Search

Purpose: To compare safety, tolerability and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty (PSLT) with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in fellow eyes of untreated patients with glaucoma., Design: Randomized controlled trial., Participants: Twenty-nine patients (58 eyes) with primary and secondary open angle glaucoma (OAG) were randomized to undergo PSLT or SLT in each eye., Methods: Pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty was performed using the Pascal laser (Pascal Streamline 577; Topcon Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Patients' comfort level to treatment was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Follow-up visits were at week 1, month 1, 3 and 6. Success was defined as IOP reduction ≥20%., Main Outcome Measures: Safety, tolerability and IOP reduction., Results: The mean age of patients was 54.1 ± 15.5 years. Baseline IOP was similar between both groups (PSLT, 17.3 ± 4.0 mmHg; SLT, 16.8 ± 3.6 mmHg, p > 0.05). In the PSLT group, the mean IOP at 1, 3 and 6 months was 14.2 ± 3.5, 13.9 ± 2.6 and 14.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, respectively. In the SLT group, the mean IOP at 1, 3 and 6 months was 14.4 ± 4.1, 13.7 ± 3.2 and 13.7 ± 3.1 mmHg, respectively. The IOP reduction in the PSLT group was greater than the SLT group at 1 month (p < 0.01) and 3 months (p < 0.01). VAS score was better in PSLT eyes: 23.9 ± 20.5 (range, 0-82) than in SLT eyes: 50.4 ± 25.3 (range, 0-98) (p < 0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded., Conclusions: Both laser modalities had similar safety and efficacy profiles while PSLT was better tolerated by patients., (© 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Current management of glaucoma entails the medical, laser, or surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) to a predetermined level of target IOP, which is commensurate with either stability or delayed progression of visual loss. In the published literature, the hypothesis is often made that IOP control implies a single IOP measurement over time. Although the follow-up of glaucoma patients with single IOP measurements is quick and convenient, such measurements often do not adequately reflect the untreated IOP characteristics, or indeed the quality of treated IOP control during the 24-h cycle. Since glaucoma is a 24-h disease and the damaging effect of elevated IOP is continuous, it is logical that we should aim to understand the efficacy of all treatment options throughout the 24-h period. This article first reviews the concept and value of diurnal and 24-h IOP monitoring. It then critically evaluates selected available evidence on the 24-h efficacy of medical, laser and surgical therapy options. During the past decade several controlled trials have significantly enhanced our understanding on the 24-h efficacy of all glaucoma therapy options. Nevertheless, more long-term evidence is needed to better evaluate the 24-h efficacy of glaucoma therapy and the precise impact of IOP characteristics on glaucomatous progression and visual prognosis.

Glaucoma surgeries targeting the uveoscleral drainage pathways have been drawing more attention lately. Among all the available techniques, procedures focusing on the supra-choroidal space seem particularly promising, by making use of a presumably efficient and secure outflow route and avoiding subconjunctival filtration blebs. The purpose of this review is to assess the efficacy and the security of the different suprachoroidal drainage implants, namely the CyPass Micro-Stent, the iStent Supra, the SOLX Gold Shunt, the Aquashunt, and the STARflo Glaucoma Implant. Most clinical studies seem to currently point toward the direction that there are actual benefits in suprachoroidal surgeries by avoiding bleb-related complications. Nevertheless, even suprachoroidal implants may be subject to scarring and failure. More data are still needed, especially concerning long-term effects, although the approach does seem appealing. How to cite this article: Gigon A, Shaarawy T. The Suprachoroidal Route in Glaucoma Surgery. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(1): 13-20.

Glaucoma filtration surgery is performed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients for whom maximal tolerable pharmacologic IOP-lowering therapy and/or laser surgery fail to lower IOP sufficiently and/or fail to prevent optic nerve damage or visual field deterioration. For decades, the most widely utilized procedure for glaucoma filtration surgery has been trabeculectomy. Although this approach reliably provides long-term IOP reduction in many patients, the postoperative complication rate is high. This has driven the development of alternative approaches to reduce IOP surgically. The EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device was developed to mimic IOP control by trabeculectomy and to have a better safety profile. This non-valved, medical-grade stainless steel device diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to an intrascleral space. Despite the widespread use of the EX-PRESS device, only a few studies compare its efficacy and safety with that of trabeculectomy. We analyze available data regarding the safety and efficacy of the EX-PRESS device, particularly in comparison with trabeculectomy., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a supraciliary micro-stent (CyPass Micro-Stent; Transcend Medical, Menlo Park, California, USA) for surgical treatment of glaucoma in patients refractory to topical medications., Design: Multicenter, single-arm interventional study., Methods: Patients with open-angle glaucoma (Shaffer Grade 3 and 4) and uncontrolled medicated intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mm Hg at baseline and candidates for conventional glaucoma surgery were enrolled. Glaucoma medications were discontinued at surgery and resumed at investigator discretion. CyPass Micro-Stent implantation was completed in all patients using a standard clear corneal approach. Adverse events, postoperative IOP changes, and need for IOP-lowering medications during the first 12 postoperative months (12M) were monitored., Results: Sixty-five eyes were enrolled, and 55 were available at 12M, accounting for loss to follow-up and early termination. Baseline IOP was 24.5 ± 2.8 mm Hg, and the mean number of medications recorded was 2.2 ± 1.1. There were no serious intraoperative events or major adverse events (eg, retinal or choroidal detachment, persistent uveitis, persistent hyphema, hypotony maculopathy). The most common adverse events included IOP increases >30 mm Hg beyond 1 month (11%, 7/65), transient hyphema (6%, 4/65), and cataract progression (12%, 5/41 phakic eyes). Mean IOP was 16.4 ± 5.5 mm Hg at 12 months-a 34.7% reduction (P < .0001). Mean medication usage also decreased from baseline to a mean of 1.4 ± 1.3 medications at 12M (P = .002). In eyes originally indicated for conventional glaucoma surgery, no secondary surgery was performed in 83% (53/64)., Conclusion: Supraciliary stenting with the CyPass Micro-Stent effectively lowers IOP as a surgical treatment for glaucoma, precluding the need for more invasive glaucoma surgery in >80% of patients at 1 year, thereby reducing postoperative glaucoma surgical complications., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Juxtacanalicular (JXT) trabecular meshwork and endothelial lining of Schlemm's canal have been cited as the loci of aqueous outflow resistance, both in a normal as well as a glaucomatous eye. In this review, we attempt to understand the currently available surgical modalities in light of the available histopathological evidence, regarding localization of outflow resistance. How to cite this article: Bhartiya S, Ichhpujani P, Shaarawy T. Surgery on the Trabecular Meshwork: Histopathological Evidence. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2015;9(2):51-61.

Importance: Control of intraocular pressure after implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) depends on the porosity of the capsule that forms around the plate of the GDD., Objective: To compare capsular porosity after insertion of 2 different GDDs using a novel implant and measurement system., Design, Setting, and Subjects: We performed an experimental interventional study at an eye research facility in a tertiary eye care center. Testing was performed on 22 adult New Zealand white rabbits that received the experimental GDD or an existing GDD., Interventions: A new experimental GDD, the Center for Eye Research Australia (CERA) implant, was created using computer-aided design and a 3-dimensional printer. The CERA GDDs were implanted in the eyes of rabbits randomized into 1 of the following 3 groups: with no connection to the anterior chamber (n = 7), with connection to the anterior chamber for 1 week (n = 5), and with connection to the anterior chamber for 4 weeks (n = 5). In a control group (n = 5), a pediatric GDD was implanted without connection to the anterior chamber. We measured the capsular porosity using a pressure-gated picoliter pump at a driving pressure of 12 mm Hg. The animals were killed humanely for histologic study., Main Outcomes and Measures: Porosity of the fibrous capsule around the implant., Results: We found no difference in mean (SEM) capsular porosity between the CERA (3.39 [0.76; 95% CI, 1.43-5.48] µL/min) and pediatric (4.52 [0.52; 95% CI, 3.19-5.95] µL/min) GDDs (P = .28, unpaired t test) at 4 weeks without aqueous exposure. Mean (SEM) capsular porosity of CERA GDDs connected to the anterior chamber at 1 week was 2.46 (0.36; 95% CI, 1.55-3.44) µL/min but decreased to 0.67 (0.07; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86) µL/min at 4 weeks (P = .001, unpaired t test)., Conclusions and Relevance: Our experimental method permits direct measurement of capsular porosity of an in situ GDD. In a comparison between an experimental (CERA) and an existing GDD, no differences were identified in capsular porosity or histologic reaction between the implants. These results suggest that the CERA GDD model can be used to test key components of glaucoma surgery and implant design.

We are currently in the midst of a surge in interest in glaucoma surgery. Novel pathways for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) have been tried with various levels of success over the last few years. While the trabecular bypass and suprachoroidal approaches have captured much of the attention, filtering aqueous into the sub-conjunctival space remains the gold standard for lowering IOP. This review attempts to focus on current research in surgical methods to enhance filtration by potentially improving on tried and tested methods like the trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy, and tube surgeries.

Surgical options for glaucoma have expanded in recent years. This article provides an evidence-based update on the novel or emerging surgical techniques for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma that are based on the Schlemm's canal (SC). Canaloplasty is an ab externo approach and was developed as an alternative to traditional filtering surgeries. The Hydrus microstent (Ivantis Inc., Irvine, CA) is a so-called SC scaffold that directly bypasses the trabecular meshwork to drain aqueous humor into the SC, which it keeps dilated over approximately one quadrant. Canaloplasty has also been shown to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by up to 40% and combined with cataract surgery. IOP was lowered 44% at 24 months while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The Hydrus device has been proposed as an adjunct to cataract extraction surgery. To date, no published evidence from clinical trials is available on its in vivo safety and efficacy. Schlemm's canal based glaucoma procedures show promise as alternative treatments to traditional glaucoma surgery. Surgeons must be comfortable with angle anatomy. A prerequisite for functionality of these techniques is the integrity of the distal outflow system. At present, however, it is not possible to conclude whether these novel procedures will be viable alternatives to standard filtering surgery over the long-term.

The evidence in support of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering to reduce risk of glaucoma onset or progression is strong, although the amount and quality of IOP reduction is less well defined. The concept of a target IOP includes a percentage reduction, calculated IOP, or a predetermined IOP figure or range. Yet none of these strategies have been validated. In addition, our understanding of the way IOP influences glaucoma risk is continuously evolving. Examples of this include the data on IOP fluctuation and lamina cribrosa and cerebrospinal fluid pressure differentials. That these variables are not included in target IOP calculation potentially undermines its accuracy and usefulness. We summarize the evidence for target IOP, new developments in our understanding of IOP and glaucoma pathogenesis, as well as emerging strategies for setting targets and assessing response to treatment., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The current gold standard for screening for angle closure and adopting universal approaches to prophylaxis is the assessment of the anterior chamber (AC) angle by gonioscopy, a technique that has substantial interobserver variability and relies on subjective assessment. Slit-lamp estimation of the peripheral anterior chamber depth (ACD) by the Van Herick technique is a noncontact approach for estimating angle width and various authors have commented on its sensitivity and specificity as a screening tool for identifying narrow angles as well as angle closure.This case series draws attention to the fact that as many as 28 out of 36 (77.78%) seemingly open angles on Van Herick test were found to be potentially occludable angles on gonioscopy. Therefore, it may be concluded that gonioscopy is essential even in patients with deep peripheral ACs, before an occludable angle can be ruled out. How to cite this article: Bhartiya S, Shaarawy T. Evaluation of the Van Herick Technique for Screening for Occludable Angles in an African Population. J Current Glau Prac 2013;7(2):88-90.

Medical therapy is the first-line option in glaucoma management, with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) being the most frequently used preservative in antiglaucoma medications. Its use is however, known to be associated with deleterious effects on the ocular surface. This review is an attempt to critically evaluate whether BAC really is indispensable for better bioavailability of antiglaucoma drugs and consequently, better IOP control. How to cite this article: Louati Y, Shaarawy T. Controversy: Is Benzalkonium Chloride Necessary in Antiglaucoma Drops? J Current Glau Prac 2012;6(3):104-107.

We report a case of acute phacolytic glaucoma in which only protein was present in the anterior chamber without macrophages. We propose that this study represents a type of phacolytic glaucoma characterized by a hyperacute presentation caused by rapid leakage of degenerated lens proteins into the aqueous humor as opposed to a second type with a more gradual onset and with phacolytic macrophages in the aqueous humor resulting from an immunologic response to liquefied lens proteins. Thus, 2 forms, perhaps at ends of a spectrum of clinical manifestations of phacolytic glaucoma, may exist with distinct characteristics and pathophysiology.

To document the rate of self-reported compliance and glaucoma-related knowledge in Swiss patients and to identify risk factors for their poor compliance. This was an observational study, including a total of 200 consecutive patients already under glaucoma medication in two Swiss tertiary glaucoma clinics (Geneva and Bern). Personal characteristics, presence of systemic disease, compliance with glaucoma medication, attitude to the ophthalmologist, and glaucoma-related attitudes were ascertained by means of a predetermined questionnaire with 40 questions. Patients were subsequently assessed for the ability to correctly instil placebo eye drops. Non-compliance with glaucoma medication was defined as omitting more than two doses a week as reported by the patient. Logistic regression was used to evaluate how patient characteristics and knowledge about the disease were related to compliance. Overall, 81% (n = 162) of patients reported to be compliant. Forgetfulness was the most frequently cited reason for non-compliance with dosing regimen (63%). Although 90.5% (n = 181) of patients believed glaucoma medication to be efficient, only 28% (n = 56) could correctly define glaucoma. Factors positively associated with compliance were 'knowledge of glaucoma' [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.77 (95% CI 1.36-16.70)] and 'getting help for administration of drops' [OR 2.95 (1.25-6.94)]. These findings indicate that despite the comparatively high compliance rate among glaucoma patients, knowledge of glaucoma remains poor in long-term glaucoma sufferers. Improving knowledge about the disease is important since it is positively associated with compliance in our study.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of flunarizine, a nonselective calcium channel blocker, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OH)., Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, cross-over phase II trial., Methods: Ten patients diagnosed with bilateral OAG or OH were included. Each patient served as his own control. On the first study visit, 1 drop of either 0.05% flunarizine or placebo was applied in the study eye. Patients were followed-up during 6 hours (0, 15, 30, and 60 min, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h) for vital signs, slit lamp examination, corneal fluorescein staining, and IOP. After a wash-out period of 4 weeks, 1 drop of either placebo or flunarizine was applied in the same eye and patients were followed-up for another 6 hours., Results: The flunarizine group showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline at T2, T3, T4, and T6 hours (P=0.01, P=0.03, P=0.01, and P=0.03, respectively). No significant difference in IOP decrease from baseline (P>0.06) was observed between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference in all of the following parameters: limbal hyperemia, bulbar or palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, corneal staining with fluorescein, best-corrected visual acuity, comfort of eye drops, and vital signs., Conclusions: The absence of a statistically significant difference in IOP reduction between the 2 groups may be due to the small number of patients included. However, a single dose of 0.05% flunarizine significantly reduced IOP when compared with baseline values, whereas this was not observed with placebo.

Objectives: To evaluate the morphologic characteristics of the trabeculo-Descemet membrane (TDM) by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and to correlate the findings with the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of goniopuncture., Methods: Twenty eyes of 19 patients were evaluated in a prospective, observational case series. Examination using IVCM and measurement of IOP were performed 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after Nd:YAG goniopuncture., Results: Two groups could be distinguished on the basis of morphologic characteristics of the TDM before goniopuncture. In group 1 (13 eyes), the TDM was characterized by the presence of an area of epithelial cells in the deep stromal level. After goniopuncture, an opening at the TDM with dispersed epithelial cells was visible. In group 2 (7 eyes), fibrotic tissue overlying the TDM was observed in all cases, and no openings were visible after goniopuncture. Group 1 had a statistically significant decrease in mean (SD) IOP after goniopuncture (21.6 [4.8] mm Hg before and 13.5 [4.6] mm Hg after, P = .008); there was no significant change in group 2 (19.2 [4.3] mm Hg before and 20.8 [7.5] mm Hg after, P = .30). There was a strong correlation between the presence of fibrous tissue and percentage of IOP lowering after goniopuncture (ρ = -0.89, P < .001)., Conclusions: The presence of fibrotic tissue covering the TDM is associated with failure of goniopuncture. Use of IVCM may be valuable in predicting the efficacy of goniopuncture in patients with elevated IOP after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant.

Purpose: To discuss the unusual features of topiramate-induced acute angle closure glaucoma, its pathophysiologic mechanisms, and treatment controversies, and to report the first anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) of this condition., Methods: Literature review and case report with OCT findings., Results: Topiramate-induced angle closure is usually bilateral and associated with acute myopia; the ocular pressure is often not very highly elevated. Ciliochoroidal detachment with ciliary body anterior rotation is typically present and was demonstrated easily in our case with anterior segment OCT. Pilocarpine exacerbates this condition and peripheral iridotomy is not indicated, nor is iridoplasty. Treatment consists of replacing topiramate with appropriate medication, strong cycloplegia, and topical steroids., Conclusions: It is important to recognize this form of acute secondary angle closure in order to treat it properly, avoiding harmful medication and unnecessary surgery.

The aim of glaucoma surgery is to lower the intraocular pressure in order to reduce the risk of further glaucomatous progression, particularly in cases refractory to topical therapy. Although effective in reducing intraocular pressure, these procedures are not without complications, with endophthalmitis being one of the most serious. A PubMed review of the literature was performed for trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage device procedures (Ahmed, Baerveldt and Molteno implants) and non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (deep sclerectomy and viscocanalostomy) for reports of postoperative infection, including blebitis and endophthalmitis. The literature on infections relating to non-penetrating glaucoma surgery is sparse compared with penetrating surgery, but this may be a reflection of the relatively shorter follow-up duration and comparatively smaller body of data available on non-penetrating procedures. Overall, there is not enough evidence, in terms of well-constructed randomised clinical trials with sufficiently large sample sizes and long follow-up durations, to be able to make informed comparisons of the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis and infection between the various glaucoma operations. This review article summarises the incidences of endophthalmitis from the literature and discusses the major risk factors for postoperative infection.

Purpose: To investigate outflow facility in isolated porcine eyes after creation of an intrascleral canal by injection of stabilized, nonanimal, hyaluronic acid gel (NASHA; Q-Med AB, Uppsala, Sweden)., Methods: Outflow facility of 60 porcine eyes was measured after creation of an intrascleral canal into the anterior chamber by injection of NASHA gel using six different combinations of needle size (21, 23, and 27 gauge) and canal length (4.6 mm). Ten eyes were tested in each of the six subgroups and an additional 10 were control eyes. After cannulation of the anterior chamber and adjustment of the inflow rate to achieve a stable pressure of 10 mm Hg, an intrascleral channel was created by injection of NASHA gel. The inflow rate was then increased to achieve a stable pressure of 20 mm Hg and then again adjusted to maintain a stable pressure of 30 mm Hg., Results: A significant increase in outflow facility was found between the control group and the NASHA gel-injected group (60 eyes) for both the 10- to 20-mm Hg and the 20- to 30-mm Hg pressure change (P < 0.001). Increase in outflow facility was independent of the canal lengths and the needle sizes used for both the 10- to 20-mm Hg (P = 0.82) and 20- to 30-mm Hg (P = 0.99) pressure change., Conclusions: A single ab externo intrascleral canal created by injection of NASHA gel increases the outflow facility in isolated porcine eyes. This is a potentially promising new technique for lowering intraocular pressure. It remains to be seen whether these positive results can be reproduced for significant periods in humans.

Deep Sclerectomy is a non penetrating surgical procedure for the treatment of open angle glaucoma. In this article we will describe the surgical technique, the indications for surgery and will review the scientific literature on surgical outcome following this procedure. We will also discuss the important role played by antimetabolites, implants and the use of gonipuncture to achieve the desired IOP reduction.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results and complications of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant in exfoliative glaucoma (EXG)., Patients and Methods: A total of 22 eyes of 22 patients with medically uncontrolled EXG were consecutively included in this study and were followed-up prospectively. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, and slit-lamp examination were performed before and after surgery, at day 1, week 1, and at months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 54. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and managed accordingly. Complete success was defined as IOP < or =18 mm Hg without antiglaucoma medications and qualified success as IOP < or =18 mm Hg with or without antiglaucoma medications., Results: After a mean follow-up time of 48.5+/-12.2 months (range, 12 to 54), mean IOP was significantly reduced from 29.9+/-8.1 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.2+/-3.2 mm Hg (P<0.0001). Complete and qualified success rates were 54.5% and 90.9%, respectively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications per patient was significantly reduced from 2.4+/-0.67 to 0.59+/-0.85 (P<0.0001). Goniopuncture with Nd:YAG laser was performed on 14 eyes (63.6%). Mean IOP was reduced from 21.8+/-8.8 mm Hg to 9+/-3.2 mm Hg after goniopuncture (P=0.00058). Four eyes (18.2%) required 5-fluorouracil subconjunctival injections and 7 eyes (31.8%) showed cataract progression., Conclusions: Deep sclerectomy with collagen implant seems to provide reasonable long-term IOP control in EXG with few postoperative complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term success rate and complications of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy with collagen implant in open-angle glaucoma., Patients and Methods: Clinical, prospective, monocentric, nonrandomized, unmasked study on 105 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. A standard procedure deep sclerectomy with collagen implant was performed. Complete examinations were performed before surgery and postoperatively at 1 and 7 days; 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and then every 6 months during the 10 following years., Results: The mean follow-up was 101.5+/-43.1 (3 to 144) months [mean+/-SD, (range)]. The preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 26.8+/-7.7 (14 to 52) mm Hg and the best-corrected visual acuity 0.71+/-0.33 (0.02 to 1.5). Ten years after surgery IOP was 12.2+/-4.7 (6 to 20) mm Hg and best-corrected visual acuity 0.63+/-0.34 (0.01 to 1.2) (number of remaining patients=52). The mean number of medications per patient went from 2.3+/-0.7 (1 to 4) down to 1.3+/-1.1 (0 to 3). An IOP

Nonpenetrating glaucoma surgeries have been developed in recent years in order to improve the safety of conventional filtering procedures. The goal of nonpenetrating filtering procedures is to reduce intraocular pressure by enhancing the natural aqueous outflow channels, while reducing outflow resistance located in the inner wall of the Schlemm's canal and the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork. In the last few years viscocanalostomy and deep sclerectomy with external trabeculectomy have become the most popular nonpenetrating filtering procedures. Both involve removal of a deep scleral flap, the external wall of Schlemm's canal and corneal stroma behind the anterior trabeculum and Descemet's membrane, thus creating an intrascleral space. The aqueous humour leaves the anterior chamber through the intact trabeculo-Descemet's membrane into the scleral space, from where it will egress into different pathways. The technique is associated with a long learning curve. Published clinical trials comparing nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery to full-thickness trabeculectomy have a consensus on the superior safety profile of nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery but are not in agreement when it comes to efficacy, where conflicting results have been found. This article reviews the nonpenetrating surgical techniques, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, complications, and results.

A 68-year-old woman had uneventful deep sclerectomy with a collagen implant in the left eye that was complicated by infectious keratitis 2 weeks later. Corneal scraping revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient responded to topical antibiotic treatment, and the corneal infiltration resolved, leaving a corneal scar. Bacterial keratitis may occur after nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery and should be included in the list of early postoperative complications.

Background: To study experimentally two different shapes of collagen implants (CI) used in deep sclerectomy (DS). The ability to promote drainage vessels, outflow mechanisms, success rates, and biodegradability, were studied prospectively in an animal model., Materials and Methods: DS was performed in 20 eyes of ten rabbits. Each rabbit randomly received a cylindrical CI in one eye, while the other eye received a flat CI. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examination of DS site and simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanin green anterior-segment angiography were performed preoperatively, at 1 and 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 months for each eye. At the end of the follow-up period, outflow facility (OF) was measured and histological examinations of the filtration site were performed., Results: In the cylindrical implant group, IOP significantly dropped from a mean pre-operative value of 14.8+/-2.2 mmHg to a mean postoperative values of 10.9+/-3.3, 12.5+/-2.2, 11.8+/-2.6, 11.2+/-2.3, 10.7+/-1.9, 14.0+/- 3.2, 12.6+/-2.4 mmHg at 1, 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. In the flat CI group, IOP significantly dropped from a mean preoperative value of 14.1+/-1.8 mmHg to a mean postoperative values of 10.4+/-2.7, 12.7+/-1.9, 12.5+/-3.2, 11.2+/-1.6, 11.6+/-1.8, 11.5+/-2.3, 11.0+/-2.2 mmHg at 1, 2 weeks, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. UBM images showed a gradual resorption of both type of CI during the first 3 months, and angiographies showed progressive growth of drainage vessels around the filtration site in both groups. The mean OF 9 months postoperatively for the cylindrical CI was 0.53 (SD +/- 0.23) ml/ min per mmHg and was 0.56 (SD+/-0.17) ml/min per mmHg for the flat CI (P=0.6). Histological examination revealed excellent biocompatibilty and a high density of drainage vessels in the sclera around the operative site in both groups., Conclusion: Using IOP and OF measurements, UBM, angiography, and histology, we were able to compare two types of CI used as space maintainer in DS. Both CIs showed efficient IOP lowering effect and outflow facility increase, possibly explained by stimulation of drainage vessels growth. Both implants showed excellent biocompatibility. The flat CI showed a slight tendency towards better overall performances.

Purpose: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and safety of a new rigid, nonabsorbable polymethylmethacrylate implant (PMMA) with the commercially available cylindrical collagen implant used in deep sclerectomy procedure., Intervention: Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy was performed on all patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a PMMA implant or a collagen implant., Methods: The trial involved 60 patients (60 eyes) with medically uncontrolled primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma who were randomized to receive either a PMMA implant (30 eyes) or the collagen implant (30 eyes). The patients were examined before and after the operation 1 day before surgery and at day 1; weeks 1, 2 and 3; and months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 30. At each visit, the following examinations were performed: slit lamp examination, tonometry, visual acuity, and fundoscopy., Results: The mean follow-up period was 20.4 (SD 12.4) months (PMMA) and 15.1 (SD 7.7) months (collagen) (P=NS). The mean preoperative IOP was 21.4 (SD 7.1) mm Hg (PMMA) and 21.0 mm Hg (SD 5.4) (collagen). The mean postoperative IOP was 7.4 (SD 4.5) mm Hg (PMMA) and 5.4 (SD 4.4) mm Hg (collagen) at day 1 (P=NS), 15.7 (SD 5.0) mm Hg (PMMA) and 14.7 (SD 5.0) mm Hg (collagen) at month 1 (P=NS), and 13.8 (SD 4.8) mm Hg (PMMA) and 13.3 (SD 2.4) mm Hg (collagen) at month 12 (P=NS). Seven patients had perforations of the trabeculo-Descemet membrane and were excluded from the analysis. At the last follow-up visit, 42% of PMMA patients and 44% of collagen patients achieved an IOP of 21 mm Hg or less without medication (P=NS). The number of medications was reduced from 2.4 (SD 1.0) to 0.6 (SD 0.6) (P<0.001) in the PMMA group, and from 2.4 (SD 1.1) to 0.7 (SD 0.8) (P<0.001) in the collagen group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative and transient complications., Conclusions: The new PMMA implant offered success and complication rates equal to those of the collagen implant. The new PMMA implant could serve as a low-cost alternative to the collagen implant and render the use of deep sclerectomy with an implant affordable for settings with limited financial resources.

Purpose: To describe treatment outcomes after Trabectome surgery in an initial series of 101 patients with open-angle glaucoma., Methods: A 19-gauge microelectrosurgical device enabled ab interno removal of a strip of trabecular meshwork and inner wall of Schlemm's canal under gonioscopic control with continual infusion and foot-pedal control of aspiration and electrosurgery. A smooth, pointed ceramic-coated insulating footplate was inserted into Schlemm's canal to act as a guide within the canal and to protect adjacent structures from mechanical or heat injury during ablation of a 30- to 90-degree arc of angle tissue., Results: Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in the initial 101 patients was 27.6 +/- 7.2 mm Hg. Thirty months postoperatively, mean IOP was 16.3 +/- 3.3 mm Hg (n = 11). The mean percentage drop over the whole course of follow-up was 40%. At all times postoperatively, the absolute and percent decrease in IOP from preoperative levels were statistically significant (paired t test, P < .0001). Overall success (IOP

Purpose: To study prospectively the success rate and complications of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI)., Setting: Glaucoma Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules Gonin, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland., Methods: This nonrandomized prospective trial comprised 105 eyes of 105 patients with medically uncontrolled primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and slitlamp examinations were performed before surgery and after surgery at 1 and 7 days, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, and 96 months. Visual field examinations were repeated every 6 months., Results: Mean follow-up period was 64 months +/- 26.6 (SD). Mean preoperative IOP was 26.8 +/- 7.7 mm Hg, and mean postoperative IOP was 5.2 +/- 3.35 mm Hg at day 1 and 12 +/- 3 mm Hg at month 78. At 96 months, the qualified success rate (ie, patients who achieved IOP <21 mm Hg with and without medication) was 91%, and the complete success rate (ie, IOP <21 mm Hg without medication) was 57%. At 96 months, 34% of patients had an IOP <21 mm Hg with medication. Fifty-one patients (49%) achieved an IOP < or =15 mm Hg without medication. Neodymium:YAG goniopuncture was performed in 54 patients (51%); mean time of goniopuncture performance was 21 months, and mean IOP before goniopuncture was 20 mm Hg, dropping to 11 mm Hg after goniopuncture. No shallow or flat anterior chamber, endophthalmitis, or surgery-induced cataract was observed. However, 26 patients (25%) showed a progression of preexisting senile cataract (mean time 26 months; range 18 to 37 months). Injections of 5-fluorouracil were administered to 25 patients (23%) who underwent DSCI to salvage encysted blebs. Mean number of medications per patient was reduced from 2.3 +/- 0.7 to 0.5 +/- 0.7 (signed rank P<.0001)., Conclusion: Deep sclerectomy with collagen implant appears to provide stable and reasonable control of IOP at long-term follow-up with few immediate postoperative complications.

Purpose: To study the efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant in one eye versus trabeculectomy in the other eye of the same patient., Methods: The authors conducted a nonrandomized prospective trial of 20 patients with medically uncontrolled primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma. Patients with bilateral medically uncontrolled glaucoma who had previously undergone trabeculectomy in one eye were selected for the study, and a deep sclerectomy with collagen implant was performed in the second medically uncontrolled glaucomatous eye. Trabeculectomy was studied retrospectively whereas deep sclerectomy with collagen implant was studied prospectively. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and slit-lamp examinations were performed before and after surgery, at 1 and 7 days, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Visual fields were repeated every 6 months., Results: The mean follow-up period for both groups was 24.3 +/- 19.1 months. The mean intraocular pressure at 24 months was 13.9 +/- 4.5 mm Hg for deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and 12.9 +/- 4.8 mm Hg for trabeculectomy. At 24 months, IOP was reduced by 39.7% in the deep sclerectomy with collagen implant group (13.8 mm Hg vs. 22.9 mm Hg), and by 55.9% in the trabeculectomy group (12.9 mm Hg vs. 29.3 mm Hg). Forty percent of the deep sclerectomy with collagen implant eyes and 45% of the trabeculectomy eyes achieved a pressure of less than 21 mm Hg without treatment (complete success rate). The deep sclerectomy with collagen implant group showed 50% less hyphema and choroidal detachment than the trabeculectomy group., Conclusions: Deep sclerectomy with collagen implant is another surgical treatment option in the management of glaucoma, showing pressure results comparable with trabeculectomy but with a lower rate of early postoperative complications.