The retinal venous pressure at different levels of airway pressure measured with a new method.

PURPOSE: This study is to investigate the increase in retinal venous pressure (RVP) induced by a stepwise increase in airway pressure (AirP) using the new IOPstim method, which is designed to artificially increase the intraocular pressure (IOP) and thus to stimulate vascular pulsation. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy subjects were examined in the left eye. The RVP was measured at baseline and at four different levels of AirP (10, 20, 30, and 40 mmHg) using the new IOPstim method: a half balloon of 8 mm diameter is inflated laterally to the cornea under observation of the central retinal vein. As soon as the vein pulsates at a certain AirP level, the IOP is measured with a commercially available tonometer, which then corresponds to the RVP. RESULTS: Spontaneous venous pulsation was observed in all study participants. The mean RVP values at baseline and at the AirP levels of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mmHg were 17.6 ± 2.8 mmHg; 20.1 ± 3.0 mmHg; 22.1 ± 3.5 mmHg; 24.3 ± 3.7 mmHg, and 26.6 ± 4.2 mmHg, respectively. The mean RVP values of each AirP level were statistically significantly different from each other in pairwise comparison. In a linear mixed model, the effect of AirP on RVP was highly significant (p < 0.001). In the model, a 10-mmHg increase in AirP resulted in a linear increase in RVP of 2.2 mmHg. CONCLUSION: An increase in AirP was accompanied by a linear increase in RVP. The influence of AirP on RVP, and thus on retinal perfusion pressure during the Valsalva maneuver, is less than was assumed based on previous studies in which contact lens dynamometry was used.

Additional Guidance on the Use of the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt in the Treatment of Glaucoma: Insights from a Second Delphi Consensus Panel.

INTRODUCTION: The PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt (PMS) has been proven to significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma and has been available for use since 2019. With increasing published evidence and growing experience of glaucoma surgeons, the aim of this modified Delphi panel was to build on the findings of a previous Delphi panel conducted in 2021 and provide further guidance on the role of the PMS to treat patients with glaucoma in Europe. METHODS: Thirteen European glaucoma surgeons experienced in the PMS procedure participated in a 3-round modified Delphi panel. A targeted literature review and expert steering committee guided Round 1 questionnaire development. Consensus was pre-defined at a threshold of ≥ 70% of panellists selecting 'strongly agree'/'agree' or 'strongly disagree'/'disagree' for 6-point Likert scale questions or ≥ 70% selecting the same option for multiple or single-choice questions. Questions not reaching consensus were restated/revised for the next round, following guidance from free-text responses/scoping questions. RESULTS: In total, 28% (n = 9/32), 52% (n = 16/31) and 91% (n = 10/11) of statements reached consensus in Rounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was agreement that the PMS may be used in patients with pigmentary, post-trauma or post-vitrectomy glaucoma and for patients with uveitic glaucoma without active inflammation. The PMS may be more suitable for patients with contact lenses than other subconjunctival filtering surgeries, without eliminating bleb-associated risks. Consensus was reached that combining PMS implantation and phacoemulsification may be as safe as standalone PMS surgery, but further efficacy data are required. Following a late rise in IOP ≥ 4 months post-surgery, topical aqueous suppressant drops or bleb revision may be suitable management options. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi panel builds on the considerations explored in the 2021 Delphi panel and provides further detailed guidance for glaucoma surgeons on the use of the PMS, reflecting the availability of novel evidence and surgical experience. Videos are available for this article.

Measurement of the retinal venous pressure with a new instrument in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of retinal venous pressure (RVP) measurement performed with contact lens dynamometry (CLD) and with the new IOPstim. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included 36 patients with primary open angle glaucoma with a median age (Q25; Q75) of 74 (64; 77) years (m/f = 18/18), baseline intraocular pressure (IOP): 13.9 (12.2; 15.1) mmHg. Median mean defect: - 5.8 (- 11.9; - 2.6) db. Principle of the IOPstim: an empty balloon with a diameter of 8 mm is positioned on the eye, laterally of the limbus. Under observation of the central retinal vein (CRV), the examiner inflates the balloon. As soon as the CRV starts pulsation, the inflation is stopped and the IOP is measured, equaling the RVP at this moment. In the CLD, the pulsation of the CRV is observed with a contact lens. The RVP is calculated from the attachment force applied when pulsation appears. COURSE OF EXAMINATIONS: Three single measurements of RVP in quick succession with both methods. The sequence of the two methods was randomized. The means of the three RVP measurements were compared. RESULTS: Pressures in mmHg. RVP: IOPstim: 19.4 ± 5.4 (mean ± SD), CLD: 20.3 ± 5.9. Range of three single measurements: IOPstim: 2.9 ± 1.5, CLD: 2.2 ± 1.1. The differences were RVPIOPstim - RVPCLD = - 0.94 ± 1.15, and approximately normally distributed. Bland-Altman analysis: only one data point was 0.5 mmHg higher than the upper line of agreement. The confidence interval of this line was 0.65 mmHg. Concordance correlation coefficient according to Lin (CCC): 0.96. Intraclass correlation coefficient: both methods, 0.94. CONCLUSION: In both methods, the range of the single measurements may be taken as a sign of good reliability, the CCC of 0.96 as a sign of a very good agreement. At the mean, the IOPstim RVP values were 1 mmHg lower than those obtained with the CLD. This difference may be due to the different directions of the prevailing force vectors induced by the instruments. The IOPstim seems applicable in glaucoma diagnostics.

PRESERFLO ™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy: 1-year results on efficacy and safety.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after one year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional prospective interventional cohort study comparing eyes with POAG, which had received the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy. The MicroShunt group was matched with the trabeculectomy group for age, known duration of disease, and number and classes of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications to have similar conjunctival conditions. The study is part of the Dresden Glaucoma and Treatment Study, using a uniform study design, with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria, follow-ups and standardized definitions of success and failure for both procedures. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: mean diurnal IOP (mdIOP, mean of 6 measurements), peak IOP, and IOP fluctuations. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: success rates, number of IOP lowering medications, visual acuity, visual fields, complications, surgical interventions, and adverse events. RESULTS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients, 30 in each group, were analyzed after 1-year follow-ups. Median [Q25, Q75] mdIOP (mmHg) dropped from 16.2 [13.8-21.5] to 10.5 [8.9-13.5] in the MicroShunt and from 17.6 [15.6-24.0] to 11.1 [9.5-12.3] in the trabeculectomy group, both without glaucoma medications. Reduction of mdIOP (P = .596), peak IOP (P = .702), and IOP fluctuations (P = .528) was not statistically significantly different between groups. The rate of interventions was statistically significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group, especially in the early postoperative period (P = .018). None of the patients experienced severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: Both procedures are equally effective and safe in lowering mdIOP, peak IOP and IOP fluctuations in patients with POAG, one year after surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02959242.

Estimating pulsatile ocular blood volume from intraocular pressure, ocular pulse amplitude, and axial length.

The purpose of this study was to develop a method of estimating pulsatile ocular blood volume (POBV) from measurements taken during an ophthalmic exam, including axial length and using a tonometer capable of measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). Unpublished OPA data from a previous invasive study was used in the derivation, along with central corneal thickness (CCT) and axial length (AL), as well as IOP from the PASCAL dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) and intracameral (ICM) measurements of IOP for 60 cataract patients. Intracameral mean pressure was set to 15, 20, and 35 mmHg (randomized sequence) in the supine position, using a fluid-filled manometer. IOP and OPA measurements were acquired at each manometric setpoint (DCT and ICM simultaneously). In the current study, ocular rigidity (OR) was estimated using a published significant relationship of OR to the natural log of AL in which OR was invasively measured through fluid injection. Friedenwald's original pressure volume relationship was then used to derive the estimated POBV, delivered to the choroid with each heartbeat as a function of OR, systolic IOP (IOPsys), diastolic IOP (IOPdia), and OPA, according to the derived equation POBV = log (IOPsys/IOPdia) / OR. Linear regression analyses were performed comparing OPA to OR and calculated POBV at each of the three manometric setpoints. POBV was also compared to OPA/IOPdia with all data points combined. Significance threshold was p < 0.05. OR estimated from AL showed a significant positive relationship to OPA for both DCT (p < 0.011) and ICM (p < 0.006) at all three manometric pressure setpoints, with a greater slope for lower IOP. Calculated POBV also showed a significant positive relationship to OPA (p < 0.001) at all three setpoints with greater slope at lower IOP, and a significant negative relationship with IOPdia. In the combined analysis, POBV showed a significant positive relationship to OPA/ IOPdia (p < 0.001) in both ICM and DCT measurements with R2 = 0.9685, and R2 = 0.9589, respectively. POBV provides a straight-forward, clinically applicable method to estimate ocular blood supply noninvasively. Higher IOP in combination with lower OPA results in the lowest values of POBV. The simplified ratio, OPA/ IOPdia, may also provide a useful clinical tool for evaluating changes in ocular blood supply in diseases with a vascular component, such as diabetic retinopathy and normal tension glaucoma. Future studies are warranted.

Evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties using the ocular response analyzer and the dynamic Scheimpflug-Analyzer Corvis ST in high pressure and normal pressure open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To characterize differences in corneal biomechanics in high (HPG) and normal pressure (NPG) primary open-angle glaucoma, and its association to disease severity. METHODS: Corneal biomechanical properties were measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and the dynamic Scheimpflug-Analyzer Corvis ST (CST). Disease severity was functionally assessed by automated perimetry (Humphrey field analyzer) and structurally with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. To avoid a possible falsification by intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and age, which strongly influence ORA and CST measurements, group matching was performed. Linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations were used to consider inter-eye correlation. RESULTS: Following group matching, 60 eyes of 38 HPG and 103 eyes of 60 NPG patients were included. ORA measurement revealed a higher CRF in HPG than in NPG (P < 0.001). Additionally, the CST parameter integrated radius (P < 0.001) was significantly different between HPG and NPG. The parameter SSI (P < 0.001) representing corneal stiffness was higher in HPG than in NPG. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed associations between biomechanical parameters and indicators of disease severity. In HPG, SSI correlated to RNFL thickness. In NPG, dependencies between biomechanical readings and rim area, MD, and PSD were shown. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in corneal biomechanical properties were detectable between HPG and NPG patients which might indicate different pathophysiological mechanisms underlying in both entities. Moreover, biomechanical parameters correlated to functional and structural indices of diseases severity. A reduced corneal deformation measured by dynamic methods was associated to advanced glaucomatous damage.

Effectiveness and safety of VISULAS® green selective laser trabeculoplasty: a prospective, interventional multicenter clinical investigation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) with the SLT mode of the VISULAS® green laser in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This prospective, interventional multicenter clinical investigation included patients with POAG who either needed a treatment escalation because the individual intraocular pressure (IOP) target was not met or treatment initiation and had an IOP ≥ 17 mmHg at baseline in the study eye. The study was conducted in five research centers across Germany. Approximately 100 laser applications were delivered to 360° of the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma medications were not modified during the 3-month follow-up to allow evaluation of the sole effect of VISULAS® green with SLT. Efficacy outcomes were postoperatively absolute and relative IOP changes at 1 and 3 months. Safety outcomes analyzed the rate of intra- and postoperative adverse events. RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes of 34 POAG patients were included. The overall mean number of preoperative glaucoma medications was 2.2 ± 1.4 in 29 treated eyes, 5 eyes were treatment naïve. Mean baseline IOP (mmHg) was 21.0 ± 2.69 and was reduced by - 3.53 ± 3.34 [95% CI - 4.61; - 2.45] and - 3.59 ± 3.41 [95% CI - 4.64; - 2.53] at the 1- and 3-month follow-up, respectively (p < 0.0001), with 48.5% of cases achieving a ≥ 20% IOP reduction at 3 months [95% CI = 30.8%; 66.5%]. The mean relative IOP reduction was - 16.4% and - 16.3% at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). Potentially device- or procedure-related adverse events were mild to moderate and included 3 postoperative IOP-spikes and 6 reports regarding eye pain and discomfort. All were resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: SLT performed with the VISULAS® green laser achieved clinically significant additional IOP reductions in medically treated as well as in treatment naïve eyes with POAG and there were no relevant safety issues. The results are comparable to other reported SLT studies.

Efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty on lowering intraocular pressure fluctuations and nocturnal peak intraocular pressure in treated primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of adjunctive selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in reducing 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and nocturnal IOP peaks. METHODS: In this prospective interventional case series, 157 medically treated eyes of 157 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who were assigned SLT to further reduce IOP were consecutively included. Each patient had a complete glaucoma work-up and 24-h IOP monitoring (6 measurements, including one in the supine position) taken before and on average 6 months after SLT. The main outcome measures were the reduction of 24-h IOP fluctuations and nocturnal peak IOP. Secondary outcome measures were success rates, factors influencing the reduction of high 24-h IOP fluctuations and nocturnal peak IOP, complications, and severe adverse events. RESULTS: Medicated mean 24-h IOP (mmHg) was statistically significantly reduced from 15.1 ± 2.6 to 13.8 ± 2.4 (P < 0.001) and IOP fluctuations from 6.5 ± 2.7 to 5.4 ± 2.6 (P < 0.001) 6 months after SLT. Ninety-four eyes (59.9%) initially had high IOP fluctuations (more than 5 mmHg). These were reduced from 8.1 ± 2.3 to 5.6 ± 2.7 at 6 months (P < 0.001). Fifty-two eyes (55.3%) had fluctuations below 5 mmHg post-SLT which was defined as success. Fifty-one patients (32.5%) had nocturnal IOP peaks. In these cases, nocturnal IOP was reduced by 19.2% from 20.1 ± 3.4 to 16.2 ± 3.3 mmHg at 6 months (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that adjunctive SLT not only reduces mean 24-h IOP in treated POAG patients, but also has an additional benefit in reducing IOP fluctuations and nocturnal peak IOP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration: NCT02959242.

Two-Year Follow-up of MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. / 2-Jahres-Ergebnisse nach transskleraler MicroPulse-Lasertherapie bei Patienten mit primärem Offenwinkelglaukom.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term efficacy and safety of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (TLT) over a 24-month period in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective interventional case series evaluated data from 44 medically treated eyes of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who received MicroPulse TLT to achieve further reduction in IOP. The reduction in 24-hr mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP), diurnal IOP fluctuations, and peak IOP were monitored after 3, 12, and 24 months. Postoperative complications, failure rates, and factors influencing IOP reduction were also evaluated. RESULTS: IOP decreased from 16.1 ± 3.4 mmHg preoperatively to 13.0 ± 2.9 mmHg (n = 31; p < 0.001), 12.3 ± 3.0 mmHg (n = 27; p < 0.001), and 13.1 ± 2.6 mmHg (n = 23; p < 0.001) at the 3-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups. At 24 months, 23 eyes (52%) had a sufficient IOP reduction to reach the individual target pressure. No severe complications were observed. No parameters could be identified that correlated with successful IOP reduction after treatment. The highest failure rate was observed during the first 3 months and remained stable thereafter. CONCLUSION: For about 50% of POAG eyes receiving the maximum tolerated treatment, MicroPulse TLT proved an effective method of further lowering IOP so as to reach the individual target pressure.

Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma. / Biomechanische Parameter der Hornhaut als Biomarker beim primären Offenwinkelglaukom und Normaldruckglaukom.

Now that is possible to measure the biomechanical parameters of the cornea in vivo, scientific and clinical interest has increased in changes in these parameters in glaucoma. These parameters may act as biomarkers for early diagnosis, but also serve to emphasize the increased vulnerability to intraocular pressure, reduced blood flow or changing ocular perfusion pressure. Measuring and interpreting these parameters may help in achieving better and individually tailored glaucoma management.

PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt versus trabeculectomy: first results on efficacy and safety.

PURPOSE: To report efficacy and safety outcomes of the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt compared with trabeculectomy, the current gold-standard treatment for advanced glaucoma, in the early and intermediate postoperative period. METHODS: Institutional prospective interventional cohort study of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients scheduled for the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt. The comparison group were POAG patients who had had received trabeculectomy and were matched for age, known duration of disease, number and classes of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications to ensure a similar conjunctival condition. The study is part of the Dresden Glaucoma and Treatment Study (DGTS), was not randomized, but used a uniform study design, with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as standardized definitions of success and failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mean diurnal IOP (mdIOP, mean of 6 measurements), diurnal peak IOP, diurnal IOP fluctuations, glaucoma medical therapy, success rates, visual acuity, visual fields, surgical complications and interventions, and severe adverse events. RESULTS: Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients, 26 in each group, were analysed. At 6 months, median [Q25, Q75] mdIOP was 10.8 [9.5-12.2] mmHg in the microshunt and 10.3 [7.6-11.8] mmHg in the trabeculectomy group. Reduction in mdIOP (p = 0.458), peak diurnal IOP (p = 0.539), and median diurnal fluctuation (p = 0.693) was not statistically significantly different between groups. The rate of interventions was statistically significantly higher in the trabeculectomy compared with the microshunt group (p = 0.004). None of the patients experienced severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: Both procedures are equally effective and safe in lowering mdIOP in patients with POAG. Because the microshunt is less invasive with less follow-up and interventions needed postoperatively, it might be recommended earlier in the treatment of glaucoma.

The Distribution of Retinal Venous Pressure and Intraocular Pressure Differs Significantly in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Until now, venous pressure within the eye has widely been equated with intraocular pressure (IOP). Measurements with dynamometers calibrated in instrument units or in force showed that the retinal venous pressure (RVP) may be higher than the IOP in glaucoma patients. In this study, the RVP was measured with a contact lens dynamometer calibrated in mmHg. METHODS: Study type: cross-sectional. SUBJECTS: Fifty consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent diurnal curve measurement under medication. Age: 69 ± 8 years. Measurement of RVP: contact lens dynamometry. IOP measurement: dynamic contour tonometry. RESULTS: Pressures are given in mmHg. In all 50 patients, the IOP was 15.9 (13.6; 17.1) [median (Q1; Q3)], and the RVP was 17.4 (14.8; 27.2). The distribution of the IOP was normal and that of the RVP was right skewed. In the subgroup of 34 patients with spontaneous pulsation of the central retinal vein (SVP), the IOP and therefore, by definition, the RVP was 16.5 (13.7; 17.4). In the subgroup of 16 patients without SVP, the IOP was 14.8 (13.3; 16.4), and the RVP was 31.3 (26.2; 38.8) (p ≤ 0.001). In systemic treatment, the prescribed drugs were (the number of patients is given in parentheses): ACE inhibitors (20), ß-blockers (17), angiotensin II-receptor blockers (13), calcium channel blockers (12), diuretics (7). No difference in RVP was observed between patients receiving these drugs and not receiving them, except in the ß-blocker group. Here, the 17 patients with systemic ß-blockers had a median RVP of 15.6 mmHg and without 20.2 mmHg (p = 0.003). In the 16 patients with a higher RVP than IOP, only one patient received a systemic ß-blocker. The median IOP was 15.7 mmHg with systemic ß-blockers and 16.1 mmHg without (p = 0.85). CONCLUSION: In a subgroup of 16 of the 50 patients studied, the RVP was greater than the IOP by a highly statistically and clinically significant degree. According to the widely accepted thinking on the pathophysiology of retinal and optic nerve head circulation, the blood flow in these tissues may be much more compromised in this group of patients than has been assumed. They may be identified by a missing SVP. Topical and systemic medications showed no statistically significant influence on the RVP, except for the systemic ß-blockers, in which the RVP was lower by 4.6 mmHg than for the patients who did not receive these drugs (p = 0.003).

Measurement of the retinal venous pressure with a new instrument in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The retinal venous pressure (RVP) is a determining factor for the blood supply of the retina as well as the optic nerve head and until recently has been measured by contact lens dynamometry (CLD). A new method has been developed, potentially offering better acceptance. The applicability and the results of both methods were compared. METHODS: The type of this study is cross sectional. The subjects were 36 healthy volunteers, age 26 ± 5 years (mean ± s). Tonometry: rebound tonometer (RT) (iCare). The measurements were performed during an increase in airway pressure of 20 mmHg (Valsalva manoeuvre). Principle of RVP measurement: the central retinal vein (CRV) is observed during an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) and at the start of pulsation, which corresponds with the RVP. Two different instruments for the IOP enhancement where used: contact lens dynamometry and the new instrument, IOPstim. PRINCIPLE: a deflated balloon of 8 mm diameter-placed on the sclera laterally of the cornea-is filled with air. As soon as a venous pulsation occurs, filling is stopped and the IOP is measured, equalling the RVP. Examination procedure: randomization of the sequence: CLD or IOPstim, IOP, mydriasis, IOP three single measurements (SM) of the IOP with RT or of the pressure increase with CLD at an airway pressure of 20 mmHg, 5 min break, IOP, and three SM using the second method at equal pressure (20 mmHg). RESULTS: Spontaneous pulsation of the CRV was present in all 36 subjects. Pressures are given in mmHg. IOP in mydriasis 15.6 ± 3.3 (m ± s). Median RVP (MRVP)) of the three SM: CLD/IOPstim, 37.7 ± 5.2/24.7 ± 4.8 (t test: p < 0.001). Range of SM: 3.2 ± 1.8/2.9 ± 1.3 (t test: p = 0.36). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of SM: 0.88/0.83. ANOVA in SM: p = 0.48/0.08. MRVP CLD minus MRVP IOPstim: 13.0 ± 5.6. Ratio MRVP CLD/MRVP IOPstim: 1.56 ± 3.1. Cooperation and agreeability were slightly better with the IOPstim. CONCLUSION: This first study with the IOPstim in humans was deliberately performed in healthy volunteers using Valsalva conditions. As demonstrated by ICC and ANOVA, reproducible SM can be obtained by both methods and the range of the SM does not differ greatly. The higher MRVP in CLD could be explained by the different directions of the force vectors.

Efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty on Circadian Intraocular Pressure Following Trabeculectomy in Advanced Primary Open-angle Glaucoma.

PRCIS: In about 50% of post-trabeculectomy (TE) eyes, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is effective in further lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of SLT in post-TE eyes, uncontrolled on maximum tolerated medication, and/or with progression of visual field loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consecutively included post-TE eyes of patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma who had been treated with 360 degrees SLT and had a follow-up after 12 months. Primary endpoints were the reduction of mean diurnal intraocular pressure (mdIOP, mean of 6 measurements), peak IOP, and diurnal IOP fluctuations. Secondary outcomes were factors influencing IOP reduction, SLT success, and failure rates. RESULTS: Forty-three eyes of 43 patients were included. During the first year, 10 eyes (23%) needed additional procedures to reduce mdIOP and were accounted as failures and excluded from final analysis. Of the remaining 33 eyes (77%) mdIOP [Q25, Q75] dropped from 15.2 [12.2 to 16.5] to 13.2 [11.6 to 15.3] mm Hg (P=0.027), 23 eyes (54%) showed a sufficient mdIOP reduction, 1 year after SLT. CONCLUSION: SLT is effective and safe in lowering mdIOP to target IOP in about 50% of eyes after prior incisional glaucoma surgery.

Comparison of Different Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors between Glaucoma Patients and an Age-Matched Normal Population.

PURPOSE: To compare nutritional and lifestyle factors between glaucoma patients and an age-matched control group. METHODS: One hundred and ninety (190) glaucoma patients were enrolled in this study. The control group comprised 97 age-matched participants. Data on physical activity, nicotine smoking, and several nutritional habits like coffee and alcohol consumption as well as high-salt and high-protein intake were collected using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: Age and gender were not statistically significantly different between the groups. There was a tendency for higher physical activity in the glaucoma group in comparison to the control group (47.3 vs. 35.4%; p = 0.056). Statistically significantly more glaucoma patients were nonsmokers (n = 169; 89.4%) compared to the control group (n = 64; 66.7%; p = 0.001). Glaucoma patients were also more often teetotal compared to the control group (21.6% compared to 14.4%; p < 0.001). Similarly, more glaucoma patients drank larger amounts of coffee in comparison to the control group (p = 0.001). One hundred and seventy-six (96.7%) glaucoma patients and 88 (90.7%) control subjects had high-protein intake (p = 0.035). High-salt intake was significantly lower in the glaucoma group (69.3 vs. 73.2%; p = 0.018). Of the 190 glaucoma patients, 81 had early visual field impairments (MD > - 6 dB) and 109 patients had moderate (MD between - 6 dB and - 12 dB) to severe (MD < - 12 dB) visual field defects. The severity of visual field defects, whether early, moderate, or severe, had no statistically significant impact on lifestyle parameters. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our original hypothesis that glaucoma patients would tend to follow an unhealthier lifestyle than the control group, the opposite was seen. Presumably, the cause of this healthier lifestyle is the desire to contribute positively through the course of the disease.

One-Year Follow-up of Pars Plicata Versus Pars Plana Application of Transscleral Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation applied at the level of the pars plicata transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLI-MPC) versus the pars plana transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLA-MPC). METHODS: This prospective interventional case series included 44 eyes of 31 medically treated primary open-angle glaucoma patients scheduled for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation to achieve further intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. In total, 22 eyes underwent PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC each. Primary endpoints were the reduction of 24-hour mean diurnal IOP (mean of 6 measurements), diurnal IOP fluctuations, and peak IOP, after 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, a possible deterioration in visual acuity and field, factors influencing IOP reduction, and the number of dropouts. RESULTS: In the PLI-MPC group, IOP was reduced from 15.9±3.4 mm Hg to 13.6±3.1 mm Hg (n=16; P<0.001) and 12.9±3.7 mm Hg (n=13; P<0.001) at 3 and 12-month follow-up. In the PLA-MPC group, IOP decreased from 16.4±3.5 mm Hg to 12.3±2.6 mm Hg (n=15; P<0.001) and 11.8±2.2 mm Hg (n=14; P<0.001), respectively. At 12 months, 59% of the PLI-MPC and 63% of the PLA-MPC group had a sufficient IOP reduction to reach the individual target pressure. No complications were seen in either group. A higher preoperative IOP was recognized as the only factor influencing the postoperative IOP reduction. CONCLUSIONS: PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC seem to be safe and effective in further lowering the IOP in about 60% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who did not reach target pressure despite maximally tolerated IOP-lowering medication. Although the IOP-lowering effect was not statistically significantly different between groups the pars plicata application was superior and easier to perform and should be recommended as the preferred method of application.

[Vasculat treatment concepts in glaucoma patients]. / Vaskuläre Therapiekonzepte bei Glaukompatienten.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of all open-angle glaucomas do not show high intraocular pressure (IOP). Vascular risk factors play an important role in the pathogeneses of normal pressure glaucoma but high pressure glaucoma is also often accompanied by significant vascular components. OBJECTIVE: What are the practice relevant possibilities of vascular glaucoma treatment? MATERIAL AND METHODS: An evaluation of scientific articles from PubMed dealing with vascular glaucoma was carried out. RESULTS: The treatment of vascular risk factors in glaucoma patients requires a thorough medical history regarding vascular symptoms (peripheral vasospasm, tinnitus, migraine etc.) and information on the presence of systemic diseases. Furthermore, a 24h blood pressure profile and the determination of the fat metabolism status represent important and simple examinations. CONCLUSION: Besides optimizing systemic blood pressure, reducing an increased central retinal venous pressure, treatment with statins, calcium channel blockers, Ginkgo biloba extract, increased physical exercise and fluid replacement are options to ameliorate vascular conditions. An interdisciplinary cooperation with general practitioners and internists is an important component of holistic treatment.

Scheimpflug Corneal Densitometry Changes After Trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To study the possible changes in Scheimpflug corneal densitometry 6 months after mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy and to compare these measurements with healthy controls. METHODS: Corneal densitometry was monitored with the Pentacam HR3 before and 6 months after first-time uncomplicated mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy in 42 eyes of 42 white patients with open-angle glaucoma and in 22 healthy age-matched controls. Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness, known duration of the disease, gender, the type and number of substances, applications and amount of benzalkonium chloride per day, and postoperative topical cortisone use were tested for possible correlations in the trabeculectomy group. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction of mean diurnal IOP from 19.0 ± 7.7 to 11.1 ± 7.7 mm Hg (P = 0.003) and the amount of pressure-lowering substances from 3.7 ± 1.0 to 0.1 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Densitometry measurements decreased in the entire cornea from 25.5 ± 5.7 to 23.1 ± 5.8 grayscale units (P = 0.001) with emphasis in the anterior layer. They returned close to normal 6 months after trabeculectomy and were not statistically significantly different compared with a healthy control group (22.8 ± 3.4 grayscale unit; P = 0.824). No correlations could be found with these observations and possible causing factors studied. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal densitometry, an objective and sensitive measure of corneal transparency, returned close to normal 6 months after trabeculectomy. Although the observations cannot be associated with any causing factor in this study, the significant IOP reduction and the nearly complete cessation of topical antiglaucomatous substances including benzalkonium chloride seem to be the most plausible reasons for this finding.

Comparison of the diurnal efficacy and safety of cyclocryocoagulation and cyclophotocoagulation in patients with refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the diurnal IOP-lowering efficacy and safety of cyclocryocoagulation (CCC) and cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in patients with refractory glaucoma. METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 Caucasian patients with advanced primary or secondary glaucoma with only tunnel vision left were included in this retrospective, comparative interventional case series. Twenty eyes treated with CCC were compared with 20 eyes treated with CPC. Primary endpoint was the reduction of 24 h mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP; mean of 6 measurements), peak IOP and diurnal IOP fluctuations 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of postoperative complications and the identification of factors influencing the postoperative IOP reduction. RESULTS: In the CCC group (mean age 70.6 ± 13.4 years), mean diurnal IOP was significantly reduced from 20.0 ± 4.5 mmHg to 14.7 ± 2.5 (p < 0.001) at 3 months and 13.9 ± 3.34 mmHg at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). In the CPC group (mean age 74.9 ± 9.0 years), mean diurnal IOP significantly decreased from 18.2 ± 3.1 mmHg to 13.2 ± 2.2 (p < 0.001) at 3 months and 13.1 ± 2.6 mmHg (p < 0.001) at 6 months. At 6 months, 75% of the CCC and 63% of the CPC group had mean diurnal IOP reductions of 20% or more. The most frequent complication (25%) was a transient IOP increase during the first days after CCC. A higher preoperative mean diurnal IOP was recognized as the only factor influencing the postoperative IOP reduction after CCC and CPC. CONCLUSIONS: Both cyclodestructive methods seem to be reasonably safe and effective in lowering 24 h mean diurnal IOP in the perspective of 6 months in patients with refractory glaucoma. The IOP-lowering effect after CCC was better but not statistically significantly different compared to CPC. A higher rate of complications was observed in the CCC group, however.

A new biomechanical glaucoma factor to discriminate normal eyes from normal pressure glaucoma eyes.

BACKGROUND: To test the ability of the newly calculated Dresden biomechanical glaucoma factor (DBGF) based on dynamic corneal response (DCR) deformation and corneal thickness parameters, to discriminate between healthy and normal pressure glaucoma (NPG) eyes. METHODS: Seventy healthy and 70 NPG patients of Caucasian origin were recruited for this multicentre cross-sectional pilot study, which included both eyes for analysis. Logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to account for correlations between eyes and a threefold cross-validation were performed to determine the optimal combination of Corvis ST parameters in order to separate normal from NPG eyes. RESULTS: The DBGF was calculated using 5 Corvis ST parameters, which showed the best discrimination power: deformation amplitude ratio progression, highest concavity time, pachymetry slope, the biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure and pachymetry. In a threefold cross-validation, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.814 with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 77% using a logit cut-off value of a DBGF = 0.5. CONCLUSION: The DBGF shows to be sensitive and specific to discriminate healthy from NPG eyes. Since diagnosis of NPG is often challenging, the DBGF may help with the differential diagnosis of NPG in daily clinical practice. Therefore, it might be considered as a new possible screening method for NPG.