Thomas S. Dietlein

Primary phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for acute angle-closure Glaucoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of primary phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PPI) for acute angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, nonrandomized comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION Forty-three eyes of 43 patients with acute ACG and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) were treated by PPI. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients treated by conventional surgical iridectomy (CSI) constituted the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative visual acuity, IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, complications, and secondary surgical interventions, if any, required for IOP control. RESULTS Glaucoma control was achieved in 31 eyes (72%) in the PPI group and in 11 (35%) in the CSI group (P = 0.01). Mean preoperative IOP was 40.5 +/- 7.6 mmHg (standard deviation) and 39.7 +/- 7.8 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.46). Mean postoperative IOP was 17.8 +/- 3.4 mmHg (PPI group) and 20.1 +/- 4.2 mmHg (CSI group) after a mean follow-up of 10.2 +/- 3.4 months (P = 0.03). Postoperatively, the mean number of ocular hypotensive medications was 0.18 +/- 0.45 (PPI group) and 0.45 +/- 0.62 (CSI group) (P = 0.0001). Relative increase in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was 0.52 +/- 0.29 (PPI group) and 0.19 +/- 0.21 (CSI group), respectively (P = 0.0001). Additional surgery was necessary in 5 eyes (11.5%) in the PPI group and in 20 eyes (63%) in the CSI group (P = 0.01). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were few and manageable. CONCLUSIONS CSI in patients with acute ACG was effective in reducing IOP initially but was associated with multiple surgical reinterventions. Conversely, primary PPI turned out to be safe and effective in reducing IOP and improving visual acuity. These results affirm that lens extraction may be considered the better procedure in uncontrolled ACG when faced with options of CSI or PPI.

A prospective randomized trial of viscocanalostomy versus trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma: a 1-year follow-up study.

PurposeTo assess the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and the postoperative complication profile of viscocanalostomy versus trabeculectomy. Patients and MethodsSixty eyes of 60 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma were randomized either to the viscocanalostomy or to the trabeculectomy group of the trial. Viscocanalostomy was performed according to Stegmanns technique using high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate to fill the ostia of the Schlemm canal. For trabeculectomy, a modified Cairns-trabeculectomy was performed. Examinations were performed before surgery and postoperatively daily for 1 week. Follow-up visits were scheduled 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. ResultsThe mean (SD) preoperative intraocular pressure was 27.1 (7.1) mm Hg for all patients enrolled. One day after surgery, mean (SD) intraocular pressure was 15.9 (5.2) for the trabeculectomy group (P <0.001) and 15.7 (3.6) for the viscocanalostomy group (P <0.001), respectively. The success rate, defined as an intraocular pressure lower than 22 mm Hg without medication, was 56.7% in the trabeculectomy group and 30% in the viscocanalostomy group at 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.041). The number of postoperative complications was lower in the viscocanalostomy group than in the trabeculectomy group. ConclusionsIn eyes with open-angle glaucoma, viscocanalostomy is less effective in reducing intraocular pressure than standard filtering surgery. However, postoperative complications are more frequent after filtering surgery.

Optical Coherence Tomography in Parkinsonian Syndromes

Background/Objective Parkinsons disease (PD) and the atypical parkinsonian syndromes multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are movement disorders associated with degeneration of the central nervous system. Degeneration of the retina has not been systematically compared in these diseases. Methods This cross-sectional study used spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with manual segmentation to measure the peripapillar nerve fiber layer, the macular thickness, and the thickness of all retinal layers in foveal scans of 40 patients with PD, 19 with MSA, 10 with CBS, 15 with PSP, and 35 age- and sex-matched controls. Results The mean paramacular thickness and volume were reduced in PSP while the mean RNFL did not differ significantly between groups. In PSP patients, the complex of retinal ganglion cell- and inner plexiform layer and the outer nuclear layer was reduced. In PD, the inner nuclear layer was thicker than in controls, MSA and PSP. Using the ratio between the outer nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer with a cut-off at 3.1 and the additional constraint that the inner nuclear layer be under 46 µm, we were able to differentiate PSP from PD in our patient sample with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 70%. Conclusion Different parkinsonian syndromes are associated with distinct changes in retinal morphology. These findings may serve to facilitate the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes and give insight into the degenerative processes of patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes.

A novel approach to suprachoroidal drainage for the surgical treatment of intractable glaucoma.

PurposeIn glaucoma surgery, scarring of the artificial fistula is the limiting factor for long-term control of intraocular pressure (IOP). Several devices and surgical techniques have been developed for artificial aqueous humor drainage in intractable glaucoma. The authors describe a novel surgical technique that uses a silicone tube as a shunt for aqueous flow from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space. Patients and MethodsThirty-one eyes of 31 patients with uncontrollable refractory glaucoma were included in this prospective consecutive case-control study. Each eye had undergone an average of 3.5±1.9 previous interventions for glaucoma. The baseline IOP was 44.25±8.7 mm Hg despite maximum therapy. As in trabeculectomy, a limbus-based scleral flap was prepared. The suprachoroidal space was accessed via a deep posterior scleral flap. The silicone tube was inserted as an intrascleral connection from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space. Cyclodialysis was avoided by this surgical approach. Success was defined as a lowering of IOP to below 21 mm Hg without the need for further medication or intervention. ResultsThe mean functional shunt survival was 55.9±45.6 weeks. IOP was reduced to 12.9±5.2 mm Hg in 70% of all eyes after 30 weeks postoperatively. After 52 weeks, 60% of the eyes could be classified as representing success, and 76 weeks after surgery, 40% of the eyes still showed controlled IOP. In none of the eyes were severe postoperative hypotony or suprachoroidal bleeding observed. No localized or general inflammation or infection was seen in connection with the silicon tube. Two patients needed anterior chamber lavage because of bleeding. In 2 patients the tube had to be removed because of corneal endothelial contact. Shunt failure of the tube was caused in some cases by connective tissue formation at the posterior lumen of the tube. ConclusionThis novel surgical approach and the placement of the silicone tube described here have several advantages. Its intrascleral course minimizes the risk of conjunctival erosion and associated infections. No cyclodialysis is performed. Connection to the suprachoroidal space exploits the resorptive capability of the choroid. It guarantees drainage but also provides a natural counterpressure, avoiding severe postoperative hypotony. The suprachoroidal shunt presented here achieves good follow-up results in terms of IOP control. No serious complications have been observed. This new method promises to be an effective surgical technique and presents a new therapeutic option in intractable glaucoma. Fibroblast reaction obstructing the posterior lumen, seemed to be the only factor limiting drainage. Further studies and experiments will be needed to elucidate the exact physiologic mechanisms underlying the draining, the capacity and duration of the draining effect, and the histologic background of suprachoroidal scarring.

Prognosis of primary ab externo surgery for primary congenital glaucoma

BACKGROUND The strategy of pressure reducing surgery in primary congenital glaucoma has changed over the last decade. Ab externo filtering procedures—for example, trabeculectomy or trabeculotomy combined with trabeculectomy, have now been accepted even as primary intervention. METHODS The authors reviewed 61 eyes in 35 consecutive patients with primary congenital glaucoma, who underwent different types of initial ab externo surgery between 1988 and 1996 (median follow up 36 months) to determine the efficacy of different surgical techniques and the influence of various risk factors. RESULTS Trabeculotomy was performed in 17 eyes (27.9%), trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy in 15 eyes (24.6%), and trabeculectomy in 29 eyes (47.5%). Regarding age, preoperative intraocular pressure, corneal diameter, ocular axial length, and incidence of corneal haze the subgroups were comparable. Success rates of trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, and a combined procedure did not significantly differ when assessed by life table analysis. Patient age under 3 months (p=0.014) and an ocular axial length of 24 mm or more (p=0.016) proved to be major risk factors for primary ab externo surgery failure. A second operation was necessary in 20 of 61 eyes (32.8%) during follow up. CONCLUSION Prognosis of primary ab externo glaucoma surgery in primary congenital glaucoma seems to be governed more by the individual course and severity of the disease than by modification of surgical techniques.

Bimanual trabecular aspiration in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma: An alternative in nonfiltering glaucoma surgery

OBJECTIVE The primary cause of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma is obstruction of the intertrabecular spaces by exfoliation material. Previously, the authors reported on a new concept of nonfiltering glaucoma surgery-trabecular aspiration-designed to increase trabecular outflow in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. In the current study, a description of the modified instrument, its refined surgical technique, and long-term clinical results will be given to substantiate the efficacy of trabecular aspiration in the surgical management of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. STUDY DESIGN The study design was a prospective and nonrandomized study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 68 eyes of 54 patients suffering from medically uncontrolled pseudoexfoliation glaucoma were treated by bimanual trabecular aspiration. Thirty-four eyes of 28 pseudoexfoliative patients treated by standard trabeculectomy constituted the control group. INTERVENTION Trabecular debris and pigment were cleared with a suction force of 100 to 200 mmHg under light tissue-instrument contact using a modified intraocular aspiration probe. The aspiration cannula is 400 microm in diameter and horizontally angulated at 45 degrees. Irrigation of the anterior chamber was performed via a separate irrigation cannula. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The IOP and number of medications before and after surgery were measured. RESULTS In 42 eyes of 36 patients, trabecular aspiration was performed in combination with cataract extraction and lens implantation. The IOP dropped from 32.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg (range, 23-52 mmHg) under maximal tolerated medical therapy before surgery to 18.7 +/- 1.7 mmHg (range, 16-23 mmHg) at 2 years after surgery, with 54% of patients being controlled without medication. In 22 eyes of 19 patients, trabecular aspiration was performed as primary surgical intervention. The IOP dropped from 31.3 +/- 7.1 mmHg (range, 23-42 mmHg) before surgery to 16.8 +/- 3.4 mmHg (range, 12-23 mmHg) at 18 months after surgery, with 45% of patients not taking medication. CONCLUSIONS Bimanual trabecular aspiration is safe and efficacious in decreasing IOP both with and without cataract extraction in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. However, there seems to be a slight regression in effect over time attributed to undisturbed liberation of exfoliative debris. Argon-laser trabeculoplasty before trabecular aspiration reduces the IOP-lowering effect of this procedure. A prospective, randomized, multicenter study is warranted to finally assess the potential of trabecular aspiration in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Goniocurettage for removing trabecular meshwork: clinical results of a new surgical technique in advanced chronic open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE To elucidate the long-term outcome of goniocurettage as a new technique in trabecular microsurgery for advanced open-angle glaucoma. METHODS In a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial, 25 eyes of 25 patients with a mean age +/- SD of 72.7+/-10.1 years (range, 50 to 89 years) with uncontrolled chronic open-angle glaucoma that had undergone failed filtering procedures were treated by goniocurettage. Trabecular tissue was scraped away from the chamber angle by means of an instrument similar to a microchalazion curette (diameter, 300 microm). RESULTS Before surgery, intraocular pressure ranged from 29 to 48 mm Hg (mean +/- SD, 34.7+/-7.1 mm Hg), and mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 2.2+/-0.56. Follow-up averaged (+/-SD) 32.6+/-8.1 months (range, 30 to 45 months). Overall success, defined as postoperative intraocular pressure of 19 mm Hg or less with one pressure-reducing agent, was attained in 15 eyes (60%), with five eyes (20%) being controlled without medication. Considering all successfully treated patients, the mean intraocular pressure was 17.7+/-3.1 mm Hg (range, 10 to 19 mm Hg) at the final visit. Mean intraocular pressure reduction was 17.1+/-7.1 mm Hg in these eyes, representing a net decrease from baseline of 49%. Number of antiglaucoma medications dropped to 0.63+/-0.29. Complications included localized Descemet membrane detachment in five eyes (20%) and moderate anterior chamber bleeding in four eyes (16%). CONCLUSIONS This new surgical technique can effectively control intraocular pressure for long periods of time in patients with open-angle glaucoma and a history of failed filtering procedures. Goniocurettage may be a suitable alternative to surgical treatment of glaucoma patients with excessive conjunctival scarification.

A prospective randomised trial of trabeculectomy using mitomycin C vs an ologen implant in open angle glaucoma

PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and complications of trabeculectomy with a biodegradable implant (ologen implant) vstrabeculectomy using mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma in a prospective randomised clinical trial.MethodsIn the MMC group (10 patients), trabeculectomy was performed according to standard protocols. In the ologen group (10 patients) after standard trabeculectomy the implant was positioned on top of the scleral flap and no MMC was applied. Follow-up was continued for 12 months after surgery and included testing of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, visual field, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and filtering bleb score.ResultsThe mean preoperative IOP was 24.8±8.9 mm Hg for all patients enrolled. At 1 year after surgery, the mean IOP was 15.6±2.4 mm Hg in the ologen group (P<0.01, 43% reduction) and 11.5±4.1 mm Hg in the MMC group (P<0.01, 50% reduction). No anti-glaucomatous medication was necessary in the MMC group in the first year of follow-up, whereas five patients in the ologen group required topical treatment. The absolute success rate was 100% in the MMC group and 50% in the ologen group (P=0.01). After 1 year, filtering blebs developed significantly more avascular areas in the MMC group (score=1.4) than in the ologen group (score=2.8; P<0.01).ConclusionThe complete success rate using trabeculectomy with the ologen implant is lower than that achieved by trabeculectomy with MMC. However, the bleb morphology caused more problems in the MMC group (avascularity score).

Retinal tolerance to dyes.

Background: Dye solutions for intraoperative staining of epiretinal membranes and the internal limiting membrane improve the visualisation of these thin structures and facilitate their removal. In the present study the authors investigated the effects of indocyanine green 0.05%, trypan blue 0.15%, and patent blue 0.48% on bovine retinal function. Methods: Bovine retina preparations were perfused with a standard solution and the electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded repeatedly. After recording of stable ERG amplitudes the nutrient solution was substituted by one of the dye solutions. The duration of retinal exposure to a dye solution was varied between 10 seconds and 2 minutes. Thereupon, the preparation was reperfused with standard solution for at least 115 minutes. The percentage of b-wave reduction after exposition was calculated. Results: Reductions of the b-wave amplitude were found for each dye solution tested. The effects after application of patent blue and indocyanine green were completely reversible within the recovery time for an exposure period of 60 and 30 seconds, respectively. The application of trypan blue lead to a loss of the b-wave when the retina was exposed for 15 seconds or longer. This effect was only partly reversible within the recovery time. Conclusion: The ERG showed toxic effects of trypan blue after a short period of retinal exposure. The intraocular application of trypan blue should be limited to selected cases. However, intraocular application of indocyanine green and patent blue in a sufficient concentration and taking account of a short period of retinal exposure seems possible.

Self-application of single-use eyedrop containers in an elderly population: comparisons with standard eyedrop bottle and with younger patients.

Purpose:  To test whether patients aged ≥80 years can safely and successfully apply eyedrops from a single‐use eyedrop container without support, and to compare the results with those of younger patients using single‐use containers and older patients using standard eyedrop bottles.