Comparison of saccadic reaction time between normal and glaucoma using an eye movement perimeter.

Aim: To compare the saccadic reaction time (SRT) in both the central and peripheral visual fi eld in normal and glaucomatous eyes using eye movement perimetery (EMP). Materials and Methods: Fift y-four normal and 25 glaucoma subjects underwent EMP and visual fi eld testing on the Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) 24-2 program. The EMP is based on infrared tracking of the corneal refl ex. Fift y-four test locations corresponding to the locations on the 24-2 HFA program were tested. SRTs at diff erent eccentricities and for different severities of glaucoma were compared between normal and glaucoma subjects. Results: Mean SRT was calculated for both normal and glaucoma subjects. Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically signifi cant (P < 0.001) diff erences in SRT’s between normal and glaucoma subjects in all zones. Conclusion: SRT was prolonged in eyes with glaucoma across diff erent eccentricities.

Management of complications in glaucoma surgery.

Surgical option for glaucoma is considered when other modalities are not working out to keep the intraocular pressure under control. Since the surgical procedures for glaucoma disrupt the integrity of the globe, they are known to produce various complications. Some of those complications can be vision-threatening. To minimize the morbidity, it is very important that one should know how to prevent them, recognize them and treat them. The objective of this article is to provide insight into some of those complications that will help the ophthalmologists in treating glaucoma patients in their clinical practice.

The role of artificial drainage devices in glaucoma surgery.

The use of artificial drainage devices (ADDs) or "setons" in glaucoma surgery is generally restricted to patients with refractory glaucoma at high risk for failure from conventional filtration surgery. ADDs, both valved and nonvalved are currently available in this country. Recently, some of these devices have been propogated as primary treatment even for primary glaucomas. This article examines the role of ADDs in the modern management of the glaucomas. Specific indications for ADDs and methods to reduce the complication of overfiltration are discussed. The use of antimitotics, such as 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin, with traditional filtration has decreased the indications for ADDs. The literature and our experience confirm that currently there is no role for use of ADDs as a primary procedure in most glaucomas.