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Purpose: Teaching and training of glaucoma fellows on the technique of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation surgery is very important. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes and complications of AGV surgery performed by glaucoma fellows of a tertiary eye center from eastern India., Methods: This was a retrospective study based on electronic medical records. Thirty-five eyes operated with AGV by five glaucoma fellows from January 2016 to November 2020 were included. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs) were the study outcome measures., Results: The mean (±standard deviation) age of the patients was 40.5 (±19.7) years. The follow-up period was 24.37 (±13.01) months. Both complete success (IOP <21 mmHg without additional AGM) and qualified success (IOP <21 mmHg with an additional AGM) were achieved in eight eyes each (22.8%). Failure of the surgery was noted in 19 eyes (54.3%) as there was a need for repeat surgery for IOP control in 12 eyes and a persistent IOP spike (IOP >21 mmHg with AGM beyond 3 months) in seven eyes. Despite a high rate of failure of the primary surgery, with the consultants' intervention, there was statistically significant improvement in vision and IOP in all patients ( P < 0.01) at the last follow-up., Conclusion: AGV implantation is a challenging surgical skill to be acquired by the glaucoma fellows., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

Purpose: To evaluate structural alterations and healing responses in the trabecular meshwork region with optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) following after gonioscopy assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT)., Methods: 73 eyes of 67 patients (M:F = 45:22) with ≥6 months of follow-up after MIT (n = 41) or GATT (n = 32) with or without combined cataract surgery were included for this prospective study. The angle as seen on AS-OCT at 1, 3, 6 months after surgery were evaluated for structural alterations like peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), hyphema, and hyperreflective scarring responses. The scarring was graded according to the linear extent measured from the centre of the trabecular meshwork (TM) gutter to the sclera/cornea as mild (<250μ), moderate (250-500μ), and severe(˃500μ), while the pattern of scarring was graded as open saucer/gutter, closed gutter, and trench pattern. The association of the need for medication or surgical outcome and clinical variables and AS-OCT parameters including the pattern and severity of scarring were analysed using multivariate regression., Results: All eyes achieved significant reduction of IOP and number of medications with a final IOP of 15±3.2mm Hg at a mean follow-up of 8±32. months. While mild scarring was seen more common in MIT, severe scarring was seen in >65% of GATT eyes compared to 31% of MIT eye, p<0.001. An open saucer was equally seen in MIT and GATT while the trench pattern was more commonly seen in GATT eyes (>50%). Severe scarring in a trench pattern seemed to predict the need for medications for IOP control, though they independently did not seem to influence the final IOP or surgical outcome., Conclusion: A severe form of scarring in a trench pattern on AS-OCT predicted the need for glaucoma medications after MIGS surgery. Regular monitoring of the scarring responses by AS-OCT and clinical examination are necessary to identify those at need for medications after MIGS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Rao, Mukherjee. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Purpose: To report the histopathologic correlates of trabecular meshwork (TM) specimens procured by microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT) for different severities of glaucoma (early glaucoma: visual field mean deviation [MD] <-6 dB, moderate glaucoma: MD from - 6 to - 12 dB, and advanced glaucoma: MD <-12 dB)., Methods: TM specimens from four patients undergoing MIT with or without cataract surgery were analyzed by routine histopathology for structural changes. The number of cells, the number of cells with spindle-shaped nuclei suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and the distance between the trabecular beams were calculated using different tools on freely available ImageJ software using the line or pint/count tool., Results: The TM specimens procured from two early and two advanced glaucoma cases showed decreasing cellularity and decreased compact arrangement of the trabecular beams in severe disease stages. The number of cells and preserved architecture in all four specimens were evident, with > 50 cells being present per section in all four cases despite the glaucoma being of advanced disease stage in two patients., Conclusion: The TM specimens obtained from MIT can be utilized for downstream analysis using different molecular methods for studying the molecular events in the tissue from early to severe glaucoma., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG)., Methods: Patients with NVG who underwent trabeculectomy with concurrent IVB (group 1) and those who underwent IVB sequentially, followed by trabeculectomy with MMC (group 2) in 1-2 weeks between January 2021 and August 2022, were included in this retrospective hospital-based study. The need for medications for intraocular pressure (IOP) control at 6 months in the two groups was the primary outcome measured and compared between the groups. The association of the need for medications postoperatively with clinical variables was assessed using stepwise multivariate regression statistics., Results: We finally included 40 patients ( n = 12 in group 1, n = 28 in group 2) with no significant differences in presenting age between groups. The IOP at 1 day and 1 week were not significantly different between groups though the IOP at 1, 3, and 6 months. IOP was lower in group 1 eyes with the 6-month IOP, being significantly lower in group 1, P = 0.05. Three eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2 required anti-glaucoma medications in the postoperative period. Multivariate regression identified preoperative IVB >3 (β =0.7, P < 0.001) and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (β = 0.7, P = 0.004) as prognostic factors ( R2 = 40.6%) determining the need for anti-glaucoma medication (AGM) postoperatively in both groups., Conclusion: Concurrent IVB with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C is a feasible alternative in patients with NVG with refractory high-presenting IOP. This may serve to address raised IOP as well as retinal ischemia, thereby improving surgical success rates in the most challenging NVG cases., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical applicability of intraoperative predictors for surgical outcomes after gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT)., Methods: Consecutive patients with primary, or secondary glaucoma (trauma, aphakic, or status post-retinal surgeries) with uncontrolled IOP>21mm Hg, who were scheduled to undergo GATT or MIT with or without significant cataract surgery, at a tertiary eye centre in East India between September 2021 to March 2023, were included. All surgeries were done by a single surgeon. Blanching and Trypan blue (0.4%) staining after intracameral injection using a 25 canula, were analysed in each video. The extent/pattern of blanching and blue staining in each eye was analysed objectively using an overlay of a circle with 12 sectors and a protractor tool to quantify the degrees or quadrants of blanching/staining. Multivariate regression was used to identify predictors for surgical success or the need for medications after surgery., Result: Of 167 eyes that were included (male: female- 134: 33), 49 eyes and 118 eyes underwent GATT and MIT, respectively, with 81 of 167 eyes undergoing concurrent cataract surgery. All eyes had a significant reduction in the number of medications after surgery. Blanching was seen in 154 of 167 eyes in a mean of 2±1.8 quadrants with 41% of eyes showing a blanching effect in >3 quadrants. Of 99 of 167 eyes where Trypan blue staining was assessed, staining in a venular, diffuse haze, or reticular pattern of staining was seen in 73 eyes, 26 eyes showed blue staining in >2 quadrants, with 16% staining in >3 quadrants. Surgical success was not predicted by the quadrants of blanching, blue staining, or other clinical variables (age, visual field, baseline intraocular pressure, type of surgery). The variables significantly predicting the need for medications included blanch (r = -0.1, p = 0.03), and blue staining (r = -0.1, p = 0.04) in <2 quadrants., Conclusions: Blanching and Trypan blue staining in >2 quadrants after GATT or MIT can serve as surrogate predictors for the need for medications. However more studies are mandated to find predictors for surgical success after GATT or MIT., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Rao, Mukherjee. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT), a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy., Methods: Consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma identified from the hospital database that underwent MIT with or without cataract surgery between September 2021 to June 2022 at a tertiary eye centre in East India, were screened. Those with a follow-up of < 6 months or with incomplete data were excluded. MIT was done ab-interno using microscissors and microforceps in 2-4 clock hours of the nasal angle via a temporal incision. The intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at 6 months, and reduction in the number of medications after surgery were analysed. Surgical success (IOP>6 and <22 mm Hg), complications, angle features on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and the need for additional surgeries were analysed., Results: We included thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with open-angle glaucoma (including n = 9 eyes that underwent concurrent cataract surgery) with a preoperative mean IOP of 22 ±11.1 mm Hg and visual field index of 47±37.9%. All eyes achieved >30% IOP reduction, with a final IOP of 14±6.9 mm Hg at 6 months. Surgical success in 31 of 32 eyes with complete success seen in 28 eyes with none of the eyes requiring >1 medication for IOP control. Hyphema was seen in 4 eyes, while transient IOP spikes at 1 day-1 month were seen in 5 eyes, none of which required any additional interventions. One eye with persistent raised IOP at 1 month required incisional trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP with 2 medications., Conclusion: MIT, a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy, is effective in terms of IOP control and reduction in the number of medications while having fewer complications. Long-term studies comparing the efficacy of MIT with incisional trabeculectomy, or other procedures are warranted in the future., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Rao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Purpose: Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is well known to cause refractory glaucoma in young adults. Commonly acclaimed mechanism for trabeculectomy failure in these cases include accelerated subconjunctival fibrosis, abnormal endothelial proliferation, and closure of ostium. In the following article, we present a case of Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome that presented with refractory glaucoma after trabeculectomy due to rapidly progressive peripheral anterior synechiae causing angle closure and corneal decompensation that mandated a tailored surgical approach of management. Methods: This is a descriptive case report based on electronic medical records, patient observation, surgical intervention, and follow-ups. Case description: A thirty-eight-year-old-male presented to us with signs suggestive of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome with gonioscopy revealing peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) over four clock-hours temporally. Uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal medical therapy mandated augmented trabeculectomy with anti-fibrotics. The bleb failed within 3 weeks of trabeculectomy, with evidence of progressive crawling PAS causing endothelial decompensation and raised IOP. He underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant surgery with viscosynechiolysis and sectoral iridectomy under antiviral cover. This helped control IOP and retain corneal clarity, with no recurrence of PAS in the affected area. Conclusion: Progressive peripheral synechiae in ICE syndrome can cause early bleb failure and refractory glaucoma. Careful viscosynechiolysis and sectoral iridectomy alongside a second implant surgery can help salvage visual functions and preserve corneal clarity while preventing further progression of PAS in these eyes.

Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) is often associated with a higher rate of intraoperative complications and failure. This study aims to compare the long-term clinical and surgical outcomes of cataract surgery alone versus combined surgery in XFG., This Was a Retrospective: comparative case series., Methods: All patients with XFG who underwent either cataract surgery alone [group 1: either phacoemulsification, PHACO/small-incision cataract surgery (SICS), n = 35] or combined surgery (group 2: phacotrabeculectomy, PHACOT or SICS + trabeculectomy, n = 46) from 2013 to 2018 by a single trained surgeon were screened and recalled for a detailed clinical examination, including Humphrey visual field analysis at 3-monthly intervals for a minimum of 3 years. Surgical success (intraocular pressure, IOP, <21 mm Hg and >6 mm Hg with (qualified success) or without medicines, complete success, survival rates, visual field changes, and need for additional procedures/medicines for IOP control were compared between groups., Results: A total of 81 eyes of 68 patients with XFG were included in this study (groups 1-35 eyes and groups 2-46 eyes each). Both groups achieved 27-40% IOP reduction from preoperative IOP levels, P < 0.001. Surgical success rates were similar in both groups (complete success 66% vs 55%, P = 0.4), qualified success 17% vs 24%, P = 0.8, in groups 1 and 2). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a marginally better survival rate for group 1, 75% (55-87%), than group 2, 66% (50-78%), at 3 and 5 years which was not significantly different. The number of eyes that progressed at 5 years after surgery (5-6%) was similar in both groups., Conclusion: Cataract surgery can be as effective as combined surgery in XFG eyes with regards to final visual acuity, long-term IOP profile, and visual field progression, and complications/survival rates are comparable between the two procedures., Competing Interests: None

Glaucoma is the largest cause of irreversible blindness with a multifactorial genetic etiology. This study explores novel genes and gene networks in familial forms of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) to identify rare mutations with high penetrance. Thirty-one samples from nine MYOC -negative families (five POAG and four PACG) underwent whole-exome sequencing and analysis. A set of prioritized genes and variations were screened in an independent validation cohort of 1536 samples and the whole-exome data from 20 sporadic patients. The expression profiles of the candidate genes were analyzed in 17 publicly available expression datasets from ocular tissues and single cells. Rare, deleterious SNVs in AQP5, SRFBP1, CDH6 and FOXM1 from POAG families and in ACACB, RGL3 and LAMA2 from PACG families were found exclusively in glaucoma cases. AQP5, SRFBP1 and CDH6 also revealed significant altered expression in glaucoma in expression datasets. Single-cell expression analysis revealed enrichment of identified candidate genes in retinal ganglion cells and corneal epithelial cells in POAG; whereas for PACG families, retinal ganglion cells and Schwalbe's Line showed enriched expression. Through an unbiased exome-wide search followed by validation, we identified novel candidate genes for familial cases of POAG and PACG. The SRFBP1 gene found in a POAG family is located within the GLC1M locus on Chr5q. Pathway analysis of candidate genes revealed enrichment of extracellular matrix organization in both POAG and PACG.

Purpose: The past few years have been difficult in the lives of most glaucoma patients in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to find out patients' perspective and disruption of their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting a telephone survey among glaucoma patients., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving the glaucoma patients of a tertiary eye care hospital in India. Patients who had completed at least five years of follow-up before 2020 were randomized by a random number generator. A validated (forward-backward translation and completed pilot analysis) set of 14 questionnaires was administered to the patients, the latter of whom were telephonically interviewed by one of the investigators in February 2022. The entire data was audio-recorded. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used., Results: Out of 1141 patients with >5 years of follow-up, 103 were selected by randomization. A large group of 46 patients (44.6%) admitted to glaucoma affecting their daily activities. Only 12 (11.6%) admitted to being irregular with their drops. Thirty-four (33%) patients felt that their glaucoma was deteriorating and 31 (30.1%) had fear of blindness. Ninety-five patients (92.7%) felt that they were safe under the care of the treating doctor. There were 46 (44.6%) out of 103 patients who did not turn up for follow-up for six months or more. Lockdown (36.2%) and travel-expenses (27.6%) were the two most common reasons for the loss to follow-up visits., Conclusion: Nearly half of the long-term glaucoma patients were lost to follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glaucoma affecting daily lives and fear of losing vision turned out to be significant observations in the telephone survey. This fear seemed to be ameliorated by the majority still feeling safe by being in touch with their doctor for continued care even during the COVID-19 pandemic., Competing Interests: None

Vitreoretinal surgeries either in the form of external compression by buckles or by increasing the intraocular volume by tamponades can cause a significant rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), causing glaucoma to be one of the most common consequences of vitreoretinal surgeries despite improved surgical techniques. Identifying the mechanism that causes the raised IOP is crucial as the management of glaucoma can differ accordingly. Intravitreal (IVT) injections in the form of IVT steroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections can also cause a significant rise in the IOP and effect, especially the glaucomatous eyes, which are already predisposed. Not just the overlapping clinical features make the diagnosis confusing but also associated scarring of the conjunctiva, and the presence of episcleral hardware in some cases due to scleral buckle make the surgical management of glaucoma in these eyes very challenging. In this review, we describe in detail the various mechanisms causing secondary glaucoma post vitreoretinal surgeries with a focus on how to distinguish between them. We also discuss the possible consequences of anti-VEGF agents on IOP, various surgical challenges, and modifications with newer surgical options in the management of this refractory glaucoma.

Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To compare the glaucoma assessment skills among general ophthalmologists in their referral patients over 5 years., Methods: This was a retrospective auditing of the electronic medical record database. Details of consecutive new glaucoma patients seen in the glaucoma services of a tertiary eye care institute in 2013 and 2018 were collected. Details of each patient included the clinical presentation, baseline intra-ocular pressure (IOP), type and severity of glaucoma, referral details, gonioscopy, HVF (Humphrey visual field) data, and the number of medications. Statistical tests used were the Chi-square test and T test using SPSS version 22., Results: Of 28,886 medical records screened, 211 and 568 new glaucoma patients were retrieved in 2013 and 2018, respectively. The patients presenting in 2018 were younger (58.1 ± 15.4 years) at presentation than in 2013 (65.6 ± 15.2 years), P < 0.01, and also had higher baseline IOP (IOP ≥40 mm Hg was found in 9.5% in 2018 versus 2.4% in 2013; P < 0.01). The percentage of eyes with presenting visual acuity worse than 20/400 or 20/600 was higher in the patients presenting in 2018 (22.2% vs. 15.1%; P = 0.03). Although primary glaucoma predominated in both periods, the number of eyes referred to as disc suspects showed an increase in 2018 (4.7% to 14.4%; P < 0.01). Among 195 and 517 referrals in 2013 and 2018, respectively, the documentation of clinical findings were dismally poor in both the groups in terms of absent gonioscopy (99% vs. 98.2%, P = 0.4), absent disc details (89.6% vs. 91%, P = 0.5), or absent visual field analysis (79.1% vs. 74.8%, P = 0.2). However, the missing IOP values were significantly better in the latter year (77.3% vs. 57.2%; P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The increase in the number of new glaucoma patients and referrals did not show a corresponding improvement in documentation of findings except for IOP recording among general ophthalmologists. Hence, we need to re-emphasize the training of general ophthalmologists on basic glaucoma evaluation to improve their referral ability., Competing Interests: None

Glaucoma represents one of the most important ocular diseases causing irreversible ganglion cell death. It is one of the most common causes of visual impairment and morbidity in the elderly population. There are various tests for measuring visual function in glaucoma. While visual field remains the undisputed method for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring disease progression, other tests have been studied for their utility in glaucoma practice. This review discusses some of the commonly used tests of visual function that can be routinely used in clinics for glaucoma management. Among the various modalities of testing visual function in glaucoma, this review highlights the tests that are most clinically relevant., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To report unusual associations, atypical clinical presentations, and outcomes of tailored treatment of viral uveitis and glaucoma., Methods: Patients diagnosed with viral uveitis with associated glaucoma, seen at a tertiary eye care center between 2013 and 2020, were screened. Twenty-four patients with unclassified or atypical clinical presentations of viral uveitis, atypical clinical course, or with diagnostic challenges and associated glaucoma, were included. Patients with classical features of viral anterior or posterior uveitis, other forms of autoimmune/infectious/traumatic uveitis, were excluded., Results: Viral re-activation causing recurrent choroidals after glaucoma filtering surgery responsive to systemic antiviral therapy, massive pigment dusting/plume as a presenting feature, multiple progressive focal anterior synechiae similar to iridocorneoendothelial (ICE) syndrome, were seen in this cohort of unusual viral uveitis in glaucoma. A high index of suspicion helped diagnose a viral etiology in cases with high intraocular pressure (IOP) after uneventful Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery (AGV) or post-YAG capsulotomy laser, presumed Posner-Schlossman syndrome with multiple recurrences or presumed steroid glaucoma. All patients responded well with anti-viral and tailored concomitant steroids, anti-glaucoma therapy with loss of visual acuity seen in one eye developing optic atrophy., Conclusions: Uncommon clinical presentations or associations of viral uveitis in glaucoma should be kept in mind. A high index of suspicion and tailored prompt treatment may ensure good outcomes preventing further visual morbidity in glaucoma.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the iris and angle parameters in psuedoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT)., Methods: Patients with PXF or PXG were compared using ASOCT with primary open-angle glaucoma POAG eyes as controls in this noninterventional comparative study conducted at a tertiary eye care center in East India. All angle parameters, TM length, and iris thickness were analyzed from the enhanced depth imaging (EDI) single scans obtained. Quadrant scans were used for the calculation of iris volume using a custom-built in-house software. In particular, the software performs multiple operations including edge detection, connected components, and thresholding to localize and segment the iris. Differences in the iris volume/thickness and TM length in PXF and PXG with POAG were analyzed., Results: A total of 225 eyes were included, which included 75 PXG and 98 PXF cases and 52 POAG with a mean age of 67 ± 9.7 years at presentation. The algorithm repeatability and reproducibility was also established with correlation coefficients more than 99% which was substantiated with Bland-Altman plots. The iris volume (calculated in 197 images of 225 eyes) did not differ significantly in PXF and PXG eyes, although both had significantly greater volume compared to POAG eyes. The iris volume or other angle parameters including TM length did not correlate with clinical variables such as IOP, age, or visual field indices., Conclusion: Iris parameters or TM length do not explain pathogenesis of glaucoma in pseudoexfoliation., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To evaluate changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) following vitrectomy., Methods: All consecutive old and new patients referred to glaucoma services for possible secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy and who had undergone corneal pachymetry between July 2013 to June 2020, were included. The eye that developed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and was diagnosed clinically as glaucoma after vitrectomy, was labelled as the "affected" eye. The contralateral eye of the patient with normal IOP and no history of vitrectomy was labelled as the "control" eye. The difference in CCT in the affected eye and the contralateral control eye (ΔCCT) and CCT were compared between different age groups. Correlation of CCT in the affected eye with age, diagnosis, type of surgery done, lens status and pre-existing glaucoma was done using multivariate regression analysis., Results: Of 127 eyes of 120 patients (M:F = 85:35), the average CCT in the affected eye was significantly higher than the unaffected contralateral control eye (p<0.0001). The ΔCCT in eyes presenting at an age <25 years was higher (median 582, 497-840) than those that presented later (median 518, 384-755), p <0.0001, with maximum ΔCCT seen in eyes that had undergone vitrectomy at age<12 years. The CCT in the affected eye was significantly higher in aphakic eyes (588±81.6 microns) than in pseudophakic eyes (552±79.03 microns), p = 0.03. On multivariate analysis, age<25 years remained as a significant influencer of CCT in the affected eye (β = -1.7, p<0.001, R2 = 28.3%)., Conclusions: Young age group<25 years are more prone to corneal remodelling and CCT changes after vitrectomy., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Purpose: To investigate contrast sensitivity measures in glaucoma eyes with moderate to severe glaucoma., Methods: The study included 50 eyes of 47 pseudophakic patients with moderate or severe glaucoma who were seen at a tertiary center from 2017 to 2020. Assessment of contrast sensitivity using the Spaeth/Richman contrast sensitivity (SPARCS) test and the Pelli-Robson (PR) chart was compared in eyes with mean deviation (MD) < -12 decibels (dB) and > -20 dB (group 1), MD < -20 dB and > -30 dB (group 2), or MD < -30 dB (group 3). Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the association of visual field MD with SPARCS/PR scores and various clinical variables, including age, diagnosis, and logMar visual acuity., Results: SPARCS total scores and quadrant-wise scores were significantly different in all of the quadrants, whereas central scores and PR contrast sensitivity were similar across groups. The total SPARCS scores predicted the change in MD (β = 0.5, P < 0.001, R = 61.8%) with minimal association of other quadrantic or PR scores. Total SPARCS scores of <45 and <38 predicted severe glaucoma with MD crossing -20 dB (sensitivity, 70.5%; specificity, 80.9%) and -30 dB (sensitivity, 79.3%; specificity, 77.7%), respectively. The logMar visual acuity did not correlate with any contrast sensitivity measure or clinical variables in this study.2 = 61.8%) with minimal association of other quadrantic or PR scores. Total SPARCS scores of <45 and <38 predicted severe glaucoma with MD crossing -20 dB (sensitivity, 70.5%; specificity, 80.9%) and -30 dB (sensitivity, 79.3%; specificity, 77.7%), respectively. The logMar visual acuity did not correlate with any contrast sensitivity measure or clinical variables in this study., Conclusions: The total SPARCS score may be used in staging glaucoma severity and to assess visual function in eyes with severe glaucoma., Translational Relevance: The SPARCS test is a useful tool for assessing visual function in advanced glaucoma beyond MD worse than -20 dB or -30 dB., Competing Interests: Disclosure: A. Rao, None; A. Pal, None; S. Mohapatra, None, (Copyright 2020 The Authors.)

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate efficacy and outcomes of manual small incision cataract surgery with trabeculectomy (Group 1) and phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy (Group 2) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG)., Methods: In this retrospective comparative observational case series, All patients with PXG who underwent either small incision cataract surgery or phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy from 2011-2015 were studied. Data compared included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), total surgical time, and incidence of intra/postoperative complications., Results: A total of 82 (Group 1) and 64 (Group 2) subjects were included for the study. The baseline IOP and anti-glaucoma medications in both groups were comparable pre-operatively (group 1 = 26 ± 10.3 mmHg, group 2 = 23 ± 13.9 mmHg, P = 0.1). The IOP at final follow up between the two groups was not statistically significant (group 1 = 12 ± 3.2 mmHg, group 2 = 14 ± 1.8 mmHg, P = 0.2).The average total time of surgery (group 1 = 40 ± 21.6 min, group 2 = 34 ± 14.8 min, P = 0.4) was not statistical significant between groups. The incidence of post-operative complications were similar in both groups (P = 0.95)., Conclusion: Manual small incision cataract surgery with trabeculectomy is noninferior in PXG patients with comparable surgical outcomes, when compared with phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy., Competing Interests: None

Aim: To compare the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) pediatric FP8 versus the large-sized adult FP7 implants in an adult secondary glaucoma., Methods: Patients who underwent AGV implantation from January 2011 to December 2016 for adult secondary glaucoma (due to causes other than post-vitreoretinal/buckle surgery glaucoma) with a follow-up of 6 months were included for this retrospective study. Success was defined as IOP > 6 mm Hg and < 21 mm Hg without any loss of vision, with or without the need of anti-glaucoma medications or additional procedures for control of IOP. Hypertensive phase was defined as IOP > 21 mmHg at any visit in the first 6 months of postoperative follow-up period, while failure was defined as IOP > 21 mm Hg even after medications or additional procedures, need of removal of implant or loss of light perception. Cumulative survival rates and intraoperative or postoperative complications along with IOP profiles were compared between the implants., Results: Of 43 patients, 19 patients underwent FP7 and 24 patients underwent FP8 Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation. The IOP significantly reduced in both groups from baseline (31 ± 8.2 mm Hg in FP7 eyes and 37 ± 13.1 mm Hg in FP8 eyes) by a mean of 64 ± 23.5% in FP8 and 64 ± 21.5% in FP7 group, respectively, p = 0.8 with comparable final IOP of 16.5 mm Hg and 16.9 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.9. Both groups had 75% qualified success rates at 20 months after surgery with similar rates of need for postoperative medications or incidence of hypertensive phase. The FP8 eyes had more frequent conjunctiva-related complications in eyes with prior surgeries and preoperative conjunctival scarring while the other complications were similar in the two groups., Conclusion: Surgical outcomes of adult FP7 and pediatric FP8 AGV in adult secondary glaucoma seem to achieve similar IOP control and success rates. This suggests that smaller-sized FP8 can be used in adult glaucoma with good surgical outcomes albeit with careful case selection in eyes with extensive preoperative scarring to avoid conjunctival thinning-related complications postoperatively.

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of the FP8 AGV (paediatric) with the standard FP7 AGV in adult post-vitreoretinal (VR) surgery glaucoma., Methods: We included 45 consecutive eyes with post-VR surgery glaucoma implanted with either FP8 (n = 28) or FP7 (n = 17) AGV between 2008 and 2016. The data analysed included visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), complications, interventions, and outcomes., Results: Mean age (p = 0.24), mean baseline VA (p = 0.77), preoperative IOP (p = 0.41), number of antiglaucoma medications (p = 0.92), and previous surgeries (p = 0.16) were comparable in the two groups. The number of eyes with previous belt buckle was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the FP8 group (17/28) compared with the FP7 group (2/17), indicating space constraint and scarred conjunctiva. The median follow-up (25th, 75th percentile) was 14.7 (9.1, 25.3) months in the FP7 and 9.8 (6.4, 34.7) months in the FP8 groups (p = 0.62). Postoperatively, the median VA (p = 0.24), the mean IOP at final follow-up (p = 0.15), and median number of AGM (p = 0.99) were comparable in both the groups. The median percentage drop in IOP (95% confidence interval) with the FP7 implant was 55% (43.70%) and with FP8 implant was 53.8% (25, 73), (p = 0.20). None in the FP7 group failed, while three eyes in the FP8 group failed. During the study period, two eyes in the FP8 group had tube exposure that was surgically managed. None of the eyes had implant exposure or loss of light perception., Conclusion: Use of the paediatric FP8 AGV in adult post-VR surgery glaucoma eyes with severe conjunctival scarring and limited subconjunctival space resulted in reasonable IOP control compared with the standard FP7 AGV implant. There were no eyes with implant extrusion.

Purpose: To analyse the disease burden of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) disease stages from East and South India., Design: Prospective hospital based study of patients seen at 4 tertiary centres., Subjects, Participants, And/or Controls: Consecutive old and new patients of pseudoexfoliation with normal intraocular pressure (IOP), raised IOP (PXF with Ocular hypertension, OHT) and irreversible disc/field changes (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, PXG) seen from April 2016-March 2017 at a tertiary centre in Odisha, East India and 3 centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, South India, recruited into the prospective study were screened for baseline characteristics., Methods: The clinical and demographic details including visual acuity, laterality, intraocular pressure (IOP) with details of medical/surgical therapy at presentation were collected from the hospital database at all 4 centres., Intervention or Exposure: The World Health Organization WHO visual criteria were used for defining visual impairment/absolute blindness in different disease stages., Outcome Measures: The visual impairment/blindness rates with comorbidities in the anterior/posterior segment in PXF, OHT and PXG at baseline were compared and the influence of age, IOP fluctuations and laterality was analysed using multivariate logistic regression., Results: Of 6284 PXF eyes (of 3142 patients) included from all centres, OHT and PXG was seen in 2.1% and 29% respectively which included 3676 (>50%) bilateral PXF eyes. Reversible visual impairment rates caused by PXF associated co-morbidities in PXF and OHT were 33% and 26% respectively with cataract being the major cause (67% in PXF and 74% in OHT). Irreversible blindness rate was higher in bilateral PXG eyes (30.5%) compared to bilateral PXF (23.2%) or bilateral OHT (21.6%) with overall absolute blindness rates of 28.2% at presentation. Older age (p<0.001), bilaterality and higher baseline IOP were significantly associated with higher rates of blindness in PXF eyes., Conclusion and Relevance: Pseudoexfoliation is associated with ≥30% visual impairment across all stages and 28% absolute blindness rate which is a huge hidden burden of glaucoma. Adequate disease staging and assessment of comorbidities is required for accurate prognostication at baseline and reducing avoidable pseudoexfoliation blindness., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Retinal nerve fiber layer defect (RNFLD) provides an early objective evidence of structural changes in glaucoma. RNFLD detection is currently carried out using imaging modalities like OCT and GDx which are expensive for routine practice. In this regard, we propose a novel automatic method for RNFLD detection and angular width quantification using cost effective redfree fundus images to be practically useful for computer-assisted glaucoma risk assessment. After blood vessel inpainting and CLAHE based contrast enhancement, the initial boundary pixels are identified by local minima analysis of the 1-D intensity profiles on concentric circles. The true boundary pixels are classified using random forest trained by newly proposed cumulative zero count local binary pattern (CZC-LBP) and directional differential energy (DDE) along with Shannon, Tsallis entropy and intensity features. Finally, the RNFLD angular width is obtained by random sample consensus (RANSAC) line fitting on the detected set of boundary pixels. The proposed method is found to achieve high RNFLD detection performance on a newly created dataset with sensitivity (SN) of 0.7821 at 0.2727 false positives per image (FPI) and the area under curve (AUC) value is obtained as 0.8733., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of combined manual small incision cataract and glaucoma surgery with anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) alone versus that with intraoperative viscoelastics., Methods: Hospital electronic medical records of patients who underwent small incision cataract and trabeculectomy and intraocular lens implantation without Mitomycin-C from 2014 to 2016 were identified from the hospital operation theater database for this retrospective, hospital-based comparative study. All MSICS surgeries were performed by a single surgeon under peribulbar block. Data retrieved from all patients undergoing surgery with viscoelastic (group 2) or under AC maintainer without viscoelastic (group 1) included preoperative visual acuity, preoperative treated intraocular pressure, number of anti-glaucoma medications before surgery, total surgical time, intraoperative complications, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and IOP at one week and one month, need for additional procedures, and corneal clarity. Differences in surgical time and postoperative course in both groups were compared., Results: Of 268 manual combined cataract and glaucoma surgeries done from 2014-2016, we identified 147 eyes of 130 age-matched patients, which included 51 PACG, 50 POAG, 12 NTG, and 24 PXG eyes with a mean age of 66 ±11.2 years and 64± 10.8 years in group 2 (n=74) and group 1 (n=73), respectively; p=0.9. The surgical time was significantly lower in group 1 (16±4.8 minutes compared to 44±14.6 minutes for group 2; p<0.001) with transient edema seen <1 week after surgery in 24 eyes of group 2 and seven eyes of group 1; p=0.02. The postoperative IOP at all postoperative visits dropped to >50% in both groups with 11 eyes (PXG n=6, PACG n=5) requiring medications for rise in intraocular pressure at a median time of 1.2 months (r=0.2-3 months). The final visual acuity improved >4 snellen lines in all cases with two patients with advanced damage having 1 line improvement in Snellen acuity at final follow-up., Conclusion: The ACM can help completely avoid the use of viscoelastic during surgery, which can be an effective technique for MSICS with trabeculectomy in low resource stings. Training for such procedures should be incorporated into residency training programs.

Purpose: To describe an unusual series of complications after glaucoma filtering surgeries with their clinical findings and outcome after tailored non-conventional modes of therapy., Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent re-interventions (medical or surgical) after glaucoma filtering surgeries during the period at two tertiary centers, excluding those that required conventional modes of treatment (medical control or re-trabeculectomy, simple wound closure for traumatic wound dehiscence, bleb revision or needling, laser iridotomy), were included. Relevant clinical details with intraoperative videos, intraoperative or postoperative problems, and images with course after re-intervention were retrieved from the hospital database. Clinical details which helped in clinching diagnosis and cause for problems and course after intervention with final vision and intraocular pressure were evaluated., Results: Six of 18 eyes required surgical management for an unusual course of events after an uneventful filtering surgery. Bleb morphology and close follow-up of the conjunctiva, in addition to intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior chamber (AC) configuration, helped diagnose possible aetiology and appropriate tailored management. All patients had good IOP and visual outcome in all except one with macular scar status after retinal detachment surgery., Conclusion: Assessment of the bleb morphology in the postoperative course coupled with monitoring of the conjunctival wound are essential to conventional monitoring of IOP and anterior chamber configuration to arrive at appropriate management for rare unusual events after glaucoma surgery.

Purpose: To investigate and compare the visual field performance following three different types of visual field instruction strategies., Method: Ninety consecutive visual field-naïve glaucoma patients who can perform the test and understand instructions were imparted three forms of instructions prior to the visual field test. Patients with visual acuity <20/200, central corneal opacities, or anterior segment pathology and patients unable to understand general instructions/uncooperative were excluded. All forms of instructions were given by a trained optometrist in the patients' own language as an instruction leaflet read out in 5 min for a verbal group (group1) and by a 5 min video created in house (group 2). Group 3 patients were shown the video first, followed by verbal instructions. We evaluated the reliability parameters in each group after visual field testing by an independent optometrist blinded to the form of instruction given., Results: Among the three groups, group 3 patients had the least number of repeat tests. Eyes with MD<-12Db had better reliability than that of the other groups. Mixed-model linear regression analysis shows that the duration of the test was significantly influenced by the severity of glaucoma in group 1, which is further predisposed by false negatives (FN; β = 0.06, p < 0.0001, R 2 61.7%)., Conclusion: The video with verbal instruction can minimize the number of repeated tests compared with only verbal or only video instruction medium. The video as well as the combined video/verbal instructions have a practical influence of obtaining more reliable fields compared with only verbal instruction.

Purpose: To report anterior segment features in unclassified anterior segment dysgenesis with overlapping features of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome and other developmental anomalies., Methods: This retrospective study included those with atypical or overlapping features in one or both eyes, which were identified as unclassified ASD. Typical ARS was defined as the presence of posterior embryotoxon with or without iris changes like stromal hypoplasia, corectopia, polycoria, or ectropion uvea with or without systemic features. Cases of ARS with overlapping features with other ASD, like aniridia (complete or incomplete absence of iris), iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome (beaten metal appearance of corneal endothelium), Peters anomaly, isolated trabeculodysgenesis (evidenced by Haab's striae, buphthalmos, and epiphora) in one or both eyes with other typical ARS features in the same or other eye were included and screened., Results: Of 56 cases of ARS seen over 10 years, a total of 17 eyes of 11 cases (M:F=9:2, unilateral n=3) with unclassified ASD were identified with a median age of patients of 28.45±17.75 years (range 6-30 years). All cases of unclassified ASD had the presence of focal atypical strands of non-progressive anterior synechiae extending from the iris mid-periphery to the cornea with no attachments to the Schwalbe's line in any case. Adjacent keratic precipitates or pigment were present in three eyes with focal beaten metal appearance in one eye. Three patients developed repeated episodes of anterior uveitis in one eye with stromal involvement seen in all cases, which responded to antiviral therapy., Conclusions: Atypical features like focal strands with differential corneal involvement and onset of viral uveitis in unclassified ARS suggest a possible viral etiology during different periods of eye development.

Purpose: To evaluate the differential expression of tear matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in of patients with various forms of glaucoma., Methods: Tear samples were collected with a Schirmer's strip from 148 eyes of 113 patients (medically naïve patients with primary open-angle [POAG] or angle closure glaucoma [PACG] and those with pseudoexfoliation syndrome [PXF] or glaucoma [PXG]). These were compared to patients undergoing cataract surgery (controls) for this cross-sectional study. Functional activities of tear MMP-9 and MMP-2 were analyzed by gelatin zymography. Tenon's capsules (n = 15) were harvested from the inferior quadrant in those undergoing cataract surgery and protein expression of MMP-9 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stress-induced effects on in vitro activities of MMP-9 in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were analyzed., Results: The MMP-9 activity in tears was increased significantly in POAG, (n = 27), PACG (n = 24), and PXF (n = 40) eyes compared to controls (n = 35), and was increased significantly in eyes with glaucoma compared to moderate/severe glaucoma (P < 0.001). The MMP-9 expression was significantly lower in PXG (n = 22) eyes. Immunohistochemistry of Tenon's capsule revealed increased expression of MMP-9 in primary glaucoma eyes. Increased MMP-9 activity was seen in in vitro by gelatin zymography and was confirmed by Western and immunofluorescent assay on HTM upon 800 and 1000 μM H2O2-induced stress for 2 to 3 hours with approximately 80% cell death., Conclusions: Increased tear MMP-9 activity in early glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation syndrome suggesting activation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation can be used as a tear-based predictive biomarker. Decreased expression in advanced stages suggests exhaustion of the degradation response.

Objective: To compare the variability of central field index (CFI) versus visual field index (VFI) in stable glaucoma with central fixation involvement., Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, we identified multiple visual fields (VFs) of patients with repeatable central fixation involvement on Humphrey VFs (24-2 and 10-2 program) which were stable (clinically and on VFs) over a very short period of 2 to 3 months. The VFI and CFI were calculated as described in earlier reports. We graded the fields as early [mean deviation (MD)>-6 dB], moderate (-6.1 to -12 dB), and severe glaucoma (<-12 dB) based on MD on 24-2 program. The variability of CFI and VFI between visits and across different severity of glaucoma was compared. Relation of the divergence to field indices and clinical parameters were assessed., Results: The intervisit difference for VFI was greater than CFI ranging from -4% to 9% versus -1% to 8% in early (P=0.9), -13% to 18% versus -6% to 17% (P=0.056) in moderate, and -21% to 19% versus -9% to 9% (P<0.001) in severe glaucoma. The CFI within each group had narrower range than VFI with maximum range in severe glaucoma (33% to 95%). The divergence of CFI from VFI started at MD 24-2 beyond (worse) -10 dB. This difference between CFI and VFI was associated significantly with number of points with P<1% on 24-2 (R=80.3%)., Conclusions: CFI is less variable than VFI in stable eyes with fixation involvement especially in severe glaucoma indicating need for incorporating CFI calculation for monitoring advanced disease in eyes with central defects.

Background: To investigate whether a lower-end calibration error check alone can identify a Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) with acceptable calibration error as per Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS) and World Glaucoma Association (WGA) guidelines., Methods: This was a multicentric prospective study in a tertiary eye-care institutional setting. Seventy-six slit-lamp-mounted Haag-Streit GATs (Model AT 900 C/M) were included in the study. All GATs were checked for calibration error at 0, 20, and 60 mm Hg testing levels as recommended by the manufacturer. The ability of 2 screening criteria (calibration error within ±1 or ±2 mm Hg, respectively, at the 0 mm Hg testing level without using the calibration error check weight bar) to identify a tonometer within acceptable calibration limits defined by APGS (calibration error within ±2, ±3, and ±4 mm Hg at 0, 20, and 60 mm Hg testing levels, respectively) and WGA (calibration error within ±1 mm Hg at all testing levels) was determined., Main Outcome Measure: The negative likelihood ratio of the screening criteria RESULTS:: Five (6.6%) and 42 (55%) GATs were outside of the APGS and the WGA calibration limits, respectively. Negative likelihood ratios of the first and the second screening criteria at the APGS definition of calibration error tolerance were 0.11 and 0.25, respectively, and at that of the WGA definition of calibration error tolerance were 0.38 and 0.90, respectively., Conclusions: The screening criteria of calibration error within ±1 mm Hg at the 0 mm Hg testing level seem to be clinically useful to detect GAT with an acceptable calibration error as per the APGS guideline.

To evaluate the pattern of retinal nerve fibre layer defects (RNFLD) with regard to involvement of papillomacular bundle (PMB) in glaucoma. This observational study included patients attending glaucoma imaging services at our centre from 2011 to 2012. All images were exported to Image J software for analysis and rescaled to a unified scale for measurement of degree of RNFLD defined by its angular width, pattern of involvement with regard to involvement or sparing of PMB in particular and horizontal and vertical distance of central vessel trunk (CVT) from the disc margin. Association of clinical data with pattern of defects with regard to PMB involvement was analysed. Sixty-two fundus photographs with discernible nerve fibre layer defects on red free images were selected, including 48 normal tension glaucoma, two primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and 12 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes. Discernible PMB involvement was seen in 35 eyes which included 31 defects in inferior quadrant while CVT exit was placed in the quadrant opposite to the quadrant of RNFLD in that eye. The mean vertical distance from the nearest disc margin was greater in eyes without PMB involvement, 0.4 ± 0.02 mm, than eyes with PMB defects, 0.3 ± 0.01 mm, p < 0.001. On multivariate logistic regression, PMB involvement was significantly associated with decreased linear horizontal of the CVT from the disc margin, p = 0.003. Selective involvement of superior and inferior PMB suggests different retinotopic representation within the optic disc. Exit of the CVT towards the disc margin may be a predisposing factor for RNFLD and involvement of the PMB.

Secondary glaucoma in thyroid eye disease (TED) is attributed either to raised episcleral venous pressure or to mechanical compression induced trabecular meshwork damage by mucopolysaccharide deposition. While the mechanism for raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in TED is largely mechanical and is often evident during its active stage, our case presented with aqueous misdirection in the left eye during the inactive stage. Appropriate diagnostic tests should be ordered to diagnose cause of raised IOP, which would help determine appropriate treatment for the cause for secondary glaucoma in TED., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

To report the challenges in management in a case of scleritis with extensive staphylomas with secondary glaucoma. A 35-year-old one eyed female, a known case of scleromalacia perforans, presented with raised intraocular pressure on maximum medical treatment. She underwent successful Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery with exposure of the implant following a repeat episode of necrotizing scleritis after 3 months. Management of eyes with scleritis and secondary glaucoma can be challenging with unexpected complications and postoperative course.

Suprachoroidal haemorrhage is the most dreaded complication feared by any surgeon during glaucoma surgery. Rapid explosive expulsion of intraocular contents can occur, which makes vision loss almost inevitable in most cases. Yet, adequate preparedness, prompt recognition of the earliest signs and quick closure of the wound can salvage the eye or even prevent loss of vision. This case highlights the successful visual rehabilitation and outcome in a patient with advanced glaucoma who experienced delayed expulsive haemorrhage intraoperatively.

Purpose: To evaluate optic nerve characteristics independent of systemic factors predisposing to parafoveal scotoma in normal tension glaucoma., Methods: We included 40 patients with bilateral normal tension glaucoma with parafoveal scotoma (visual field defect in one hemifield within 10° of fixation with at least one point at p<1% lying at the two innermost paracentral points) in only one eye (Parafoveal group, PF, n = 40) identified from the hospital database in this observational cross sectional study. The other eye with no parafoveal scotoma constituted the control group (n = 32). Red free fundus photographs were evaluated using Image J software analyzing parameters including vertical and horizontal disc diameter, disc haemorrhage, location and angular width of the retinal nerve fibre layer depth and displacement of the central vessel trunk, CVT (vertical and horizontal). Clinical characteristics and disc parameters were compared in the two groups., Results: The PF group had lower mean deviation(MD) and visual field index (VFI) and higher pattern standard deviation (PSD) than control group (p≤0.001) for similar untreated IOP, (p = 0.9). Disc haemorrhages were more frequent in the PF group, p = 0.01. The PF group had greater width of nerve fibre layer defects, p = 0.05 and greater vertical displacement of the central vessel trunk, p = 0.001. On multivariate logistic regression, parafoveal scotoma was significantly associated with increased vertical distance of the CVT, p = 0.0001., Conclusion: Increased vertical displacement of the CVT is associated with parafoveal scotoma in normal tension glaucoma. Localising the vessel trunk may help clinicians in identifying patients at risk for parafoveal involvement.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of epiconjunctival Mitomycin-C (MMC) application in early failing filtering blebs., Design: Interventional case series., Participants: Patients with failing blebs and raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in the early (two weeks to one month) postoperative period following glaucoma filtering surgery., Methods: A retrospective analysis of records of failed blebs was done for the period of April 2011-March 2012. Patients who were subjected to three applications of MMC (0.04%) applied over the conjunctiva directly over the bleb at baseline (visit1), one week (visit 2) and at one month (visit 3) were included. Bleb characteristics were graded in a blinded fashion by one independent ophthalmologist, while IOP during follow-up visits were analyzed., Main Outcome Measures: Intraocular pressure, need for additional measure, or medications and bleb characteristics as graded by Indiana classification., Results: Ten eyes of nine patients with failing blebs received topical MMC, including included eight males and one female with a mean age of 52 ± 18 years (trabeculectomy:combined surgery = 5:5). Complete success was seen in eight of 10 eyes with a final mean IOP of 14 ± 2.9 mm Hg at three months. Excluding the two eyes that required medications, IOP reduction of 9%-42% was seen at visit 2, 16-57% IOP reduction at visit 3, and 16-56% at three months' follow-up. Of eight eyes, all eyes showed decrease in vascularity of the blebs, p < 0.001. While the height of the blebs did not show significant increase, all had increase in the avascular area of the bleb. One eye developed spontaneously resolving adenoviral conjunctivitis without any sequelae., Conclusion: Three applications of epiconjunctival MMC may be a safe alternative for salvaging failing blebs in the early postoperative period. This may help maximize anti-fibrotic effect of MMC while minimizing complications by limiting the area of contact.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare changes in scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, HRT II, and perimetry in adult primary open angle and chronic angle closure glaucoma over at least five years., Design: Prospective non-randomized clinical trial., Methods: 245 eyes of 245 patients, 116 primary open angle glaucoma, POAG eyes and 129 primary angle closure glaucoma, PACG eyes were studied. Standard achromatic perimetry and optic nerve head topography by HRT II were studied serially, at baseline and thereafter every six months., Results: 14 POAG eyes (11.2%) and 20 PACG eyes (15.5%) showed progression on achromatic perimetry. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a survival rate of 71% at 148 months for PACG and 86% at 144 months in POAG eyes. Eyes that progressed had frequent records (median 3.08 visits, range 2-10 visits) of a rise of IOP of >4 mm, over the target IOP, during follow-up. In stable eyes, PACG required >50% reduction in IOP to achieve stability on HRT, while POAG eyes showed improvement of optic nerve head parameters even with an IOP reduction of 25%., Conclusion: Intermittent IOP fluctuations of ≥4 mm Hg over the mean IOP was associated with progression in POAG and CPACG eyes. PACG eyes appeared to progress faster and to a greater extent, and were more resistant to changes in ONH tomography following standard therapy, requiring a larger percentage drop in IOP to manifest improvement in optic nerve head parameters, as compared to POAG eyes.

Purpose: We herein report the clinical profile of five eyes of three patients with normotensive pseudoexfoliation glaucoma., Methods: Three patients who presented with clinical evidence of pseudoexfoliation with evident glaucomatous damage and normal intraocular pressure underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, central corneal thickness, diurnal IOP recording (in two patients), and visual field examination., Results: Five eyes of the three patients were found to have advanced glaucomatous damage, thin cornea, and an IOP recording of <23 mm Hg at all occasions. Case 1 had macular branch retinal vein occlusion while case 3 had disc collaterals., Conclusion: Normotensive pseudoexfoliation glaucoma may represent a new phenotype highlighting the possible role of pressure-independent mechanisms of glaucoma in pseudoexfoliation.

Purpose: We report 4 eyes of 3 patients with presumed herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis after glaucoma surgery wherein intraoperative mitomycin-C was used., Methods: Three patients, aged 18-75 years, were found to have unilateral or bilateral herpetic keratitis and/or keratouveitis, 15 days to 2 years after trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C., Results: All 3 cases healed without any sequelae after 4 to 6 weeks with topical and/or systemic acyclovir. Topical steroids were used in cases with stromal involvement., Conclusions: Mitomycin-C may predispose/facilitate development of herpetic keratitis/keratouveitis up to 2 years after glaucoma surgery.

PurposeMethodResultsConclusionTo discuss comprehensively the varied complications after stent-less incisional or excisional minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).A review of reported complications after stent-less MIGS procedures including gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT), bent needle goniectomy (BANG), Kahook-dual blade goniotomy, and microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT) published between 2014–2024, were analyzed and summarized.Apart from hyphema, peripheral anterior synechiae, and intraocular pressure spikes, other vision-threatening complications like cyclodialysis, Descemet’s detachment, corneal edema, iridodilalysis, vitreous loss or vitreous hemorrhage can also occur intra- or postoperatively after any incisional or excisional MIGS procedures.All possible complications are to be kept in mind during MIGS despite the procedures being minimally invasive. Adequate care should be taken during different stages of the surgery to avoid these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine ultrastructural changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM) in patients with primary and secondary glaucoma using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This was a qualitative descriptive hospital-based study on the ultrastructure of the TM. Pure TM samples were collected after microincisional trabeculectomy from 26 patients with primary or secondary glaucoma and 10 control samples from eye bank donor corneas. SEM was used to analyze structural changes in the TM beams, corneoscleral meshwork (CSM), and juxtacanalicular (JCT) regions. Morphological features were compared between groups and correlated with histopathological findings. SEM revealed flattened and broadened TM beams in the JCT, resembling controls, often with a dumbbell configuration. Histopathological examination (HPE) and SEM showed rounded TM beams with considerable thinning, especially in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), compared to primary open-angle (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). Maximum thinning in all primary glaucoma occurred in the CSM region, with minimal changes in the JCT region despite a reduction in cellularity in both regions. In steroid glaucoma, amorphous, glistening material was found on the TM beams in the JCT and CSM. XFG eyes displayed vesicular bodies adjacent to fibrillar material scattered diffusely over the TM beams, particularly in the CSM, differing from the platelet clumps seen in regular blood clots. TM beam thinning in primary glaucoma primarily affects the CSM region, sparing the JCT region. Amorphous deposits or vesicular bodies, seen only in steroid-induced glaucoma and XFG, suggest different mechanisms of TM damage in these glaucoma types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma comprise a unique age‑related ocular aggregopathy characterized by the accumulation of protein complex aggregates in different ocular structures. Recent literature and studies have expanded our knowledge of the clinical characteristic features, phenotypical variations, and molecular pathophysiology associated with disease onset or development of glaucoma. Despite years of studies on the various epidemiological, clinical, and molecular facets of the disease, the exact mechanism of disease onset, formation of aggregates, and the events that trigger the development of glaucoma marking irreversibility in the disease remains elusive. This review elaborates on the existing and new insights that we have gained over the years and highlights gaps in the knowledge about the disease that need future exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare visual field progression in severity-matched pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and primary glaucoma after intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by filtering surgery.Methods: Patients with XFG (n=32), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, n=33) or primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG, n=28) that underwent routine cataract and glaucoma filtering surgery by the same surgeon (APR) between May 2017 and September 2021, were included for this prospective study. Rate of progression (ROP) was determined using guided progression analysis and compared between XFG and primary glaucoma. Multivariate regression was done to analyse the factors responsible for progression in each group.Results: Visual field progression after surgery was noted in 48 eyes (n=11 XFG, 18 POAG and 19 PACG eyes) at a mean follow-up of 10± 5.6 months after surgery with RVI seen in 18 of 48 eyes. The final IOP (p=0.8) and mean ROP (p=0.09) were not significantly different between XFG and primary glaucoma. The XFG eyes had a greater number of eyes (36%) showing an ROP worse than − 5dB/yr, with 45% of eyes showing an IOP spike > 5mm Hg, and a higher mean IOP spike between visits. The ROP in eyes with RVO and > 5mm Hg IOP spikes was greater in XFG than in POAG or PACG. In the multivariate analysis, higher IOP fluctuations > 5mm Hg, and associated retinal vein occlusions (RVO) were significant factors for visual progression greater than − 5dB/year (R2=53.5%) in POAG and XFG eyes. Age, gender, baseline MD, and number of medications before surgery or at final follow-up did not influence visual progression rates in either group.Conclusion: A higher IOP fluctuation > 5mm Hg and associated RVO were the significant factors predicting visual field progression after filtering surgery in XFG and POAG eyes. Control of both IOP-dependent and -independent mechanisms of VF progression is therefore essential in these eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate point-wise variability of threshold sensitivity at different test locations on 24-2 and 10-2 visual field (VF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records of patients seen at a tertiary eye care center were screened to include those with at least 3 reliable VF with glaucomatous defects involving fixation on 24-2 and confirmed on 10-2 test strategy. Ninety eyes of 90 patients were categorized into 3 severity groups based on mean deviation (MD on 24-2) test strategy; MD<-6 dB and >-12 dB, <-12 dB and >-20 dB and <-20 dB and >-30 dB. Variability of threshold sensitivity at all topographical test locations in central (ring 1), mid-peripheral (ring 2), peripheral rings on 24-2 VF test strategy (ring 3), and central (ring 4) and paracentral (ring 5) on 10-2 VF test along with variability of visual field index and central field index were calculated by multilevel mixed effects model. RESULTS: Central ring1 on 24-2 and ring 4 on 10-2 showed higher variability (>10 dB) than peripheral ring 2, 3, and 5. Seventy-three eyes were adjudged as stable and 17 as progressing in this cohort. The average ring and point-wise variability was higher in stable eyes (2-6 dB) across all glaucoma severities. Across severity, variability was seen to decrease with increasing severity with minimal variability in point-wise threshold sensitivity beyond MD <-20 dB. CONCLUSION: Central test points/ring on 24-2 and 10-2 with greater threshold variability suggests that status of the eye, severity and topographical location of test points should be incorporated into conventional progression algorithms to predict true glaucoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The key differences in cell death mechanisms in the trabecular meshwork (TM) in adult moderate and severe primary glaucoma remain still unanswered. This study explored key differences in cell death mechanisms in the trabecular meshwork (TM) in adult moderate and severe primary glaucoma. Design: In-vitro laboratory study on surgical specimens and primary cell lines. Methods: Select cell death-related proteins differentially expressed on mass spectrometric analysis in ex-vivo dissected TM specimens patients with severe adult primary open-angle (POAG) or angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) compared to controls (cadaver donor cornea) were validated for temporal changes in cell death-related gene expression on in-vitro primary human TM cell culture after 48 hours (moderate) or 72 hours (severe) oxidative stress with H2O2 (400– 1000 uM concentration). These were compared with histone modifications after oxidative stress in human TM (HTM) culture and peripheral blood of patients with moderate and severe glaucoma. Results: Autophagy-related proteins seemed to be the predominant cell-death mechanism over apoptosis in ex-vivo dissected TM specimens in severe glaucoma. Analyzing HTM cell gene expression at 48 hours and 72 hours of oxidative stress, autophagy genes were up-regulated at 48– 72 hours of exposure in contrast to apoptosis-related genes, showing down-regulation at 72 hours. There was associated increased expression of H3K14ac in HTM after 72 hours of oxidative stress and in peripheral blood of severe POAG and PACG. Conclusion: A preference of autophagy over apoptosis may underlie stage transition from moderate to severe glaucoma in the trabecular meshwork or peripheral blood, which may be tightly regulated by epigenetic modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the microRNA (miRNA) profile in patients with different stages of pseudoexfoliation (PXF). Methods: Peripheral blood of patients with PXF (naïve to medical therapy and with no systemic disease/drugs) with ocular hypertension (OHT) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) was evaluated in triplicate for miRNA profiling using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays. Those identified in the discovery stage were validated with evaluation of serum transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1) levels by ELISA. The downstream targets of TGF-β 1 and unfolded protein response (UPR) were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Predicted targets of the identified miRNA and KEGG pathway analysis were done using miRbase and DIANA tools mirPathv3.1. Results: We found hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-424-5p to be upregulated in PXG targeting 3 specific pathways namely TGF-β 1, fibrosis/ECM and proteoglycan metabolism with common effectors like SMAD/3/2. The unfolded protein response (UPR) genes were significantly downregulated in all stages of PXF suggesting this as the key mechanism for protein aggregates in PXF syndrome. Serum TGF-β 1 was significantly upregulated as disease progressed to later stages in PXG. This elevation in advanced stages was associated with significantly differential expression of downstream pathways and fibrotic genes in OHT compared to PXG predominantly through the SMAD3, a canonical pathway marker. Conclusion: Circulatory miRNA differentially regulating TGF-β 1 and downstream targets including UPR genes may be the key mechanisms for glaucoma onset in PXF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]