Umit Eksioglu

Primary viscocanalostomy versus trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma Three-year prospective randomized clinical trial

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of viscocanalostomy and trabeculectomy in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG). Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, 50 eyes of 50 patients with medically uncontrolled POAG were randomized to have a trabeculectomy (25 eyes) or a viscocanalostomy (25 eyes). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and slitlamp examinations were performed before surgery and 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Results: At 3 years, the mean IOP was 16.0 mm Hg ± 7.07 (SD) in the trabeculectomy group and 17.8 ± 4.6 mm Hg in the viscocanalostomy group (P = .694). Complete success (IOP 6 to 21 mm Hg without medication) was achieved in 66.2% of eyes at 6 months and 55.1% at 3 years in the trabeculectomy group and in 52.9% and 35.3%, respectively, in the viscocanalostomy group (P>.05). Qualified success (IOP 6 to 21 mm Hg with medication) was achieved in 95.8% of eyes at 6 months and 79.2% at 3 years in the trabeculectomy group and in 90.7% and 73.9%, respectively, in the viscocanalostomy group (P>.05). Postoperative hypotony and cataract formation occurred more frequently in the trabeculectomy group than in the viscocanalostomy group (P = .002). Conclusions: Primary trabeculectomy lowered IOP more than viscocanalostomy in POAG patients. However, the complication rate was lower in the viscocanalostomy group.

Long-term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve and Molteno implant in neovascular glaucoma

AimsTo evaluate the surgical success results of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and Molteno single-plate implant (MSPI) in cases of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsBetween May 1997 and May 2002, 38 of 38 NVG patients that underwent implantation of AGV and 27 eyes of 27 NVG patients that underwent MSPI (a total 65 eyes of 65 patients) included to the study.ResultsThe cumulative probabilities of success were 63.2% at 1 year, 56.2% at 2 years, 43.2% at 3 years, 37.8% at 4 years, and 25.2% at 5 years in AGV group whereas the cumulative probabilities of success were 37.0% at 1 year, 29.6% at 2 years, 29.6% at 3 years, 29.6% at 4 years, and 29.6% at 5 years in MSPI group (P=0.141). Preoperative visual acuity <2/200 (P=0.003), diagnosis of diabetes mellitius (P=0.050), and preoperative IOP≥35 mmHg (P=0.038) were found to be poor prognostic factors for surgical success.ConclusionsBoth AGV and single plate MSPI were successful for early and intermediate-term of IOP control but in long term both implants were failed to achieve control of IOP in patients with NVG.

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C in uveitic glaucoma associated with Behcet disease

Purpose:To determine the effect of intraoperative application of Mitomycin-C (MMC) with trabeculectomy in uveitic glaucoma associated with Behçet disease. Materials and Methods:Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with uveitic glaucoma associated with Behçet disease who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC between 1996 and 2001 were reviewed in this retrospective, noncomparative study. Trabeculectomy + MMC in concentration of 0.4 mg/mL for 3 minutes was performed to all patients. Main outcome measures were control of IOP, the number of antiglaucoma medications required to achieve the desired IOP, visual acuity and complications. The surgical success was defined as IOP less than 22 mm Hg and greater than 5 mm Hg without additional further glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception. Results:The cumulative probability of success was 83.3% at 1 year, 76.2% at 2 years, 70% at 3 years, 66.7% at 4 years and 62.5% at 5 years after surgery. The mean follow-up was 40.0±18.0 months. At last follow-up 23% of the patients required no antiglaucoma medications. Best-corrected visual acuity improved or remained within two lines of preoperative visual acuity in 19 eyes (73.1%). Glaucomatous (1 eye 3.8%) and nonglaucomatous optic atrophy (3 eyes 11.5%) was the most frequent reason for visual decrease (total 4 eyes 15.2%). The most common complications were cataract formation in 6 eyes (23.1%), bleb leakage in 4 eyes (15.3%) and choroidal effusion in 3 eyes (11.5%). Phthisis bulbi was found in one (3.8%) patient. Conclusion:Trabeculectomy and intraoperative application of MMC appears to provide long term safety and effectiveness in uveitic glaucoma associated with Behçet disease.

Management of glaucoma in patients with nanophthalmos

AimsIn this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the results of glaucoma surgery in patients with nanophthalmos.MethodsTwenty-eight bilateral nanophthalmic patients, of whom 20 patients underwent trabeculectomy+Mitomycin-C (MMC)+inferior sclerotomy between 1996 and 2004, were included in this study. Records of patients with nanophthalmos were reviewed. Intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, surgical success, visual acuity and complications were analyzed.ResultsThe mean IOP was 34.6±5.3 mm Hg preoperatively. At the final follow-up visit, the mean IOP dropped to 21.41±7.34 mm Hg (P<0.05). The cumulative probability of success was 85% at 1 year, 78.5% at 2 years, 76.9% at 3 years, 70.6% at 4 years and 47% at 5 years after surgery. Visual acuity decreased in 13 (65%) patients but no eye lost vision. Sequels of choroidal detachment (five patients 25%) and retinal folds (four patients 20%) were the most frequent reason for visual decrease. Uveal effusion (10 patients 50%) and cataract formation (seven patients 35%) were major late postoperative complications.ConclusionsResults indicate that trabeculectomy+MMC+inferior sclerotomy procedure was effective and safe for glaucoma control in patients with nanophthalmos, but uveal effusion is a major problem and cataract surgery is expected in the long run.

Success of trabeculotomy in patients with congenital glaucoma operated on within 3 months of birth.

AimsTo determine the efficacy and safety of trabeculotomy in congenital glaucoma patients operated on within first 3 months of birth.MethodsA total of 36 eyes of 24 patients with congenital glaucoma, who underwent primary trabeculotomy within first 3 months of birth were included. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), corneal clarity, diameter, axial length, success rates, and complications were evaluated in this study.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 38.38±11.77 months (range 12–48 months). Mean IOP was 33.16±7.28 mmHg (range 23–50 mmHg) preoperatively. At the final follow-up visit, the mean IOP was 21.41±7.34 mmHg (range 8–38 mmHg). Pre-and postoperative IOP differences were statistically significant at all examination periods (P<0.001). A12-, 24-, and 36-month success rates were 92, 82, and 74%, respectively. Survival analysis regarding to gender, preoperative corneal diameter and consaguinity were not statistically significant. Only preoperative axial length was a statistically significant parameter (P=0.024) for success. Postoperatively normal corneal clarity was achieved in 29 eyes (80.5%). The main complications were shallow anterior chamber in one (4.2%) eye and detachment of Descements membrane in two (8.4%) eyes.ConclusionsPrimary trabeculotomy is a safe and effective procedure for congenital glaucoma patients when operated within 3 months of birth. It has a favourable IOP control and a low rate of complications in three year period.

Hemorrhagic descemet’s membrane detachment after viscocanalostomy

We report a case of hemorrhagic detachment of Descemets membrane after viscocanalostomy. A 60-year-old man with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma had an uneventful viscocanalostomy in the right eye. On the first postoperative day, a 5.0 mm x 5.0 mm Descemets membrane detachment was present in the superior nasal quadrant. The space between Descemets membrane and the stroma was filled with a hemorrhage. The hemorrhage resorbed by 6 months postoperatively, and Descemets membrane completely reattached without surgical manipulation. The final visual acuity dropped from 20/40 to 20/100, final intraocular pressure was 20 mm Hg with 1 medication, and a paracentral fibrinoid scar persisted 18 months after surgery. Hemorrhagic detachment of Descemets membrane can cause visual acuity deterioration and should be recognized as a rare complication of viscocanalostomy.

Glaucoma in Patients With Ocular Chemical Burns

PURPOSE To examine the development and management of glaucoma in patients with ocular chemical burns. DESIGN Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS setting: University of Washington Eye Clinics. patient population: Twenty-nine eyes (18 patients) with ocular chemical burns seen between 1997 and 2010 with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. observation procedure: Eyes were graded using the Roper-Hall scale. main outcome measures: Long-term use of glaucoma medications (3 months or more) and need for glaucoma surgery. RESULTS The mean age was 45 ± 17 years, with a mean follow-up of 75 ± 47 months (median, 66 months). Roper-Hall grade III or IV eyes (n = 20) had significantly higher intraocular pressure at presentation (35.9 vs 16.4 mm Hg; P = .001) and over follow-up were more likely to require long-term glaucoma medications (P = .003) or to undergo glaucoma surgery (P = .016) than Roper-Hall grade I or II eyes. Thirteen eyes (12 Roper-Hall grade III or IV) underwent glaucoma surgery. Eight eyes underwent glaucoma tube implant surgery; 4 required at least 1 revision. Seven eyes underwent diode laser cyclophotocoagulation; 4 required repeat treatment. Most (89%) eyes had controlled intraocular pressure at the last follow-up. However, 76% of eyes with visual acuity of 20/200 or worse at initial evaluation did not have improved vision at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Eyes with Roper-Hall grade III or IV ocular chemical burns were more likely to have glaucoma and to require surgery for it. Outcomes of glaucoma management generally were good, although tube implant surgeries often had complications requiring revision.

The Correlation Between Visual Field Defects and Focal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measured With Optical Coherence Tomography in the Evaluation of Glaucoma

PurposeTo study the correlation between known visual field defects and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in glaucomatous eyes. Materials and MethodsVisual field parameters and OCT RNFL measurements of 28 eyes of 28 glaucoma patients with various stages of glaucoma were compared with 38 eyes of 38 normal age-matched controls. A perimetric nerve fiber bundle map was built by dividing the visual field area into 21 zones. Mean deviation and pattern standard deviation values within these 21 zones were compared with OCT RNFL thickness measurements in 12 sectors and the results were analyzed. ResultsAverage RNFL thickness was 62.90±16.56 μm in the glaucoma group and 111.90±6.00 μm in the control group (P<0.05). Pattern standard deviation and mean deviation visual field zones and corresponding OCT RNFL thickness sectors were significantly correlated at specific sectors in the glaucoma group (P<0.01). ConclusionsAnalysis of RNFL thickness in eyes with focal glaucomatous visual field defects showed good structural and functional correlation with OCT. OCT contributes to the identification of focal defects in the RNFL of glaucoma patients.

Incidence and risk factors in secondary glaucomas after blunt and penetrating ocular trauma.

PurposeThis retrospective study was designed to evaluate the risk factors for the development of posttraumatic glaucoma after ocular trauma. MethodsData were obtained from the records of 102 patients (105 eyes) that experienced blunt or penetrating ocular trauma and presented to our center between January 1987 and April 2006. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the baseline structural and functional ocular characteristics and posttraumatic glaucoma. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained. ResultsNeed for glaucoma surgery was independently associated with hyphema (odds ratio: 0.279; 95% CI: 0.085-0.916), corneal injury (odds ratio: 12.143; 95% CI: 2.029-72.66), presence of optic atrophy (odds ratio: 8.000; 95% CI: 1.615-39.636), visual acuity <20/200 (odds ratio: 50.00; 95% CI: 10.183-245.501), and a history of penetrating ocular trauma (odds ratio: 10.00; 95% CI: 2.819-38.635). Corneal (odds ratio: 1.113; 95% CI: 1.022-1.213) and vitreal injuries (odds ratio: 10.410; 95% CI: 1.232-87.97) were found to be statistically significant factors for the development of early glaucoma. ConclusionsThis study found several independent predictive factors that were significantly associated with the need for glaucoma surgery in cases of posttraumatic glaucoma, including hyphema, corneal injury, presence of optic atrophy, visual acuity <20/200, and a history of penetrating ocular trauma. Additionally, some factors were found to affect the development of early glaucoma after ocular trauma, such as corneal and vitreal injury.

Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation for Uveitic Glaucoma Secondary to Behçet Disease.

Purpose:To evaluate outcomes of patients with uveitic glaucoma secondary to Behçet disease (BD) who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. Patients and Methods:A retrospective chart review of 14 eyes of 10 patients with uveitic glaucoma associated with BD who underwent AGV implantation at a tertiary referral center. Treatment success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without antiglaucoma medication, without further additional glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception. The main outcome measures were IOP, best-corrected visual acuity measured with Snellen charts, and number of glaucoma medications. Results:Mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 18.2±6.6 months (range, 6 to 31 mo). Of the 14 eyes, 10 (71.4%) were pseudophakic and 5 (35.7%) had primary AGV implantation without a history of previous glaucoma surgery. At the most recent follow-up visit, 13 of the 14 eyes had an IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg. Mean IOP was significantly reduced during follow-up, as compared with preoperative values (P⩽0.005). The cumulative probability of surgical success rate was 90.9% at 18 months based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications required to achieve the desired IOP decreased from 3.4±0.5 preoperatively to 1.0±1.1 postoperatively (P⩽0.05). Visual acuity loss of >2 lines occurred in 4 eyes (28.5%) due to optic atrophy associated with retinal vasculitis. Temporary hypotony developed during follow-up in 4 eyes (28.5%) at first postoperative week. Conclusions:For the management of uveitic glaucoma associated with BD, AGV implantation is a successful method for glaucoma control but requires additional surgical interventions for high early hypotony rates.