Prevalence of hypertensive phase and outcomes in patients with Ahmed valve implantation at one year of follow-up and evaluation of associated risk factors.

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive phase (HP) and failure in patients who underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation and identify the possible risk factors for both HP and failure. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Medical records of patients who underwent AGV implantation and had at least 1 year of follow-up were reviewed. HP was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mmHg between the first week and the third postoperative month not attributable to other causes. Success was defined as an IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, with preservation of light perception and no additional glaucoma surgeries. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify possible risk factors. Results: A total of 193 eyes of 177 patients were included. HP was present in 58%; a higher preoperative IOP and younger age were associated with HP. Pseudophakic or aphakic eyes had a lower HP rate. Failure was present in 29%; neovascular glaucoma, worse basal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), higher baseline IOP, and postoperative complications were linked to a higher likelihood of failure. No difference in the HP rate between the failure and success groups was found. Conclusion: A higher baseline IOP and younger age are associated with HP development; pseudophakia and aphakia might be protective factors. Factors for AGV failure are a worse BCVA, neovascular glaucoma, postoperative complications, and a higher baseline IOP. At 1 year, a higher number of medications were needed to achieve IOP control in the HP group.

Surgical outcomes of excisional goniotomy using the kahook dual blade in severe and refractory glaucoma: 12-month results.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the efficacy and safety of goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB, New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in patients with severe or refractory glaucoma. METHODS: This retrospective multicentre case series reports on 40 eyes with severe or refractory open-angle glaucoma that underwent standalone or combined KDB goniotomy and were followed for 12 months post-operatively in the United-States, Mexico and Switzerland. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction ≥20% from baseline at 12 months, with fewer medications than preoperatively. Mean IOP and antiglaucoma medication reduction, probabilities of achieving an IOP ≤16 or 18 mmHg, and adverse events were also analysed. RESULTS: Mean IOP decreased from 18.1 ± 5.0 mmHg at baseline to 14.8 ± 3.7 mmHg at 12 months (18.2% reduction, P < 0.001). Concomitantly, the mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 2.5 ± 1.4 to 1.7 ± 1.2 (32% reduction, P = 0.002). The proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction of more than 20% from baseline was 37.5% (n = 15) at 12 months. At 12 months, 67.5% and 82.5% achieved a medicated IOP ≤ 16 and ≤18 mmHg, respectively. No severe complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Excisional goniotomy with KDB achieves a statistically significant IOP and antiglaucoma medication reduction in severe or refractory glaucoma over a period of 12 months. While its efficacy decreases with time, its favourable safety profile makes it a potentially useful primary or adjunctive procedure in high-risk eyes.

Knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in Mexican patients with and without glaucoma diagnosis in an Ophthalmology Referral Center.

AIM: To assess and compare knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in subjects with and without glaucoma diagnosis attending an Ophthalmology Referral Center. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Asociación Para Evitar la Ceguera in Mexico City, using a questionnaire formulated by a group of experts following the Delphi panel rules, and pre-tested in a pilot study. The questionnaire was applied and compared between: glaucoma patients, relatives of glaucoma patients and patients without glaucoma. Socio-demographic data was collected to assess correlation with the level of knowledge using Logistic regression models, estimating the odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals, and P<0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-four subjects were enrolled; with a median age of 61y. One hundred and thirty-four (34%) were patients with glaucoma, 152 (38.6%) patients without glaucoma, and 108 (27.4%) relatives of patients with glaucoma. Two hundred and ninety-one (73.9%) participants were aware of the term "glaucoma". Regarding knowledge 46.7% had moderate knowledge, 37.8% had poor knowledge, and 15.5% good knowledge. Overall, relatives of glaucoma patients had the highest scores, and patients without glaucoma got the lowest scores. A positive correlation was found between better knowledge and frequent ophthalmological examinations OR 2.24 (P=0.02), higher education level OR 4.17 (P=0.00) and having a family member with glaucoma OR 3.28 (P=0.00). CONCLUSION: Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in subjects attending an Ophthalmology Referral Center is predominantly moderate or poor. This has important implications regarding attitudes that can result in lack of follow up in ophthalmological care.

Long-term visual field changes after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in glaucoma patients, case series.

PURPOSE: To assess the short and long-term changes in Visual Field (VF) Mean Deviation (MD), Visual Field Index (VFI), and intraocular pressure (IOP) after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in glaucomatous eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventional, prospective case series. Patients with glaucoma, who required cataract surgery were included. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic assessment and Visual Fields. FLACS was performed in all patients by a single experienced surgeon. IOP was measured during surgery immediately before and after pretreatment suction docking. Changes from baseline in VF MD and VFI, IOP, visual acuity (VA), and number of glaucoma medications were evaluated up to one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Fourteen eyes of 11 patients were included. Eighty-five percent were female, with a mean age of 74.2 ± 7.9 years. Nine (64.3%) and 5 (35.7%) were diagnosed with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), respectively. We found a slight IOP reduction after the docking phase during FLACS in both glaucoma subtype groups. No significant changes in visual field mean deviation (MD) and visual field index (VFI) were found from baseline to 12 months after surgery in both groups. A significant reduction in IOP values was found in all cases from baseline up to one year follow up. No significant changes were observed in BCVA and number of topical glaucoma medications after one year in both groups. CONCLUSION: In our patients, there was an IOP reduction immediately after suction docking FLACS pretreatment. Mean IOP at final follow-up showed a reduction from baseline. There was no change in VF MD and VFI from baseline to final one-year follow-up. FLACS appears to be well tolerated in early and moderate glaucoma and appears to be a safe tool for glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery. Similar results to traditional surgery can be obtained with the advantages of femtosecond laser precision.

Refractive Outcomes of Cataract Surgery With or Without Endocyclophotocoagulation.

PRECIS: Surgeons that perform cataract surgery combined with endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) should rely on their preferred intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula. There is no need to perform any correction to the IOL power, as this procedure does not modify the refractive outcome. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative refractive outcomes in patients with glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with or without ECP and the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucoma medications between groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in which the medical records of the patients with any type of glaucoma, who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation in the capsular bag in addition to ECP or as a standalone procedure from June 2016 to August 2019 were analyzed. Clinical data collected included axial length, steep, flat, and mean keratometry values, target spherical equivalent (SE) estimated by the SRK/T formula, manifest refraction SE at the 1-month follow-up, IOP, and number of antiglaucoma medications before and 12 months after surgery. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the mean predictive error (MPE), the postoperative SE, and the change in IOP after surgery in both groups, respectively. Significance was assessed using the Student t test for all variables between groups according to data distribution. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 196 eyes of 196 patients were included, 98 in the combined phacoemulsification-ECP group, and 98 in the non-ECP group. The observed MPE was -0.043±0.44, and 0.06±0.38 D MPE, respectively (P=0.079). Overall, 74.34% in the phacoemulsification-ECP group and 78.4% in the non-ECP group had a postoperative SE of ±0.50. The ECP group had lower IOP and a greater decrease in antiglaucoma medications at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SRK/T formula performed well in both groups, with no statistically significant difference in the MPE and the percentage of eyes achieving postoperative SE of ±0.50. We consider it is unnecessary to perform any kind of correction to the IOL power calculation when performing ECP.

Tenon Cyst Patch Graft for Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Tube Exposure: Case Series Report.

PURPOSE: To report our experience using a Tenon cyst autograft in the management of tube exposure post Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. RESULTS: Four patients who underwent tube exposure repair using Tenon cyst autograft were identified in our tertiary care center. The duration between initial AGV implantation and tube exposure ranged between 3 and 36 months with a mean of 16 months (±14.35 mo). All patients were followed postoperatively for a range of 4 to 24 months with a mean of 11.75 months (±9.03 o) and all remain exposure free at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of a Tenon cyst autograft for the surgical repair of a tube exposure is valuable, as it involves using autologous scar tissue that is available in eyes that have undergone AGV implantation. The patch autograft is technically easy to harvest, and represents a significantly lower cost when compared with other available options.

Depression and Medical Treatment Adherence in Mexican Patients With Glaucoma.

PRECIS: The prevalence of depression in Mexican patients with glaucoma is higher than that reported in the general population. Depression prevalence and severity are directly associated with glaucoma severity and lower adherence to medical treatment. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of depression in patients with glaucoma and to describe the correlation between the severity of depression, glaucoma, and treatment adherence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 111 patients with glaucoma who answered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II and the Morisky-Green questionnaire that evaluated their depression severity and medical treatment adherence. Low treatment adherence was defined as having a score of >2 on the Morisky-Green questionnaire. Analysis of variance, Fisher exact test, and linear regression models were used for statistical analyses. The main outcomes were prevalence of depression, prevalence of depression according to glaucoma damage, and the association between depression severity, medical treatment adherence, and glaucoma damage. RESULTS: The average patient age was 67.6±13.8 years. The prevalence of depression was 50.4%. Analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant association between glaucoma severity of the "worse eye" and the BDI raw score. In the "better eye," there was no statistically significant difference in mean BDI raw scores across glaucoma severity categories. There was a statistically significant association between the presence of depression and the level of treatment adherence after adjusting for age, sex, type of glaucoma, and the glaucoma severity in both eyes. The risk of low treatment adherence in patients with depression was 38 times that of patients with no depression. CONCLUSION: Glaucoma is associated with a prevalence of depression nearly 10 times higher than that in the general population. Glaucoma, depression severity, and lower adherence to medical treatment are associated.

COVID-19 and the eye: how much do we really know? A best evidence review.

To identify and classify available information regarding COVID-19 and eye care according to the level of evidence, within four main topics of interest: evidence of the virus in tears and the ocular surface, infection via the conjunctival route, ocular manifestations, and best practice recommendations. A structured review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and ophthalmology. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence worksheet was used for quality assessments. 1018 items were identified in the search; 26 records were included in the qualitative synthesis, which encompassed 6 literature reviews, 10 case series or cross-sectional studies, 4 case reports, and 6 intervention descriptions. Seventeen out of 26 records (65%) were categorized as level 5 within the Oxford CBME methodology grading system, the rest were level 4. The evidence generated on COVID-19 and ophthalmology to date is limited, although this is understandable given the circumstances. Both the possible presence of viral particles in tears and conjunctiva, and the potential for conjunctival transmission remain controversial. Ocular manifestations are not frequent and could resemble viral infection of the ocular surface. Most recommendations are based on the strategies implemented by Asian countries during previous coronavirus outbreaks. There is a need for substantive studies evaluating these strategies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, plans for applying these measures must be implemented with caution, taking into account the context of each individual country, and undergo regular evaluation.

Surgical Outcomes of a Second Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implant for the Treatment of Refractory Glaucoma.

PRéCIS:: In this article, the authors concluded that an additional Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation after the failure of an initial AGV, even with the addition of glaucoma medications, maybe a good surgical treatment option for refractory glaucoma. PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of a second AGV implant in Hispanic patients with refractory glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent a second AGV implant were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcome measures including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and glaucoma medication use were collected from the preoperative visit and all follow-up visits up to 18 months after surgery. Failure was defined as one of the following: loss of light perception, sustained IOP >21 or <6 mm Hg, an IOP reduction of <20% from baseline, need for additional glaucoma surgery, including needling revision with subconjunctival adjuvant therapy, or valve extrusion. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included. In all cases, an S-2 model was implanted in the superonasal quadrant. Mean preoperative IOP was 24.3±7.9 mm Hg and was significantly reduced to 13.9±4.8 at 6 months (P<0.05), 15.4±7.2 at 12 months (P<0.05), and 12.9±2.0 at 18 months (P<0.05). Mean glaucoma medications were reduced from 2.8±1.1 preoperatively to 1.9±1.2 at 6 months (P<0.05), 2.4±1.2 at 12 months, and 2.2±1.1 at 18 months; however, the difference was no longer statistically significant after 6 months, and the success rate was 60% at the mean for survival time of 15 months (13.7 to 16.5). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate that a second AGV can achieve a significant reduction in IOP for up to 18 months postoperatively.

COVID-19 and the eye: how much do we really know? A best evidence review / COVID-19 e o olho: quanto sabemos realmente? Uma revisão das melhores evidências

ABSTRACT To identify and classify available information regarding COVID-19 and eye care according to the level of evidence, within four main topics of interest: evidence of the virus in tears and the ocular surface, infection via the conjunctival route, ocular manifestations, and best practice recommendations. A structured review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and ophthalmology. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence worksheet was used for quality assessments. 1018 items were identified in the search; 26 records were included in the qualitative synthesis, which encompassed 6 literature reviews, 10 case series or cross-sectional studies, 4 case reports, and 6 intervention descriptions. Seventeen out of 26 records (65%) were categorized as level 5 within the Oxford CBME methodology grading system, the rest were level 4. The evidence generated on COVID-19 and ophthalmology to date is limited, although this is understandable given the circumstances. Both the possible presence of viral particles in tears and conjunctiva, and the potential for conjunctival transmission remain controversial. Ocular manifestations are not frequent and could resemble viral infection of the ocular surface. Most recommendations are based on the strategies implemented by Asian countries during previous coronavirus outbreaks. There is a need for substantive studies evaluating these strategies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, plans for applying these measures must be implemented with caution, taking into account the context of each individual country, and undergo regular evaluation.

RESUMO Identificar e classificar as informações disponíveis sobre o COVID-19 e o tratamento oftalmológico de acordo com o nível de evidência, dentro de quatro tópicos principais de interesse: evidência do vírus nas lágrimas e na superfície ocular, infecção pela via conjuntival, manifestações oculares e recomendações de melhores práticas. Foi realizada uma revisão estruturada no PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e Google Scholar no COVID-19 e oftalmologia. A planilha de Níveis de Evidência 2011 do Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 foi usada para avaliações de qualidade. Mil e dezoito itens foram identificados na busca; Foram incluídos 26 registros na síntese qualitativa, que incluiu 6 revisões de literatura, 10 séries de casos ou estudos transversais, 4 relatos de casos e 6 descrições de intervenções. Dezessete dos 26 registros (65%) foram classificados como nível 5 no sistema de classificação da metodologia Oxford CBME, o restante foi no nível 4. As evidências geradas no COVID-19 e na oftalmologia até o momento são limitadas, embora isso seja compreensível dadas as circunstâncias. Tanto a possível presença de partículas virais em lágrimas e conjuntiva quanto o potencial de transmissão conjuntival permanecem controversos. As manifestações oculares não são frequentes e podem se assemelhar a infecção viral da superfície ocular. A maioria das recomendações baseia-se nas estratégias implementadas pelos países asiáticos durante surtos anteriores de coronavírus. Há necessidade de estudos aprofundados avaliando essas estratégias no cenário da SARS-CoV-2. Enquanto isso, os planos para a aplicação dessas medidas devem ser implementados com cautela, levando em consideração o contexto de cada país e submetidos a auditorias periódicas.

COVID-19 and the eye: how much do we really know? A best evidence review / COVID-19 e o olho: quanto sabemos realmente? Uma revisão das melhores evidências

To identify and classify available information regarding COVID-19 and eye care according to the level of evidence, within four main topics of interest: evidence of the virus in tears and the ocular surface, infection via the conjunctival route, ocular manifestations, and best practice recommendations. A structured review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and ophthalmology. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence worksheet was used for quality assessments. 1018 items were identified in the search; 26 records were included in the qualitative synthesis, which encompassed 6 literature reviews, 10 case series or cross-sectional studies, 4 case reports, and 6 intervention descriptions. Seventeen out of 26 records (65%) were categorized as level 5 within the Oxford CBME methodology grading system, the rest were level 4. The evidence generated on COVID-19 and ophthalmology to date is limited, although this is understandable given the circumstances. Both the possible presence of viral particles in tears and conjunctiva, and the potential for conjunctival transmission remain controversial. Ocular manifestations are not frequent and could resemble viral infection of the ocular surface. Most recommendations are based on the strategies implemented by Asian countries during previous coronavirus outbreaks. There is a need for substantive studies evaluating these strategies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, plans for applying these measures must be implemented with caution, taking into account the context of each individual country, and undergo regular evaluation.

Identificar e classificar as informações disponíveis sobre o COVID-19 e o tratamento oftalmológico de acordo com o nível de evidência, dentro de quatro tópicos principais de interesse: evidência do vírus nas lágrimas e na superfície ocular, infecção pela via conjuntival, manifestações oculares e recomendações de melhores práticas. Foi realizada uma revisão estruturada no PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e Google Scholar no COVID-19 e oftalmologia. A planilha de Níveis de Evidência 2011 do Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 foi usada para avaliações de qualidade. Mil e dezoito itens foram identificados na busca; Foram incluídos 26 registros na síntese qualitativa, que incluiu 6 revisões de literatura, 10 séries de casos ou estudos transversais, 4 relatos de casos e 6 descrições de intervenções. Dezessete dos 26 registros (65%) foram classificados como nível 5 no sistema de classificação da metodologia Oxford CBME, o restante foi no nível 4. As evidências geradas no COVID-19 e na oftalmologia até o momento são limitadas, embora isso seja compreensível dadas as circunstâncias. Tanto a possível presença de partículas virais em lágrimas e conjuntiva quanto o potencial de transmissão conjuntival permanecem controversos. As manifestações oculares não são frequentes e podem se assemelhar a infecção viral da superfície ocular. A maioria das recomendações baseia-se nas estratégias implementadas pelos países asiáticos durante surtos anteriores de coronavírus. Há necessidade de estudos aprofundados avaliando essas estratégias no cenário da SARS-CoV-2. Enquanto isso, os planos para a aplicação dessas medidas devem ser implementados com cautela, levando em consideração o contexto de cada país e submetidos a auditorias periódicas.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Electromechanical Topical Ocular Drug Delivery System: Two Phase 1 Proof of Concept Studies.

PURPOSE: Self-administration of topical ophthalmic therapies remains challenging for many patients as errors due to improper technique are common. The aim of the current studies was to evaluate a novel electromechanical topical ocular drug delivery device designed to facilitate precise dosing and accurate delivery with substantially lower drug exposure than conventional eye drops. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two randomized Phase 1 studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single dose of a topical ophthalmic solution administered as a ~9 µL microfluid stream via the test device compared with a ~30-40 µL drop delivered via conventional dropper in healthy subjects (Trial 1) and glaucoma patients (Trial 2). In Trial 1, a 1% tropicamide/2.5% phenylephrine solution was administered via the test device in one eye and by conventional dropper in the contralateral eye. Pupil dilation was measured at 30 min intervals post-instillation and subject comfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale (range, 0-100). In Trial 2, patients were randomized to receive latanoprost 0.005% via the test device or conventional dropper. Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline and 4-8 hrs post-instillation. RESULTS: In Trial 1 (N=20), mean (SD) pupil diameter 30 mins post-instillation increased by 3.4 (0.9) and 3.5 (1.0) mm in the test and control eyes, respectively. The mean comfort score was 81.7 for the test device versus 57.3 for conventional dropper delivery. In Trial 2 (N=18), the mean change in intraocular pressure following administration of latanoprost was -5.0 (1.8) and -4.3 (3.3) mm Hg in the test and control groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed in either study. CONCLUSION: Administration of a single dose of topical ophthalmic therapy via an electromechanical drug delivery device resulted in comparable effects on pupil dilation and intraocular pressure with lower drug exposure and increased patient comfort compared with conventional dropper delivery.

12-Month Outcomes of Goniotomy Performed Using the Kahook Dual Blade Combined with Cataract Surgery in Eyes with Medically Treated Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the 12-month efficacy and safety of goniotomy performed using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) in combination with cataract surgery in eyes with medically treated open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional case series conducted at seven centers in North America. Consecutive patients with medically treated OAG and visually significant cataract underwent phacoemulsification combined with goniotomy (PE + goniotomy) using KDB. Indications for glaucoma surgery included reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction of IOP-lowering medications. De-identified data were collected and included pre-, intra-, and postoperative data on IOP, the use of IOP-lowering medications, and adverse events through 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Among 52 eyes undergoing surgery, mean IOP was reduced from 16.8 ± 0.6 mmHg at baseline to 12.4 ± 0.3 mmHg at month 12 (P < 0.001), a 26.2% reduction. Mean IOP across time points ranged from 12.4-13.3 mmHg during follow-up. The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications was reduced from 1.6 ± 0.2 at baseline to 0.8 ± 0.1 at month 12 (P < 0.05), a 50.0% reduction. At month 12, 57.7% of eyes had IOP reduction ≥ 20% from baseline, and 63.5% were on ≥ 1 fewer IOP-lowering medications. In subgroup analysis, 84.6% of eyes with lower mean baseline IOP were using ≥ 1 fewer medications at month 12, and 100% of eyes with higher mean baseline IOP had IOP reductions ≥ 20%. The most common postoperative adverse events were pain/irritation (n = 4, 7.7%), opacification of the posterior lens capsule (n = 2, 3.8%), and IOP spike > 10 mmHg (n = 2, 3.8%). CONCLUSION: PE + goniotomy using the KDB significantly lowers both IOP and dependence on IOP-lowering medications in eyes with OAG. Adverse events were not sight-threatening and typically resolved spontaneously. FUNDING: New World Medical, Inc.

Goniotomy Using the Kahook Dual Blade in Severe and Refractory Glaucoma: 6-Month Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe short-term efficacy and safety of goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB, New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in patients with severe or refractory glaucoma. METHOD: Retrospective multicentric case series of 53 eyes with severe or refractory glaucoma as defined by ICD-10 conducted in the United States, Mexico, and Switzerland. Primary efficacy outcome was a ≥20% decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline at 6 months. Secondary efficacy outcome measures were probability of achieving an IOP≤14 or 18 mm Hg at 6 months and the mean IOP change from baseline at 6 months. Medication use required to obtain target IOP at last follow up and adverse effects were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction of >20% from preoperative baseline at 6 months was 57.7% (n=30). The mean IOP decreased from 18.4±6.1 mm Hg at baseline to 13.9±3.5 mm Hg at month 6 (23.9% reduction; P<0.001). At 6 months, 63.5% and 92.3% achieved an IOP≤14 and ≤18 mm Hg, respectively, and the mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced by 1.2±1.3 (36.6%) compared with baseline (P<0.001). The most common adverse event was hyphema (n=29, 34.9%) with spontaneous resolution in all cases. No severe complications were reported. One case presented with uncontrolled IOP and required glaucoma drainage device surgery at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision using the KDB could be an alternative surgery for severe or refractory glaucoma, significantly reducing IOP and medication use at 6 months, with a low rate of complications.

A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial of a 0.5% Timolol + 0.2% Brimonidine + 2.0% Dorzolamide Fixed Combination, Preservative-Free Ophthalmic Solution vs. 0.5% Timolol + 0.2% Brimonidine + 2.0% Dorzolamide Fixed Combination in Patients with Controlled Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective crossover study was to evaluate the non-inferiority of PRO-122 (a preservative-free fixed combination) compared with 0.5% timolol + 0.2% brimonidine + 2.0% dorzolamide fixed combination (KOF) by evaluating its efficacy, tolerability and safety in subjects with controlled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) previously treated with KOF for at least 2 months. METHODS: In a prospective, crossover, randomized, double-masked multicenter study, patients previously treated with KOF were randomly assigned to receive either PRO-122 or KOF for 30 days. On day 31, the A sequence changed to KOF, while the B sequence received PRO-122. All patients remained in the protocol for 30 additional days for a total of 60 days. The main efficacy endpoint was maintaining the controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). The safety and tolerability of both products were assessed by the presence of adverse events (AEs), ocular findings, a questionnaire on ocular comfort and the VF-14 index. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients participated. After application of PRO-122 twice a day, its efficacy was demonstrated through maintenance of the controlled IOP in patients previously controlled with KOF. The crossover between PRO-122 and KOF and vice versa, after 30 days of use, did not affect IOP control. PRO-122 was shown not to be inferior to KOF in maintaining IOP at control levels. The safety of both drugs is similar, as neither presented drug-related AEs or differences regarding safety issues. The tolerability of the two medications-evaluated by ocular findings, the questionnaire on ocular comfort and the VF-14 index-was also determined to be similar. CONCLUSIONS: The controlled IOP in patients with controlled POAG treated with PRO-122 was maintained both in relation to the initial controlled IOP of the study and when compared with KOF in the B sequence. Finally, the treatment with PRO-122 demonstrated similar safety and tolerability to KOF. FUNDING: Laboratorios Sophia, S.A. de C.V. (Zapopan, Jalisco, México). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03257813 (registered retrospectively).

Glaucoma Medication Preferences among Glaucoma Specialists in Mexico.

AIM: To determine the glaucoma specialists' preferences for the different brands of topical glaucoma medications available in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 150 board-certified glaucoma specialists in Mexico, with 14 questions related to brand preferences for all glaucoma medications available in Mexico. Participants were asked to select each glaucoma medication class by brand and to state the factors leading to their choice. RESULTS: Data from 111 (74%) glaucoma specialists were collected. Imot (timolol 0.5%; Sophia, Mexico) was the preferred brand for the beta-blockers (BB) class by 71% (n = 79) of the participants. Azopt (brinzolamide 1%; Alcon Lab, US) was the preferred carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) by 54% (n = 60) of the glaucoma specialists. Lumigan (bimatoprost 0.01% and 0.03%; Allergan Inc., U.S.) was the first choice for the prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) in 62% (n = 70) of the answers. The most frequently prescribed alpha-agonist (AA) was Agglad (brimonidine 0.2%; Sophia Lab, Mexico) in 44% (n = 49) of the answers. Medication accessibility (31%), cost (29%), and recommended dose (23%) were the three main factors influencing the glaucoma specialists' preferences. CONCLUSION: Medication cost and accessibility, as well as posology, remain the main factors influencing brand preferences among glaucoma doctors. In our professional opinion, the therapeutic effect must be the leading factor when prescribing topical medications in the daily practice, so that patients receive the best treatment option. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This survey provides an understanding of the decision-making process when prescribing glaucoma medications by glaucoma specialists in a Latin American developing country. Ideally, patient treatment should be individualized and aimed to achieve the best results possible for their specific condition.How to cite this article: Lazcano-Gomez G, Alvarez-Ascencio D, Haro-Zuno C, Turati-Acosta M, Garcia-Huerta M, Jimenez-Arroyo J, Castañeda-Diez R, Castillejos-Chevez A, Gonzalez-Salinas R, Dominguez-Dueñas F, Jimenez-Roman J. Glaucoma Medication Preferences among Glaucoma Specialists in Mexico. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(3):97-100.

Neovascular Glaucoma: A Retrospective Review from a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Mexico.

AIM: To describe the demographic characteristics, ocular comorbidities, and clinical outcomes of patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and to determine the number of patients who returned for a follow-up eye examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the clinical data of patients with NVG, who attended a glaucoma clinic between July 2010 and November 2014. We collected information on the demographic characteristics of the patients to include the level of education, ocular comorbidities, NVG stage, visual acuity, glaucoma medications, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of patients who had a follow-up ocular examination at month 1, 3, 6, and 12. RESULTS: Data from 350 patients (473 eyes) with NVG were collected. We found 91% of the cohort had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We found blindness in both or one eye in 14% and 31% of the cohort respectively. Low vision was found in both or one eye in 14% and 32% of the eyes respectively. By 6 months follow-up, only 32% of the patients were seen at our clinic and by 12 months follow-up, this number decreased to 15%. Around 60% of the patients were on no IOP lowering drugs at the first visit. We found 53% of the cohort had an incomplete elementary school education. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that advanced NVG is a significant ocular problem for patients referred to our clinic with just over half of the patients presenting as blind. We also found that several socioeconomic factors that had an important role in the development of PDR and NVG, specifically, educational status. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: We described the characteristics of a large cohort of patients with very advanced NVG, reflecting the fact that the strict control of the underlying disease must be the main goal of the Mexican national health system. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Lazcano-Gomez G, Soohoo JR, Lynch A, Bonell LN, Martinez K, Turati M, González-Salinas R, Jimenez-Roman J, Kahook MY. Neovascular Glaucoma: A Retrospective Review from a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Mexico. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):48-51.