Vascular parameters and endothelin-1 measurements in glaucoma patients with low- and high-tension optic disc hemorrhages.

This prospective study aimed to compare vascular parameters (endothelin-1 [ET-1] blood levels, laser Doppler imaging [LDI] of distal phalanxes, and nailfold capillaroscopy) between open-angle glaucoma patients with low- and high-tension optic disc hemorrhages (LTDH and HTDH, respectively). The 33 enrolled patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 13 years) were classified as LTDH or HTDH if they presented at the time of DH detection an intraocular pressure (IOP) < 16 mmHg or ≥ 16 mmHg, respectively. Demographic and ophthalmological data, ET-1 concentrations, LDI (before and 1, 10, and 20 min after cold stimulation), and nailfold capillaroscopy findings were evaluated. The ET-1 blood level was 65% higher in the LTDH (2.27 ± 1.46 pg/ml) than in the HTDH (1.37 ± 0.57 pg/ml; p = 0.03) group. Moreover, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between ET-1 blood concentration and IOP at the time of DH detection (r = -0.45, p = 0.02). Blood flow measurements 10 and 20 min after cold stimulation were lower in the LTDH group than in the HTDH group (p < 0.01). Patients developing DH with lower IOPs have higher ET-1 blood levels and more peripheral vascular dysfunction as estimated by LDI than those with higher IOPs. These findings suggest that distinct underlying mechanisms may be involved in patients developing DH within different IOP ranges.

Phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy in eyes with medically treated glaucoma: analysis of surgical outcomes and success predictors / Facoemulsificação combinada à goniotomia com Kahook Dual Blade em olhos com glaucoma tratado clinicamente: análise dos resultados cirúrgicos e preditores de sucesso

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the postoperative outcomes and evaluate the success predictors of phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy for cataract and glaucoma management in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: This was a retrospective, non-comparative; inter ventional case series in which all patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy between June 2018 and April 2019 were enrolled. All the participants had a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure values (at 1, 3, and 6 months), number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity, surgical complications, and any subsequent related events or procedures were recorded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between the different variables and surgical outcomes. Results: A total of 47 patients (57 eyes) were included (mean age, 70.5 ± 7 years). The mean intraocular pressure was reduced from 15.5 ± 4.2 mmHg to 12.2 ± 2.4 mmHg at the last follow-up visit (p<0.001). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from 1.9 ± 1.0 to 0.6 ± 1.0 during the same period (p<0.001). On the basis of the predefined criterion (intraocular pressure reduction ≥20% and/or reduction ≥1 medication), the 6-month success rate was 86%. A higher preoperative intraocular pressure value (odds ratio [OR]= 2.01; p=0.016) and greater percentage of initial (30 days) intraocular pressure reduction (OR= 1.02; p=0.033) were sig nificantly associated with surgical success. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy is an effective and safe alternative for cataract management in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma that positively impacts intraocular pressure control and medication burden. Eyes with higher baseline intraocular pressure and a more pronounced initial response to the procedure appeared to present better outcomes at 6 months. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of the procedure.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os resultados pós-operatórios e avaliar os preditores de sucesso da facoemulsificação combinada à goniotomia com o Kahook Dual Blade para o tratamento da catarata e do glaucoma em olhos com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto. Métodos: Série de casos retrospectivos, não comparativos e intervencionistas, em que todos os pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto submetidos ao procedimento de facoemulsificação combinada à goniotomia com o Kahook Dual Blade entre junho de 2018 e abril de 2019 foram inscritos. Todos os participantes tiveram um acompanhamento mínimo de 6 meses. Foram registrados os valores de pressão intraocular pré e pós-operatória (em 1, 3 e 6 meses), número de medicamentos antiglaucomatosos, melhor acuidade visual corrigida, complicações cirúrgicas e quaisquer eventos ou procedimentos subsequentes relacionados. A análise de regressão logística foi usada para investigar a associação entre diferentes variáveis e resultados cirúrgicos. Resultados: Um total de 57 olhos de 47 pacientes foram incluídos (média de idade, 70,5 ± 7 anos). A pressão intraocular média reduziu de 15,5 ± 4,2 mmHg para 12,2 ± 2,4 mmHg na última visita de acompanhamento (p<0,001). O número médio de medicamentos antiglaucomatosos diminuiu significativamente de 1,9 ± 1,0 para 0,6 ± 1,0 durante o mesmo período (p<0,001). Com base no critério predefinido (redução da pressão intraocular ≥20% e/ou redução de ≥1 medicamento), a taxa de sucesso em 6 meses foi de 86%. Um valor de pressão intraocular pré-operatório mais alto (OR= 2,01; p=0,016) e maior porcentagem de redução da pressão intraocular inicial (30 dias) (OR= 1,02; p=0,033) foram significativamente associados ao sucesso cirúrgico. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que o procedimento de facoemulsificação combinada à goniotomia com o Kahook Dual Blade é uma alternativa eficaz e segura para o manejo da catarata em olhos com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto, impactando positivamente no controle da pressão intraocular e no número de medicamentos. Olhos com pressão intraocular basal mais alta e resposta inicial mais pronunciada ao procedimento parecem apresentar melhores resultados em 6 meses. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar a eficácia em longo prazo e o perfil de segurança.

Short-term endothelial cell density changes after gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy / Alterações de curto prazo na densidade celular endotelial associadas à trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the reduction in corneal endothelial cell density associated with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in a short-term follow-up period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical charts of patients with open-angle glaucoma who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy isolated or combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy) was conducted. Patients who underwent phacoemulsification alone were included as controls. The endothelial cell density data (assessed using a specular microscope) before and at the first month after operation were collected and then compared. Results: Sixty-two eyes previously treated with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, n=39 eyes; phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, n=23 eyes) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study patients was 61.3 ± 18.4 years in the stand-alone gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy group and 60.4 ± 11.9 in phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group. Men comprised 66.6% of the patients in the isolated gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy group and 56.5% of those in the phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group. The mean visual field defects (mean deviation index) were -13.9 ± 9.2 and -10.3 ± 7.7 dB in the isolated gonioscopy-assisted and phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy groups, respectively. The patients in the former group presented a mean endothelial cell density reduction of 28.8 cells/mm² (1.31%; p=0.467). In the latter group, the mean endothelial cell density loss was 89.4 cells/mm² (4.36%; p=0.028). The control eyes (23 patients) presented a mean endothelial cell density change of 114.1 ± 159.8 cells/mm² (4.41%; p=0.505). The endothelial cell density reduction in the phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group was not significantly different from that in the controls (p=0.81). Conclusions: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy appears to be a safe procedure for the corneal endothelial cell layer when performed either isolated or combined with cataract extraction in a short-term follow-up period.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a redução na densidade celular endotelial corneana associada à trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia (GATT) em curto prazo. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de prontuários médicos de pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto que foram submetidos à trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia isolada ou combinada com facoemulsificação. Pacientes que foram submetidos à facoemulsificação isolada foram incluídos como controles. Dados da densidade celular endotelial corneana (avaliada através de microscópio especular) pré-operatória e ao primeiro mês pós-operatório foram coletados e comparados. Resultados: Sessenta e dois olhos que foram submetidos à trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia (trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia=39 olhos; faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia=23 olhos) passaram pelos critérios de inclusão. A idade média dos pacientes estudados era 61,3 ± 18,4 anos no grupo trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia isolada e 60,4 ± 11,9 anos no grupo faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia. Homens eram 66,6% do grupo trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia isolada e 56,5% do grupo faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia. O defeito perimétrico médio (Mean Deviation) era -13,9 ± 9,2 dB e -10,3 ± 7,7 dB nos grupos trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia isolada e faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia respectivamente. O grupo que fora submetido à trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia isolada apresentou redução média da densidade celular endotelial corneana de 28,8 células/mm² (1,31%; p=0,467). No grupo faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia, a redução média da densidade celular endotelial corneana foi de 89,4 células/mm² (4,36%; p=0,028). Olhos controle (23 olhos) apresentaram redução média da densidade celular endotelial corneana de 114,1 ± 159,8 células/mm² (4,41%; p=0,505). A redução na densidade celular endotelial corneana no grupo faco com trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia não foi significativamente diferente do grupo controle (p=0,81). Conclusões: A trabeculotomia transluminal assistida por gonioscopia parece ser segura para a camada endotelial corneana em um curto prazo quando realizada de forma isolada ou combinada com cirurgia de catarata.

Ab-interno trabeculotomy with Kahook dual blade in secondary traumatic glaucoma in a child.

PURPOSE: To report a successful ab-interno trabeculotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) in secondary traumatic angle recession glaucoma in a child and discuss the possible mechanisms of action. OBSERVATIONS: A 7 years-old boy presented, after a blunt trauma in the left eye, with angular recess surroundings 110° and concomitant intra-ocular pressure (IOP) elevation around 35 mmHg, despite the maximum topical and systemic ocular hypotensive therapy. As there was no glaucomatous neuropathy yet, a KDB ab-interno trabeculotomy was performed. After KDB's surgery, oral and topical hypotensive medications were gradually withdrawn until complete suspension with IOP levels around 11 mmHg, which has remained the same in the last 2 years. Both functional and structural assessment of glaucoma have maintained stable throughout the follow-up until the present moment. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: The KDB has demonstrating a favorable safety profile and a useful surgical technique that should be considered mainly in trabecular glaucomas, as well as those secondary to trauma. Studies are still needed to define which patient and glaucoma profile are the most suitable for the procedure and for how long it is effective.

Short-term endothelial cell density changes after gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the reduction in corneal endothelial cell density associated with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in a short-term follow-up period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical charts of patients with open-angle glaucoma who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy isolated or combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy) was conducted. Patients who underwent phacoemulsification alone were included as controls. The endothelial cell density data (assessed using a specular microscope) before and at the first month after operation were collected and then compared. RESULTS: Sixty-two eyes previously treated with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, n=39 eyes; phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, n=23 eyes) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study patients was 61.3 ± 18.4 years in the stand-alone gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy group and 60.4 ± 11.9 in phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group. Men comprised 66.6% of the patients in the isolated gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy group and 56.5% of those in the phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group. The mean visual field defects (mean deviation index) were -13.9 ± 9.2 and -10.3 ± 7.7 dB in the isolated gonioscopy-assisted and phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy groups, respectively. The patients in the former group presented a mean endothelial cell density reduction of 28.8 cells/mm² (1.31%; p=0.467). In the latter group, the mean endothelial cell density loss was 89.4 cells/mm² (4.36%; p=0.028). The control eyes (23 patients) presented a mean endothelial cell density change of 114.1 ± 159.8 cells/mm² (4.41%; p=0.505). The endothelial cell density reduction in the phaco-gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy group was not significantly different from that in the controls (p=0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy appears to be a safe procedure for the corneal endothelial cell layer when performed either isolated or combined with cataract extraction in a short-term follow-up period.

Phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy in eyes with medically treated glaucoma: analysis of surgical outcomes and success predictors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the postoperative outcomes and evaluate the success predictors of phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy for cataract and glaucoma management in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective, non-comparative; inter ventional case series in which all patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy between June 2018 and April 2019 were enrolled. All the participants had a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure values (at 1, 3, and 6 months), number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity, surgical complications, and any subsequent related events or procedures were recorded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between the different variables and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients (57 eyes) were included (mean age, 70.5 ± 7 years). The mean intraocular pressure was reduced from 15.5 ± 4.2 mmHg to 12.2 ± 2.4 mmHg at the last follow-up visit (p<0.001). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from 1.9 ± 1.0 to 0.6 ± 1.0 during the same period (p<0.001). On the basis of the predefined criterion (intraocular pressure reduction ≥20% and/or reduction ≥1 medication), the 6-month success rate was 86%. A higher preoperative intraocular pressure value (odds ratio [OR]= 2.01; p=0.016) and greater percentage of initial (30 days) intraocular pressure reduction (OR= 1.02; p=0.033) were sig nificantly associated with surgical success. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy is an effective and safe alternative for cataract management in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma that positively impacts intraocular pressure control and medication burden. Eyes with higher baseline intraocular pressure and a more pronounced initial response to the procedure appeared to present better outcomes at 6 months. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of the procedure.

Short-term results of ab-interno trabeculotomy using Kahook Dual Blade in patients with primary congenital glaucoma / Resultados de curto prazo da trabeculotomia ab-interno usando o Kahook Dual Blade em pacientes com glaucoma congênito primário

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to present the results of ab-interno trabeculotomy using Kahook Dual Blade in patients with primary congenital glaucoma. An ab-interno trabeculotomy using a dual blade device was performed in three eyes of two patients with the diagnosis of primary congenital glaucoma. One of them in the left eye and the other patient in both eyes. In the first patient, an adequate response was achieved after the intraocular pressure reduced from 36 mmHg to 14 mmHg. The second patient did not respond adequately to the procedure, and high intraocular pressure levels persisted in both eyes after the procedure. The indication of Kahook Dual Blade ab-interno trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma must be cautious and more studies are needed to establish its efficacy and the best indications. Seems that this procedure should not be indicated for primary congenital glaucoma treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar os resultados da trabeculotomia ab-interno com Kahook Dual Blade em pacientes com glaucoma congênito primário. Foi realizada trabeculotomia ab-interno com dispositivo de lâmina dupla em 3 olhos de 2 pacientes com diagnóstico de glaucoma congênito primário. Um deles no olho esquerdo e o outro paciente nos dois olhos. No primeiro paciente, houve resposta adequada uma vez que a pressão intraocular diminuiu de 36 mmHg para 14mmHg. O segundo paciente não respondeu adequadamente ao procedimento, mantendo altos níveis de pressão intraocular em ambos os olhos após o procedimento. A indicação da trabeculotomia ab-interno com o Kahook Dual Blade no glaucoma congênito primário deve ser cautelosa e são necessários mais estudos para estabelecer a eficácia e as melhores indicações. Parece que esse procedimento não deve ser indicado no tratamento do glaucoma congênito primário.

Partial corneal recovery following selective trabeculoplasty-induced keratopathy: Longitudinal analysis through scheimpflug imaging.

PURPOSE: To report an uncommon case of hyperopic shift and corneal haze, flattening and thinning following a single session of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and provide longitudinal clinical data and serial analyses of corneal profile through Scheimpflug imaging. Furthermore, a careful literature review was undertaken to determine possible risk factors for this complication. OBSERVATIONS: A 47-year-old woman presented with blurred vision and mild corneal edema and haze three days following routine SLT. Ten days later, corneal edema resolved, but she was still symptomatic. Refraction exam revealed a significant hyperopic shift and high astigmatism (+4.00-6.00 x 80° versus -11.50 -0.75 x 170° at baseline). Scheimpflug imaging revealed a partial collapse of the corneal architecture, with an expressive central cornea flattening (>10 diopters) and thinning (>190µm). Over six months, refractometric and corneal parameters gradually (but not completely) returned to their pre-operative values. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This tetrad of clinical findings - hyperopic shift, corneal haze, flattening and thinning - following SLT is referred herein by the authors as selective trabeculoplasty-induced keratopathy (STIK), which is a rare but serious complication. A critical analysis based on this case findings and on the few others reported so far suggests high-myopic patients to be more predisposed to this complication, as all reported cases had -5.0 diopters or more. Future studies are warranted to determine whether this complication can be prevented.

Short-term results of ab-interno trabeculotomy using Kahook Dual Blade in patients with primary congenital glaucoma.

The aim of this study is to present the results of ab-interno trabeculotomy using Kahook Dual Blade in patients with primary congenital glaucoma. An ab-interno trabeculotomy using a dual blade device was performed in three eyes of two patients with the diagnosis of primary congenital glaucoma. One of them in the left eye and the other patient in both eyes. In the first patient, an adequate response was achieved after the intraocular pressure reduced from 36 mmHg to 14 mmHg. The second patient did not respond adequately to the procedure, and high intraocular pressure levels persisted in both eyes after the procedure. The indication of Kahook Dual Blade ab-interno trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma must be cautious and more studies are needed to establish its efficacy and the best indications. Seems that this procedure should not be indicated for primary congenital glaucoma treatment.

Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography-Derived Parameters to Discriminate between Eyes with and without Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: New technologies have been developed in order to decrease interpersonal influence and subjectivity during the glaucoma diagnosis process. Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain OCT (EDI OCT) has turned up as a favorable tool for deep optic nerve head (ONH) structures assessment. OBJECTIVE: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the diagnostic performance of different EDI OCT-derived parameters to discriminate between eyes with and without glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following ONH parameters were measured: lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness and area; prelaminar neural tissue (PLNT) thickness and area; average Bruch's membrane opening - minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), superior BMO-MRW, and inferior BMO-MRW. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was also obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-three participants were included. There were no significant differences between AUCs for average BMO-MRW (0.995), PLNT area (0.968), and average pRNFL thickness (0.975; p ≥ 0.089). However, AUCs for each of these 3 parameters were significantly larger than LC area AUC (0.701; p ≤ 0.001). Sensitivities at 80% specificity were: PLNT area = 92.3%, average BMO-MRW = 97.4%, and average pRNFL thickness = 94.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the diagnostic performance of different EDI OCT ONH parameters to discriminate between eyes with and without glaucoma, we found better results for neural tissue-based indexes (BMO-MRW and PLNT area) compared to laminar parameters. In this specific population, these neural tissue-based parameters (including PLNT area, which was investigated by the first time in the present study) had a diagnostic performance comparable to that of the conventional pRNFL thickness protocol.

Comparison of Fundus Biomicroscopy Examination of the Optic Nerve Head with and without Mydriasis.

BACKGROUND: Notwithstanding the significant advances in automated imaging techniques in the past 2 decades, subjective evaluation of the optic disc still remains an important part of glaucoma propaedeutic. In places with limited resources and a high demand for ophthalmic care, anatomical evaluation of glaucoma cases often relies solely on slit-lamp-based fundus biomicroscopic examination, which is frequently performed without mydriasis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare metrics related to fundus biomicroscopy examination of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) with and without mydriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy individuals, patients with early glaucoma, and glaucoma suspects were prospectively enrolled. Patients were examined before and after mydriasis by three glaucoma specialists, who estimated patients' vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and evaluated the presence of glaucomatous signs: laminar dot sign, disc hemorrhage, disc saucering, disc notching, peripapillary atrophy, localized pRNFL defect, and loss of the ISNT pattern. Main outcome measures were the intra-observer comparison, the inter-observer agreement, and the abilities to identify glaucomatous signs before and after mydriasis. RESULTS: Thirty patients (60 eyes) were enrolled (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.6 years). Considering the evaluation of the three examiners, the mean vertical CDR increased from 0.41 to 0.44 (p = 0.02), and the median of the coefficient of variation of the measures was reduced from 0.24 to 0.11 (p = 0.01) after mydriasis. Regarding the inter-observer agreement evaluation, the kappa coefficient values ranged from 0.64 to 0.72 before mydriasis and from 0.71 to 0.77 after mydriasis. Dot sign and disc notching were better identified through fundoscopic examination with mydriasis compared to the nonmydriatic examination (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fundus biomicroscopy should be performed with mydriasis whenever possible, as it yells a better intra- and inter-observer agreement and improves the detection of glaucomatous signs. Moreover, examiners seem to underestimate CDR values without mydriasis. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings by general ophthalmologists and in different populations.

Exercise-Induced Changes in Ocular Blood Flow Parameters in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate exercise-induced changes in ocular blood flow (OBF) parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out, in which medically treated patients with POAG were enrolled. Following inclusion, all patients performed a 40-min cycloergometry in a standardized fashion. The following parameters were measured and compared immediately before and 1 and 30 min after the exercise: intraocular pressure (IOP; Goldman applanation tonometry), mean arterial pressure (MAP), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA; assessed by dynamic contour tonometry), and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP; 2/3 MAP - IOP). In addition, we investigated possible factors associated with OBF parameter changes immediately after exercise. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes (30 patients; mean age was 62.9 ± 1.7 years) were included. Most patients were women (53%), and median visual field mean deviation index was -3.5 dB. Both MAP (mean change, 21%) and IOP (mean change, 17.3%) increased significantly immediately after the workout (p < 0.01), persisting higher than baseline following 30 min (p < 0.01%). Regarding OBF parameters, both OPA (mean change, 58.8%) and OPP (mean change, 21.7%) increased significantly immediately after the workout and persisted higher than baseline 30 min after the workout (p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that only age was significantly associated with OPA variation (R2 0.14; p < 0.05). No significant associations were found for OPP (p ≥ 0.19). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise leads to a significant short-time increase in OBF parameters in patients with POAG. Even though IOP seems to present a modest elevation, it is accompanied by a significant increase in MAP, leading to higher OBF measurements. Exercise-induced short-term changes and its possible implications for glaucoma prognosis deserve further investigation.

Lack of association between provocative test-based intraocular pressure parameters and functional loss in treated glaucoma patients / Falta de associação entre parâmetros de pressão intraocular obtidos pelo teste de sobrecarga hídrica e dano funcional em pacientes com glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: To correlate provocative test-based intraocular pressure (IOP) variation parameters (fluctuation and peak) with functional status, and to compare these IOP parameters between treated eyes with asymmetric primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: A prospective observational study including consecutively treated patients with primary open-angle glaucoma was performed. Subjects with ocular diseases other than glaucoma or previous incisional glaucoma surgery were excluded. The primary inclusion criteria were 33 visual field tests and 32 years of follow-up, without any changes on current medical regimen. Long-term intraocular pressure parameters were acquired via isolated intraocular pressure measurements from the patients' last 5 office visits. To evaluate provocative test-based intraocular pressure parameters, all patients were submitted to a water drinking test. Initially, the partial correlation coefficients between each intraocular pressure variation parameter and visual field mean deviation were calculated, adjusting for the baseline intraocular pressure and number of antiglaucoma medications. In addition, each intraocular pressure parameter was compared between eyes with better visual field mean deviation and fellow eyes with worse visual field mean deviation in patients with asymmetric visual field loss (defined as an inter-eye visual field mean deviation difference of at least 3 dB). Results: A total of 87 eyes (87 patients; mean age, 61.9 ± 12.5 years; 59.8% women) with primary open-angle glaucoma were included. The patients underwent a median of 5 visual field tests, with a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 1.4 years. Neither long-term nor water-drinking test intraocular pressure variation parameters were significantly associated with visual field mean deviation values (p30.117). In the subgroup with asymmetric visual field loss (64 eyes of 32 patients; mean age, 65.0 ± 11.4 years), neither long-term water-drinking test intraocular pressure variation parameters differed significantly between eyes with better and worse visual field mean deviation (p30.400). Conclusion: Our results indicate that neither long-term intraocular pressure variation parameters nor stress test-derived intraocular pressure metrics, as assessed by the water-drinking test, appear to correlate with the visual field status or differ significantly between eyes with asymmetric visual field damage, suggesting that other factors may explain such functional asymmetry, and that the water-drinking test does not add significant information to these cases.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os parâmetros de variação da pressão intraocular (flutuação e pico) com o dano funcional em pacientes tratados com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto, e comparar esses parâmetros de pressão intraocular entre olhos com dano funcional assimétrico. Métodos: Estudo observacio nal prospectivo foi realizado incluindo consecutivamente pa cientes tratados com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto. Foram excluídos indivíduos com outras doenças oculares que não o glaucoma ou cirurgia prévia incisional de glaucoma. Os principais critérios de inclusão foram: 33 testes de campo visual e 32 anos de acompanhamento, sem quaisquer alterações no regime medicamentoso atual. Parâmetros de pressão intraocular de longo prazo foram obtidos através de medidas de pressão intraocular isoladas de cada consulta (as últimas 5 consultas de cada paciente foram consideradas para análise). Para avaliação dos parâmetros de pressão intraocular de curto prazo, todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao teste de sobrecarga hídrica. Ini cialmente, calculamos os coeficientes de correlação parcial de cada parâmetro de variação da pressão intraocular com o nível de dano funcional, baseado no índice Mean Deviation (MD), ajustando para a pressão intraocular basal e o número de medicações antiglaucomatosas. Além disso, comparamos cada parâmetro de pressão intraocular entre os olhos com melhor e pior nível de dano funcional em pacientes com perda de campo visual assimétrica (definida como diferença no índice mean deviation entre os olhos de pelo menos 3 dB). Resultados: Foram incluídos 87 olhos (87 pacientes) com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto. A idade média foi de 61,9 ± 12,5 anos e 59,8% eram mulheres. Em geral, os pacientes foram submetidos a 5 testes (mediana) de campo visual, com um seguimento médio de 4,3 ± 1,4 anos. Nem os parâmetros de variação da pressão intraocular de longo prazo nem aqueles obtidos pelo teste de sobrecarga hídrica se correlacionaram significativamente com o nível de dano no campo visual (p30,117). No subgrupo com perda de campo visual assimétrica (64 olhos de 32 pacientes; idade média, 65,0 ± 11,4 anos), nem os parâmetros de variação da pressão intraocular de longo prazo nem os obtidos pelo teste de sobrecarga hídrica diferiram significativamente entre olhos com melhor e pior nível de dano funcional (p3 0,400). Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam que não apenas parâmetros de variação da pressão intraocular de longo prazo, mas também medidas de pressão intraocular derivadas do teste de sobrecarga hídrica, não parecem se correlacionar com o nível de dano do campo visual, nem diferem significativamente entre olhos com nível de dano funcional assimétrico. Esses achados sugerem que outros fatores poderiam explicar essa assimetria funcional e que o teste de sobrecarga hídrica não acrescenta informações significativas a esses casos.

Lack of association between provocative test-based intraocular pressure parameters and functional loss in treated glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To correlate provocative test-based intraocular pressure (IOP) variation parameters (fluctuation and peak) with functional status, and to compare these IOP parameters between treated eyes with asymmetric primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A prospective observational study including consecutively treated patients with primary open-angle glaucoma was performed. Subjects with ocular diseases other than glaucoma or previous incisional glaucoma surgery were excluded. The primary inclusion criteria were 33 visual field tests and 32 years of follow-up, without any changes on current medical regimen. Long-term intraocular pressure parameters were acquired via isolated intraocular pressure measurements from the patients' last 5 office visits. To evaluate provocative test-based intraocular pressure parameters, all patients were submitted to a water drinking test. Initially, the partial correlation coefficients between each intraocular pressure variation parameter and visual field mean deviation were calculated, adjusting for the baseline intraocular pressure and number of antiglaucoma medications. In addition, each intraocular pressure parameter was compared between eyes with better visual field mean deviation and fellow eyes with worse visual field mean deviation in patients with asymmetric visual field loss (defined as an inter-eye visual field mean deviation difference of at least 3 dB). RESULTS: A total of 87 eyes (87 patients; mean age, 61.9 ± 12.5 years; 59.8% women) with primary open-angle glaucoma were included. The patients underwent a median of 5 visual field tests, with a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 1.4 years. Neither long-term nor water-drinking test intraocular pressure variation parameters were significantly associated with visual field mean deviation values (p30.117). In the subgroup with asymmetric visual field loss (64 eyes of 32 patients; mean age, 65.0 ± 11.4 years), neither long-term water-drinking test intraocular pressure variation parameters differed significantly between eyes with better and worse visual field mean deviation (p30.400). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that neither long-term intraocular pressure variation parameters nor stress test-derived intraocular pressure metrics, as assessed by the water-drinking test, appear to correlate with the visual field status or differ significantly between eyes with asymmetric visual field damage, suggesting that other factors may explain such functional asymmetry, and that the water-drinking test does not add significant information to these cases.

Comparison of clinical effects of two latanoprost 0.005% solutions (Xalatan® and Arulatan®) in primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic non-inferiority between two ophthalmic latanoprost 0.005% solutions (Arulatan® [ALT] versus the reference drug Xalatan® [XLT]) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH). Patients and methods: This was a 12-week Phase IV, experimental, randomized, parallel-group, double-masked clinical trial. Consecutive patients with POAG or OH from the Glaucoma Service of Instituto Paulista de Estudos e Pesquisas em Oftalmologia (São Paulo, Brazil) were enrolled between July and December 2017. The primary outcome of the study was an analysis of therapeutic non-inferiority between ALT versus XLT at 12 weeks, while secondary outcomes were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) change from baseline at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, mean IOP at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, and topical and systemic side effects. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Computerized analysis was performed using the R software, version 3.4.4. Results: A total of 45 patients were randomized to the two treatment groups: ALT (22) and XLT (23). A statistically significant reduction in IOP from baseline was observed in both treatment groups at all timepoints, while no statistically significant difference between groups was detected. By week 12, observed IOP reduction was -7.95 and -7.89 mmHg in the ALT and in the XLT groups, respectively (P=0.60). Treatment difference between the ALT and the XLT groups was -0.06 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.97, 0.85) and fell within the interval set for therapeutic non-inferiority. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of safety profiles. The most commonly reported side effect was mild conjunctival/palpebral hyperemia. Conclusion: ALT was considered non-inferior to XLT in achieving a statistically significant reduction in IOP at 12 weeks in POAG and OH patients. No significant difference in the occurrence of side effects was found between both groups.

Macular Inner Retinal Layer Thinning in Diabetic Patients without Retinopathy Measured by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

The aim of this study was to use Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) to measure the thickness of the Macular Inner Retinal Layer (MIRL) and compare the results between diabetic patients with no signs of retinopathy and healthy subjects. Overall, 47 type 2 diabetic patients without clinical signs of retinopathy were prospectively analyzed along with 36 healthy subjects. This study excluded patients with other systemic or ocular diseases. All patients had their MIRL thickness measured by RTVue-100 SD-OCT (7x7 mm macular grid). The MIRL thickness is provided by the ganglion cell complex scan (comprised of the retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell, and inner plexiform layers). Only one eye was randomly selected if both were eligible for analysis. Mean age was similar between the two groups (diabetic patients: 57.3 ± 10.6 and control subjects: 60.2 ± 12.2 years) (P = 0.19). No significant differences regarding optic disc area and cup-to-disc ratio was observed in the comparison of the two groups (P ≥ 0.38 for both comparisons). In patients with diabetes, the average MIRL was significantly thinner when compared to controls (91.6 versus 96.2 micrometer (µm); P = 0.02). Regional analysis revealed superior and inferior MIRL to be significantly thinner in patients with diabetes than the controls (P ≤ 0.04). The juxtafoveal area was compromised (thinned) in 70% of diabetic eyes, classified as abnormal (P < 1%; compared to the device's normative database). In conclusion, patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical evidence of retinopathy had lower MIRL average values when compared to the control group. This can be explained by the ischemia and retinal tissue injury caused by diabetes even in early stages of diabetic retinopathy, which can affect MIRL thickness. Possible implications of these findings on diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires further investigation.

Factors associated with the presence of parafoveal scotoma in glaucomatous eyes with optic disc hemorrhages.

PURPOSE: Glaucomatous eyes with disc hemorrhage (DH) have a greater risk of paracentral visual field (VF) loss. However, not every DH eye presents with parafoveal scotoma (PFS), and contributing factors are still to be determined. In the present study, we investigated clinical and ocular factors associated with the presence of PFS in glaucomatous eyes with DH. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out. One hundred thirty glaucomatous patients with DH were enrolled. They were divided into two groups based on two reliable 24-2 VF tests: those with PFS (defined as ≥3 adjacent points with p < 5% within the central 10 degrees of fixation, ≥1 point with p < 1% lying at the innermost paracentral points, in the same hemifield) and those without PFS. Clinical and ocular data from the time of DH detection were compared between groups. Factors associated with the presence of PFS were investigated through logistic regression. RESULTS: The PFS group had a higher prevalence of Caucasian patients (82 vs. 47%; p < 0.01). Eyes with PFS had a more negative spherical equivalent and worse VF mean deviation (MD) index (p ≤ 0.01). There was a marginally significant intraocular pressure (IOP) difference between eyes with (15 mmHg) and without PFS (18 mmHg) at the time of DH detection (p = 0.10). Univariable analysis revealed PFS to be significantly associated with Caucasian race (OR, 3.02; p = 0.004), myopia (<-3 diopters; OR, 3.44; p = 0.039), and lower IOP (≤16 mmHg; OR, 2.10; p ≤ 0.047). Multivariable analysis, controlling for VF MD, revealed that only Caucasian race and myopia (as a continuous or categorical variable) remained significant in this model (p ≤ 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Caucasian race and the presence and magnitude of myopia were found to be significantly associated with the presence of PFS in glaucomatous eyes with DH. Our results may help clinicians in the identification and surveillance of these eyes at higher risk of central VF loss.