Endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the management of aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma in children.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) has been shown to be a useful adjunct in the management of a variety of difficult pediatric and adult glaucomas. This study reports the efficacy and safety of this procedure for pediatric aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma. METHODS: ECP was performed on 34 eyes of 25 patients under 16 years of age with aphakic or pseudophakic glaucoma between April 1994 and November 2004. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months or until a treatment failure had been declared. Treatment failure was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of >24 mm Hg and IOP lowering of less than 15% despite the addition of glaucoma medications or the occurrence of any visually significant complications. Aphakic eyes of patients with congenital glaucoma or an anterior segment dysgenesis were not included in the study group. RESULTS: Pretreatment IOP averaged 32.6 mm Hg in the 34 eyes, compared with a final postoperative average of 22.9 mm Hg. Mean follow-up period for study eyes was 44.4 months, and the average number of procedures per eye was 1.5. Overall success rate was 53% (18/34). Thirteen of the 34 eyes (38%) received one treatment only and were deemed a success. Retinal detachments developed in two eyes within the first postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: ECP is a useful tool in the treatment of aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma, with a low rate of visually significant complications. Retreatment of eyes improved the overall success rate, although experience with cases beyond two treatment sessions is limited. Hypotony was not encountered despite 8 of the 34 eyes receiving 360 degrees of total endocyclophotoablation to the ciliary processes.     

Experience with the baerveldt glaucoma implant in the management of pediatric glaucoma

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcome in 48 eyes of 48 children who received a Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) for the management of pediatric glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with pediatric glaucoma who underwent a BGI at two tertiary care referral centers in Los Angeles between 1990 and 1999 were reviewed. Intraocular pressure (IOP), intraoperative and postoperative complications, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and pre- and postoperative corneal diameter and axial length were collected from patient records. Criteria for success were IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without glaucoma medications, no need for further glaucoma surgery, the absence of visually threatening complications, and some residual vision (minimum visual acuity of light perception). RESULTS: The study included 48 eyes from 48 patients aged 16 years and younger (mean age 4.1 years). Mean preoperative IOP was 31.2 +/- 25.7 mm Hg, and mean postoperative IOP was 16.4 +/- 4.9 mm Hg. Cumulative probability of success (based on the Kaplan-Meier survival curve) was 95% at 6 months, 90% at 1 year, 84% at 2 years, 74% at 36 months, and 58% at 48 months. On average, the BGIs were successful for a mean period of 5.6 years (67.7 months). Overall, 11 eyes failed, with the causes being uncontrolled IOP (eight eyes), retinal detachment (two eyes), and no light perception (one eye). CONCLUSIONS: Baerveldt glaucoma implants can be a safe and effective treatment modality for the management of pediatric glaucoma refractive to medical therapy.     

Long-term results of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory pediatric glaucoma patients

We evaluated efficacy and complications of diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in pediatric patients with refractory glaucomas. The retrospective study comprised 69 eyes of 53 pediatric patients with uncontrolled refractory glaucoma treated by transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. The mean age was 6.1 +/- 4.29 (range 0.9-15) years. The main parameters evaluated were: intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and complications. The mean follow-up period was 5.6 +/- 2.8 (range 2.2-9.5) years. Treatment success was defined as a postoperative IOP of 相似文献   

Long-term follow-up after transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in refractory glaucoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients affected by glaucoma refractory to medical or surgical treatment are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (DLPC) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and on visual acuity of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty eyes of 107 patients suffering from refractory glaucoma and treated with DLPC were followed at the Eye Clinic of Verona University for an average of 26 +/- 8 months. Mean age was 57 +/- 26 years. IOP, visual acuity, and ocular complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 207 treatments were given. More than one treatment was given in 55 eyes (45.8%). Mean pretreatment IOP was 30.4 +/- 3.1 mm Hg. At the last follow-up, mean IOP was 20.3 +/- 1.8 mm Hg. Mean total medications were reduced from 4.5 +/- 0.5 to 2.3 +/- 0.3. No serious complications occurred in the 207 treatments. Visual acuity remained stable in 66 eyes (55%), improved in 25 eyes (20.8%), and decreased in 29 eyes (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: DLPC was effective in lowering IOP in eyes with refractory glaucoma. It also served to reduce the number of antiglaucoma medications, thus improving both the quality of life of the patients and their compliance to therapy. This procedure is relatively safe, very fast and easy to learn. However, careful attention is required to determine the exact position of the ciliary body in malformative glaucoma. Multiple treatments may be required to control IOP.     

小切口小梁切除联合超声乳化白内障吸除术治疗青光眼合并白内障

目的　探讨 3 5mm小切口小梁切除联合超声乳化白内障吸除后房型人工晶状体植入术 (三联手术 )治疗青光眼合并白内障患者的效果。方法　应用小切口三联手术对 2 0例 (2 6只眼 )青光眼合并白内障患者进行手术治疗。术后随访 3～ 41个月 ,平均 16 1个月。结果　术前平均眼压(2 3 0 1± 2 6 3)mmHg(1mmHg =0 133kPa) ,术后随访最终平均眼压降至 (13 93± 1 85 )mmHg(P <0 0 0 1)。术后随访最终矫正视力范围 0 0 5～ 1 0 ,其中≥ 0 6者 17只眼 (6 5 % ) ,术后平均散光度0 81D ,其中 4只眼无散光度。术后早期 2只眼使用降眼压药物 ,随访后期无使用者。术后早期并发症角膜水肿 5只眼 (19% ) ,浅前房 3只眼 (12 % ) ;晚期并发症后发性白内障 6只眼 (2 3% )。结论　小切口三联手术治疗青光眼合并白内障患者 ,具有恢复有用视力、稳定眼压、减少术后用药、并发症少等理想效果。     

Viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy: long-term results

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of viscocanalostomy and cataract extraction by phacoemulsification combined with viscocanalostomy (phacoviscocanalostomy) in the management of medically uncontrolled glaucoma. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmic Surgery, Warrington Hospital, Warrington, England. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized study comprised 101 consecutive eyes of 73 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma having viscocanalostomy or phacoviscocanalostomy. Outcomes measured were intraocular pressure (IOP) control, visual acuity, gonioscopy, bleb morphology, and complications associated with surgery. Examinations were performed preoperatively and 1 and 7 days and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively and then at 6-month intervals. The mean follow-up was 23.9 months +/- 11 (SD) (range 6 months to 3.5 years). RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP was 24.9 +/- 5.7 mm Hg on 2.27 +/- 0.8 medications and the mean postoperative IOP at last follow-up, 16.14 +/- 2.9 mm Hg on 0.1 medications. A postoperative IOP of 21 mm Hg or less was achieved in 93% of eyes. In the remaining 7%, an addition of a mean of 1.4 medications achieved an IOP less than 21 mm Hg. No case required further glaucoma surgery. The mean percentage of IOP reduction in eyes having viscocanalostomy alone was 37% and in eyes having phacoviscocanalostomy, 33%. Complications were minor and included 4 small hyphemas, 5 small choroidal detachments, 1 iris prolapse through the phaco incision, and 10 intraoperative microperforations of the trabeculo-Descemet's window. Transient postoperative pressure elevations secondary to topical steroids occurred in 18% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy were safe and effective in the surgical management of glaucoma and combined glaucoma and cataract. There was a low incidence of complications postoperatively and throughout the long-term follow-up.     

Efficacy of glaucoma filtration surgery in pseudophakic patients with or without conjunctival scarring

PURPOSE: To analyze the intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication requirements, and visual acuity after glaucoma filtration surgery in pseudophakic eyes. SETTING: Private practice, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. METHODS: The results of glaucoma filtration surgery in 47 eyes of 40 pseudophakic patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes with previously surgically manipulated conjunctiva in the area of filtration were compared to eyes without previous manipulation. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 25 mm Hg +/- 7.3 (SD); mean number of glaucoma medications, 3.3 +/- 1.0; and mean logMAR visual acuity, 0.41 +/- 0.38. At the final follow-up visit (mean 36.5 +/- 31.5 months), the respective means were 13.6 +/- 6.6 mm Hg (P<.001), 0.9 +/- 1.4 (P<.001), and 0.46 +/- 0.43 (P=.53). The mean postoperative IOP, glaucoma medication requirements, and visual acuity at the final follow-up in eyes with virgin conjunctiva and eyes with previously manipulated conjunctiva were, respectively, as follows: IOP, 12.5 +/- 3.2 mm Hg and 14.1 +/- 7.6 mm Hg (P=.52); medications, 1.1 +/- 1.3 and 0.9 +/- 1.4 (P=.66); and logMAR acuity, 0.6 +/- 0.52 and 0.4 +/- 0.39 (P=.23). CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma filtration surgery in pseudophakic eyes significantly improved IOP and reduced glaucoma medication requirements while maintaining stability of vision. There were no statistically significant differences in final IOP, glaucoma medication requirements, or visual acuity between eyes with virgin conjunctiva and eyes with previously surgically manipulated conjunctiva.     

Surgical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery for Asian patients with refractory glaucoma with cataract

PURPOSE: To examine the safety and efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery in providing reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual rehabilitation in eyes with refractory glaucoma and cataract. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all subjects who underwent combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and glaucoma drainage implant surgery by a single surgeon at the National University Hospital, Singapore. The implants used were the 185 mm2 Ahmed glaucoma valve and the 350 mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma implant. In terms of IOP, a complete success was defined as IOP of between 6 to 21 mm Hg without medication, qualified success as IOP between 6 to 21 mm Hg with one or more medication, and failure as a sustained IOP of >21 mm Hg or <6 mm Hg with or without one or more medication on two or more visits. RESULTS: A total of 32 combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma implant surgeries in 32 patients was performed. All patients were of Asian origin, and the mean age was 58 +/- 16 years (range, 20-78 years). The Baerveldt glaucoma implant and Ahmed glaucoma valve implant were inserted in 16 eyes each. With a mean follow-up of 13 +/- 5 months (range 6 to 22 months), IOP was reduced from a mean of 28.0 +/- 11.5 mm Hg to 15.2 +/- 6.0 mm Hg postoperatively (P <.0001), whereas the number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.4 to.3 +/-.7 (P <.0001) at last follow-up. Overall, there were 24 eyes (75%) that were classified as complete successes, 4 eyes (12.5%) that were qualified successes, and 4 eyes that failed (12.5%). Twenty-three eyes (72%) had improvement of visual acuity, while only one eye had a loss of more than 1 line of Snellen acuity. There was no case that encountered an intraoperative complication, and postoperative complications occurred in 12 eyes (38%), the most common of which was hypotony (in six eyes, 19%). CONCLUSION: For subjects with refractory glaucoma and cataract, combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery provide good visual rehabilitation and control of IOP, with low incidence of complications.     

Comparison of trabeculectomy with Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implanted under scleral flap

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Ex-PRESS miniature implant (Model R 50) placed under partial-thickness scleral flap compared with standard trabeculectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective comparative series of 100 eyes, we compared 50 eyes in 49 patients treated with the Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma implant under a scleral flap with 50 matched control eyes in 47 patients treated with trabeculectomy. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > or =5 mm Hg and < or =21 mm Hg, with or without glaucoma medications, without further glaucoma surgery or removal of implant. Early postoperative hypotony was defined as IOP <5 mm Hg during the first postoperative week. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 10.8 months (range 3.5 to 18) for the Ex-PRESS group and 11.2 months (range 3 to 15) for the trabeculectomy group. Although the mean IOP was significantly higher in the early postoperative period in the Ex-PRESS group compared with the trabeculectomy group, the reduction of IOP was similar in both groups after 3 months. The number of postoperative glaucoma medications in both groups was not significantly different. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant difference in success between the 2 groups (P=0.594). Early postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusion were significantly more frequent after trabeculectomy compared with Ex-PRESS implant under scleral flap (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Ex-PRESS implant under a scleral flap had similar IOP-lowering efficacy with a lower rate of early hypotony compared with trabeculectomy.     

Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation in refractory glaucoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with glaucoma refractory to medical or surgical treatment are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (DLPC) on these patients' intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 37 eyes of 36 patients who suffered from refractory glaucoma and who had undergone DLPC, were followed at the Eye Clinic of Verona University for an average of 14 +/- 4 months. The average age was 54 +/- 26 years. IOP, visual acuity and ocular complications were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 71 treatments were given. More than 1 treatment was given in 22 eyes (59%). The mean pretreatment IOP was 33.1 +/- 3.3 mm Hg. At the last follow-up, the mean IOP was 21 +/- 1.6 mm Hg. Mean total medications were reduced from 4.4 +/- 0.5 to 2.4 +/- 0.3. No serious complications occurred in 71 treatments. Visual acuity remained stable in 25 eyes (67.5%), improved in 6 eyes (16.2%) and decreased in 6 eyes (16.2%). CONCLUSIONS: DLPC is effective in lowering IOP in eyes with refractory glaucoma. It also serves to reduce the number of antiglaucoma medications. This procedure is relatively safe. Nevertheless, multiple DLPC applications may be needed.     

眼内窥镜下睫状体光凝对角膜植片存活的影响

目的探讨对穿透性角膜移植术（PKP）后眼压升高且药物不能控制的患者,采用眼内窥镜直视下睫状体光凝术（ECP）进行治疗的疗效和对角膜植片存活的影响。方法选择2000年3月至2004年4月期间,于中山大学中山眼科中心就诊的34例（34只眼）PKP术后眼压升高且药物不能控制患者,在眼内窥镜直视下,行半导体激光睫状体光凝术（12例）或联合玻璃体切除术（22例）（ECP组）。选择26例（26只眼）患者作为对照,采用经巩膜面半导体激光睫状体光凝术（TCP）（TCP组）。术前、术后随访观察视力、眼压、植片透明度、内皮细胞密度及前房反应,超声活体显微镜（UBM）检查睫状突和房角情况,注意术后并发症等。结果ECP组术后3个月和6个月时,分别有13例（38．2％）和23例（67．7％）眼压低于21mmHg。TCP组术后3个月和6个月时,分别有10例（38．5％）和8例（30．8％）眼压低于21mmHg。两组之间术后眼压控制率比较,在3个月时差异无统计学意义（X^2=0．0003,P=0．986）,但6个月时差异有统计学意义（X^2=8．024,P=0．005）。ECP组和TCP组术后植片内皮细胞密度分别为（1013±170）个／mm^2和（847±136）个/mm^2,差异有统计学意义（t=-0．009,P=0．033）。ECP组和TCP组术后分别有9例（26．5％）和21例（80．8％）出现反应性虹膜炎,两组之间比较差异有统计学意义（x^2=17．376,P=0．001）。结论ECP对降低PKP术后青光眼患者眼压的远期疗效优于TCP。ECP对角膜植片内皮细胞的损伤和引起术后葡萄膜炎的程度均较TCP轻,相对提高了PKP术后角膜植片的生存质量。     

Influence of total energy delivery on success rate after contact diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation: a retrospective case review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a single treatment of contact diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with refractory glaucoma and perform a historical meta-analysis of the relationship between successful IOP control and various laser parameters. METHODS: Clinical data for 47 eyes of 43 patients who underwent a single session of contact diode laser TSCP (power of 2000 mW, exposure time of 2 seconds and 25.6 average applications) for refractory glaucoma at Pasco Eye Institute between 1996 and 2001 were reviewed. Baseline IOP was compared with the postoperative IOP at 1 month, 3 to 6 months, and 1 year. Snellen visual acuity and the number of glaucoma medications being used 3 to 6 months postoperatively were compared with baseline. Complications were also evaluated. The relationship between successful IOP control and various laser parameters (energy applied per eye, energy per laser application, power, exposure time and number of laser applications) was examined using the results of this study and previous investigations. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) baseline IOP was 29.4 +/- 10.9 mm Hg. Diode laser TSCP decreased average IOP to 15.7 +/- 12.0 mm Hg at 1 month, 16.3 +/- 4.2 mm Hg at 3 to 6 months, and 16.2 +/- 4.8 mm Hg at 1 year, postoperatively. This represents an IOP reduction of approximately 45%. The percentage of patients maintaining a postoperative IOP of <21 mm Hg was 95.7% at 1 month, 92.1% at 3 to 6 months, and 94.4% at 1 year after TSCP. At the 3 to 6 month postoperative visit, the average +/- SD change in Snellen visual acuity (-0.5 +/- 1.1 lines) and the number of glaucoma medications used did not differ significantly from baseline. Combined analysis of the results of this study and previous studies reveals a linear, direct correlation (r = 0.91) between the percentage of patients achieving a successful outcome (defined as a final IOP < 21 or 22 mm Hg) and the total energy delivered to the ciliary body during the treatment session. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser TSCP is a safe and highly effective method for lowering IOP in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. Higher total energy levels in a given treatment session appear to be associated with increased success as defined by the percentage of patients achieving an IOP < 21 or 22 mm Hg, without an increased risk of additional complications or vision loss.     

Implantation of second glaucoma drainage devices after failure of primary devices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device for eyes that have failed a primary device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients receiving a primary glaucoma drainage device at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from January 1987 to October 1998 were reviewed, of which 18 eyes of 18 patients were studied. Patients failing a primary glaucoma drainage procedure and receiving a second glaucoma drainage device were included in this study. The second eye in the same patient was excluded if a second drainage implant was required. All patients received a second device in a standardized fashion with the drainage tube inserted in the anterior chamber. Main outcome measures included: visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucomatous medication, length of follow up, and surface area of glaucoma drainage device. Success was defined as an IOP less than or equal to 21 mm Hg with or without medications, and at least a 20% reduction in IOP, without the need for additional glaucoma procedures. RESULTS: The mean postoperative IOP (19.6 +/- 9.4 mm Hg; range, 8-50 mm Hg) was significantly (P = 0.006) lower than the mean preoperative IOP (29.5 +/- 8.1 mm Hg; range, 20-52 mm Hg) at last follow up (mean 19.6 +/- 13.6 months; range, 6-47 months). The mean number of postoperative antiglaucomatous medications (2.2 +/- 1.2; range 0-4) was statistically similar (P = 0.2) to mean preoperative number of antiglaucomatous medications (2.6 +/- 1.2, range 1-4). Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, successful IOP reduction was observed in 89%, 83%, 63%, and 37% of eyes at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Four patients (21%) had a decline in visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of secondary glaucoma drainage devices may be useful in eyes that have failed primary devices.     

The Ahmed drainage implant in the treatment of pediatric glaucoma

PURPOSE: To report the safety and efficacy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA) implantation for the management of pediatric glaucoma in the early and intermediate follow-up period. DESIGN: Consecutive interventional case series. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 60 eyes (44 patients, age range at surgery 1.5 months to 16 years, average 6 +/- 4.9 years), with pediatric glaucoma that underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation for medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) between the years 1995 and 2000. Outcome measures were control of IOP below 21 mm Hg, the need for antiglaucoma medications after surgery, and loss of 2 or more lines of Snellen acuity. Complications were monitored. RESULTS: The postoperative follow-up period for each eye averaged 24.3 +/- 16 months (range, 3 to 60 months). At last follow-up, IOP was controlled in 44 eyes (73%), 11 of which did not need antiglaucoma therapy. Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis showed probability of success with or without medications of 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86%-100%), 86% (95% CI, 77%-96%), 71% (95% CI, 59%-87%), and 45% (95% CI, 28%-80%) after 12, 24, 36, and 48 months of follow-up. Average IOP decreased from 32.8 +/- 6.2 before surgery to 16.6 +/- 8.0 postoperatively (P <.0001). The average number of medications used decreased from 4.4 +/- 1.97 to 2.0 +/- 2.0 (P <.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not reveal any difference in survival profiles related to specific diagnosis of glaucoma, age (above or below 18 months), or prior surgery. Complications occurred in 30 eyes (50%). Although most resolved or were treated successfully, four patients had severe visual loss during the follow-up. Uveitis was a significant risk factor for tube exposure (Fisher exact test, P =.006). CONCLUSIONS: Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation is an effective treatment for pediatric glaucoma, although patients frequently require antiglaucoma medications. However, a high rate of potentially sight-threatening postoperative complications warrants ongoing close follow-up.     

Ahmed FP-7青光眼引流阀治疗难治性青光眼的18个月效果

目的 评估Ahmed FP-7青光眼阀植入治疗难治性青光眼的效果。设计 回顾性病例系列。研究对象 哈尔滨医科大学附属第二医院难治性青光眼患者45例46眼。方法 对以上患者行Ahmed FP-7青光眼阀植入,术后平均随访（10.7±7.3）个月。不用降眼压药眼压≤21 mm Hg定义为成功。主要指标 眼压、视力、手术后并发症。结果 术后18个月成功率为74.1 %;术前平均眼压（45.8±12.1）mm Hg,术后18个月为（17.6±5.3）mm Hg （P<0 .001）。视力提高 9眼,无改变35眼。手术并发症包括引流盘纤维包裹9眼（19.6%）、脉络膜脱离6眼（13.0%）、前房出血5眼（10.9%）、引流管暴露2眼（4.3%）。结论 18个月的随访显示,Ahmed FP-7青光眼阀植入术可控制3/4的难治性青光眼患者的眼压。（眼科,2013,22：253-256）     

Long-term intraocular pressure control after clear corneal phacoemulsification in glaucoma patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term IOP control after sutureless clear corneal phacoemulsification in eyes with preoperatively controlled glaucoma. SETTING: Institutional study. METHODS: The charts of 345 patients who had uneventful sutureless clear corneal phacoemulsification with acrylic foldable lens (IOL) implantation were retrospectively reviewed. Included were 58 patients with medically controlled open-angle glaucoma and 287 normal controls. Follow-up was 1 to 2 years. Outcome measures were postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Postoperatively, there was an insignificant decrease in IOP in the glaucoma group; the mean decrease was 1.5 mm Hg +/- 4.4 (SD) at 12 months and 1.9 +/- 4.9 mm Hg at 24 months. The mean number of medications decreased significantly at 12 months (0.53 +/- 0.86) and at 24 months (0.38 +/- 0.9) (P=.04). The control group also had a significant decrease in IOP, with a mean decrease of 0.72 +/- 3.7 mm Hg at 12 months (P=.01) and 1.33 +/- 3.2 mm Hg at 24 months (P<.0001). The decrease in IOP was more pronounced in eyes with a higher preoperative IOP in both the glaucoma and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that sutureless clear corneal phacoemulsification with foldable acrylic IOL implantation is a relatively simple and efficient surgical option in patients with cataract and well-controlled glaucoma. The approach combines long-term IOP control with fewer medications and leads to rapid visual rehabilitation.     

Endocyclophotocoagulation for management of difficult pediatric glaucomas.

INTRODUCTION: Experience with endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation remains limited. We report the efficacy and safety profile of this glaucoma surgery technique in the pediatric population. METHODS: Retrospective review of 51 endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation procedures performed on 36 eyes of 29 pediatric patients with glaucoma over a 6-year period. Surgery was performed by using the Microprobe (Endo Optiks, Little Silver, NJ) integrated laser endoscope system. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 6 months or until declared treatment failures. Treatment success is defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of < or = 21 mm Hg, with or without adjunctive glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Baseline mean pretreatment intraocular pressure was 35.06 +/- 8.55 mm Hg. Final postoperative intraocular pressure was 23.63 +/- 11.07 mm Hg (30% decrease) after an average of 1.42 +/- 0.87 endolaser procedures and 19.25 +/- 19.36 months of follow-up. Success rate of the initial procedure at last follow-up was 34%. Nine eyes (25%) were retreated at least once. Cumulative success rate after all procedures at last follow-up was 43%. Mean cumulative arc of treatment was 260 degrees +/- 58 degrees of ciliary processes. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment in 2 patients, hypotony in 1 patient, and progression of vision loss from hand motion to no light perception in 1 patient. All 4 complications occurred in aphakic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is a moderately effective procedure for the management of difficult pediatric glaucomas. Aphakic patients may have an increased risk of significant postoperative complications, such as retinal detachment.     

Factors leading to reduced intraocular pressure after combined trabeculotomy and cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the factors that control intraocular pressure (IOP) after trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation as an initial procedure in adults with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A consecutive series of 141 eyes with POAG or ocular hypertension was prospectively recruited. One hundred five eyes were treated by combined trabeculotomy and cataract surgery (TPI group) and 36 eyes were treated by cataract surgery alone (PI group). The prognostic factors that correlate with successful IOP control after surgery were screened using the Cox multivariate analyses based on three definitions of success: IOP <21 mm Hg, <17 mm Hg, and <15 mm Hg, with or without eye drops. The factors examined were types of procedure (TPI or PI), age, sex, preoperative IOP level, number of preoperative antiglaucoma medications, eyes with high myopia (>-10 diopters), postoperative hyphema lasting longer than 4 days, and postoperative transient IOP spike (>30 mm Hg). RESULTS: TPI was a significant factor for IOP reduction in the three definition-based multivariate analyses. Other factors included patient age, preoperative IOP level, and postoperative IOP spike. The statistical significance of age was further confirmed using linear regression analysis and the Spearman correlation coefficient (Rs) between age and IOP level 3 months after surgery (R(2)=0.13, P = 0.0002 and Rs=-0.44, P < 0.0001, respectively in the TPI group). The success rates for IOP control <17 mm Hg and <15 mm Hg were significantly higher in patients 70 years and older than in younger patients, as determined using the Kaplan-Meier life table analysis with the Mantel-Cox logrank test in both TPI and PI groups. IOP reduction was significantly greater in older patients than in younger patients at every follow-up visit for up to 1.5 years for the TPI group and up to 1 year for the PI group. CONCLUSION: Advanced age is a favorable prognostic factor for successful control of IOP after combined trabeculotomy and cataract surgery. Older patients with POAG and visually significant cataract are good candidates for combined trabeculotomy and cataract surgery.     

Long-term outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in refractory glaucomas

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation (New World Medical, Inc, Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA) in refractory glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Retrospective medical records from 64 patients (78 eyes) with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation with a minimum of three years of follow-up were reviewed. Data regarding age, gender, race, eye laterality, specific glaucoma diagnosis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of medications, IOP, visual fields, surgical complications, and follow-up interval were collected from all visits and were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was cumulative probability of success defined as IOP of less than 21 mm Hg and of 5 mm Hg or more with a minimum of 15% reduction from baseline IOP, without additional glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception. Secondary outcomes included IOP and number of medications at three, six, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after surgery, surgical complications, and final BCVA. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of success was 80% and 49% at one and five years, respectively. IOP was reduced from a mean of 30.4 +/- 10.7 mm Hg to 17.0 +/- 5.0 mm Hg at 12 months and 15.9 +/- 3.0 mm Hg at 60 months (P < .001). The number of medications decreased from 3.2 +/- 1.0 medications at baseline to 1.6 +/- 0.4 at 12 months and 2.1 +/- 0.2 at 60 months (P < .001). Prior glaucoma surgery and the silicone type of AGV were statistically significant risk factors for failure (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 50% of single-plate AGV implantations in refractory glaucoma were considered successful after five years of follow-up. Prior glaucoma surgery was a statistically significant risk factor for failure.     

Ahmed valve implantation for uncontrolled pediatric uveitic glaucoma.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ahmed valve implantation for the management of glaucoma associated with chronic uveitis in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 6 pediatric patients (7 eyes) who underwent Ahmed valve implantation because of refractory uveitic glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, the number of hypotensive medications required, and complications associated with the operation were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 36.8 months (range, 6-60). At the last visit, all 7 eyes had IOPs between 9 and 18 mm Hg (average, 12.1). IOP reduction averaged 69.6% (P = 0.0005, paired t-test). The number of hypotensive agents was reduced from an average of 3 to an average of 0.71 medicines per eye (P = 0.001). The only complication was hemorrhagic choroidal detachment postoperatively in two eyes; both resolved within one month. CONCLUSIONS: For children with good immunomodulatory control of their inflammation and appropriate follow-up, Ahmed valve implantation can be an effective and safe procedure for treating pediatric uveitic glaucoma.