Circadian Rhythm and Glaucoma: What do We Know?

PURPOSE: The current understanding of circadian regulation disorders and their involvement in glaucoma pathophysiology are poorly understood, yet they may have a substantial impact on the onset and progression of glaucoma. Herein, we review and summarize all the available literature on circadian rhythm disorder and glaucoma to uncover the impact on glaucoma risk, and we highlight future research and potential novel targets for glaucoma management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the relevant literature was performed through PubMed through August 1, 2019. RESULTS: Within a normal circadian rhythm, intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks at night, whereas blood pressure (BP) troughs at night. High nocturnal IOP coupled with low nocturnal systemic BP results in low ocular perfusion pressure and potential for unobserved damage to retinal tissues and the optic nerve. Circadian-related melatonin and sleep disorders also result in changes in IOP and ocular perfusion pressure that lead to the progression of glaucoma. In addition, impaired perception of light input due to glaucoma can subsequently lead to abnormal serum levels of melatonin, resulting in circadian rhythm misalignment. This disruption of the circadian rhythm also contributes to sleep and mood disorders, common in individuals with glaucoma. As regards treatment, glaucoma medications that lower nocturnal IOP without influencing nocturnal BP or diminishing circadian variation seem most effective. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma progression is influenced by multiple physiological factors regulated by the circadian rhythm. Progression of the disease may also cause physiological changes that lead to circadian-related issues. Further research is warranted on the diurnal cycle, melatonin-mediated processes, and their influence on glaucoma management.

Drug-induced uveitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nearly one-half of all uveitis cases seen at tertiary referral centers have no identifiable cause. Many systemic, paraocular, intraocular, topical medications, and even vaccines can induce intraocular inflammation, scleritis, and rarely orbititis and are often overlooked as causes of uveitis. This review was undertaken to elucidate the strength of association of these medications with uveitis and to make clinicians aware of these associations, especially among newer medications. RECENT FINDINGS: Medication-induced uveitis has become particularly important and more frequently seen because of the advent of biologic therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs), BRAF, and MEK inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, and antitumor necrosis factor agents, as well as newer systemic bisphosphonates are strongly associated with uveitis. SUMMARY: The ever-broadening scope of pharmaceuticals now available to treat previously untreatable conditions, such as advanced metastatic cutaneous melanoma, have resulted in unintended ocular inflammatory diseases. Ophthalmologists must recognize that drugs such as ICPIs, BRAF, and MEK inhibitors, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, cidofovir, bisphosphonates, topical prostaglandin analogues, topical brimonidine, BCG vaccination can cause of uveitis. Utilizing a thorough review of systems, physicians may readily identify medications that may cause uveitis and avoid expensive and unnecessary laboratory testing.

A hybrid technique to address exposure keratopathy secondary to facial nerve paresis: A combination of a lateral tarsorrhaphy and lateral wedge resection.

PURPOSE: To present the results of treating combined lower eyelid laxity, retraction and midface descent secondary to facial nerve weakness with a hybrid surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients from January 2015 to January 2017 who underwent a hybrid surgical technique for the treatment of corneal exposure secondary to facial nerve paresis with a single surgeon was performed. Age, gender, and presence of exposure symptoms were recorded pre-operatively. Outcomes assessed included improvement of lower eyelid laxity and position, operative complications, and post-operative symptomatic relief. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients underwent unilateral eyelid surgery. All patients had symptomatic relief and good functional outcomes defined as improvement in eyelid laxity, lower eyelid position, and objective corneal exposure. No cases required reoperation during an average follow up of 174.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Combining portions of a tarsorrhaphy and lateral wedge resection technique is a simple and effective procedure to improve lower eyelid position and limit corneal exposure secondary to facial nerve paresis.

Percutaneous nephrostomy: native and transplanted kidneys.

Percutaneous nephrostomy is a procedure in which access to the renal collecting system of a native (nontransplanted) or transplanted kidney is obtained through the skin, providing external drainage and/or a portal for additional minimally invasive procedures. Such additional minimal invasive procedures include nephrolithotripsy, ureteric stent placement, ureteric dilation, ureteric embolization/obliteration, and rendezvous procedures with cystoscopy. Percutaneous nephrostomy has been proven to be an effective and safe minimally invasive image-guided procedure. This article discusses the indications, techniques, imaging guidance modalities, and outcomes related to percutaneous nephrostomy. Extensions of the nephrostomy procedures, such as ureteric stent placement and nephro-ureteral stent placement are discussed in subsequent articles in this issue.