in IOP. Combined surgery reduces the frequency and magnitude of, but does not eliminate, this complication.     

Clinical Results of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Purpose: Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a new technique aimed to developed to impact pigmented trabecular cells selectively. Compared with ordinary argon laser trabeculoplasty, it is expected to have fewer complications with more efficacy for open-angle glaucoma. In this study we performed SLT on 17 eyes of 10 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 1 eye with capsular glaucoma.Methods: Follow-up period was up to 10 months. Average energy irrachieted was 28.14 mJ (0.47 mJ x 59 spots) against pigmented trabecular band over the half circumference of anterior chamber angle.Results: Preoperative mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 22.8 mmHg and postoperative mean IOP was decreased significantly to 8.6, 17.3, and 16.1 mmHg at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, respectively. The average maximum IOP reduction was 8.8 (3 approximately 1 8) mmHg after SLT. Among 11 eyes showing transient IOP elevation, 6 eyes had an elevation of more than 6 mmHg. No remarkable postoperative complications were noted.Conclusion: SLT is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and capsular glaucoma.     

Efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy and phacoemulsification and deep sclerectomy in clinical material of Military Health Service Institute--yearly observations

PURPOSE: Comparison of the effectiveness of nonpenetrated deep sclerectomy (DS) as the only procedure in relation to operation combined with phacoemulsification (FDS) in treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma based on yearly observation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 67 eyes with open-angle glaucoma were retrospectively analyzed. Applying layer-systematic criteria 21 eyes after deep sclerectomy with scleral implant (SKGEL/Corneal or T-flux/I-Tech) were selected into group I (DS implant) and 23 eyes after phacoemulsification with simultaneously performed deep sclerectomy and scleral implants were selected into group II (FDS implant). In control studies best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber and fundus, were examined. Postoperative complications and applied procedures were analyzed especially controlling hypotensive effect (goniopuncture, antimetabolites), as well as number of glaucoma medications used. Tests were performed in 1 and 7 days after surgery, and later after 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Statistically test U Mann-Whitney was used as well as pair sequence Wilcoxon test. Survival analysis was done with Kaplan-Meier method with the use of log rank test. RESULTS: After 360 days of observation mean values of IOP in group I was 14.3 +/- 3.6 mmHg, and in group II--12.9 +/- 3.0 mmHg. It was a decrease of mean IOP by 29.6% (p = .000) and 41.4% (p = .000) in comparison to preoperative IOP in particular groups. In both groups fewer glaucoma medications were used after surgery and the results were statistically significant (p < .05). As a complete success rate was considered IOP of < or =18 mmHg without glaucoma medications, and qualified success rate was IOP of < or =18 mmHg without medications or with the most of two glaucoma medications. Complete and qualified success rate were achieved respectively in group I (72.6% and 88.4%) and in group II (74.3% and 86.9%) at the end of observation. In the entire observation there were no statistically significant differences between group I and 2 (p > .05). After 360 days of observation there was no statistically significant difference between mean BCVA in group I and II (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: DS with scleral implant performed as a single procedure or FDS is effective treatment in open-angle glaucoma.     

Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy for early-onset glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy in the management of early-onset glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ten eyes of nine patients were included in this study. All patients with SWS who underwent primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy from January 1993 through December 1996 were included. One patient had bilateral surgery. INTERVENTION: Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs), corneal clarity and diameters, visual acuities, success rate, bleb characteristics, time of surgical failure (if any), and complications. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP was 28.2 mmHg +/- 7.35 mmHg with medication (mean, 1.2 +/- 0.6; range, 0-2). The mean postoperative IOP was 11.8 mmHg +/- 1.8 mmHg, with a mean percent reduction of 55.8 +/- 12.6 in IOP (P < 0.0001). All eyes maintained a postoperative IOP < 16 mmHg without medication over a mean follow-up of 27.6 +/- 16.4 months (range, 12-64 months). Normal corneal clarity was achieved in all eight eyes that had corneal edema. There were no significant intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, one patient developed a shallow anterior chamber with choroidal detachment, which was successfully managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy is safe, effective, and sufficiently predictable to be considered the first choice of surgical treatment in early-onset glaucoma associated with SWS.     

Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy: a 6-year retrospective study

PURPOSE: Nonpenetrating trabeculectomy, also called nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), is a filtering surgery where the internal wall of Schlemm's canal is excised, allowing subconjunctival filtration without actually entering the anterior chamber. This, technique was developed to minimize the complications of trabeculectomy. The authors investigated its safety and efficacy in a retrospective noncomparative study. METHODS: A total of 258 eyes (179 patients, mean age 61.4 +/- 11.56 years) with uncontrolled open angle glaucoma with prior medical therapy were treated. NPDS with a biocompatible collagen device (157 eyes) sutured to deep scleral bed or with the use of a 5-fluorouracil sponge (90 eyes) were analyzed. The main outcome measure was postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) with an average follow-up of 54.4 +/- 17.07 months (range 1-85). Efficacy was determined 1 month, 3 months, and every 6 months after the procedure for 6 years. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP was 24.47 +/- 5.92 mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 14.44 +/- 5.31 mmHg (average lowering of the IOP was 38.94 +/- 23.81%) at 1 month, 15.16 +/- 4.57 mmHg (35.73 +/- 21.35%) at 3 months, 15.87 +/- 4.24 mmHg (32.45 +/- 20.52%) at 6 months, 16.32 +/- 4.53 mmHg (29.96 +/- 23.69%) at 12 months, 17.12 +/- 4.45 mmHg (26.51 +/- 23.93%) at 18 months, 16.77 +/- 4.44 mmHg (28.18 +/- 21.73%) at 24 months, 16.43 +/- 4.15 mmHg (28.89 +/- 23.69%) at 30 months, 16.34 +/- 4.12 mmHg (30.05 +/- 21.61%) at 36 months, 16.16 +/- 4.01 mmHg (30.06 +/- 22.55%) at 42 months, 15.71 +/- 3.74 mmHg (32.49 +/- 19.08%) at 48 months, 15.61 +/- 3.48 mmHg (31.26 +/- 21.01%) after 5 years, and 15.81 +/- 3.79 mmHg (33.73 +/- 20.9%) after 6 years. YAG goniopuncture was performed in 47.3% of cases with a mean follow-up of 12 +/- 13 months. These goniopunctures were effective in lowering IOP after a long-term follow-up (24 months). Additional 5-fluorouracil injections were used in 7% of cases. Visual field (Octopus or Humphrey mean defect and corrected loss variance or loss variance) was not modified (p < 0.01). Number of preoperative glaucoma medications was 2.01 +/- 0.58 and number of postoperative glaucoma medications was 0.85 +/- 0.92. Complications were peroperative microperforations in 27 eyes (10.5%), shallow anterior chamber in 2 eyes, hyphema in 2 eyes (0.8%), cataract in 5 eyes (2%), and dellen in 1 eye (0.4%). No cases of endophthalmitis or choroidal detachment were found. After surgery, 23 eyes (8.9%) required a new filtering surgical procedure, and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation was necessary in 2 eyes (0.8%). The probability success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 21 mmHg, was 66.46% (Kaplan Meier) at 60 months off all glaucoma medications and 80.32% with medical or new surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: NPDS appears to be an effective and safe filtering procedure for lowering IOP and could be an alternative to trabeculectomy in open angle glaucoma with the advantage of having fewer complications.     

Trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy in aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma

In 15 eyes with uncontrolled aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy was performed. Mean pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 38.2 ± 6.7 mmHg and mean post operative IOP was 19.3 ± 5.2 mmHg after follow-up of 11.2 2 months. The anterior chamber maintainer technique during vitrectomy has been employed. Success rate (IOP < 21 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication) was 80 %. Visual acuity remained unchanged in 4 eyes, improved in 5 eyes and worsened in 6 eyes. Post-operative complications included: two eyes with cystoid macular edema, two eyes with choroidal effusion and prolonged hypotony, one eye with self-absorbing vitreus hemorrhage and one eye with some opacification of the corneal graft. In aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma where vitreus is filling the anterior chamber - a combined trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy is indicated for removal of vitreus from the sclerostomy site with better aqueous flow through the sclerostomy and adequate control of IOP.     

Deep sclerectomy with collagen implant: initial experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI), a recently introduced nonpenetrating glaucoma-filtering surgical technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 eyes of 23 patients with open-angle glaucoma were included in this prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. In all eyes, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was lowered inadequately by topical antiglaucomatous medications. After undergoing DSCI, the patients were followed prospectively. If necessary, the procedure was combined with cataract surgery or mitomycin C application. RESULTS: In 27 (90%) of 30 eyes, DSCI could be performed. In 3 (10%) of 30 eyes, DSCI had to be transformed intraoperatively into a trabeculectomy because of a large trabecular penetration. Microperforations without further consequences occurred in 2 (7%) of 30 eyes. The mean follow-up was 6.6 +/- 3.8 months. IOP dropped from 26.0 +/- 6.7 to 13.6 +/- 4.7 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Medical glaucomatous treatment was reduced from 2.3 +/- 3.8 to 0.3 +/- 0.6 (p < 0.05). In cases without cataract, visual acuity decreased from 0.7 +/- 0.3 to 0.66 +/- 0.4 at the last visit (p > 0.1). Postoperative complications included Seidel (1/27, 4%), encapsulated bleb (4/27, 15%), astigmatism (1/27, 4%), iris capture (2/27, 7%), microhyphema (3/27, 11%) and peripheral anterior synechiae (4/27, 15%). Fifteen (56%) of the 27 eyes needed the following postoperative procedures: laser goniopuncture (8/27, 30%), needling of the filtering bleb (4/27, 15%), surgical revision in the operating theater (3/27, 11%). All 3 eyes where trabeculectomy was performed instead of DSCI had a favorable course. CONCLUSIONS: During the evaluation period, complications occurred in about half of the cases. None of the complications was severe or irreversible. Target pressure and a reduction in drug treatment could be achieved in all of the patients.     

Photoablative filtration surgery with the excimer laser for primary open-angle glaucoma: a pilot study

We have performed ab-externo photoablative filtration surgery on 19 patients affected by uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma. All cases had wide open angles, were previously treated with argon laser trabeculoplasty and were considered good candidates for trabeculectomy. After topical and peribulbar anesthesia, a limbus-based conjunctival flap was dissected. Photoablation of a rectangular area at the limbus was performed with an argon fluoride excimer laser (193 nm), at 180mJxsq cm fluence. The beam was shaped in the appropriate fashion using a custom-made metal mask. Photoablation was continued until aqueous appeared percolating through the juxtacanalicular tissue at the bottom of the crater; a water-tight closure of conjunctiva was then performed. Postoperatively, the anterior chamber reaction was minimal; in no case a flat chamber or choroidal detachment was observed. In 18 of the 19 cases the IOP was significantly lowered, and a filtering bleb developed. Mean preoperative IOP was 26.4 (±7) mmHg. At a median follow-up of 9 months (range 4–15) the IOP is<18 mmHg on no medications in 16 (84%) of the eyes, with a mean value of 13.3 (±6) mmHg. Our short-term results support excimer laser photoablative filtration as a relatively safe and effective procedure for primary open-angle glaucoma.     

Long-term results of anterior chamber tube shunt to an encircling band in the treatment of refractory glaucomas.

We performed the anterior chamber tube shunt to an encircling band procedure in 34 patients (36 eyes) with refractory glaucoma, and evaluated the long-term outcome. The preoperative mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 36.8 +/- 9.6 mmHg, the postoperative mean IOP was 21.6 +/- 13.6 mmHg, a statistically significant (p < 0.01) reduction of IOP following this procedure. The final postoperative IOP was under 21 mmHg in 23 (63.9%) of the 36 eyes. The success rate of IOP control 36 months after the operation without any elevation of post-operative IOP was 30.3% (life-table method). Complications of this procedure included flattening of the anterior chamber (61.1%), damage to the corneal endothelium (25%), hyphema (25%), and a transient IOP elevation (25%). As filtering surgery with 5-fluorouracil is more effective and simple to perform, we conclude that the anterior chamber tube shunt to an encircling band procedure should be reserved for those with refractory glaucoma who have had multiple surgical interventions.     

Cataract surgery in 79 patients with relative anterior microphthalmus (RAM): a review of anatomy, associated pathology and complications

BACKGROUND: Naumann has coined the term relative anterior microphthalmus (RAM) for eyes with a dysproportional small anterior segment but no further malformation. Those eyes are characterized by corneal diameters of < 11 mm and total axial length of > 20 mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To evaluate and define morphometrical data and risk factors for cataract surgery in patients with relative anterior microphthalmus (RAM) 112 cataract operations of 79 patients with RAM were analysed. Associated ocular pathology (such as glaucoma, previous surgical interventions, etc.) and complications of cataract surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Average corneal diameter was 10.7 +/- 0.34 mm, AC-depth was 2.20 +/- 0.49 and average lens thickness 5.05 +/- 0.45 mm. Fifty five percent of the patient revealed myopic refraction. There was a high incidence of glaucoma (77%), cornea guttata (46.6%) and Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (16%) in the RAM-group. Sixty percent of patients previously underwent glaucoma surgery. After cataract surgery 51.2% of patients achieved a visual acuity of > 0.5; 69.8% > 0.4. The IOP was preoperatively 16.5 +/- 5.8 mm Hg (with 1.3 +/- 1.4 antiglaucomatous drugs). Postoperatively IOP dropped significantly to 13.6 +/- 3.2 mm Hg (with significant reduction of treatment (0.6 +/- 1.0) (p < 0.01). The anterior chamber depth deepened from 2.42 +/- 0.47 mm to 3.33 +/- 0.72 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The special anatomical situation in RAM is responsible for the high incidence of glaucoma and postoperative complications after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery helps not only to restore vision but also facilitates handling and regulation of intraocular pressure.