Acceptance of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty as a First-Line Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to reducing disease progression. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has proven efficacious as a primary treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma. This study aims to evaluate the acceptance among Saudi ophthalmologists of using SLT as a primary treatment for glaucoma. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 128 ophthalmologists practicing in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted using a structured online questionnaire, which evaluated sociodemographic data, current glaucoma practice, the technology acceptance model (TAM), and potential barriers to incorporating SLT as the primary treatment for glaucoma. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 40 ± 9.6 years, with 65.6% being male. Almost one-third were glaucoma specialists, and 89% followed the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations for managing glaucoma patients. The majority (96.1%) used medical treatment as the initial therapy, 72.7% agreed that SLT is safe, and 59.4% agreed that it rapidly controls intraocular pressure. Nearly half of the participants were willing to use SLT as the primary treatment, yet only 42.2% considered themselves experienced enough to do so. The most reported barriers were inadequate training (47.7%), non-availability of SLT equipment (41.4%), and low efficacy as reported by 27.3% of participants. CONCLUSION: Despite the good overall acceptance of SLT as a first-line treatment for glaucoma, most participants still preferred medical therapy as the primary treatment. To overcome the barriers to incorporating SLT, Saudi ophthalmologists require more training and access to equipment to effectively implement this modality in their practices.

Encounter glaucoma decision Aid trial.

PURPOSE: A decision aid facilitates patient engagement in the decision-making process in ophthalmic practice. In particular, patients with open-angle glaucoma will benefit from such an intervention as it enhances their knowledge, compliance, and satisfaction with the healthcare services. METHODS: The Encounter Glaucoma Decision Aid (GDA) was delivered to 145 patients with open-angle glaucoma at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital. Evaluation was done using a pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire. We compared the patients' knowledge, compliance, and decision conflict scale at baseline, before receiving Encounter GDA, and again three months later. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 56.82 years. Most of the participants were male (67.6%). The mean duration since the participants were diagnosed with glaucoma was 9.39 years. After using Encounter GDA, 80% of participants had a statistically significant improvement in their level of knowledge, moving from poor to good (P = 0.001). There was also a statistically significant increase in adherence to medication, from 41.4% to 65.5% (P = 0.001). The decision conflict score decreased significantly after using Encounter GDA (before it was 60.94 ± 21.60 vs. after 19.18 ± 17.83). CONCLUSION: Using GDA cards as an educational measure has a significant effect on improving patient's knowledge and adherence to medications.

Outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty in corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with steroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent SLT for steroid-induced ocular hypertension or glaucoma between January 2014 and October 2018. Success of SLT was defined as ⩾20% IOP reduction from baseline without further medical or surgical intervention and/or a reduction in the number of glaucoma medications by ⩾1 from baseline while maintaining the target IOP. Main outcome measures were change in IOP from baseline and reduction in the number of medications post-laser. RESULTS: A total of 25 eyes of 17 patients were included in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.8 ± 4.5 months. IOP decreased from 23.7 ± 6.7 mmHg pre-laser to 14.4 ± 3.2 mmHg post-laser, at the last follow-up visit (p < 0.001). The mean number of medications was 1.8 ± 1.6 medications pre-laser and 1.4 ± 1.3 medications post-laser (p = 0.262). The overall success rate at 12 months was 72%. No visually significant complications were encountered during the whole duration of follow-up. CONCLUSION: SLT is a safe and effective procedure that can result in well-controlled IOP in patients with steroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Frequency and risk factors of narrow angles in patients with pseudoexfoliation: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and risk factors of narrow angles in pseudoexfoliation (PXF) patients. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted during the period from March 2017 to December 2020. Adult patients (above 40 years) presenting with PXF were consecutively enrolled (study group). Cases were matched with individuals above 40 years presenting to a comprehensive ophthalmology clinic without evidence of PXF (control group). RESULTS: We enrolled 196 PXF patients and 98 controls. The occurrence of narrow angles was 25% in the PXF group and 5.1% in the control group (P = 0.0001). Compared to controls, PXF patients were older (72.6 ± 9.6 vs. 64.4 ± 8.5, P < 0.0001) and had a lower mean ACD (2.79 ± 0.4 vs. 3.05 ± 0.4, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in AL measurements between both groups (23.3 ± 1.4 vs. 23.7 ± 1.0, P = 0.0714). After stratification by age group and gender, the risk of narrow angles was higher in PXF patients above 70 years (OR, 4.15; 95% CI, 0.91-23.87; P, 0.044). There was no gender difference in the risk of developing narrow angles. CONCLUSION: Narrow angles are more frequently encountered in PXF patients compared to controls. Advanced age (> 70 years) is significantly associated with an increased likelihood of developing narrow angles.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with angle recession glaucoma: A small case series.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in eyes with angle recession glaucoma (ARG). To our knowledge, this is the first report of SLT being used as treatment modality for angle recession glaucoma. Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) was used for ARG but showed a little therapeutic effect. OBSERVATIONS: Retrospective case series of 4 eyes of 4 patients with history of non-penetrating injury to the eye resulted in angle recession glaucoma. All eyes underwent SLT. Post-treatment, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, additional need for intervention, and complications were recorded. Success of treatment was defined as an IOP reduction of 20% or reduction in medications and maintaining target IOP without further intervention during follow up period of more than 3 months.Mean patient age was 44 years (SD = 9) and 2 out of 4 were females. SLT treatment resulted in decreased IOP from 21 to 12 mmHg in one patient and from 26 to 20 mmHg with reduced medication burden in another patient and reduced medication burden in the third patient who stopped glaucoma medication with no significant change in IOP (from 10 to 14 mmHg) at last follow up visit at 45 months. Two SLT sessions failed in one patient who underwent tube surgery.In the 3 patients with successful treatment, IOP remained controlled for the duration of follow up ranging from 4 to 45 months. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Predicting IOP outcomes after SLT is difficult in patients with ARG. Success was noted early in the post-treatment period and was maintained for years. Repeating SLT in a case of early failure didn't change the result and is not recommended. A larger study is required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of SLT for ARG.

Effect of Chloral Hydrate Sedation on Intraocular Pressure in a Pediatric Population.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of oral chloral hydrate (CH) sedation on intraocular pressure (IOP) in an outpatient pediatric population. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative case series. METHODS: Children aged 1 month to 5 years undergoing CH sedation for ocular imaging/evaluation at a tertiary eye hospital were included. IOP was measured using an Icare tonometer prior to sedation (in some, not all), at 25 minutes after sedation, and then every 10 minutes until sedation completion. Change in IOP over time was assessed using mixed model linear regression to account for correlation of IOP readings. RESULTS: A total of 112 children were enrolled, 50.9% were female, and mean age was 2.1 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.3) years. Of the total, 83 (74.1%) participants had IOP measurement attempted prior to sedation, with 64 having presedation IOP completed. Among those completing presedation IOP, 46.9% were asleep/calm, and the rest (53.1%) were slightly/more distressed (IOP did not differ by level of agitation). Those with and without presedation IOP available had similar demographics and health status (P > .05). Heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation all declined after sedation (P < .001). The mean dose of CH administered was 80.9 (SD: 13.2) mg/kg, and sedation was deemed "adequate" in 97.3% after a single dose. Mean IOP among those with presedation IOP was 19.5 mm Hg and, although not significant, declined to 18.7 mm Hg at 25 minutes (P = .12). There was no trend toward further decline in IOP over time (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: CH sedation for outpatient pediatric ophthalmic procedures as administered in this prospective assessment had no impact on IOP.

Chloral Hydrate Administered by a Dedicated Sedation Service Can Be Used Safely and Effectively for Pediatric Ophthalmic Examination.

PURPOSE: To determine safety and efficacy of oral chloral hydrate sedation (CHS) for outpatient pediatric ophthalmic procedures. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Setting: King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital. SUBJECTS: Children aged 1 month to 5 years undergoing CHS for ocular imaging/evaluation. PROCEDURES: Details on chloral hydrate dose administered, sedation achieved, vital signs, and adverse events were recorded. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was percentage of patients with a sedation level ≥ 4 at 45 minutes post chloral hydrate administration. Secondary outcomes were time from sedation to discharge and adverse events, including changes in vital signs following chloral hydrate administration. RESULTS: A total of 324 children were recruited with a mean age of 2.2 (SD: 1.3) years and mean weight of 10.9 (SD: 3.3) kg. Adequate sedation was obtained with a mean chloral hydrate first dose of 77.4 (SD: 14.7) mg/kg in 306 (94.4%) patients, with an additional 6 patients (1.9%) achieving adequate sedation with a second dose (overall adequate sedation: 96.3%). Mean reductions in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen (O2) saturation from pre-sedation to 25 minutes post-sedation were 11.7 (SD: 14.3) beats per minute, 1.2 (SD: 2.4) breaths per minute, and 0.81% (SD: 1.2%), respectively (P < .001 for all). In multivariable regression, odds of remaining sedated 45 minutes after chloral hydrate administration were 2.53 times higher for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II or III patients than for ASA class I (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-5.78, P = .03), 1.03 times higher per mg increase in initial dose of chloral hydrate (95% CI: 1.01-1.06, P = .006), and 2.70 times higher per unit increase in number of planned procedures (95% CI: 1.63-4.47, P < .001). Three patients developed minor adverse events: 2 cases of O2 desaturation and 1 paradoxical reaction, none requiring significant intervention. Patients were discharged a median of 90 minutes after chloral hydrate administration. CONCLUSION: Chloral hydrate administered by a dedicated sedation service, as in this prospective assessment, can be used safely and effectively for outpatient pediatric ophthalmic procedures.

A 3-month safety and efficacy study of travoprost 0.004% ophthalmic solution compared with timolol in pediatric patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of travoprost in pediatric patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma and demonstrate its noninferiority to timolol. METHODS: Patients aged 2 months to <18 years with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive travoprost (0.004%) or timolol eye drops (0.25% for patients aged 2 months to <3 years and 0.5% for patients ≥3 years old) for 3 months in this double-masked, parallel-group study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured and patients were evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after treatment. Change in IOP from baseline to 3 months was the primary endpoint, and the test of noninferiority was based on a margin of +3.0 mm Hg using the 95% 2-sided confidence interval of the mean change. RESULTS: Of 157 patients included (mean age, 9.6 years), 77 received travoprost and 75 timolol. All patients experienced a significant reduction in IOP in the study eye at 3 months: the mean IOP change from baseline was -5.4 mm Hg for travoprost; -5.3 mm Hg, for timolol. The mean difference between travoprost and timolol at month 3 was -0.1 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.5 to 1.4 mm Hg). The most common treatment-related adverse events for the travoprost group were ocular hyperemia and eyelash growth. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study found travoprost to be noninferior to timolol in lowering IOP in patients with pediatric glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Travoprost was well-tolerated, and no treatment-related systemic adverse events were reported.

Genome-wide association study identifies five new susceptibility loci for primary angle closure glaucoma.

Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is a major cause of blindness worldwide. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) followed by replication in a combined total of 10,503 PACG cases and 29,567 controls drawn from 24 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. We observed significant evidence of disease association at five new genetic loci upon meta-analysis of all patient collections. These loci are at EPDR1 rs3816415 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, P = 5.94 × 10(-15)), CHAT rs1258267 (OR = 1.22, P = 2.85 × 10(-16)), GLIS3 rs736893 (OR = 1.18, P = 1.43 × 10(-14)), FERMT2 rs7494379 (OR = 1.14, P = 3.43 × 10(-11)), and DPM2-FAM102A rs3739821 (OR = 1.15, P = 8.32 × 10(-12)). We also confirmed significant association at three previously described loci (P < 5 × 10(-8) for each sentinel SNP at PLEKHA7, COL11A1, and PCMTD1-ST18), providing new insights into the biology of PACG.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma After Laser Peripheral Iridotomy: A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary angle closure (PAC/PACG) following a YAG peripheral laser iridotomy (PI) compared with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A case-control study compared the effectiveness of SLT in PAC/PACG to POAG. Data from patients who underwent SLT after a successful PI for PAC/PACG (PAC/PACG group) with an opening of the angle for at least 180 degrees were compared with a POAG group that was randomly matched to the PAC/PACG group for age, baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), and severity of glaucoma. Data were collected on the change in IOP from baseline and reduction in number of medications following SLT in both groups. SLT was considered successful when IOP decreased by ≥20% of the baseline IOP without further medical or surgical intervention or a reduction in glaucoma medications by ≥1 from the baseline number while maintaining the target IOP. RESULTS: In the PAC/PACG group, 59 eyes with persistent IOP elevation after successful PI underwent SLT in areas where the angle was open for at least 180 degrees; 41% (n=24) of PAC/PACG had scattered peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) of ≤180 degrees. In the POAG group, 59 eyes underwent SLT. Fifty-nine percent in the PAC/PACG group and 85% in POAG group had 360-degree treatment, with 74 and 78 shots at 0.53 and 0.62 mJ per laser application, respectively. In the PAC/PACG group, IOP was 19.3±6.5 mm Hg at baseline and 15±3.5 mm Hg10 months after SLT, and the number of medications decreased from 2.3 at baseline to 1.4 at 10 months postoperatively. In the POAG group, IOP was 19.6±5.6 mm Hg at baseline, and 16.1±3.7 mm Hg 11 months after SLT and the glaucoma medications decreased from 2.3 to 1.1. The postoperative IOP reduction in the PAC/PACG and POAG was not significantly different (P=0.66). The success rate of achieving clinically significant IOP reduction of 20% or more from baseline, or discontinuation of one or more of glaucoma medications was 84.7% in the PAC/PACG group and 79.6% in the POAG group (P=0.47). An IOP spike occurred in 10% (n=6) in PACG/PAC and 5% (n=3) in POAG and was controlled with topical medications (P=0.49). CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy of SLT was equivalent in PAC/PACG and POAG.

A review of the efficacy of mitomycin C in glaucoma filtration surgery.

The success of trabeculectomy, which is considered the gold standard in the surgical treatment of glaucoma, depends on the wound healing response. The introduction of antiproliferative agents such as mitomycin C (MMC) has increased the success rates of trabeculectomy. However, complications due to these agents can be challenging to manage. Hence, it is important to determine the most efficacious dose and duration of exposure. Multiple studies suggest that many factors, including but not limited to MMC preparation, different concentrations, different exposure times, and method of application may affect success rate, and these factors were reviewed in this article. We concluded that lower concentrations of MMC that are prepared and applied in a standardized fashion, such as that using the Mitosol(®) kit (for 2-3 minutes) during trabeculectomy, could potentially provide trabeculectomy success rates similar to that reported with off-label preparations, and that such a treatment regime could result in in lower complication rates than higher doses of MMC.

CYP1B1 Mutations are a Major Contributor to Juvenile-Onset Open Angle Glaucoma in Saudi Arabia.

To describe the genotype and phenotype in 14 unrelated Saudis with juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG). Detailed clinical examination was carried out and we sequenced cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily B (CYP1B1), Myocilin (MYOC) and latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 2 (LTBP2) genes. Twelve (85.7%) patients had apparent sporadic inheritance and 2 (14.3%) presented with a family history of glaucoma. Overall, 12 patients (85.7%) had CYP1B1 mutation. Nine patients had CYP1B1 mutations in a homozygous status. Eight of these had homozygous p.G61E mutation and one had a silent (no amino acid change) sequence change. Two patients had p.G61E mutation in a compound heterozygous status with another CYP1B1 mutation (p.L432V). Two patients had p.G61E in a heterozygous status with no other mutation, while one patient had no mutation(s). None of the patients had any mutation(s) in the MYOC or LTBP2 genes. JOAG associated with CYP1B1 mutations occurs at a high rate in the Saudi population. A specific genotype-phenotype relationship was not demonstrated.