Assessment of Pain in Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Micropulse Transscleral Laser Therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the pain experienced during micropulse transscleral laser therapy (MPTLT) and overnight thereafter and explore the factors associated with the pain. METHODS: This prospective study included 100 eyes of 81 glaucoma patients undergoing MPTLT under retrobulbar anesthesia. All patients were asked to rate both types of pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The risk factors were explored using multivariable mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean (SD) NRS pain score during the procedure was 3.57 (3.41) (range 0-10), which included no, mild, moderate, and severe pain in 30 (30%), 33 (33%), 17 (17%), and 20 (20%) eyes, respectively. The mean (SD) NRS score of overnight pain was 2.99 (2.28) (range 0-9), which included no, mild, moderate, and severe pain in 17 (17%), 59 (59%), 17 (17%), and 7 (7%) eyes, respectively. Twenty-seven (27%) eyes reported worse pain overnight than during the procedure. Increased age, initial intraocular pressure, and pain during the procedure were significantly associated with increased overnight pain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Up to a fourth of eyes had worse pain after discharge. Older age, initial intraocular pressure, and pain during the procedure were risk factors for higher levels of overnight pain.

Two-Year Outcomes of Trabeculectomy and Phacotrabeculectomy in Primary Open Angle Versus Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.

PRCIS: Phacotrabeculectomy had a significantly lower 24-month failure rate than the isolated trabeculectomy in both the primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. The impact of adding phacoemulsification to trabeculectomy was found to be similar between the eyes with POAG and PACG. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the 2-year outcomes of primary mitomycin C-augmented combined phacotrabeculectomy (Phaco+Trab) with isolated trabeculectomy (Trab) in phakic patients with POAG and PACG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed primary glaucoma patients who underwent mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy and completed 2 years of follow-up. Failure rate, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), percentage of IOP reduction, and the number of glaucoma medications at 24 months after surgery were compared between the Phaco+Trab and Trab groups. RESULTS: The study included 146 eyes of 121 patients; 74 underwent Trab and 72 underwent Phaco+Trab. POAG and PACG were present in 71 and 75 eyes, respectively. Defining a failure with IOP criteria of >18 mm Hg or IOP reduction of <30%, the failure rates were 42% and 62% for Phaco+Trab and Trab, respectively. The Phaco+Trab group had a significantly lower failure rate than the Trab group for all subjects [risk ratio (RR): 0.60, 95% CI, 0.44-0.81, P =0.001], POAG subgroup (RR: 0.61, 95% CI, 0.41-0.93, P =0.02), and PACG subgroup (RR: 0.53, 95% CI, 0.33-0.86, P =0.01). Differences in the postoperative IOP, percentage of IOP reduction, and number of glaucoma medications were not significant between the 2 groups for all subjects, POAG, and PACG (all P >0.05). The magnitude of the effects of adding phacoemulsification to the trabeculectomy was comparable for the POAG and PACG groups, for each outcome (all P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The final 24-month failure rate in the Phaco+Trab group was lower than that in the Trab group in both the POAG and PACG subjects. The impact of adding phacoemulsification to trabeculectomy was found to be similar between the eyes with POAG and PACG.

Ciliochoroidal effusion and its association with the outcomes of micropulse transscleral laser therapy in glaucoma patients: a pilot study.

We investigate the development of ciliochoroidal effusion following micropulse transscleral laser therapy (MPTLT) and evaluate the relationship between the early postoperative ciliochoroidal effusion (ECE) and short-term treatment outcomes. Glaucoma patients who underwent MPTLT were assessed for ciliochoroidal effusion by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at postoperative 1, 4, 12 weeks. The subjects were classified based on AS-OCT findings at postoperative 1 week into eyes with and without ECE. The absolute intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP reduction and number of antiglaucoma medications were compared between eyes with and without ECE. A total of 50 eyes were included, of which 23 (46%) developed ciliochoroidal effusion at postoperative 1 week. Almost all effusion resolved at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, the mean IOP (SD) significantly decreased from 28.5 (12.8) mmHg to 17.8 (10.5) mmHg (p < 0.001), and the mean number of medications (SD) decreased from 4.1 (0.9) to 3.3 (1.1) (p < 0.001). Eyes with ECE had significantly greater IOP reduction (p = 0.009) and lower absolute IOP (p = 0.008) at the 4-week visit. There was no significant difference in number of medications between the groups. In conclusion, ciliochoroidal effusion was commonly observed following MPTLT. Eyes with ECE had overall greater IOP reduction during early post-operation.

Outcomes of Surgical Interventions in Primary Congenital Glaucoma Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim was to report long-term surgical success of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) patients in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCG patients who underwent one of the following primary operations: trabeculotomy, goniotomy, trabeculectomy, combined trabeculotrabeculectomy (CTT) and diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) between January 1992 and January 2018 were reviewed. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21 mm Hg with or without antiglaucoma medications. Failure was defined as IOP ≤5 or ≥21 mm Hg for 2 consecutive visits, or when an additional glaucoma surgery was required to control IOP. Survival curves were analyzed using multilevel mixed-effect Weibull model. RESULTS: A total of 81 eyes from 55 PCG patients were included. Surgical procedures involved 20 goniotomies, 15 trabeculotomies, 16 trabeculectomies, 15 CTT, and 15 TSCPC. Median follow-up time was 24 months (interquartile range: 9 to 60 mo). Overall success rates were 68.8% at 1 year, 63.8% at 3 years, and 53.7% at 5 years. All types of surgery except TSCPC had comparable cumulative 1 year success rates ranging from 78.5% to 83.3%. Cumulative success rates of trabeculotomy (80.05%) and CTT (79.4%) were maintained at 3 and 5 years and were the highest among all procedures at 5 years. TSCPC had a significantly lower success rate compared with other types of surgery (hazard ratio: 7.4 to 13.1, all P=0.01). All patients receiving primary TSCPC showed no success at 48 months. CONCLUSION: Primary trabeculotomy and primary CTT demonstrated the highest long-term success rates in PCG patients.

Digital Gonioscopy Based on Three-dimensional Anterior-Segment OCT: An International Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the performance of a 3-dimensional (3D) deep-learning-based automated digital gonioscopy system (DGS) in detecting 2 major characteristics in eyes with suspected primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG): (1) narrow iridocorneal angles (static gonioscopy, Task I) and (2) peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) (dynamic gonioscopy, Task II) on OCT scans. DESIGN: International, cross-sectional, multicenter study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1.112 million images of 8694 volume scans (2294 patients) from 3 centers were included in this study (Task I, training/internal validation/external testing: 4515, 1101, and 2222 volume scans, respectively; Task II, training/internal validation/external testing: 378, 376, and 102 volume scans, respectively). METHODS: For Task I, a narrow angle was defined as an eye in which the posterior pigmented trabecular meshwork was not visible in more than 180° without indentation in the primary position captured in the dark room from the scans. For Task II, PAS was defined as the adhesion of the iris to the trabecular meshwork. The diagnostic performance of the 3D DGS was evaluated in both tasks with gonioscopic records as reference. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the 3D DGS were calculated. RESULTS: In Task I, 29.4% of patients had a narrow angle. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 3D DGS on the external testing datasets were 0.943 (0.933-0.953), 0.867 (0.838-0.895), and 0.878 (0.859-0.896), respectively. For Task II, 13.8% of patients had PAS. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 3D DGS were 0.902 (0.818-0.985), 0.900 (0.714-1.000), and 0.890 (0.841-0.938), respectively, on the external testing set at quadrant level following normal clinical practice; and 0.885 (0.836-0.933), 0.912 (0.816-1.000), and 0.700 (0.660-0.741), respectively, on the external testing set at clock-hour level. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D DGS is effective in detecting eyes with suspected PACG. It has the potential to be used widely in the primary eye care community for screening of subjects at high risk of developing PACG.

Sensitivity and Specificity of New Visual Field Screening Software for Diagnosing Hemianopia.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of visual field results generated by the newly developed software (CU-VF) and the standard automated perimetry (SAP) for detecting hemianopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-three subjects with hemianopia and 33 controls were tested with the CU-VF software on a personal computer and SAP. Hemianopia was defined as the presence of a hemianopic field respecting the vertical meridian on SAP with the corresponding neuroimaging pathology as evaluated by 2 neuro-ophthalmologists. Results of CU-VF were independently evaluated by 2 neuro-ophthalmologists, 1 general ophthalmologist, and 1 general practitioner in terms of the presence of hemianopia. Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficient for inter-observer reliability were calculated. Satisfaction and ease of use were evaluated with a visual analog-scale questionnaire and analyzed using paired t-test. RESULTS: The sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) of the CU-VF to detect hemianopia was 74.42% (58.53-85.96) and 93.94% (78.38-99.94). Kappa coefficient between neuro-ophthalmologists versus general ophthalmologist and general practitioner were 0.71 and 0.84, respectively. The mean (SD) test duration was 2.25 (0.002) minutes for the CU-VF and 5.38 (1.34) minutes for SAP (p < 0.001). Subjects reported significantly higher satisfaction and comfort using the CU-VF software compared to SAP. CONCLUSION: The CU-VF screening software showed good validity and reliability to detect hemianopia, with shorter test duration and higher subject satisfaction compared to SAP.

Effect of oral statin use on mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy outcomes.

PURPOSE: The effect of statins on wound healing is controversial, and their effect on trabeculectomy outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral statin use and trabeculectomy outcomes. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent primary mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy with 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP) and numbers of medications, subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections, and bleb-needling procedures were compared between statin users and nonusers. Failure was defined as an eye that failed to achieve a 20% lowering of IOP from baseline or had an IOP > 21 mm Hg, as well as an eye that required further surgical intervention, developed hypotony, or had no light perception visual acuity. RESULTS: In total, 158 subjects were enrolled, with 47 eyes from statin users and 111 eyes from statin nonusers. The 24-month cumulative probability of failure was 78.7% for statin users and 60.4% for nonusers (P = .013). Cox proportional-hazards modeling showed a significantly higher hazard risk in statin users (adjusted hazard ratio 1.61, P = .026). There were no significant between-group differences in mean IOPs or number of medications (both P > .05) at 24 months. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis that statin use was associated with increased numbers of 5-FU injections (P = .014) and bleb-needling procedures (P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that oral statin use was associated with higher rates of trabeculectomy failure and increased numbers of 5-FU injections and bleb-needling procedures.

Characteristics and long-term outcomes of childhood glaucoma: a retrospective-cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with childhood glaucoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with childhood glaucoma who visited the glaucoma clinics at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health and the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between January 2008 and January 2018. The diagnosis was based on the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network classification. We recorded their clinical characteristics and requirement of any glaucoma interventions. Results: A total of 691 eyes from 423 patients were included in this study. The patients predominantly comprised boys. The average follow-up duration was 71.3±63.8 months. The mean age at presentation was 3.9±4.4 years. Most patients presented with a high initial intraocular pressure (IOP). The average intial IOP of all patients was 28.5±11.2 mmHg. Glaucoma associated with non-acquired ocular anomalies (22.9%) was the most common subtype, followed by primary congenital glaucoma (20.8%). We recorded a family history of glaucoma in 6.4% of patients of the 234 patients with an available family history. Most patients had bilateral glaucoma (63.4%) and required at least one intervention (51.5%). The average IOP at the latest follow-up visit was 19.1±10.8 mmHg. All glaucoma types had significantly lower IOP, compared to that at their baselines (all p<0.001). Moreover, most patients had an unfavourable visual acuity (49.5%) at their latest visit. Conclusions: Secondary glaucoma associated with non-acquired ocular anomalies is the most common subtype of glaucoma. The majority of patients had unfavourable visual outcomes. These real-world findings are fundamental to acquire a better understanding of childhood glaucoma.

Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties among Axial Myopic, Nonaxial Myopic, and Nonmyopic Eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare corneal deformation characteristics using ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera (Corvis ST) in patients with nonmyopic (NM), mild-to-moderate nonaxial myopic (MM), and high axial myopic (HM) eyes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, normal subjects aged >40 years with no history of ocular laser/surgery were classified according to axial length (AL) and spherical equivalence (SE) into three groups: (1) NM (SE > -0.50 D and AL < 26 mm), (2) MM (SE -6.00 D to -0.50 D and AL < 26 mm), and (3) HM (SE ≤ -6.00 D and AL ≥ 26 mm). Seven parameters including corneal deformation amplitude (CDA), inward/outward corneal applanation length, inward/outward corneal velocity (ICV and OCV), peak distance, and radius were measured. Pearson correlation and linear mixed-effects model were done. RESULTS: A total of 180 eyes were recruited. 98 eyes were NM, 30 eyes were MM, and 52 eyes were HM. There were significant correlations of OCV to the degree of refractive error (r = 0.203, p < 0.001) and AL (r = -0.242, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, intraocular pressure, and corneal thickness, there was significantly higher CDA (ß = 0.07, p < 0.001), faster OCV (ß = -0.08, p < 0.001), and smaller radius (ß = -0.39, p=0.01) in the HM group compared to the NM group. CONCLUSION: The higher CDA, faster OCV, and smaller radius found in the HM may suggest that these eyes have reduced ocular stiffness and may be less stable and more prone to stress.

Factors related to hypertensive phase after glaucoma drainage device implantation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate factors related to hypertensive phase (HP) after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective charts review of glaucoma patients who underwent GDD implantation and completed 12 months of follow-up at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since 2004 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of HP. The data were analyzed for factors associated with HP. The surgical outcomes including surgical failure, post-operative visual acuity (VA), post-operative number of medications, post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), and post-operative complication were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included. Most were diagnosed with secondary glaucoma (N=51, 70.8%), and Baerveldt was the most implanted GDD (N=49, 68.1%). Mean ± SD of IOP was significantly lower: 27.1±9.6 mmHg at pre-operation and 13.7±59 mmHg at 12-month follow-up (p<0.001). HP was identified in 38/72 patients (52.8%, 95% CI 40.7-64.7). Risk factor of HP was pre-operative VA equal or better than 20/70 (p=0.021, OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.4-41.4). Presence of underlying heart disease (patients in this group had taken anti-platelets) was found as a protective factor for HP (p=0.027, OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.00-0.72). It was speculated that the anti-inflammatory effect of the anti-platelets, particularly aspirin, may be responsible for controlling inflammation and retarding fibrosis formation around drainage implants. Failure rate at 12 months was 24/72 (33%). There was no difference in all surgical outcomes between the two groups. Survival analysis also showed no significant difference between HP and non-HP group. CONCLUSION: HP commonly occurred after GDD implantation. Pre-operative VA was a risk factor for the development of HP, whereas presence of underlying heart disease was a protective factor. No association between HP and surgical outcomes was identified.

Anterior Segment Imaging for Angle Closure.

PURPOSE: To summarize the role of anterior segment imaging (AS-imaging) in angle closure diagnosis and management, and the possible advantages over the current standard of gonioscopy. DESIGN: Literature review and perspective. METHODS: Review of the pertinent publications with interpretation and perspective in relation to the use of AS-imaging in angle closure assessment focusing on anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Several limitations have been encountered with the reference standard of gonioscopy for angle assessment. AS-imaging has been shown to have performance in angle closure detection compared to gonioscopy. Also, imaging has greater reproducibility and serves as better documentation for long-term follow-up than conventional gonioscopy. The qualitative and quantitative information obtained from AS-imaging enables better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of angle closure and provides useful parameters for risk assessment and possible prediction of the response to laser and surgical intervention. The latest technologies-including 3-dimensional imaging-have allowed for the assessment of the angle that simulates the gonioscopic view. These advantages suggest that AS-imaging has a potential to be a reference standard for the diagnosis and monitoring of angle closure disease in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Although gonioscopy remains the primary method of angle assessment, AS-imaging has an increasing role in angle closure screening and management. The test should be integrated into clinical practice as an adjunctive tool for angle assessment. It is arguable that AS-imaging should be considered first-line screening for patients at risk for angle closure.

Impact of Myopia on Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma and Nonglaucoma Patients.

Purpose: We evaluated the impact of myopia on corneal biomechanical properties in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and nonglaucoma patients, and the effect of modification of glaucoma on myopic eyes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 66 POAG eyes (33 myopia, 33 nonmyopia) and 66 normal eyes (33 myopia, 33 nonmyopia). Seven corneal biomechanical parameters were measured by ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug imaging, including corneal deformation amplitude (CDA), inward/outward corneal applanation length (ICA, OCA), inward/outward corneal velocity (ICV, OCV), radius, and peak distance (PD). Results: Mean age (SD) of the 65 male (49%) and 67 female (51%) patients was 59 (9.82) years. Myopia was associated with significantly higher CDA (adjusted effect = 0.104, P = 0.001) and lower OCV (adjusted effect = -0.105, P < 0.001) in the POAG group. Within the nonglaucoma group, myopic eyes had a significantly lower OCV (adjusted effect = -0.086, P < 0.001) and higher CDA (adjusted effect = 0.079, P = 0.001). All parameters except PD suggested that glaucoma modified the effect of myopia on corneal biomechanics. Percentage differences in the adjusted myopic effect between POAG and nonglaucoma patients was 31.65, 27.27, 31.65, 50.00, 22.09, and 60.49 for CDA, ICA, OCA, ICV, OCV, and radius, respectively. Conclusions: Myopia had a significant impact on corneal biomechanical properties in the POAG and nonglaucoma groups. The differences in corneal biomechanical parameters suggest that myopia is correlated with significantly lower ocular rigidity. POAG may enhance the effects of myopia on most of these parameters.

Capability of Ophthalmology Residents to Detect Glaucoma Using High-Dynamic-Range Concept versus Color Optic Disc Photography.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of color disc photograph (C-DP) is affected by image quality, which decreases the ability to detect glaucoma. High-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging provides a greater range of luminosity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of ophthalmology residents to detect glaucoma using HDR-concept disc photography (HDR-DP) compared to C-DP. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Twenty subjects were classified by 3 glaucoma specialists as either glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or control. All C-DPs were converted to HDR-DPs and randomly presented and assessed by 10 first-year ophthalmology residents. Sensitivity and specificity of glaucoma detection were compared. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of averaged retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was 74.0 ± 6.1 µm, 100.2 ± 9.6 µm, and 105.8 ± 17.2 µm for glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, and controls, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of HDR-DP was higher than that of C-DP (87% versus 68%, mean difference: 19.0, 95% CI: 4.91 to 33.1; p = 0.014). Regarding diagnostic specificity, HDR-DP and C-DP yielded 46% and 75% (mean difference: 29.0, 95% CI: 13.4 to 44.6; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: HDR-DP statistically increased diagnostic sensitivity but not specificity. HDR-DP may be a screening tool for nonexpert ophthalmologists.

Tight orbit syndrome: a previously unrecognized cause of open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To describe a new syndrome of tight orbit and intractable glaucoma with a poor visual prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective observational case series of six patients seen at two centres between 2001 and 2007 assessing intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity and visual field. RESULTS: Three men and three women, ranging in age at diagnosis from 14 to 53 years, demonstrated similar orbital features and progressive visual field loss despite intensive management with medication and laser and operative surgery. Highest IOPs ranged from 30 to 50 mmHg. Trabeculectomy and/or glaucoma drainage devices were attempted in five patients but all failed. One patient underwent orbital decompression with achievement of IOP control. Final IOP at last follow-up was variable; only two patients achieved IOP in the normal range, with the rest ranging from 25 to 40 mmHg. All patients had advanced visual field loss. CONCLUSION: Tight orbit syndrome presents a serious clinical challenge. Despite maximum medical therapy and surgical intervention IOP is difficult to control, resulting in progressive visual field loss.

Plateau iris in Asian subjects with primary angle closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of plateau iris in Asian eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, subjects older than 40 years with PACG who had a patent laser peripheral iridotomy underwent UBM in 1 eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy images were qualitatively analyzed using standardized criteria. Plateau iris in a quadrant was defined by anteriorly directed ciliary body, absent ciliary sulcus, steep iris root from its point of insertion followed by a downward angulation, flat iris plane, and irido-angle contact. At least 2 quadrants had to fulfill these UBM criteria for an eye to be classified as having plateau iris. RESULTS: One hundred eleven subjects (70 from Singapore, 41 from Thailand) with PACG were recruited. The mean (SD) age was 65.6 (8.1) years, and 63.9% were female. Based on standardized UBM criteria, plateau iris was found in 36 of 111 eyes (32.4%; 95% confidence interval, 24.4%-41.6%). In these 36 eyes, quadrant-wise analysis showed 66.7% had plateau iris in 2 quadrants; 22.2%, in 3 quadrants; and 11.1%, in all quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: About 30% of PACG eyes with a patent laser peripheral iridotomy were found to have plateau iris on UBM, highlighting the importance of non-pupil block mechanisms in Asian individuals.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty for primary angle closure with persistently elevated intraocular pressure after iridotomy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with chronic primary angle closure, elevated IOP, and a patent iridotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic angle closure who had underwent iridotomy, had an IOP greater than 21 mm Hg and a gonioscopically visible pigmented trabecular meshwork for at least 90 degrees were enrolled. SLT was applied to open angle segments. Duration of follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients were enrolled. The mean baseline IOP was 24.6+/-2.5 mm Hg. At 6 months, IOP reduction of > or =3 mm Hg or 4 mm Hg was measured in 82% and 72% of eyes, respectively, and IOP reduction of > or =20% or 30% was measured in 54% and 24% of eyes, respectively. When only eyes that were treated with the same number or fewer medications were considered, these IOP reductions were measured in 67%, 58%, 43%, and 15%, respectively. During the study period 1 eye (1.7%) required trabeculectomy owing to IOP elevation shortly after the SLT. There were no other significant complications attributable to SLT. CONCLUSIONS: SLT seems to be a safe and effective method of reducing IOP in many eyes with primary angle closure and a patent iridotomy in which there is a sufficient extent of visible trabecular meshwork.

A 6-week, double-masked, parallel-group study of the efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004% compared with latanoprost 0:005%/timolol 0.5% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to directly compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004% eyedrops with the fixed combination of latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% eyedrops in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-masked, multicenter, parallel-group, active-controlled study. Adult subjects with open-angle glaucoma (with or without pseudoexfoliation or pigment dispersion component) or ocular hypertension were eligible to participate if their IOP was inadequately controlled with > or =4 weeks of beta-blocker monotherapy, as indicated by IOP of 22 to 36 mm Hg at 9 AM at screening. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive placebo + travoprost or latanoprost/timolol + placebo. Patients in the travoprost group administered travoprost at 9 PM and placebo at 9 AM; patients in the latanoprost/timolol group administered latanoprost/timolol at 9 AM and placebo at 9 PM. IOP measurements were performed using Goldmann applanation tonometry at 9 AM and 5 PM at the week-2 and week-6 visits. Both volunteered and elicited reports of adverse events were collected; all patients who were randomized and received > or =1 dose of study drug were included in the safety analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were randomized, of whom 106 patients were evaluable (travoprost, n = 50; latanoprost/timolol, n = 56). There were no statistically significant differences at baseline between the treatment groups, based on age group, sex, race, iris color, or diagnosis. Mean IOP values were not statistically different between groups at baseline or during treatment. In the pooled results for 9 Am assessment at weeks 2 and 6, mean (SEM) IOP reductions for travoprost and latanoprost/timolol were 7.0 (0.5) and 6.4 (0.5) mm Hg, respectively (P = NS). Adverse events related to therapy were mild in nature, and there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups. The most frequently experienced adverse events in the travoprost group were ocular hyperemia (9.3%), foreign body sensation (5.6%), abnormal vision (1.9%), allergic reaction (1.9%), conjunctivitis (1.9%), dacryocystitis (1.9%), eye discharge (1.9%), eye pruritus (1.9%), lid edema (1.9%), lid erythema (1.9%), and tearing (1.9%). In the latanoprost/timolol group, the most frequently experienced adverse events were cataract (1.8%), dry eyes (1.8%), eye pruritus (1.8%), foreign body sensation (1.8%), and ocular hyperemia (1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Mean IOP changes from baseline for travoprost 0.004% and latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination were not significantly different at follow-up in these patients. Both medications were well tolerated.

Configuration of the drainage angle, intraocular pressure, and optic disc cupping in subjects with chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between drainage angle configuration with untreated intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic disc cupping in subjects with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG). DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seventy-five Asian subjects with CACG who participated in a randomized controlled trial that investigated the IOP-reducing effect of latanoprost and timolol. METHODS: Chronic angle-closure glaucoma was defined as the presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (with or without a visual field defect), an anterior chamber angle in which the pigmented trabecular meshwork was not visible for at least 180 degrees on gonioscopy, and evidence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) in association with elevated IOP of 21 mmHg or more. Static and dynamic gonioscopy were performed, the angles were graded in each quadrant according to the Shaffer scheme, and the number of clock hours of PAS was recorded. The untreated IOP and vertical cup-to-disc ratio were correlated with mean angle width and extent of PAS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean angle width, clock hours of PAS, IOP, and vertical cup-to-disc ratio. RESULTS: Most subjects were female (75%), and the mean age was 62.9+/-9.4 years. The mean angle width was 0.77+/-0.53 and the mean number of clock hours of PAS was 4.77+/-3.2 hours. Untreated IOP correlated with angle width (r = -0.23; P<0.001) and clock hours of PAS (r = 0.22; P<0.001). Vertical cup-to-disc ratio also correlated with angle width (r = -0.17; P = 0.004) and PAS (r = 0.28; P<0.001). Performing a multiple linear regression using baseline IOP as the outcome variable with age, gender, clock hours of PAS, and angle width as predictors, there was a 0.39-mmHg (95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.63) increase in baseline untreated IOP for each unit increase in clock hours of PAS (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with CACG, the extent of PAS and a narrower width of the drainage angle were associated with higher untreated IOP and a larger vertical cup-to-disc ratio.

Intraocular pressure-reducing effects and safety of latanoprost versus timolol in patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing effect of latanoprost once daily is at least as good as that of timolol twice daily in patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG). DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, multicenter 12-week study. PARTICIPANTS: In all, 137 patients with unilateral or bilateral CACG were treated with latanoprost, and 138 were treated with timolol. METHODS: Patients received either latanoprost (9 pm) and a placebo (9 am) or timolol (both 9 am and 9 pm). Intraocular pressure was measured at 9 am and 5 pm at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 12. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The difference between groups in daily IOP (average of 9 am and 5 pm measures) reduction was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included differences between groups in IOP reductions at 9 am and 5 pm, and in proportions of patients reaching specified daily IOP levels. RESULTS: Using repeated measures (analysis of covariance: intent to treat), mean changes from baseline in daily IOP levels during 12 weeks were -8.2 mmHg and -5.2 mmHg for latanoprost- and timolol-treated patients, respectively (difference: -3.0 mmHg [95% confidence interval: -4.0, -2.1], P<0.001). Greater reductions in IOP levels at both 9 am and 5 pm were found in latanoprost-treated patients (P<0.001 for both), and greater proportions of patients receiving latanoprost reached prespecified target daily IOP levels (P<0.001 for all 3 target levels tested). Both drugs were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost administered once daily provides significantly greater IOP reduction in CACG patients than does timolol instilled twice daily.