Elham Ghahari

A Population-based Survey of the Prevalence and Types of Glaucoma in Central Iran : The Yazd Eye Study

PURPOSE To describe the prevalence and types of glaucoma in Yazd, central Iran. DESIGN Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Iranian adults aged 40 to 80 years, residing in Yazd, Iran, in 2010 and 2011. METHODS Eligible samples were selected using cluster random sampling. Each participant underwent an interview and ophthalmologic examinations, including refraction, determination of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, dilated fundus examination, central corneal thickness measurement, visual field testing, and stereoscopic fundus photography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of different types of glaucoma. RESULTS Of 2320 eligible individuals, 2098 (response rate, 90.4%) participated in the study and 1990 completed all evaluations for glaucoma diagnosis. Overall, 47 persons (2.4%) were categorized with ocular hypertension, 32 persons (1.6%) were categorized with primary angle-closure suspect (PACS), and 16 persons (0.8%) were categorized with primary angle closure (PAC). The total number of subjects with glaucoma was 87 (4.4%; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-5.4), consisting of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, 3.2%, including high-tension glaucoma [1.7%] and normal-tension glaucoma [NTG], 1.5%]), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG, 0.4%), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (0.4%), and other secondary glaucomas (0.4%). The mean age of subjects with glaucoma was 63.3 ± 11 years, and 57.5% of them were female. Seventy-eight individuals (89.7%) were unaware of their disease. Positive family history of glaucoma was present in 6.9% of glaucoma subjects. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of glaucoma in Yazd (4.4%) is comparable to that in other population-based studies in Asia, with POAG accounting for the majority of cases. Most affected subjects were unaware of their disease. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Adjunctive Mitomycin C or Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose:To determine whether adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) or amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) improve the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. Methods:This double-blind, stratified, 3-armed randomized clinical trial includes 75 eyes of 75 patients aged 7 to 75 years with refractory glaucoma. Eligible subjects underwent stratified block randomization; eyes were first stratified to surgery in the superior or inferior quadrants based on feasibility; in each subgroup, eyes were randomly assigned to the study arms using random blocks: conventional AGV implantation (group A, 25 eyes), AGV with MMC (group B, 25 eyes), and AGV with AMT (group C, 25 eyes). Results:The 3 study groups were comparable regarding baseline characteristics and mean follow-up (P=0.288). A total of 68 patients including 23 eyes in group A, 25 eyes in group B, and 20 eyes group C completed the follow-up period and were analyzed. Intraocular pressure was lower in the MMC group only 3 weeks postoperatively (P=0.04) but comparable at other time intervals. Overall success rate was comparable in the 3 groups at 12 months (P=0.217). The number of eyes requiring medications (P=0.30), time to initiation of medications (P=0.13), and number of medications (P=0.22) were comparable. Hypertensive phase was slightly but insignificantly more common with standard surgery (82%) as compared with MMC-augmented (60%) and AMT-augmented (70%) procedures (P=0.23). Complications were comparable over 1 year (P=0.28). Conclusions:Although adjunctive MMC and AMT were safe during AGV implantation, they did not influence success rates or intraocular pressure outcomes. Complications, including hypertensive phase, were also comparable.

The Ocular Hypotensive Efficacy of Topical Fasudil, a Rho-associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With End-stage Glaucoma

To investigate the effects of topical administration of a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil 0.5% and 1.2% in glaucomatous patients. In this interventional case series study, 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma and no light perception vision were assigned to receive topical fasudil 0.5% (in 3 eyes) or 1.2% (in 1 eye) ophthalmic solution twice daily for 8 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were evaluated. Baseline mean IOP was 53.5 ± 3.4 mm Hg and mean IOP reductions of the last visit were −8.25 ± 1.2 mm Hg at 2 hours and −8.75 ± 2.2 mm Hg at 4 hours. Mean IOP reductions were clinically and statistically significant with 0.5% and 1.2% fasudil and peak effects occurred 2–4 hours after application (P = 0.0002). The largest IOP reductions were produced by 1.2% fasudil (up to −12 mm Hg). Conjunctival hyperemia was found in 1 patient with 1.2% fasudil. Topical administration of fasudil in end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma patients, caused reduction in IOP and was well tolerated. ROCK inhibitors could be considered as a candidate for glaucoma therapy in future.

DISTRIBUTION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE, CENTRAL CORNEAL THICKNESS, AND VERTICAL CUP TO DISC RATIO IN A HEALTHY IRANIAN POPULATION: THE YAZD EYE STUDY

To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio (VCDR) in the healthy Iranian population.

Phenotype and Genotype Correlation in Iranian Primary Congenital Glaucoma Patients

Purpose:To explore the correlation between clinical manifestations of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and CYP1B1 mutations. Methods:A clinical and molecular genetic study was performed on a cohort of 17 patients with PCG and known CYP1B1 mutation profile including 10 subjects with and 7 cases without mutations. Ophthalmolgical records were reviewed and phenotype which was defined by age at onset, presenting intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal diameter, and vertical cup to disc ratio, and the number of procedures was correlated with the presence or absence of CYP1B1 mutations. Results:Overall, 8 mutations were identified in 10 patients. The disease became manifest earlier than 1 month of age in 9 of 10 (90%) cases with, as compared with 2 of 7 (28.6%) patients without mutations (P=0.035). Baseline IOP was 29.3±6.5 mm Hg in the mutation-positive group versus 17.6±3.7 mm Hg in subjects without mutations (P<0.001). Patients with mutations also had significantly higher IOP throughout follow-up (P<0.002). The number of operations was significantly higher in subjects with mutations (3.3±1.8 vs. 1.8±1.5 procedures, P=0.025). Six patients (60%) with mutations were female as compared with 1 subject (14.3%) in the nonmutation group (P=0.134). There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of corneal diameter (P=0.475) and vertical cup to disc ratio (P=0.794). Conclusions:PCG patients with CYP1B1 mutations seem to have earlier onset disease, display more severe manifestations, and require more operations as compared with subjects without such mutations. These findings may have implications in prognosticating the disease and genetic counseling.

Comparison of three phakic intraocular lenses for correction of myopia.

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and complications of three different types of phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs), for correction of moderate to high myopia. Methods: We reviewed 112 myopic eyes undergoing PIOL implantation using Artisan (40 eyes), Artiflex (36 eyes), and implantable collamer lens (ICL, 36 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), pachymetry, corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss, and higher order aberrations (HOA) were compared. Results: Mean follow-up period was 30 ± 11 months. Preoperatively, spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error was −11.6 ± 3.7, −9.59 ± 1.97, and −12.3 ± 4.8 D in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively. SE was comparable among the study groups at final follow-up (P = 0.237). Mean astigmatic reduction was 0.31 ± 0.72, 0.45 ± 0.62, and 0.0 ± 0.57 in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.007). Emmetropia (±1 D) was achieved in 60%, 91.7% and 77.8% of eyes in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively, the difference was significant between the Artisan and Artiflex groups (P = 0.017). BCVA improvement more than one line occurred in 25%, 19.4% and 38.9% of eyes (P = 0.158); pachymetric changes were minimal with no difference among the three groups (P = 0.754), and mean CEC loss was 10 ± 9%, 9 ± 6% and 9 ± 10% in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.694). HOAs (P = 0.039), vertical trefoil (P = 0.032) and spherical aberration (P = 0.001) were higher with Artisan group as compared to ICL. Total aberrations (P = 0.028) and spherical aberration (P = 0.001) was also higher with Artisan group as compared to Artiflex. Conclusion: Visual and refractive outcomes were comparable with Artisan, Artiflex and ICL. In terms of HOAs and quality of vision, ICL and Artiflex seem to be better choices in highly myopic eyes.

Biometric Changes After Trabeculectomy with Contact and Non-contact Biometry.

Purpose To compare biometric changes measured with contact and noncontact methods after mitomycin-C–augmented trabeculectomy. Methods In this prospective study, 31 eyes from 31 glaucoma patients scheduled for primary trabeculectomy were enrolled. Biometric parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT) were measured using contact ultrasound biometry (UD-6000 Ultrasonic A/B scanner biometer; Tomey Corporation, Nagoya, Japan) and a noncontact optical biometry device (Lenstar; Haag-Streit AG, Koeniz, Switzerland). Measurements were taken the day before trabeculectomy and then compared with measurements obtained 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results The AL and ACD were significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline values taken with each biometry method. There was a significant increase in LT measured by the Lenstar device at the 3- and 6-month follow-up. At both the 3- and 6-month follow-up, the mean AL measurement reduction with the Lenstar device was significantly lower than that of the A-scan ultrasound measurements. The mean ACD changes between the two devices were not significantly different. Conclusions There is a small but significant decrease in the AL and ACD after trabeculectomy as measured with both the contact and noncontact methods. The amount of AL reduction measured is significantly smaller using the noncontact method, making it the preferable method for intraocular lens power calculation for patients who need cataract surgery combined with or after trabeculectomy. The LT measured by the Lenstar device increased significantly after the operation, which can be an early sign of the progression of cataractous changes after trabeculectomy.

A Simple Mechanical Procedure to Create Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Mouse

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a state of malfunction or loss of limbal epithelial stem cells, after which the corneal epithelium is replaced with conjunctiva. Patients suffer from recurrent corneal defects, pain, inflammation, and loss of vision. Previously, a murine model of LSCD was described and compared to two other models. The goal was to produce a consistent mouse model of LSCD that both mimics the phenotype in humans and lasts long enough to make it possible to study the disease pathophysiology and to evaluate new treatments. Here, the technique is described in more detail. A motorized tool with a rotating burr has been designed to remove the rust rings from the corneal surface or to smooth the pterygium bed in patients. It is a suitable device to create the desired LSCD model. It is a readily available, easy-to-use tool with a fine tip that makes it appropriate for working on small eyes, as in mice. Its application prevents unnecessary trauma to the eye and it does not result in unwanted injuries, as often is the case with chemical injury models. As opposed to a blunt scraper, it removes the epithelium with the basement membrane. In this protocol, the limbal area was abraded two times, and then the whole corneal epithelium was shaved from limbus to limbus. To avoid stroma injury, care was taken not to brush the corneal surface once the epithelium was already removed.

Erythropoietin as an adjunctive treatment for methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy

ABSTRACT Background: Methanol-induced optic neuropathy (MTON) is frequently seen in countries where alcohol consumption is banned or poorly regulated. MTON frequently results in blindness and there is no empirically validated treatment. Objective: To evaluate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) as an adjunctive treatment for MTON. Methods: In this nonrandomized interventional comparative study, all participants were diagnosed with MTON and received the steroid methylprednisolone. Eleven participants received intravenous EPO (10000 IU twice a day) for three days as an adjuvant to methylprednisolone (EPO group); 11 participants in a historical control group received methylprednisolone only (control group). Main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (PRNFLT), and visual field mean deviation (MD). Results: Mean BCVA improved significantly in both groups: from 2.93 ± 0.55 to 1.75 ± 1.16 LogMAR at month 3 (p < 0.001) in the EPO group, and from 2.65 ± 0.68 to 2.19 ± 0.75 at final visit in the control group (p = 0.001). The final BCVA was significantly better in the EPO group (p = 0.012). The mean PRNFLT decreased in both groups. However, at the final follow-up, PRNFLT was significantly thinner in the control group (53 ± 6 vs. 77 ± 26 microns, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous EPO plus high-dose intravenous steroid may be an effective combination therapy for the patients with MTON.

Three Dimensional Stimulus Source for Pattern Electroretinography in Mid- and Far-peripheral Retina

Purpose The pattern electroretinogram (pERG) response reflects, in part, ganglion cell function. However, probing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in the mid- and far peripheral retina is difficult with conventional flat-panel pERG stimulus sources. A pattern stimulus source is presented for probing the peripheral retina. Peripheral pERG (ppERG) responses were evaluated versus luminance, reversal rate, and field subtended, and were compared with conventional pERG in healthy eyes. Methods Eleven normally-sighted subjects were recruited. A hemispherical surface was used to present a reversing checkerboard pattern to the peripheral retina, from approximately 35° to 85° of visual field, in all directions. Responses to stimuli presented to peripheral field sectors (superior, nasal, inferior, temporal) were also recorded. Conventional pERG responses were recorded on the same day. Amplitudes and implicit times of waveform peaks were evaluated. Results Robust pERG responses from peripheral retina resemble conventional pERG responses but with shorter implicit times and reduced positive component. Responses to high-luminance patterns include high-frequency components resembling flash ERG oscillatory potentials. Negative response component amplitudes increased with increasing pattern luminance, and decreased with increasing reversal rate. Conclusions Peripheral-field pERG responses are robust and repeatable; the unique response properties reflect differences between central and peripheral retina. Field-sector response ratios can be used to probe for sectoral dysfunction associated with disease. Translational Relevance The ppERG approach provides direct measurement of proximal retinal function beyond the fields probed by conventional perimetry and pERG, providing access to a relatively under studied part of the retina relevant to early stage glaucoma.