Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Outcomes Under Different Levels of Glaucoma Severity: A Multicenter, Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) under different levels of glaucoma severity. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicenter, before-and-after study. METHODS: One eye from all primary open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent GATT combined with cataract surgery (Phaco-GATT) or GATT stand-alone with 12 months of follow-up were included and divided according to glaucoma severity (mild = GI, moderate = GII, and advanced = GIII) and the outcomes compared. RESULTS: A total of 270 eyes were included: 90 in GI, 75 in GII, and 105 in GIII. The IOP was reduced from 18.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg in GI, 19.7 ± 6.4 mm Hg in GII, and 21.0 ± 7.9 mm Hg in GIII, preoperatively, to 11.9 ± 2.6 mm Hg in GI, 11.8 ± 2.1 mm Hg in GII, and 11.9 ± 3.0 mm Hg in GIII at 12 months postoperatively (P < .001 for all). The number of hypotensive ocular medications were reduced from 2.7 ± 1.0 in GI, 3.1 ± 0.8 in GII, and 3.2 ± 1.2 in GIII to 0.6 ± 0.9 in GI, 1.0 ± 1.1 in GII, and 1.2 ± 1.1 in GIII at the last postoperative visit (P < .001 for all). Relative success was achieved, at 1 year, in 93.8% of the eyes in GI, 89.0% in GII, and 88.1% in GIII (P = .3). Complete success was achieved in 61.8% of the eyes in GI, 43.8% in GII, and 37.6% in GIII (P = .007). No serious adverse event was observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: GATT is a safe and effective procedure in glaucoma, regardless of its preoperative severity.

Results of intrastromal corneal ring implantation in advanced keratoconus With the aim of postpoing or avoiding corneal transplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgery of intracorneal ring segment implantation with 320° of arc (320-ICRS) in patients with advanced keratoconus stage IV and maximum keratometry (Kmax) above 60 D. METHODS: A prospective, interventional case series study evaluating 25 eyes of 19 patients with keratoconus stage IV and Kmax > 60D in which 320-ICRS were implanted using VisuMax® femtosecond. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometric values (mean - mean-K, flat - K1, and steep - K2), maximum keratometry (Kmax), tomographic astigmatism, refractive astigmatism and asphericity (Q) were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The UDVA improved from 1.03 ± 0.28 LogMAR (20/200) to 0.54 ± 0.21 LogMAR (20/60), (p < 0.001), the CDVA (with glasses) improved from 0.63 ± 0.29 LogMAR (20/80) to 0.31 ± 0.16 LogMAR (20/40),(p = 0.004), K1 reduced from 54.41 ± 4.46 D to 49.36 ± 4.11 D (p < 0.001), K2 reduced from 61.15 ± 4.37 D to 53.715 ± 4.05 D, (p < 0.001), mean-K reduced from 57.55 ± 4,17 D to 51.44 ± 3,94 D (p < 0.001), Kmax reduced from 69.80 ± 8.20 D to 63.43 ± 6.31 D (p < 0.001) and asphericity (Q) changed from -1.57 ± 0.35 to -0.77 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001). A total of 89.9% patients reached BCVA wearing scleral contact lens  0.2 LogMAR(20/25). CONCLUSION: 320-ICRS to treat advanced keratoconus appears to be an efficacious and safe procedure, being a surgical alternative to delay or even prevent corneal transplantation.

Trabeculectomy in Eyes With High Myopia.

PRCIS: Primary trabeculectomy was safe and effective at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and high myopia. PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma and high myopia. PATIENT AND METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Glaucomatous patients with high myopia undergoing primary trabeculectomy surgery with at least 1 year of follow-up were compared with an age-matched control group without high myopia undergoing the same procedure. Surgical success was defined as: IOP ≤ 15 mm Hg with (qualified) or without (complete) antiglaucoma medications and at least 20% reduction from baseline IOP at the end of 48 months of follow-up. RESULTS: We included a total of 90 eyes from 90 patients (45 eyes with high myopia and 45 controls). Within the 90 eyes, 70 eyes underwent trabeculectomy and 20 eyes underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. Although patients with high myopia had higher chances for failure (37% vs. 22%) compared with controls, the difference was not statistically significant ( P =0.067). In the multivariable analysis, patients of African descent ( P =0.043) and those with juvenile glaucoma ( P =0.001) had more chances of failure, even after adjusting for myopia. There was no statistically significant difference between complication rates in both groups. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy was effective in reducing IOP in patients with high myopia and glaucoma, without the additional risk of complications compared with a control group.

Longitudinal evaluation of RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma and stable visual fields / Avaliação longitudinal da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue em pacientes glaucomatosos e suspeitos de glaucoma com campos visuais estáveis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To longitudinally compare isolated structural parameters obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields. Methods: All patients were required to have a reliable SITA Standard 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field test. Visual field stability was defined as having <5 points with p<5% and/or having no points with p<1% and/or p<0.05% in the glaucoma progression analysis comparison graph. Furthermore, the glaucoma assessment strategy was used in optical coherence tomography. Results: The study included 75 eyes from 75 patients, 43 of which had glaucoma and 32 had suspected glaucoma. The mean visual field intervals were 29.57 ± 9.65 months between the first and third tests. No visual field parameter variations (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index) and no retinal nerve fiber layer or optic disk parameter variations between the first and third tests were observed (p>0.05 for all), and no retinal nerve fiber layer parameter variations throughout the study were observed, except for optic disk parameters presenting with cup volume changes (p=0.004). However, ganglion complex cells presented a progressively decreased average ganglion cell complex parameter, with a variability of -0.98% ± 3.71% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. By contrast, the global loss volume progressively increased throughout the study, with a variability of 14.71% ± 44.52% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. The inferior ganglion cell complex parameter was significantly decreased between the first and third tests (p=0.02). Conclusion: The present findings suggest that patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields may present structural ganglion complex cell progression as assessed using RTVue optical coherence tomography.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar longitudinalmente os parâmetros estruturais isolados obtidos através da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue em pacientes glaucomatosos e suspeitos de glaucoma com campos visuais estáveis. Métodos: Todos os incluídos deveriam ter Campimetria Computadorizada Humphrey Sita Standard 24-2 confiáveis. A estabilidade campimétrica foi definida se apresentassem menos de cinco pontos com p<5% e/ou nenhum ponto com p<1% e/ou p<0,05% no gráfico de comparação do Glaucoma Progression Analysis. Para a tomografia de coerência óptica, foi utilizado a estratégia de avaliação para glaucoma. Resultados: Foram incluídos 75 olhos de 75 pacientes: 43 com glaucoma e 32 suspeitos. A média dos intervalos do campo visual entre o 1o e 3o exame, foi de 29,57 ± 9,65 meses. Não houve variação para os parâmetros do campo visual (desvio médio, desvio padrão e índice da função visual) entre o primeiro e o último exame (p>0,05 para todos). Não houve variação dos parâmetros da camada de fibras nervosas da retina ao longo do estudo, enquanto que para os parâmetros do disco óptico, apenas cup volume apresentou mudança (p=0,004). Em relação à camada de células ganglionares da retina, notou-se uma redução progressiva na espessura média da Ganglionar Complex Cells com uma variabilidade entre o primeiro e último exame de -0,98 ± 3,71% (p=0,04). Quanto ao Global loss volume, houve um aumento progressivo ao longo do estudo com uma variabilidade entre o primeiro e último exame de 14,71 ± 44,52% (p=0,04). O parâmetro inferior do Ganglionar Complex Cells também reduziu significativamente entre o 1o e 3o exames (p=0,02). Os demais parâmetros da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue se mantiveram estáveis entre o 1o e 3o exames. Conclusão: Os presentes achados sugerem que pacientes glaucomatosos ou com suspeita de glaucoma e com campos visuais estáveis, podem apresentar progressão estrutural na camada de células ganglionares da retina avaliada por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue.

Longitudinal evaluation of RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma and stable visual fields.

PURPOSE: To longitudinally compare isolated structural parameters obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields. METHODS: All patients were required to have a reliable SITA Standard 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field test. Visual field stability was defined as having <5 points with p<5% and/or having no points with p<1% and/or p<0.05% in the glaucoma progression analysis comparison graph. Furthermore, the glaucoma assessment strategy was used in optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The study included 75 eyes from 75 patients, 43 of which had glaucoma and 32 had suspected glaucoma. The mean visual field intervals were 29.57 ± 9.65 months between the first and third tests. No visual field parameter variations (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index) and no retinal nerve fiber layer or optic disk parameter variations between the first and third tests were observed (p>0.05 for all), and no retinal nerve fiber layer parameter variations throughout the study were observed, except for optic disk parameters presenting with cup volume changes (p=0.004). However, ganglion complex cells presented a progressively decreased average ganglion cell complex parameter, with a variability of -0.98% ± 3.71% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. By contrast, the global loss volume progressively increased throughout the study, with a variability of 14.71% ± 44.52% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. The inferior ganglion cell complex parameter was significantly decreased between the first and third tests (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields may present structural ganglion complex cell progression as assessed using RTVue optical coherence tomography.

The effect of bevacizumab, 5-fluorouracil, and triamcinolone on the healing modulation of surgical wounds in rats.

In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of 5-fluorouracil, triamcinolone, and bevacizumab on scar modulation in an experimental rat model of surgical lesions. Rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were divided into four groups: bevacizumab, 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone, bevacizumab + 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone, and control (received no medication) groups. A linear, dorsal incision was created and sutured for the first intention wound healing, mimicking the surgical incision of upper blepharoplasty. Treatments were initiated on day 7, and the rats were euthanized on day 14. Only in the 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone group was there a difference in the number of infiltrated monocytes. There was 56%, 86%, and 85% decrease in the number of neovessels in the bevacizumab, 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone, and bevacizumab + 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone groups, respectively, compared with the control. Picrosirius red staining showed higher collagen density and more organized collagen in the treatment groups than in the control group. Scar modulation was observed in all groups, but the 5-fluorouracil + triamcinolone group presented the best results. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the influence of three medications in combination on healing. When used together, these medications can prevent the development of unsightly scars, and are therefore promising alternatives to corticosteroids.

Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management.

Aim: To identify the ideal treatment protocol and success predictors for double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for glaucoma management. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent double-session MP3, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were retrospectively investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify preoperative success predictors. The following comparisons were made: (1) Between eyes that obtained surgical success vs failure, (2) According to the time required for MP3, and (3) Considering only eyes that required retreatment. Results: A total of 191 eyes from 148 patients were included. The preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly higher than at last follow-up visit (27.3 ± 6.9 vs 14.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Success was observed in 90.5% of the eyes. On logistic regression analysis with preoperative IOP and MP3 time as independent variables, only previous IOP was identified as a statistically significant factor (p = 0.004), with lower IOP relating to higher success. Eyes that required lower MP3 time underwent more MP3 procedures than those with higher MP3 time (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.03). In the 36 eyes that underwent retreatment, preoperative IOP was higher (31.6 ± 7.4 vs 26.3 ± 6.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001); eyes with successful IOP treatment had a higher MP3 treatment time at the first surgery than eyes with failed IOP correction (364.1 ± 68.2 vs 330.0 ± 18.0 seconds, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Thus, an ideal double-session MP3 protocol should use a high laser energy at the first surgery, and a high preoperative IOP can be considered as a predictor of surgical failure. Clinical significance: This is the first study to give special attention to the double-session MP3 protocol and success predictors. How to cite this article: Magacho L, Lima FE, Ávila MP. Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):111-116.

Use of computerized campimetry and/or optical coherence tomography for glaucoma diagnosis by non-glaucoma specialists / Uso da campimetria e/ou da tomografia de coerência óptica no diagnóstico do glaucoma por oftalmologistas generalistas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the use of visual field and/or optical coherence tomography (OCT) combined with color retinography by non-glaucoma specialists for differentiating glaucoma from physiological cupping. Methods: Eighty patients with glaucoma or physiological cupping (40 of each) were randomized according to the examination used (GI: color retinography, GII: color retinography + visual field, GIII: color retinography + optical coherence tomography, GIV: color retinography + visual field + optical coherence tomography). Twenty non-specialist ophthalmologists diagnosed glaucoma from PowerPoint slide images, without direct patient examination. Results: Inter-examiner agreement was good for GII (ĸ: 0.63; 95%CI, 0.53-0.72), moderate for GIII (ĸ: 0.58; 95%CI, 0.48-0.68) and GIV (ĸ: 0.41; 95%CI, 0.31-0.51), and low for GI (ĸ: 0.30; 95%CI, 0.20-0.39) (p<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was higher in GIII (15.8 ± 1.82) than GI (12.95 ± 1.46, p<0.001) and higher in GII (16.25 ± 2.02) than GI and GIV (14.10 ± 2.24) (both p<0.001). For glaucoma patients only, diagnostic accuracy in GII and GIII was superior to that in GI and GIV (both p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 59% and 70.5% in GI; 86.5% and 76% in GII, 86.5% and 71.5% in GIII; and 68.5% and 72.5% in GIV, respectively. Accuracy was highest in GII (81.3% [95%CI, 77.1-84.8]), followed by GIII (79% [95%CI, 74.7-82.7]), GIV (70,5% [95%CI, 65.9-74.8]), and GI (64.8% [95%CI, 60.0-69.3]). Conclusions: Non-glaucoma specialists could not differentiate glaucoma from increased physiological cupping when using color retinography assessment alone. Diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater agreement improved significantly with the addition of visual field or optical coherence tomography. However, the use of both modalities did not improve sensitivity/specificity.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivos: Verificar a influência do campo visual e/ou tomografia de coerência óptica, quando analisados em associação à retinografia colorida, na diferenciação entre indivíduos com glaucoma daqueles com aumento fisiológico de escavação. Métodos: Oitenta pacientes com glaucoma ou aumento fisiológico de escavação (40 cada) foram randomizados de acordo com o exame testado (GI: retinografia colorida, GII: retinografia colorida + campo visual, GIII: retinografia colorida + tomografia de coerência óptica, GIV: retinografia colorida + campo visual + tomografia de coerência óptica). Vinte oftalmologistas não especialistas em glaucoma diagnosticaram glaucoma através de slides do PowerPoint, sem o exame direto do paciente. Resultados: A concordância interexaminador foi boa para o GII (ĸ: 0,63; 95%CI, 0,53-0,72), moderada para GIII (ĸ: 0,58; 95%CI, 0,48-0,68) e GIV (ĸ: 0,41; 95%CI, 0,31-0,51), e baixa para o GI (ĸ: 0,30; 95%CI, 0,20-0,39) (p<0,001). Acurácia diagnostica foi maior no GIII (15,8 ± 1,82) em comparação ao GI (12,95 ± 1,46, p<0,001) e o GII (16,25 ± 2,02) maior em comparação ao GI e GIV (14,10 ± 2,24) (para ambos, p<0,001). Para os pacientes com glaucoma, a acurácia diagnostica nos grupos GII e GIII foi superior do que em GI e GIV (ambos p<0,001). Sensibilidade e especificidade foram 59% e 70,5% no GI; 86,5% e 76% no GII, 86,5% e 71,5% no GIII; 68,5% e 72,5% no GIV, respectivamente. A acurácia foi maior no GII (81,3% [95%CI, 77,1-84,8]), seguido pelo GIII (79% [95%CI, 74,7-82,7]), GIV (70,5% [95%CI, 65,9-74,8]), e GI (64,8% [95%CI, 60,0-69,3]). Conclusões: A avaliação isolada da retinografia colorida por oftalmologistas não especialistas em glaucoma não pode diferenciar pacientes com glaucoma daqueles com aumento fisiológico de escavação. Houve aumento da acurácia diagnóstica e da concordância interobservador com o acréscimo do campo visual ou da tomografia de coerência óptica. Entretanto, o uso de ambas as modalidades não melhorou a sensibilidade/especificadade.(AU)

Use of computerized campimetry and/or optical coherence tomography for glaucoma diagnosis by non-glaucoma specialists.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of visual field and/or optical coherence tomography (OCT) combined with color retinography by non-glaucoma specialists for differentiating glaucoma from physiological cupping. METHODS: Eighty patients with glaucoma or physiological cupping (40 of each) were randomized according to the examination used (GI: color retinography, GII: color retinography + visual field, GIII: color retinography + optical coherence tomography, GIV: color retinography + visual field + optical coherence tomography). Twenty non-specialist ophthalmologists diagnosed glaucoma from PowerPoint slide images, without direct patient examination. RESULTS: Inter-examiner agreement was good for GII (ĸ: 0.63; 95%CI, 0.53-0.72), moderate for GIII (ĸ: 0.58; 95%CI, 0.48-0.68) and GIV (ĸ: 0.41; 95%CI, 0.31-0.51), and low for GI (ĸ: 0.30; 95%CI, 0.20-0.39) (p<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was higher in GIII (15.8 ± 1.82) than GI (12.95 ± 1.46, p<0.001) and higher in GII (16.25 ± 2.02) than GI and GIV (14.10 ± 2.24) (both p<0.001). For glaucoma patients only, diagnostic accuracy in GII and GIII was superior to that in GI and GIV (both p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 59% and 70.5% in GI; 86.5% and 76% in GII, 86.5% and 71.5% in GIII; and 68.5% and 72.5% in GIV, respectively. Accuracy was highest in GII (81.3% [95%CI, 77.1-84.8]), followed by GIII (79% [95%CI, 74.7-82.7]), GIV (70,5% [95%CI, 65.9-74.8]), and GI (64.8% [95%CI, 60.0-69.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Non-glaucoma specialists could not differentiate glaucoma from increased physiological cupping when using color retinography assessment alone. Diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater agreement improved significantly with the addition of visual field or optical coherence tomography. However, the use of both modalities did not improve sensitivity/specificity.

Double-Session Micropulse Transscleral Laser (CYCLO G6) as a Primary Surgical Procedure for Glaucoma.

PRéCIS:: Double-session micropulse transscleral laser was an effective and safe treatment strategy for eyes that have not undergone glaucoma surgery previously. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of double-session micropulse transscleral laser (MP3) as a primary treatment modality for glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent MP3 therapy with double sessions in each hemifield, with a follow-up period of at least 6 months, were retrospectively considered. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: GI (no previous glaucoma surgery) and GII (with previous glaucoma surgery). Success was defined by either achieving a final intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 18 mm Hg and an IOP reduction of >20%, or a minimum 50% reduction in the number of glaucoma medications, at the last visit, without any serious complications. RESULTS: Eighty-four eyes were included in the GI group and 101 in the GII group, with the latter demonstrating relatively higher preoperative IOP (31.1±5.4 vs. 26.2±6.9 mm Hg, P<0.001). Final IOP (14.9±5.2 vs. 13.6±4.1 mm Hg, P=0.06), average MP3 treatment time (358.0±50.7 vs. 362.7±67.8 s, P=0.5), and follow-up duration (10.8±5.1 vs. 12.3±5.4 mo, P=0.06) were similar between the groups. The percentage reduction with regard to glaucoma medication was higher in GI than in GII (49.1±28.8 vs. 38.8±30.1%, P=0.02). GI underwent fewer MP3 procedures than GII (1.2±0.5 vs. 1.5±0.8, P=0.002). No hypotony or phthisis bulbi was observed in GI (1 and 2 in GII, respectively). Procedural success was noted in 92.9% of the cases in GI and 87.1% in GII. CONCLUSIONS: Double-session MP3 therapy could be considered as a safe and effective procedure to treat glaucoma in eyes that have not undergone any previous glaucoma surgery. Primary eyes achieved a success-rate similar to those with refractory glaucoma with fewer MP3 procedures and fewer glaucoma medications.

Double-session micropulse transscleral laser (CYCLO G6) for the treatment of glaucoma.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for the treatment of glaucoma. This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent MP3 laser with the standard protocol and were within at least 12 months of their follow-up appointments. Eyes were treated at 2000 mW with 31.3% duty cycle for 80 s per treatment session, with double sessions in each hemifield alternating between upper and lower and upper and lower. Success criterion was defined as a greater than 20% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and an IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. Eighty-nine eyes of seventy-six glaucoma patients were included; 31 of which were considered primary, i.e., no previous glaucoma surgery. The average pre-treatment IOP was 29.9 ± 6.4 mmHg. At around 16.7 ± 3.1 months of follow-up, the average IOP was 14.8 ± 4.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) (28.8 ± 7.4 to 15.7 ± 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.001, at 17.0 ± 3.1 months in the primary eyes). The number of topical glaucoma medications was reduced from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.9 at the last evaluation (p < 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity in logMAR ranged from 0.41 ± 0.34 preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.44 at the last visit (p = 0.2), and also remained stable in primary eyes. Success was obtained in 86.5% of the eyes, with 1.5 ± 0.8 procedures, and in 90.3% with 1.2 ± 0.5 MP3 laser procedures in the primary eye group. MP3 laser in two consecutive 80-s sessions was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of glaucoma. Primary eyes required lower number of MP3 laser procedures.

Clinical outcomes after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring with 140-degree of arc in patients with corneal ectasia.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical and tomographic outcomes after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) with 140-degrees of arc in eyes with corneal ectasia. METHODS: We evaluated patients with corneal ectasia implanted with Ferrara 140° ICRS from April 2010 to February 2015. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry simulated (K) reading, tomographic astigmatism and asphericity. All patients were evaluated using the Pentacam Scheimpflug system. RESULTS: The study evaluated 58 eyes. The mean follow-up was 16.81±10.8mo. The CDVA (logMAR) improved from 0.5±0.20 (20/60) to 0.3±0.21 (20/40) (P<0.01). The average K reduced from 49.87±7.01 to 47.34±4.90 D (P<0.01). The asphericity changed from -0.60±0.86 to -0.23±0.67 D (P<0.01). The mean preoperative tomographic astigmatism decreased from -8.0±3.45 to -4.53±2.52 D (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The new ICRS model with 140-degrees of arc effectively improve the visual acuity and reduce the high astigmatism usually found in patients with corneal ectasia.

Comparison of biometric predictability and final refraction expected in phacoemulsification surgery with and without trabeculectomy / Comparação da previsibilidade biométrica e refração final esperada em cirurgia de facoemulsificação com e sem trabeculectomia

Abstract Objective: The main purpose of this article is to compare the predictability of biometric results and final refractive outcomes expected in patients undergoing cataract surgery through phacoemulsification with and without associated trabeculectomy. Methods: Cataract patients who have undergone phacoemulsification surgery alone (control group) or associated with trabeculectomy (study group) screened. All surgeries were performed following standard protocol. For enrollment, biometrics calculated by IOL Master (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.) biometry, refraction and intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after surgery were required. Data was compared between groups in addition to the correlation between variation of IOP and final refraction. Results: Thirty eyes per group were enrolled. Only prior IOP (p <0.001), IOP post-surgery (p = 0.01) and the difference in IOP (p <0.001) were statistically significant. Axial length, IOL diopter used, expected spherical refraction by biometrics and astigmatism pre- and post-surgery were similar in both groups (p=0.1; 0.4; 0.4; 0.5 and 0.3, respectively). Spherical predictability by biometrics within 0.25 diopters was noted in both the control group (range 0.06 ± 0.45) and study group (range 0.25 ± 0.97, p = 0.3). There was no statistical significance between groups for the difference between final cylinder and corneal astigmatism (p = 0.9), and the difference between axis of refractive and corneal astigmatism (p = 0.7). Conclusion: The biometric predictability in phacoemulsification surgery and the expected final refraction are significant, andare not modified by trabeculectomy in the combined surgeries.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar a previsibilidade dos resultados refracionais e da biometria em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata por facoemulsificação com e sem trabeculectomia (Trec) associada. Métodos: Pacientes com catarata submetidos à cirurgia de facoemulsificação isolada (grupo controle) ou associada a Trec (catarata + glaucoma, grupo estudo) foram consecutivamente selecionados. Todas as cirurgias foram feitas seguindo protocolo padrão. Para inclusão, era necessário apresentar biometria calculada pelo biômetro IOL Master (Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Inc), refração e pressão intraocular (Pio) pré e pós-operatórios. Os dados foram comparados entre os grupos, além da correlação entre a variação da Pio e a refração final. Resultados: Foram incluídos 30 olhos por grupo. Na comparação, apenas a Pio prévia (p<0,001), Pio pós cirurgia (p=0,01) e a diferença de Pio pré-pós cirurgia (3,8 ± 4,4mmHg vs. 15,5 ± 9,3mmHg, grupos controle e estudo, respectivamente, p<0,001) foram estatisticamente significativos. Diâmetro axial, dioptria da Lio utilizada, dioptria esperada pela biometria e astigmatismo prévio e pós- cirurgia foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre os grupos (p=0,1; 0,4; 0,4; 0,5 e 0.3, respectivamente). Notou-se previsibilidade esférica pela biometria dentro de 0,25 dioptrias, tanto no grupo controle (variação de 0,06 ± 0,45), quanto no grupo estudo (variação de 0,25 ± 0,97, p=0,3). Não houve significância estatística entre os grupos para a diferença entre o cilindro final e o astigmatismo corneano em dioptrias (p=0,9), e diferença entre o eixo do astigmatismo refracional e corneano (p=0,7). Conclusão: A previsibilidade biométrica e a refração na cirurgia de facoemulsificação aferida pelo biômetro IOL Master é significativa, e não sãoalteradas na cirurgia combinada com trabeculectomia.

Cognitive evaluation of patients with glaucoma and its comparison with individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cognitive performance of patients with glaucoma and compare it to individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional and case-control study. All subjects were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and its subtests verbal fluency, word list memory, delayed recall of the word list, word list recognition test, Boston naming and constructive praxis from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). The results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: A total of 50 healthy elderly with a mean age of 71.2 ± 5.2 years; 41 patients with glaucoma (72.2 ± 4.4 years); and 21 patients with AD (79.0 ± 7.6 years) were included. There was a reduction in all cognitive assessment tests evaluated, both for patients with glaucoma, and for those with AD compared with controls (p < 0.001 for all). Comparing the patients with glaucoma and AD, it was noted that the last had lower cognitive function (p < 0.001), except for the CERAD tests Boston (p = 0.1) and praxis (p = 0.6). Glaucoma patients, however, presented results of cognitive tests similar to those described for patients with mild AD, including lower values for MMSE (21.9 ± 3.7), Boston (10.6 ± 2.6) and praxis (5.9 ± 2.3). CONCLUSION: Glaucoma patients had reduction in cognition when compared to normal individuals. They were similar to the values reported in the literature for patients with mild AD, mostly, and also in some subjects with the presence of advanced AD.

Comparison of linear measurements of optic cup-to-disk ratio obtained with RTVue OCT and digital retinography.

PURPOSE: To compare the linear measurements of the optic disk cup obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) with those obtained using digital retinography. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed with digital retinography and RTVue OCT images from patients with glaucoma or patients suspected of glaucoma. In color retinography, the greatest horizontal and vertical diameters of the optic disk starting from the inner edge of the Elschnig ring were obtained using a pachymeter with a grade of 0.01 mm. In OCT, the delineation of the optic nerve was obtained automatically from the horizontal and vertical cup results. RESULTS: One hundred eyes from 100 subjects with a mean age of 60.1 ± 15.7 years were included. Of these, 79 were the right eye and 21 the left eye, with 61 men and 39 women. The mean horizontal cup obtained with OCT was 0.91 ± 0.10, while that obtained with retinography was 0.79 ± 0.11 (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was poor agreement between the evaluated methods in the measurements of optic disk cup excavations. Measurements obtained automatically with OCT RTVue were higher but were significantly correlated with measurements obtained manually with digital retinography. Poor agreement of the optic disk parameters between the two imaging devices was noted.

Influence of visual field results in the glaucoma diagnosis / Influência dos resultados do campo visual no diagnóstico de glaucoma

Abstract Objective: To determine the influence of visual field results in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Methods: A questionnaire with ophthalmologists was conducted where slides of a digital photograph of the optic disc and computerized visual field exam were presented.(Physicians were instructed to answer whether glaucoma was observed in each of the slides). No other information was given to those examiners. Half of the patients had glaucoma with corresponding visual field, and the other half had physiological cupping and normal visual field. The slides were equally divided between retinography and corresponding visual field (same patient) and exams randomly exchanged, where an optic disc of glaucoma with a normal visual field was placed, and vice-versa. The order in which the slides were presented was also randomized. Results: Forty slides were evaluated by 29 ophthalmologists. No glaucoma specialist was included. The overall agreement among the examiners (Kappa) was 0.270 ± 0.281, and 0.261 ± 0.238 for the exams of the same eye and was 0.274 ± 0.217 from the slides with the exams changed (p=0.4). The diagnosis was made correctly in glaucoma patients with corresponding visual field exam in 66.89% of the cases, and in 66.20% of patients with physiological cupping. When the exams were exchanged, the results dropped to 34.13% and 35.86%, respectively (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: Visual field results may influence the diagnosis of glaucoma by non-glaucoma specialists.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da campimetria computadorizada no diagnóstico do glaucoma. Métodos: Foi realizado questionário com oftalmologistas apresentando slides com uma fotografia digital de disco óptico e campo visual computadorizado. Os médicos deveriam assinalar se o exames apresentados eram de glaucoma ou não. Nenhuma outra informação foi passada para os examinadores. Metade dos pacientes apresentavam glaucoma com dano correspondente de campo visual, e a outra metade aumento fisiológico da escavação e campo visual normal. Os slides foram igualmente divididos em: retinografia e campo visual correspondentes (mesmo paciente) e exames invertidos de forma aleatória, colocando um disco óptico de glaucoma com um campo visual normal e vice-versa. A ordem de apresentação dos slides foi randomizada previamente. Resultados: Foram incluídos 40 slides, avaliados por 29 oftalmologistas. Nenhum especialista em glaucoma foi incluído. A concordância entre os examinadores (Kappa) foi de 0,270 ± 0,281, sendo de 0,261 ± 0,238 para os exames correspondentes e 0,274 ± 0,217 para os slides com os exames trocados (p=0,4). O diagnóstico foi realizado corretamente nos pacientes com glaucoma com o campo visual correspondente em 66,89% dos casos, e em 66,20% nos pacientes com aumento da escavação (normais). Quando houve a troca da correspondência dos exames, os valores caíram para 34,13% e 35,86%, respectivamente (p<0,001 para ambos). Conclusão: O conhecimento prévio dos resultados do campo visual pode influenciar o diagnóstico do glaucoma.

Comparison of linear measurements of optic cup-to-disk ratio obtained with RTVue OCT and digital retinography / Comparação entre as medidas lineares da relação escavação/disco óptico obtidas com o OCT RTVue e a retinografia digital

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the linear measurements of the optic disk cup obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) with those obtained using digital retinography. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed with digital retinography and RTVue OCT images from patients with glaucoma or patients suspected of glaucoma. In color retinography, the greatest horizontal and vertical diameters of the optic disk starting from the inner edge of the Elschnig ring were obtained using a pachymeter with a grade of 0.01 mm. In OCT, the delineation of the optic nerve was obtained automatically from the horizontal and vertical cup results. Results: One hundred eyes from 100 subjects with a mean age of 60.1 ± 15.7 years were included. Of these, 79 were the right eye and 21 the left eye, with 61 men and 39 women. The mean horizontal cup obtained with OCT was 0.91 ± 0.10, while that obtained with retinography was 0.79 ± 0.11 (p<0.01). Conclusions: There was poor agreement between the evaluated methods in the measurements of optic disk cup excavations. Measurements obtained automatically with OCT RTVue were higher but were significantly correlated with measurements obtained manually with digital retinography. Poor agreement of the optic disk parameters between the two imaging devices was noted.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as medidas lineares da escavação do disco óptico, obtidas com o OCT RTVue com as obtidas pela retinografia digital. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Utilizou-se imagens de retinografia digital e exames de OCT obtidos pelo aparelho RTVue de pacientes suspeitos ou com glaucoma. Na retinografia colorida, foram obtidos os maiores diâmetros horizontal e vertical do disco óptico, a partir da borda interna do Anel de Elschnig através de paquímetro com graduação de 0,01 mm. No OCT, a delineação do nervo óptico foi obtida automaticamente e a partir dos resultados foi registrado o diâmetro horizontal e vertical da escavação. Resultados: Foram incluídos 100 olhos de 100 indivíduos, com idade média de 60,1 ± 15,7 anos. Desses, 79 foram do olho direito e 21 do olho esquerdo, sendo 61 homens e 39 mulheres. Verificou-se que as médias das escavações horizontais obtidas com o OCT foram de 0,91 ± 0,10, enquanto que as obtidas pela retinografia foram 0,79 ± 0,11 (p<0,01). Conclusões: Nota-se fraca concordância entre os métodos avaliados para quantificar as medidas das escavações do disco óptico. As medidas obtidas automaticamente pelo OCT RTVue foram maiores, porém correlacionadas com as medidas obtidas manualmente pela retinografia digital. Além disso, notou-se fraca concordância nos parâmetros do disco óptico entre os dois dispositivos de imagens.

Prospective study comparing mitomycin C or bevacizumab as adjuvant in trabeculectomy revision by needling.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of mitomycin C (MMC) or bevacizumab (BEV) as adjunctive in the needling revision of failed trabeculectomy blebs. METHODS: Glaucoma patients with failed trabeculectomy were included. Cystic blebs were excluded. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon at the operating room under peribulbar blockade. Rate of success, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma drugs in use were compared before and after the procedures. The IOP was measured postoperatively at days 1, 30, 90, and 180. Absolute success was defined as IOP ≤18 mm Hg, without any complication or use of any antiglaucomatous drugs. Qualified success was the same criteria, but with the use of any antiglaucomatous drugs. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients were included: 15 eyes with MMC and 14 eyes with BEV. There was no statistical difference in the IOP reduction between the groups (MMC 32.6 ± 16.1% vs BEV 30.1 ± 12.0%, p = 0.6). The BEV group showed similar reduction in the number of antiglaucoma drugs compared to the MMC group (p = 0.6). Absolute success was found in 28.5% of the BEV group and in 6.6% of patients with MMC. Qualified success was found in 64.3% and 73.4%, respectively, both limited to 180 days. CONCLUSIONS: In this selected and limited group of patients, bevacizumab can be considered as an alternative to MMC in the needling revision of failed trabeculectomy. Studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the hypothesis suggested here.