Three-Year Follow-up of a Novel Aqueous Humor MicroShunt.

AIMS: An observational study to determine the safety and efficacy of filtering surgery employing a microlumen aqueous drainage device (InnFocus MicroShunt), used intraoperatively with Mitomycin C, implanted alone or in combination with phacoemulsification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-site, prospective, nonrandomized study of 23 eyes that had failed maximum tolerated glaucoma medication, followed for 3 years. A MicroShunt was implanted ab externo through a needle tract under the limbus, draining aqueous from the anterior chamber to the scleral surface. Prespecified outcome measures include: intraocular pressure (IOP) control, with and without supplemental medication, success rate, medication use, and adverse events. RESULTS: Fourteen patients received the MicroShunt alone and 9 with cataract surgery. At 1 (n=23), 2 (n=22), and 3 (n=22) years of follow-up; the qualified success rate (IOP ≤ 14 mm Hg and IOP reduction ≥ 20%) was 100%, 91%, and 95%; mean medicated IOP was reduced from 23.8 ± 5.3 to 10.7 ± 2.8, 11.9 ± 3.7, and 10.7 ± 3.5 mm Hg, and the mean number of glaucoma medications/patient was reduced from 2.4 ± 0.9 to 0.3 ± 0.8, 0.4 ± 1.0, and 0.7 ± 1.1, respectively. The most common complications were transient hypotony (13%, 3/23) and transient choroidal effusion (8.7%, 2/23), all resolved spontaneously. There were no leaks, infections, migrations, erosions, persistent corneal edema, or serious long-term adverse events. CONCLUSION: Surgery with the InnFocus MicroShunt transscleral aqueous drainage tube with Mitomycin C achieved IOP control in the low teens in most subjects up to 3 years of follow-up with only transient adverse events occurring within the first 3 months after surgery.

Abnormal movements in first-episode, nonaffective psychosis: dyskinesias, stereotypies, and catatonic-like signs.

Motor abnormalities represent a neurobehavioral domain of signs intrinsic to schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, though they are commonly attributed to medication side effects and remain understudied. Individuals with first-episode psychosis represent an ideal group to study innate movement disorders due to minimal prior antipsychotic exposure. We measured dyskinesias, stereotypies, and catatonic-like signs and examined their associations with: (1) age at onset of psychotic symptoms and duration of untreated psychosis; (2) positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms; (3) neurocognition; and (4) neurological soft signs. Among 47 predominantly African American first-episode psychosis patients in a public-sector hospital, the presence and severity of dyskinesias, stereotypies, and catatonic-like features were assessed using approximately 30-min video recordings. Movement abnormalities were rated utilizing three scales (Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale, Stereotypy Checklist, and Catatonia Rating Scale). Correlational analyses were conducted. Scores for each of three movement abnormality types were modestly inter-correlated (r=0.29-0.40). Stereotypy score was significantly associated with age at onset of psychotic symptoms (r=0.32) and positive symptom severity scores (r=0.29-0.41). There were no meaningful or consistent associations with negative symptom severity, neurocognition, or neurological soft signs. Abnormal movements appear to represent a relatively distinct phenotypic domain deserving of further research.

Treatment of late-onset capsular distension syndrome with a neodymium:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy and anterior capsulotomy.

We describe a new approach to treat late-onset capsular distension syndrome in which the fluid in the capsular bag is cloudy and prevents a posterior neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. A peripheral laser iridotomy is created through which the anterior lens capsule peripheral to the IOL optic is accessed. This opening in the iris provides an access point through which an anterior Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy can be performed. Following disruption of the anterior lens capsule, the capsular fluid is released into the anterior chamber and absorbed through the inherent drainage system of the eye. This approach avoids the need for a more invasive surgical intervention.

Histopathology of the Ex-PRESS Shunt.

The authors report the histopathologic features of a human enucleated eye with an Ex-PRESS shunt (Optonol, Ltd., Neve Ilan, Israel). An 86-year-old man with a blind painful eye underwent enucleation. He had a history of glaucoma with an Ex-PRESS shunt implanted. Histopathologic evaluation of the specimen showed a thin layer of fibrotic tissue surrounding the implant. In this case, the Ex-PRESS shunt was relatively well tolerated in the human eye.

Clinicopathologic correlations of poly-(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) glaucoma drainage devices of different internal diameters in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the biocompatibility and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect of a novel glaucoma drainage implant in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits received one of three glaucoma drainage implants fabricated from poly-(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene [SIBS]) with an internal diameter of the lumen of either 70 (6 eyes), 100 (6 eyes), or 150 (4 eyes) µm. Clinical follow-up examinations were performed during 6 months and postmortem eyes were studied with light microscopy. RESULTS: Smaller internal diameter implants were associated with fewer complications. IOP levels were not statistically different among the groups. No eyes developed serious complications. Mild chronic inflammation was observed around the tube using light microscopy. CONCLUSION: SIBS glaucoma drainage implants did not produce clinically detectable intraocular inflammation in a rabbit model. The 70- and 100-µm SIBS drainage devices demonstrated fewer postoperative complications. IOP levels were not statistically different from control eyes in all groups.

Technique for air bubble management during endothelial keratoplasty in eyes after penetrating glaucoma surgery.

Our purpose was to develop a technique for maintaining air within the anterior chamber during endothelial keratoplasty in eyes that have previously undergone trabeculectomy or a glaucoma drainage implant. Whole human globes and rabbits underwent penetrating glaucoma surgery to develop the technique. Without the aid of any additional device or manipulation, continuing to inject air into the anterior chamber as it escapes through the sclerostomy or tube eventually fills the subconjunctival space and allows for back pressure. This allows for a full anterior chamber air fill and brief elevation of intraocular pressure. We employed this overfilling technique on 3 patients with previous incisional glaucoma surgery to perform successful Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty without complication. We recommend using the overfilling technique when performing Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty surgery in eyes with previous penetrating glaucoma surgery because it is a simple technique without the need for pre- or postoperative manipulation.

Characteristics of optic nerve head drusen on optical coherence tomography images.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of optic nerve head drusen in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional images of the optic nerve were obtained in seven patients with optic nerve head drusen with Stratus and spectral-domain OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). These were compared to optic disc photographs, autofluorescence, and echography images. For comparison, these tests were performed on four patients with papilledema and three patients with small optic discs. RESULTS: Optic nerve head drusen typically elevated the disc surface and appeared as an optically empty cavity, sometimes with a perceptible reflection from the posterior surface. The disc surface was also elevated in cases of papilledema, but had a strong anterior reflectance behind which there was no visible structure. The surface of the small optic nerves was slightly elevated, but with less anterior reflectance. CONCLUSION: Optic nerves with drusen showed features in these OCT images that were distinct from cases of papilledema or small optic discs.

Polypropylene suture-guided valve tube for posterior chamber implantation in patients with pseudophakic glaucoma.

We describe a new surgical procedure for implanting a glaucoma drainage tube in the posterior chamber. A needle with a 10-0 polypropylene suture is introduced into the posterior chamber, and a 23-gauge needle is also introduced as the barrel on the polypropylene needle tip. After the 23-gauge needle is withdrawn from the posterior chamber, the polypropylene needle tip is pulled and the suture crosses the anterior and posterior chambers. A sliding knot is made around the drainage tube. The tube is pushed into the scleral tunnel and posterior chamber as the suture is pulled to position the tube. The knot is loosened and the suture removed from the eye by pulling from either side. This procedure is easy and effective for implanting a tube in the posterior chamber in pseudophakic eyes and is indicated after penetrating keratoplasty or in eyes with compromised endothelial function.

Estimation of intraocular pressure in rabbits with commonly used tonometers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To validate accuracy and reproducibility of the Perkins tonometer, pneumatonometer, and Tono-Pen XL (Medtronic Solan, Jacksonville, FL) in estimating intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOP was increased from 5 to 50 mm Hg in 5-mm increments. Measurements were compared to readings of two digital manometers simultaneously measuring real IOP in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity. Interobserver accuracy was evaluated using 4 eyes with the Perkins tonometer. RESULTS: The Perkins tonometer and Tono-Pen XL underestimated IOP and were more accurate at pressures less than 30 mm Hg. No statistically significant difference was found between real IOP and Tono-Pen XL readings. The pneumatonometer overestimated pressures in the low ranges but was accurate at pressures greater than 40 mm Hg. The Tono-Pen XL had more variability than the Perkins tonometer and pneumatonometer at high IOP. CONCLUSIONS: None of the tonometers are accurate or reproducible in estimating IOP in rabbits over the tested range. Pneumatonometry, although not very accurate, has the advantage of having acceptable variability.

A newly designed glaucoma drainage implant made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene): biocompatibility and function in normal rabbit eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical evaluation, flow patency, and histopathological findings of a novel glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) in rabbits. METHODS: In 16 normal eyes, the proximal end of the SIBS GDI was inserted into the anterior chamber while the distal end was placed in the subconjunctival space. A control group underwent implantation of a similarly designed silicone GDI. Slitlamp follow-up and intraocular pressure measurements were recorded. Flow patency was evaluated by injecting 0.01% fluorescein into the anterior chamber. Immunostaining against collagen IV, macrophages, and alpha smooth muscle actin was performed. RESULTS: Slitlamp examination suggested adequate biocompatibility. A low and diffuse bleb was observed in the SIBS group. All SIBS tubes were patent 6 months after insertion. Immunostaining demonstrated noncontinuous collagen deposition. No macrophages or myofibroblasts were visible around the SIBS tubes. In contrast, silicone induced collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. CONCLUSION: This new GDI is clinically biocompatible in the rabbit and maintained 100% patency at 6 months. A remarkable difference was the absence of myofibroblasts in the surrounding tissue in the SIBS group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel GDI made of SIBS would prevent the feared complication of hypotony and will decrease the amount of subconjunctival fibrosis.

Validation of the Barraquer tonometer for high intraocular pressure estimation.

PURPOSE: To compare the pneumatonometer and the Tono-Pen XL in a closed ex-vivo system in human eye bank eyes at high intraocular pressures (IOP) and evaluate the validity of high IOP measurements with the Barraquer tonometer. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was monitored by cannulation of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity in eight human cadaver eyes (mean donor age: 77.3 +/- 4.9 years, range: 72 to 84 years). Intraocular pressure measurements were taken at 50, 65, and 90 mmHg with the Tono-Pen XL and pneumatonometer. Intraocular pressure was raised to 110 mmHg and then the eyes were deflated slowly until they reached 50 mmHg. Pressure readings with the Barraquer tonometer were recorded when the corneal tonometer interface reached the inner and outer rings. RESULTS: The Tono-Pen XL underestimated IOP, a tendency that was more evident at higher IOP In contrast, the pneumatonometer was more accurate and reliable at IOP of 50 and 65 mmHg but its readings underestimated IOP at 90 mmHg. The Barraquer tonometer used in this experiment accurately estimated high IOP A variability of 5.9 mmHg and 5.8 mmHg were recorded for the inner and outer ring, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Tono-pen XL is an inadequate instrument to assess pressures normally encountered during LASIK flap creation in an ex vivo model using human cadaver eyes. The pneumatonometer and the Barraquer tonometer are accurate instruments at high IOP; however, the pneumatonometer underestimated pressures around 90 mmHg.

Ex vivo evaluation of Tono-Pen and pneumotonometry in cat eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity and intraobserver reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with both pneumotonometry and the Tono-Pen in a closed ex vivo system in cat eyes. METHODS: IOP was increased step by step in 5 enucleated cat eyes, while taking IOP measurements with the Tono-Pen and pneumotonometry. The outcomes were compared to readings of a digital manometer simultaneously measuring the actual pressure in the anterior chamber. RESULTS: Pneumotonometry overestimated IOP below 15 mm Hg and underestimated pressures above 20 mm Hg. Tono-Pen tonometry considerably underestimated IOP over the whole spectrum in all of the eyes tested. The pneumotonometer was identified as the more valid and reliable instrument for cat eyes. CONCLUSION: Both tonometers are clinically useful tools to assess IOP for glaucoma studies using a cat animal model. However, one has to consider underestimation of IOP in the upper ranges. A correction formula can be used to calculate the actual IOP.

Trabecular meshwork alteration and intraocular pressure change following pulsed near-infrared laser trabeculoplasty in cats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To comparatively assess the safety and variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) of two pulsed near-infrared lasers (titanium:sapphire and alexandrite) for laser trabeculoplasty versus conventional blue-green argon laser trabeculoplasty in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The left eyes of 15 healthy cats received a 180 degree laser trabeculoplasty treatment: 5 with a titanium:sapphire laser, 5 with an alexandrite laser, and 5 with an argon laser. Preoperatively and postoperatively, all animals underwent tonometry, gonioscopy, and slit-lamp examination. The cats were observed up to 12 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy and histologic examination were performed to evaluate potential alterations in the trabecular meshwork structure. RESULTS: IOP at 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week following treatment was remarkably lower, irrespective of the laser source used. Following treatment with both near-infrared lasers, gonioscopy showed depigmentation underneath the area of the treated trabecular meshwork and histologic evaluation showed a decrease in pigment density. On scanning electron microscopy, damage to the trabecular meshwork structure could not be detected after treatment with near-infrared lasers. CONCLUSIONS: Near-infrared laser trabeculoplasty was found to be effective to temporarily lower IOP in cats. The lasers selectively altered pigment-containing cells, avoiding structural damage of the trabecular meshwork anatomy.

Surgical management of patients with combined glaucoma and corneal transplant surgery.

The reasons for having combined glaucoma and corneal transplant surgery are myriad. Patients with corneal transplants have a high frequency of developing secondary glaucoma. Patients with preexisting glaucoma have even higher risk for developing glaucoma refractory to medical management after penetrating keratoplasty. The indication for corneal transplant affects the risk for developing postkeratoplasty glaucoma. The surgical treatment options for treating glaucoma include laser trabeculoplasty, cycloablation, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage implants. In addition, the sequencing of glaucoma surgery relative to penetrating keratoplasty affects the outcome. Newer corneal transplant techniques may have a lower risk for developing secondary glaucoma.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for bullous keratopathy in eyes with poor visual potential.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of epithelial debridement and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for pain and discomfort relief in patients with symptomatic bullous keratopathy and poor visual potential. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 18 eyes (18 patients) with bullous keratopathy presenting with intractable pain or discomfort and poor visual potential. After epithelial debridement, all eyes had AMT with the basement membrane side up. During a mean follow-up of 25.1 months +/- 9.6 (SD) (range 12 to 45 months), pain relief, epithelial healing, and visual changes were analyzed. RESULTS: Pain relief was obtained in 88% of patients. Sixty-six percent of eyes had complete resolution of ocular discomfort starting soon after the first postoperative day. One eye had evisceration for persistent pain 10 months postoperatively. Corneal epithelial healing was complete in all except 1 eye. Remaining complaints included foreign-body sensation (5%), tearing (11%), and photophobia (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation was a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment modality for intractable pain associated with chronic bullous keratopathy in eyes with poor visual potential. It can be an alternative to conjunctival flaps for the long-term management of patients with bullous keratopathy in whom corneal transplantation is not indicated. A comparison of the efficacy of AMT with that of other surgical procedures must be performed.