Morphology of optic disc through heidelberg retina tomograph in retinal vein occlusions alone or in combination with primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphology of optic discs in eyes suffering from retinal vein occlusion (RVO) alone or in combination with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Prospective, observational study. 48 consecutive patients were enrolled, 30 with unilateral RVO diagnosis, 18 with unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO) associated with POAG. We divided RVOs on the basis of occlusion site: arterio-venous crossing (AV-RVO), optic cup (OC-RVO), optic nerve (ON-RVO) with head nerve swelling (ONHS-RVO) or without it (NONHS-RVO). A control group of 25 patients who were sex and age matched was selected. RESULTS: Comparing the fellow eyes of the patients with RVO and control healthy eyes, no differences emerged in cup/disc ratio but they came out for the HRT values in Rim Area, cup shape measure and height variation contour (p<0.05). The most frequent occlusion site was at the level of an arteriovenous crossing in patients not suffering from POAG (36.7%) and at the level of the optic cup in patients with RVO and POAG (50%). In the RVO group without POAG, the OC-RVO subgroup has shown an higher cup area (0.366±0.094) and cup/disc area ratio (0.184±0.063), a lower rim volume (0.374±0.021) and a different cup shape measure (-0.221±0.066) (p<0.05) compared with the AV and NONHS sites. Compared with NONHS group differences emerged also for the fibres parameters and in the height variation contour (0.346±0.081). Also in the RVO group with POAG significant differences (p<0.05) have been surveyed between OC-RVO and other occlusion sites in cup area (0.119±0.029), cup/disc area ratio (0.532±0.09), rim volume (0.374±0.07), cup/shape measure (-0.079±0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Classification of the analyzed parameters on the basis of the occlusion site provides a basis for which clinical decisions and research on causal factors in future studies can be based on.

Timogel® vs timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution: efficacy, safety, and acceptance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Timogel® preservative-free once daily compared to timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution bid in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A total of 75 patients with OHT and patients with POAG treated with timolol 0.5% bid with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg were enrolled. They underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, IOP measurements (at trough and daytime curve), evaluation of side effects, Schirmer test, break-up time [BUT], blood pressure, heart rate, ocular diastolic perfusion pressure measurements, and acceptance (Comparison of Ophthalmic Medications for Tolerability). Patients switched to Timogel® and were re-evaluated 3 months later. The analysis of variance and the Pearson Chi2 tests were used to test differences between the treatments. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure reduction at trough was 23.6% with timolol 0.5% and 22.3% with Timogel®. No statistical differences were observed in IOP values at trough and in the daytime curve between the 2 treatments. Local and systemic side effects were less frequent with Timogel® (hazard ratio: p<0.05). Patients demonstrated a significant improvement of Schirmer test and BUT (p<0.05) and a reduction of dryness and foreign body sensation (42.6% vs 15.4%; p<0.01) after switching to Timogel®. Mild and short-lasting blurred vision after Timogel® instillation occurred in about 18.5% of patients. A total of 82% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with Timogel® vs 61% with previous treatment (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Timogel® preservative-free dosed once every morning has a 24-hour hypotensive effect with a better safety profile than timolol 0.5% bid and it is well-accepted by patients. The once-daily dosing improved acceptance and compliance.

The trabecular bypass stent in a pseudophakic glaucoma patient: A 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To describe the 1-year success of a trabecular stent implant in a pseudophakic glaucoma patient. The stent is implanted through a small corneal incision under gonioscopic control. Intraocular pressure control was reported in cultured human anterior segment. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: We report the case of a patient who was implanted and followed-up for 1 year at the Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure and visual field. RESULTS: The patient's intraocular pressure was controlled with topical beta-blockers for 6 months and without therapy for 6 months. Two diurnal curves demonstrated achievement of target pressure during the day. The 1-year visual field was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: We are not aware of previous reports of trabecular stent implantation in pseudophakic patients. The trabecular stent had minimal peri-operative morbidity. Identification of the implantation site is challenging and reduction of efficacy over time may occur.

Micropulse diode laser trabeculoplasty (MDLT): A phase II clinical study with 12 months follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluates the pressure lowering potential of subthreshold micropulse diode laser trabeculoplasty (MDLT) for a clinically meaningful duration in patients with medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma (OAG). DESIGN: prospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two eyes of 20 consecutive patients with uncontrolled OAG (12 bilateral and 8 unilateral). METHODS: Confluent subthreshold laser applications over the inferior 180 degrees of the anterior TM using an 810 nm diode laser in a micropulse operating mode. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline and at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment. Flare was measured with a Kowa FM 500 flare-meter at baseline and at 3 hours, 1 day, 1 week, and 12 months post-treatment. After treatment, the patients were maintained on their pre-treatment drug regimen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Criteria for treatment response were IOP reduction >/=3 mm Hg and IOP