Efficiency and safety of laser photocoagulation with or without intravitreal ranibizumab for treatment of diabetic macular edema: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effect and safety of laser photocoagulation along with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) versus laser therapy in treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Pertinent publications were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing IVR+laser to laser monotherapy in patients with DME. Therapeutic effect estimates were determined by weighted mean differences (WMD) of change from baseline in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at 6, 12, or 24mo after initial treatment, and the risk ratios (RR) for the proportions of patients with at least 10 letters of improvement or reduction at 12mo. Data regarding major ocular and nonocular adverse events (AEs) were collected and analyzed. The Review Manager 5.3.5 was used. RESULTS: Six RCTs involving 2069 patients with DME were selected for this Meta-analysis. The results showed that IVR+laser significantly improved BCVA compared with laser at 6mo (WMD: 6.57; 95% CI: 4.37-8.77; P<0.00001), 12mo (WMD: 5.46; 95% CI: 4.35-6.58; P<0.00001), and 24mo (WMD: 3.42; 95% CI: 0.84-5.99; P=0.009) in patients with DME. IVR+laser was superior to laser in reducing CRT at 12mo from baseline with statistical significance (WMD: -63.46; 95% CI: -101.19 to -25.73; P=0.001). The pooled RR results showed that the proportions of patients with at least 10 letters of improvement or reduction were in favor of IVR+laser arms compared with laser (RR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.77-2.57; P<0.00001 and RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.22-0.62; P=0.0002, respectively). As for AEs, the pooled results showed that a significantly higher proportion of patients suffering from conjunctival hemorrhage (study eye) and diabetic retinal edema (fellow eye) in IVR+laser group compared to laser group (RR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.53-7.09; P=0.002 and RR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.24-7.32; P=0.01, respectively). The incidence of other ocular and nonocular AEs considered in this Meta-analysis had no statistical difference between IVR+laser and laser alone. CONCLUSION: The results of our analysis show that IVR+laser has better availability in functional (improving BCVA) and anatomic (reducing CRT) outcomes than laser monotherapy for the treatment of DME. However, the patients who received the treatment of IVR+laser may get a higher risk of suffering from conjunctival hemorrhage (study eye) and diabetic retinal edema (fellow eye).     

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing timolol with brimonidine in the treatment of glaucoma

This paper aims to compare the efficacy and tolerability of timolol versus brimonidine in the treatment of glaucoma. Comprehensive searches were performed using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register for randomized controlled trials comparing timolol and brimonidine. Two reviewers independently assessed trials for eligibility and quality and extracted data. A random effects model was used to combine studies. Outcome was defined as the absolute mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction from baseline to end-point for efficacy, and relative risk (RR) for adverse events. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity according to trial design and quality. Ten publications reporting on eight trials with 2387 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Two further trials were commented on qualitatively. IOP reduction was not significantly different between timolol and brimonidine. Weighted mean difference (WMD) of IOP reduction was 0.24 mmHg (favouring brimonidine) with a 95% confidence interval of -0.57 to 1.04 mmHg. There was significant heterogeneity between studies (chi(2) (13) = 73.75, P < 0.00001, I(2) = 91%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant WMD for studies where data were analysed from end-points >/=6 months or <6 months. Meta-regression analysis showed increased WMD IOP reduction in favour of brimonidine with increased trial quality (t(3) = -4.58, P = 0.01), but no significant association with trial duration (t(3) = 0.73, P = 0.51) or size (t(3) = -0.59, P = 0.57). The RR of ocular allergy was much lower with timolol than brimonidine (RR = 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.47). Publication bias was not evident on a funnel plot, although the number of studies was small. The conclusion is that both drugs are equally effective in lowering IOP. Brimonidine is associated with a higher rate of allergy.     

[In Press] Changes in intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness during pregnancy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To conduct a Meta-analysis for investigating the variations in intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) during normal pregnancy. METHODS: We searched for clinical trials published up to November 2015 without language or region restrictions in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid, EBSCO, Elsevier, the Chinese Biomedicine Database, WanFang, CNKI, CQVIP and Google Scholar. Studies of the ocular changes observed in pregnant women were selected. The main outcomes were assessed by changes in IOP and CCT. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included. In subgroup analyses, IOP was significantly decreased during the second (MD=-1.53, 95% CI [-2.19, -0.87]; P<0.00001) and third (MD=-2.91, 95% CI [-3.74, -2.08]; P<0.00001) trimesters of pregnancy. CCT was increased during the second (MD=10.12, 95% CI [2.01, 18.22]; P=0.01) trimester of pregnancy; moreover, during the third trimester of pregnancy, the CCT displayed an increasing trend, but the difference was not significant (MD=5.98, 95% CI [-1.11, 13.07]; P=0.1). CONCLUSION: A decrease in IOP was accompanied by an increase in CCT in the second and third trimesters of a normal pregnancy in women.     

High-dose ruthenium-106 plaque therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma: a retrospective study of 25 Chinese patients

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque radiotherapy at a dose (>50 Gy) higher than recommended (29-50 Gy) for treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) in Chinese patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 symptomatic CCH patients undergoing 106Ru plaque brachytherapy involving 25 eyes between January 2005 and August 2016. Ophthalmic examination was performed at the baseline and at each post-treatment follow-up visit, using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), dilated fundus examination, and B-scan ultrasonography. The primary efficacy outcome measures included the changes in BCVA and hemangioma dimensions at the last followup visit from the baseline. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 28.0±26.6 (range, 12-110)mo. All the hemangiomas were located in the posterior pole except for two involving the fovea. The mean apex dose of 106Ru plaque radiotherapy was 84.4±19.7 Gy. The mean BCVA improved from 41.4±29.3 (0-97) at the baseline to 53.0±33.8 (0-97) ETDRS letters at the last visit (P=0.01). The mean hemangioma height declined from 3.98±0.88 (2.40-5.50) mm to 0.84±1.63 (0-6.47) mm (P≤0.001), and the greatest linear diameter (GLD) reduced from 9.36±2.23 (6.80-15.00) to 7.40±2.45 (0-13.00) mm (P≤0.001). Hemangioma size increased in one (4%) eye with a worsened vision, and subretinal fluid completely resolved in all but one patient (4%). Radiation-related retinopathy was observed in two patients at post-treatment 9 and 11mo, respectively. CONCLUSION: 106Ru plaque brachytherapy at a dose (>50 Gy) higher than recommended (29-50 Gy) is an effective treatment regimen for symptomatic CCH associated with significantly improved visual acuity and a favorable safety profile in Chinese patients.     

Efficacy and economic analysis of Ex-PRESS implantation versus trabeculectomy in uncontrolled glaucoma: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To systematically review the current evidence based on the efficacy and cost of Ex-PRESS implantation and trabeculectomy (Trab) for uncontrolled glaucoma. METHODS: Clinical trials were identified by electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of science and Cochrane library), and data, such as intraocular pressure (IOP), the complete and qualified success rate, the postoperative complications and the cost, were exacted from these relevant studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eleven relevant publications and two abstracts met the inclusion criteria. The efficacy of Ex-PRESS was similar to that of Trab in the percentage of IOP reduction (IOPR %) at 1, 2y (WMD: -2.01; 95% CI: -7.92-3.90; P=0.50 and WMD: 2.89; 95% CI: -8.05-13.83; P=0.60, respectively). Ex-PRESS possessed a significant higher complete and qualified success rate (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.07-2.35; P=0.02 and OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.06-2.86; P=0.03, respectively). Moreover, Ex-PRESS exerted a significantly lower frequency of hypotony and hyphema than Trab (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72; P=0.003 and OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10-0.69; P=0.003, respectively). However, there was no consistent result on the cost between the two groups according to the previous three studies. CONCLUSION: Both Trab and Ex-PRESS have equivalent efficacy in lowering IOP, yet Ex-PRESS had a lower risk of hypotony and hyphema than Trab. Nevertheless, whether the cost of Ex-PRESS was less than that of Trab should be further investigated to ensure evidence-based conclusion in the long run.     

白内障超声乳化人工晶状体植入术对早期原发性青光眼眼压控制效果分析

目的 观察早期原发性青光眼行超声乳化联合人工晶状体植入术后眼内压(IOP)控制情况,分析与术后IOP控制效果相关的影响因素.方法 回顾性选择原发性闭角型青光眼(PACG)43例(43只眼)和原发性开角型青光眼(POAG)早期患者32例(32只眼),均行标准3.2mm透明角膜切口白内障超声乳化联合折叠人工晶状体植入术,术后2年定期随访.手术成功标准为:术后IOP保持在6～21mmHg,青光眼神经病变及相应视野缺损无明显进展,无需再行抗青光眼手术治疗.结果 白内障超声乳化联合人工晶状体植入术后,PACG组有28例(65.1%)、POAG组有12例(37.5%)术后IOP控制良好,2年累计生存率之间存在差异(P＜0.05).PACG组成功与失败病例在术前IOP(33.0±5.3)mmHg vs(40.1±3.6)mmHg,P＜0.01、抗青光眼药物数量(2.9±0.9vs4.1±0.4,P＜0.01)、房角粘连范围(2.9±0.5)钟点vs(4.2±0.8)钟点,P＜0.01)之间的差异具有统计学意义,而POAG组成功与失败病例在术前IOP(25.3±3.4)mmHgvs(35.4±3.6)mmHg,P＜0.01、抗青光眼药物数量(1.2±0.4vs2.8±0.9,P＜0.01)之间的差异具有统计学意义.Cox逐步回归分析发现,在PACG组中术前IOP(P＜0.05,RR=1.17)、PAS(P＜0.01,RR=3.971),在POAG组中术前IOP(P＜0.01,RR=1.284),与相应两组术后生存时间具有相关性.结论 在术前PACG患者考虑到IOP和房角粘连范围、POAG患者考虑到IOP的条件下,超声乳化联合人工晶状体植入术对于伴有白内障的早期原发性青光眼,是一种可供选择的有效的控制眼内压的治疗方法.

Abstract：

Objective To assess and find associated factors for favorable postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with primary glaucoma on early stage.Methods Forty-five patients (43 eyes) with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and 32 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) were retrospectively selected.All patients had undergone standard 3.2mm limbal incision phacoemulsification,and 2 years of routine follow-up after cataract surgery.Success was defined as an IOP between 6-21mmHg,with fewer antiglaucoma medications needed than those during pre-operation,no obvious progressions of glaucomatous neuropathy and its coincident visual field loss,and no need of additional glaucoma surgery.Results After phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation,there were 28 cases (65.1%) in PACG group and 12 cases (37.5%) in POAG group with well controlled postoperative IOP,and the different of 2-year survival rate was statistically significant (P ＜0.05).There were significant different in the pre-IOP (33.0± 5.3mmHg vs 40.1 ± 3.6mmHg,P ＜0.01),the number ofantiglaucoma medications (2.9± 0.9 vs 4.1± 0.4,P＜0.01) and the extent of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) (2.9±0.5 clock hours vs 4.2± 0.8 clock hours,P ＜0.01) between success and failure cases in PACG group.The pre-IOP (25.3±3.4 mmHg vs 35.4±3.6 mmHg,P＜0.01),the number of antiglaucoma medications (1.2± 0.4 vs 2.8± 0.9,P ＜0.01) were significant different between the success and failure cases in POAG group.Cox stepwise regression analysis found that pre-IOP (P ＜0.05,RR=1.17) and the extent of PAS (P ＜0.01,RR=3.971) in PACG group and the pre-IOP (P＜0.01,RR=1.284) in the POAG group was significant associated with the corresponding survival time after cataract surgery.Conclusions Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation may be an alternative procedure for effective IOP control of the patients with primary glaucoma on early stage coexisting with cataract on considering pre-IOP and the extent of PAS in PACG and pre-IOP in POAG.     

Twenty-four hours intraocular pressure in keratoconic eyes assessed by applanation tonometry and Tono-Pen AVIA

AIM: To assess intraocular pressure (IOP) during the daily curve of intraocular pressure (DCPo) in keratoconic eyes and compare Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), without and with astigmatism correction (nGAT and cGAT) and Tono-Pen AVIA (TPA) assessment methods. METHODS: Thirty-nine keratoconic eyes of 24 patients were assessed. DCPo was evaluated with five IOP measurements; four were performed with a GAT (nGAT and cGAT), and a Tono-Pen AVIA (TPA) at various times throughout the day. RESULTS: Mean IOP DCPo values (mm Hg) were: nGAT, 9.9±2.6; cGAT, 11.3±2.6; TPA 12.3±3.1. Mean IOP DCPo differences (mm Hg) and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were as follows: cGATc-nGAT, 1.32±1.31, rs=0.879 (P<0.01); cGAT-TPA, -1.02±2.08, rs=0.723 (P<0.01); and nGAT-TPA, -2.35±2.23, rs=0.730 (P<0.01). Bland-Altman analysis for agreement between cGAT-TPA and nGAT-TPA mean IOP DCPo measurements revealed a mean difference of 1.02 (95%CI, 0.35-1.70) and 2.35 (95%CI, 1.62-3.07) mm Hg, respectively. Regression analysis yielded the following equation: TPA IOP=5.49+0.775×cGAT-0.015×ACD-0.299×corneal astig matism, which allowed us to infer TPA IOP values from other parameters. CONCLUSION: In keratoconic eyes, IOP peaks of DCPo measurements are identified at 6 a.m., independent of the tonometer. The mean DCPo values are: TPA>cGAT>nGAT. IOP TPA measures are predictive of cGAT values, adjusted according to anterior chamber depth and corneal astigmatism.     

Efficacy and tolerability of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy: a meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy in the treatment of patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma. METHODS: A comprehensive literature meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration methodology to identify controlled clinical trials comparing one-site with two-site phacotrabeculectomy. The studies meeting the predefined criteria were reviewed systematically by meta-analysis. Efficacy estimates were measured by standardised mean difference (SMD) for the percentage intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction from baseline to end point, odds ratio (OR) for the percentage having a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.5 or better after surgery and relative risk (RR) for complete success rates. Tolerability estimates were measured by RR for adverse events. All of outcomes were reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). Data were synthesised by Stata 10.1 for Windows. RESULTS: Two-site phacotrabeculectomy was associated with numerically greater, and significant efficacy than one-site in lowering IOP (SMD, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.04; P=0.01). Numerically greater, but nonsignificant proportions of two-site patients than one-site patients had a BCVA of 0.5 or better (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.30 to 1.39; P=0.26).Numerically greater, but nonsignificant proportions of two-site patients than one-site patients achieved the target IOP without anti-glaucoma medication at the end point (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.04; P=0.22). Furthermore, there was nonsignificant difference in adverse events between two surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of two-site phacotrabecu- lectomy appears to be superior to one-site phacotrabecul- ectomy. One-site and two-site phacotrabeculectomy are similarly tolerable in postoperative adverse events.     

Prevalence and risk factors for angle‐closure disease in a rural Northeast China population: a population‐based survey in Bin County,Harbin

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG), primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle‐closure suspect (PACS) and associated risk factors for PACG in a rural population in Northeast China. Methods: A population‐based survey was conducted in Bin County, Harbin, Northeast China. Glaucoma was diagnosed using the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO) criteria. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. Results: A total of 4956 (86.01%) of 5762 subjects aged 40 years or older were examined. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of the right eyes was 14.0 mmHg. The mean vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio of the right and the left eyes was 0.31 and 0.31, respectively. The prevalence of PACG, PAC and PACS was 1.57% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.469–1.671], 1.33% (95% CI, 1.236–1.424), and 4.68% (95% CI, 4.541–4.819), respectively. Among all PACG subjects, 42 (53.84%) had elevated IOP >21 mmHg in either eye and 37 (47.44%) had been treated by laser, surgical iridectomy or trabeculectomy. Sixty‐four subjects (82.05%) had vision impairment of varying degrees. Multivariate analysis revealed that old age, family history of PACG, constipation and IOP were significant independent risk factors. Conclusions: Primary angle‐closure glaucoma was a disease of high prevalence in rural Northeast China. Old age, family history of PACG, constipation and IOP were significant independent risk factors for PACG.     

不同切口超声乳化白内障吸除术联合小梁切除术的疗效和耐受性的荟萃分析

目的:评价并比较一切口和二切口超声乳化白内障吸除术联合小梁切除术治疗白内障合并青光眼的疗效和耐受性。方法:按照Cochrane协作网方法全面检索符合纳入标准的比较一切口和二切口超声乳化白内障吸除术联合小梁切除术的临床对照研究,将其进行荟萃分析。临床疗效的评估包括:眼压下降百分比采用标准化均差(SMD),术后最佳矫正视力≥0.5的患者百分比采用比值比(OR),手术成功率采用相对危险度(RR)。临床耐受性的评估采用RR。所有结果均以95%可信区间表示。数据分析采用Stata10.1。结果:降低眼压的临床疗效二切口术式明显优于一切口术式,差异具有统计学意义(SMD,-0.19;95%CI,-0.33到-0.04;P=0.01);术后最佳矫正视力≥0.5的患者百分比二切口术式大于一切口术式,但差异不具有统计学意义(OR,0.65;95%CI,0.30到1.39;P=0.26);术后不加用抗青光眼药物达到靶眼压的患者百分比二切口术式大于一切口术式,但差异不具有统计学意义(RR,0.94;95%CI,0.84到1.04;P=0.22);两种术式在术后并发症方面差别无统计学意义。结论:二切口超声乳化白内障吸除术联合小梁切除术临床疗效优于一切口术式。两种术式的术后并发症没有明显差异。     

Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing latanoprost with brimonidine in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension or normal-tension glaucoma

AIM: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of latanoprost versus brimonidine in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension or normal-tension glaucoma. METHOD: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing latanoprost and brimondine, identified by searches including Medline, Embase and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Two reviewers independently assessed trials for eligibility and quality and extracted data. Data were synthesised (random effects model) and expressed as the absolute mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction difference from baseline to end point for efficacy and relative risk for adverse events. Subgroup analysis and regression were used to explore heterogeneity according to patient characteristics, trial design and quality. RESULTS: 15 publications reporting on 14 trials (1784 participants) were included for meta-analysis. IOP reduction favoured latanoprost (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.10 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 1.63)). Significant heterogeneity was present (chi(2)(13) = 38.29, p = 0.001, I(2) = 66.0%). Subgroup analysis showed greater WMD for studies where data were analysed from end points >6 months duration, cross-over design, open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and monotherapy. Multiple regression showed no significant association of WMD with trial duration (t(9) = 1.92, p = 0.09), trial design (t(9) = 1.79, p = 0.11), trial quality (t(9) = -0.46, p = 0.66), or monotherapy or adjunctive therapy (t(9) = -2.14, p = 0.06). Fatigue was less commonly associated with latanoprost (RR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.88). Publication bias was not evident on visual inspection of a funnel plot. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost is more effective than brimonidine as monotherapy in lowering IOP. Brimonidine is associated with a higher rate of fatigue.     

Efficacy and safety of non-penetrating glaucoma surgery with phacoemulsification versus non-penetrating glaucoma surgery: a Meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS) plus phacoemulsification (Phaco-NPGS) and NPGS-alone. METHODS: We systematically searched various databases and reviewed studies that had evaluated the effects of Phaco-NPGS or NPGS-alone for patients with glaucoma. Primary outcomes included postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of postoperative antiglaucoma medications. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of complications, incidence of needling or goniopuncture, and surgical success rate. RESULTS: In total, 380 and 424 eyes in NPGS-alone and Phaco-NPGS groups respectively were included. Both postoperative IOP and number of medications were significantly lowered in the Phaco-NPGS group than that in the NPDS-alone group [weighted mean difference (WMD)=-1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.11 to -0.12, P=0.03; WMD= -0.31, 95%CI: -0.53 to -0.09, P=0.006]. Moreover, Phaco-NPGS had a significantly lower prevalence of complications and postoperative procedures compared to NPGS-alone, while no significant difference existed for surgical success. CONCLUSION: Phaco-NPGS superior to NPGS-alone in the reduction of IOP and medications. Phaco-NPGS can be recommended for glaucoma patients with coexisting cataracts owing to its superior efficacy, fewer complications, and postoperative procedures.     

超声乳化联合房角分离治疗PACG合并白内障

目的:观察超声乳化吸出联合房角分离术(phacoemulsificationcombined with goniosynechialysis,Phaco-GSL)对原发性闭角型青光眼(primary angle-closure glaucoma,PACG)合并白内障患者前房及眼压的影响。方法:对36例36眼PACG合并白内障患者随机分为观察组18例和对照组18例,观察组行Phaco-GSL治疗,对照组行单纯Phaco治疗,手术前后记录前房结构、眼压与视力变化。结果:观察组患者术后房角开放>270°者为18例(100%),对照组为10例(56%),两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.01);术后前房加深观察组为1.208±0.181mm,对照组为0.883±0.074mm,两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.01);术后眼压在脱离药物治疗的情况下降至正常范围者观察组为15例(83%),对照组为9例(50%),两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.01);术后视力均有提高,但两组比较无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:Phaco-GSL术对PACG合并白内障患者能够明显改善前房结构,有效降眼压,达到理想的治疗作用。     

Long-term assessment of prostaglandin analogs and timolol fixed combinations vs prostaglandin analogs monotherapy

AIM: To draw a Meta-analysis over the comparison of the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety between the commonly used fixed-combinations of prostaglandin analogs and 0.5% timolol with prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) monotherapy. METHODS: After searching the published reports from MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, all randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the fixed combination of PGAs/timolol therapy (FCs) and PGAs monotherapy with treatment duration at least 6mo were included. The efficacy outcomes were mean diurnal IOP, percentage of participants whose IOP were lower than 18 mm Hg, incidence of visual field change, while the safety outcomes included corneal side effects, hyperemia and eye irritation. The analysis was carried out in RevMan version 5.3 software. RESULTS: After six-month medical intervention, the mean diurnal IOP of FCs was lower than PGAs (MD -1.14, 95% CI -1.82 to -0.46, P=0.001); the percentage of target IOP achieving between FCs and PGAs showed no significant difference (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.43, P=0.10). No statistically significant differences of the incidence of hyperemia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.01, P=0.06) and eye irritation (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.51, P=0.12) between the FCs and PGAs monotherapy were detected. Only one research involved in corneal events, result of this trial revealed no difference between two intervention groups regarding corneal effects (central endothelial cell density, MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.72 to 0.32, P=0.45; central corneal thickness, MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00, P=0.23). The evaluation of visual field change was not performed due to the limited duration of the trials included in this Meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy of the FCs overweighed the PGAs monotherapy in lowering IOP, but in the incidence of hyperemia and eye irritation syndromes, the differences are not statically significant. More RCTs with detailed and authentic data over the assessments of visual functions and morphology of optic nerve heads are hoped to be conducted.     

Predictive factors of visual function recovery after pituitary adenoma resection: a literature review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To determine the dominant predictive factors of postoperative visual recovery for patients with pituitary adenoma. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant human studies, which investigated the prediction of the postoperative visual recovery of patients with pituitary adenoma, from January 2000 to May 2017. Meta-analyses were performed on the primary outcomes. After the related data were extracted by two independent investigators, pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in the literature review, and nine trials were included in the Meta-analysis, which comprised 530 patients (975 eyes) with pituitary adenoma. For the primary outcomes, there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative mean deviation (MD) values of the visual field (WMD -5.85; 95%CI: -8.19 to -3.51; P<0.00001). Predictive characteristics of four factors were revealed in this Meta-analysis by assigning the patients to sufficient and insufficient groups according to postoperative visual field improvements, including preoperative visual field defect (WMD 10.09; 95%CI: 6.17 to 14.02; P<0.00001), patient age (WMD -12.32; 95%CI: -18.42 to -6.22; P<0.0001), symptom duration (WMD -5.04; 95%CI: -9.71 to -0.37; P=0.03), and preoperative peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness (OR 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.23; P<0.00001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative visual field defect, symptom duration, patient age, and preoperative pRNFL thickness are the dominant predictive factors of the postoperative recovery of the visual field for patients with pituitary adenoma.     

Risk factors for incident nuclear opacities

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for the 4-year incidence of nuclear opacities. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study (85% participation at 4-year follow-up). PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand six hundred nine black participants of the Barbados Eye Studies, without any nuclear opacities at baseline. METHODS: Participants completed a standardized protocol at baseline and follow-up, including ophthalmic and other measurements, an interview, slit-lamp lens grading, fundus photography, and an ophthalmologic examination. Factors associated with the incidence of nuclear opacities (Lens Opacities Classification System II N > or = 2) were evaluated by logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: The 4-year incidence of nuclear opacities was 9.2% (241 of 2609) and increased greatly with age. Women were at significantly greater risk (RR = 1.8), as were persons with darker iris color (RR = 4.9), myopia (RR = 2.8), history of diabetes (RR = 1.6), leaner body mass (RR = 0.95 for each unit increase in body mass index [kg/m(2)]), and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment (RR = 2.7), mainly with topical beta-blockers. Treated participants had a threefold RR of nuclear opacities (RR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6, 6.5) compared with those untreated and with IOP < or =21 mmHg. Among participants with IOP >21 mmHg, those receiving treatment (n = 33) had a fivefold RR (RR = 5.0; 95% CI, 1.7, 15.1) versus those who were untreated. The RR was similar for treated persons with and without open-angle glaucoma (RR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3, 7.4 and RR = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.9, 8.6 respectively) but was lower in persons with newly detected (and thus untreated) glaucoma at baseline (RR = 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6, 2.6) compared with those without open-angle glaucoma or treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-year risk of nuclear opacities increased with age, female gender, darker iris color, myopia, diabetes, and leaner body mass, indicating similarities with other populations. The use of topical IOP-lowering medications tripled the RR of nuclear opacities in this study, an association that requires verification from clinical trials.     

Meta‐analysis of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy

A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy. Eight studies involving 376 patients were included. A higher effective rate was found for patients treated with intravenous glucocorticoids (IVGC) over oral glucocorticoids (OGC) (risk ratio [RR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18?1.86). The combined IVGC and orbital radiotherapy (OR) was markedly more effective than OGC+OR (RR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.11?1.77). IVGC resulted in an obvious reduction of clinical activity score (CAS) compared with OGC, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.86 (95% CI = 0.53?1.18). The WMD for the reduction of the CAS between IVGC+OR and OGC+OR was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.30?1.02). IVGC is an effective treatment and cause fewer adverse events. Limiting the total cumulative dose of methylprednisolone, careful patient selection and monitoring the condition of patients during treatment are necessary.     

Quantifying the effect of intraocular pressure reduction on the occurrence of glaucoma

Purpose: To estimate the effect of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) on: (i) the incidence of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients with ocular hypertension (OH), and (ii) the progression of glaucoma. Methods: A meta‐analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials was conducted. A literature search was performed to identify trials with: a randomized comparison of IOP‐lowering intervention versus placebo or no treatment; visual field loss or optic disc changes as outcome; and follow‐up >6 months. A pooled relative risk (RR) was calculated by a random effects model. Risk reduction of glaucoma conversion per mmHg of IOP reduction was quantified in a meta‐regression model. Results: We identified nine OH and one POAG trials. A meta‐analysis of OH trials gives a pooled RR of 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.83]. A meta‐regression shows a decrease of the RR of glaucoma conversion by 14% with each mmHg extra IOP reduction (P = 0.045). No meta‐analysis of POAG trials was performed because only one study has been identified. Conclusion: There is sufficient evidence that OH therapy reduces the risk of conversion to glaucoma. This risk reduction increases with greater IOP reduction.     

Low-dose aspirin and risk of cataract and subtypes in a randomized trial of U.S. physicians

PURPOSE: To examine whether low-dose aspirin (325 mg on alternate days) reduces the risk of age-related cataract and subtypes. This report extends previous findings, including both subtypes and additional newly identified incident cases since the earlier report. METHODS: All 20,979 participants in the Physicians' Health Study, a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene among U.S. male physicians age 40-84 in 1982, who did not report cataract at baseline were included. Average follow-up was five years. The main outcome measure was incident, age-related cataract responsible for a reduction in best-corrected visual acuity to 20/30 or worse, based on self-report confirmed by medical record review. RESULTS: 501 age-related cataracts were diagnosed during follow-up, including 416 with nuclear sclerosis and 212 with a posterior subcapsular component; 318 cataracts progressed to surgical extraction. Overall, there were 245 cataracts in the aspirin group and 256 in the placebo group (relative risk [RR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.13; P=0.52). Cataract extractions were 19% less frequent in the aspirin than in the placebo group (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.01; P=0.06). In subgroup analyses of subtypes, aspirin takers had a lower risk of posterior subcapsular cataract (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.98; P=0.03) but not nuclear sclerosis (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.16; P=0.65) cataract. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these randomized trial data tend to exclude a large benefit of five years of low-dose aspirin therapy on cataract development and extraction. The data are compatible with a modest benefit on cataract extraction for this duration of aspirin therapy. Subgroup analyses raise the possibility of a modest, but potentially important, protective effect of aspirin on posterior subcapsular cataract, a particularly disabling subtype.     

The epidemiology of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in an Asian population

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction in a multiethnic Asian population. DESIGN: Prospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients with cataract extractions performed at the Singapore National Eye Center from 1996 to 2001. METHODS: Data on patients with acute endophthalmitis cases presenting within 6 weeks after cataract surgery were prospectively collected in a standardized format. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. RESULTS: During the study period, 44 803 cataract operations (25 476 phacoemulsification and 19 327 extracapsular cataract extractions) were performed. There were 34 cases of acute endophthalmitis (average annual incidence of 0.076%), 21 of which were culture positive (average annual incidence of 0.040%). In multivariate analysis, risk of endophthalmitis was associated with phacoemulsification technique (relative risk [RR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9, 3.9; P = 0.10 for all endophthalmitis cases; RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1, 9.4; P = 0.04 for culture-positive endophthalmitis cases) and the occurrence of intraoperative posterior capsule rupture (RR, 8.0; 95% CI, 3.1, 20.7; P<0.001 for all endophthalmitis cases; RR, 11.0; 95% CI, 3.7, 23.9; P<0.001 for culture-positive endophthalmitis cases). After a median follow-up of 234 days, half of the eyes achieved a final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40. Predictors of this visual acuity included baseline acuity of counting fingers or better, culture-negative endophthalmitis, or infection caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction in Singapore is consistent with rates reported elsewhere. The phacoemulsification technique is associated with a higher risk of acute culture-positive endophthalmitis compared with extracapsular cataract extraction. Intraoperative posterior capsule rupture is associated with an 8- to 11-fold higher risk of acute endophthalmitis, suggesting that these eyes should be closely monitored for signs of infection in the immediate postoperative period.