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Purpose: To report on impact of Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) timing on hypotensive efficacy of deep sclerectomy (DS) for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. Methods: 228 patients who underwent DS followed by Nd:YAG LGP between January 2010 and December 2013, (follow up – 5 years) were enrolled into a single-center, retrospective, non-randomized, consecutive study. Subjects were divided into two groups (1 – delayed LGP, n = 116; 2 – early LGP, n = 112). Demographic variables, preoperative glaucoma medications, preceding surgeries and glaucoma severity were analyzed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure (IOP), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) values were recorded. Success rate was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curve. UBM data were the criteria for early or delayed LGP. Results: LGP was performed 3.46 ± 1.9 (1.5–6.7) months after DS in group 1, 1.12 ± 0.08 (0.9–1.5) months in group 2 ( p = 0.0001). Mean IOP before LGP in group 1 was 18.5 ± 4.7 (11.2–22.9) mm Hg; 15.7 ± 4.1 (9.1–18.5) mm Hg in group 2 ( p = 0.001). Choroidal effusion occurred in 8.6% of group 1 and 3.5% of group 2 ( p = 0.0001). Postoperative IOP: 15.6 ± 4.6 (group 1) and 15.7 ± 4.3 mm Hg (group 2) at 12 months ( p = 0.98), 16.7 ± 4.3 and 14.9 ± 1.6 mm Hg at 24 months ( p = 0.004), 16.8 ± 3.9 and 14.5 ± 3.2 mm Hg at 60 months, respectively ( p = 0.0001). Complete success rates: 68.07% and 92.59% at 12 months, 40.7% and 75.8% at 24 months, 15.2% and 48.93% at 36, 48, 60 months in groups respectively ( p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Early LGP after DS excludes TDM influence on further formation of intrascleral canal cavity and outflow pathways demonstrating pronounced hypotensive success in a long-term follow-up.

Objective This study describes the imaging of the filtering area in CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) combined with the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS) and evaluates the mechanism by which CLASS lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods Twenty-eight cases (28 eyes) of primary open-angle glaucoma that could not be controlled by drugs underwent CLASS. At 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery, IBAGS was used to evaluate the external morphology of the filtering blebs, and UBM was used to describe and measure their internal structure. Results During the early period after CLASS, most cases showed diffuse filtering blebs with a serious degree of congestion. At the end of follow-up, most cases did not present filtering blebs. All patients showed an intact and thin trabeculodescemetic membrane (TDM) with an average thickness of 0.094 ± 0.017 mm. The scleral reservoir size gradually decreased over time and tended to stabilize after 18 months. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, 53.57% of the patients had abnormalities in the TDM area, and after laser goniopuncture treatment, the scleral reservoir became slightly larger and the IOP decreased. The TDM thickness was not correlated with postoperative IOP, and the scleral reservoir size was negatively correlated with IOP. Conclusion During the early phase after CLASS, the subconjunctival and suprachoroidal pathways may be the main mechanisms lowering IOP; over time, internal drainage pathways such as the intrascleral, trabecular-meshwork, and suprachoroidal pathways play greater roles in lowering IOP.

PurposeTo compare the outcome of early versus late Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) after deep sclerectomy with mitomycin C (DSMMC) for open-angle glaucoma (OAG).MethodsA retrospective study of consecutive OAG eyes that underwent a LGP following DSMMC was recruited between June 2012 and November 2015. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 21, 18 or 15 mm Hg with a reduction of more than 20% IOP from baseline without (complete success) or with medications (qualified success).Results99 eyes with OAG that underwent DSMMC were recruited into the study. Of these, 49 eyes (49.49%) had undergone LGP post-DSMMC. IOP was significantly reduced following LGP from 28.4 to 11.8 mm Hg. Comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curves out to 60 months after LGP showed a trend towards better outcomes in the late LGP group with the only statistically significant difference noted for qualified success with IOP target ConclusionThere appears to be a trend towards late LGP being more effective after DSMMC when compared with early LGP; this however was not significant. This study corroborates previous published data confirming LGP is an effective and safe procedure for lowering IOP post-DSMMC procedure.

PReCIS:: Significant intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction was achieved using a novel suture-probe canaloplasty (SPCP) procedure in patients with glaucoma. The effect and low rate of surgical complications were comparable with those of iTrack canaloplasty. Purpose Ab externo canaloplasty using the iTrack microcatheter has been established as a safe surgical procedure to treat open-angle glaucoma. This article, however, describes the results of a novel technique using a cost-efficient suture-probe as an alternative to iTrack canaloplasty and presents 12-month follow-up results. Patients and methods SPCP was performed on 50 eyes of 50 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and steroid-induced glaucoma. The mean±SD preoperative IOP was 21.9±7.0 mm Hg. A suture-probe was used to dilate Schlemm canal and to place a trabecular tensioning suture. Postoperative results were noted and statistically analyzed on the day of discharge from the clinic, and at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Results In all eyes, the mean postoperative IOP 12 months after SPCP was 13.7±3.0 mm Hg. The number of medications decreased from 2.8±0.9 to 0.1±0.4, and visual acuity was 0.3±0.3 logMAR. Postoperative course and complications included: hyphema >1 mm (2%); microhyphema (4%); bleb leakage (2%); bleb suture (2%); laser goniopuncture (18%); laser suture lysis (4%); scleral flap lifting (4%); and iris incarceration following laser goniopuncture (4%). Conclusions SPCP is an inexpensive procedure that can achieve significant IOP reduction in patients with glaucoma. The IOP-lowering effect and low rate of surgical complications were very similar to those of iTrack canaloplasty.

Background: To report a case of aqueous misdirection after goniopuncture in deep sclerectomy treated with Nd:YAG laser irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy. Case presentation: About 72 years old patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma who underwent deep sclerectomy, developed aqueous misdirection after Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture. Medical management failed and subsequent peripheral Yag laser iridotomy to expose the zonules coupled with laser zonulo-hyaloidotomy was done and an instant gush of aqueous and vitreous substance prolapse through the iridotomy was noticed. Later, the anterior chamber was deep and the pressure was controlled. Conclusions: Aqueous misdirection can occur after Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture. Nd:YAG laser irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy can be effective in breaking the attack.

AimsTo report the incidence, risk factors and long-term outcomes of laser goniopuncture (LGP) in patients with previous deep sclerectomy (DS).MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 1765 eyes (1385 patients) undergoing DS with or without cataract surgery between 2001 and 2020 in two UK institutions. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate LGP incidence. DS success after LGP was calculated for criteria A, B, and C defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≤18, ≤15 and ≤12 mm Hg with 20%, 25% and 30% reduction, respectively. Cox regression was used to investigate factors associated with the risk of failure.ResultsLGP had an estimated incidence of 33.3% (30.9%–35.6%), 56.3% (53.5%–58.9%) and 62.8% (59.7%–65.6%) at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively. Mean (±SD) IOP significantly (pConclusionMost patients undergoing DS will eventually require LGP. LGP is effective at rescuing eyes with a failing DS. This study identifies several factors associated with LGP outcomes, knowledge of which may help clinicians predict LGP success.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Viscocanalostomy/Phacoviscocanalostomy (VC/PVC) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) patients. Methods Retrospective electronic database review of patients who underwent VC/PVC for NTG between December 2009 and November 2011 at Stanley eye unit in Abergele Hospital. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) was used for all IOP measurements which were taken at the time of listing for surgery and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, then 3-monthly up to 1 year, then half-yearly up to 3 years post operatively. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test. A P value of

AIM: To study the long-term efficacy and safety of modified viscocanalostomy in Chinese people with open angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 100 eyes from 100 Chinese patients with medically uncontrolled OAG. All the patients underwent modified viscocanalostomy with injection of viscoelastic material in the surgically created ostia of Schlemm's canal (SC). The modifications included peeling of the inner wall of SC and the juxtacanalicular meshwork, use of mitomycin C, and loosely suturing the superficial scleral flap. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of medications, laser goniopuncture data and complications were recorded. The definition of complete (qualified) success was an IOP equal to or lower than 21, 18, 16 mm Hg without (with or without) anti-glaucoma medications. RESULTS: The mean IOP was 33.5±9.9 mm Hg before surgery, 15.2±3.6 mm Hg (mean IOP reduction of 51%) at 5y after surgery, and 15.6±2.8 mm Hg (mean IOP reduction of 49.9%) at 10y after surgery (P

Background: Schlemm’s canal collaps and increased trabecular (especially juxtacalanicular) resistance play an important role in the development of glaucoma. Dilation of Schlemm’s canal and moderate trabecular extension promote restoration of natural aqueous outflow pathways. Previously we had developed first generation Schlemm’s canal expander (SKE-1) and proved its efficacy in decreasing intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Though, inappropriate size of the expander results in traumatic implantation. Thus, we developed second generation Schlemm’s canal expander (SKE-2) characterized by smaller length and diameter. Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of SKE-2 in decreasing intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Materials and methods: 25 patients (25 eye) were included. 13 patients (13 eyes) in the intervention group underwent glaucoma surgery with SKE-2 implantation. The results were compared with SKE-1 implantation in the control group (12 patients, 12 eyes). The groups were age-, sex and glaucoma stage-matched (p > 0.05). The patients were followed for 1 year. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure changes, complication rate, need for additional hypotensive therapies and repeat surgery. Results: Intraocular pressure changes, need for additional hypotensive therapies frequency of intra- and postoperative complications didn’t differ between the groups. Trabeculopuncture with yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser as a second step procedure was needed in 2 cases (16%) in the control group and in 5 cases (38%) in the intervention group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: SKE-1 and SKE-2 are equally effective in reducing intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Though, after SKE-2 implantation, YAG laser goniopuncture is more frequently needed as a second step procedure.

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome of primary nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) in patients with steroid-induced glaucoma.Methods. This was a retrospective interventional clinical study that included 60 eyes of 60 steroid-induced glaucoma patients that had undergone NPDS. Patients were followed up for 4 years. Data from the records was retrieved as regards corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field mean defect (dB), and number of antiglaucoma medications needed if any. Complete success of the surgical outcome was considered an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with no antiglaucoma medications. Qualified success was considered an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg using antiglaucoma medications.Results. The mean age was 21.2 ± 8.5 years (ranged from 12 to 35 years). At 48 months, mean IOP was 13.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (range 11–23 mmHg). This represented 60% reduction of mean IOP from preoperative levels. One case had YAG laser goniopuncture. Three cases required needling followed by ab interno revision. Using ANOVA test, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative mean IOP values (P=0.032). Twelve, 16, and 20 patients required topical antiglaucoma medications at 24, 26, and 48 months postoperative, respectively.Conclusion. Primary nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy is a safe and an effective method of treating eyes with steroid-induced glaucoma. No major complications were encountered. After 4 years of follow-up, complete success rate was 56.7% and qualified success rate was 70%.

Laser goniopuncture is a complementary adjunct to nonfiltering glaucoma surgery such as deep sclerectomy, viscocanalostomy, and canaloplasty, contributing to intraocular pressure control and the avoidance of additional incisional surgery. Goniopuncture is associated with a low complication rate and demonstrates minimal inflammation, hemorrhage, and hypotony when performed correctly. This article provides a detailed description of how to perform this procedure and methods of preventing and addressing complications.

Today, Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) is considered a mandatory non-penetrating deep sclerectomy adjuvant procedure. However, its indications and timing remain debatable.To evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture on the long-term hypotensive effectiveness of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The study included 114 patients after non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS). In the control group (n=58), Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture was performed within 3.4±1.9 (1.5-6.7) months, and in the main group (n=56) - within 1.12±0.08 (0.9-1.5) months after the surgery. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to evaluate the semiotics of trabecular-Descemet's membrane (TDM), intrascleral canal (ISC) and filtering bleb. The follow-up period was 5 years.According to UBM data, the thickness (0.10±0.009 mm) and density (50±6%) of TDM (p=0.0001) increased before LGP in the control group, the height of ISC decreased to 0.49±0.19 (0.20-0.40) (p=0.03), the height of UBM scan - to 1.49±0.05 (1.41-2.9) (p=0.0001); IOP (PTDM is an additional level of retention of aqueous humor and plays key role in the formation of outflow pathways after NPDS. Performing LGP in the early postoperative period is an effective and safe adjuvant option, which excludes the influence of TDM on the formation of aqueous humor outflow pathways and significantly increases the long-term hypotensive efficacy of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.На сегодняшний день Nd:YAG-лазерная гониопунктура (ЛГП) рассматривается как обязательная адъювантная процедура непроникающей глубокой склерэктомии (НГСЭ). Однако дискутабельным остается вопрос о показаниях и сроках ее проведения. Цель - оценить влияние сроков Nd:YAG-лазерной гониопунктуры на отдаленную гипотензивную эффективность НГСЭ. Материал и методы. Под наблюдением находились 114 пациентов после НГСЭ. В группе контроля (n=58) Nd:YAG-ЛГП выполнена через 3,4±1,9 (1,5-6,7) мес, в основной (клинической) группе (n=56) - через 1,12±0,08 (0,9-1,5) мес после операции. С использованием ультрабиомикроскопии (УБМ) в группах исследована семиотика трабекулодесцеметовой мембраны (ТДМ), интрасклерального канала (ИСК) и фильтрационной подушки. Период наблюдения составил 5 лет. Результаты. По данным УБМ, в группе контроля перед ЛГП увеличены толщина (0,10±0,009 мм) и плотность (50±6%) ТДМ (р=0,0001), снижены высота ИСК (мм) до 0,49±0,19 (0,20-0,40) (р=0,03), высота УБМ-скана (мм) до 1,49±0,05 (1,41-2,9) (р=0,0001), а уровень ВГД (Р0) составил 18,48±4,7 (11,2-22,9) мм рт.ст. (р=0,001). В основной группе перед ЛГП толщина ТДМ составила 0,08±0,006 мм, плотность - 40±5%, а уровень ВГД (Р0) - 15,7±4,1 (9,1-18,5) мм рт.ст. 'Полный' гипотензивный успех (без дополнительной гипотензивной терапии на протяжении всего периода наблюдения) составил 83,6% в группе контроля и 96,2% в основной группе через 6 мес, 68,07 и 92,59% - через 12 мес, 41,3 и 75,8% - через 24 мес, 15,25 и 48,93% - через 36 мес, 15 и 34,8% - через 60 мес соответственно после операции (р=0,0001, доверительный интервал 95%). Заключение. ТДМ является дополнительным уровнем ретенции внутриглазной жидкости (ВГЖ) и играет ключевую роль в формировании путей оттока после НГСЭ. ЛГП в ранние послеоперационные сроки является эффективной и безопасной адъювантной опцией, исключающей влияние ТДМ на формирование путей оттока ВГЖ и существенно повышающей долгосрочную гипотензивную эффективность непроникающей глубокой склерэктомии.

Acta Ophthalmol. 2011: 89: 58–61 Abstract. Purpose: To identify factors related to non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) failure in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: A case–control study was performed through a logistic regression modelling. All cases and controls had at least 2 years of follow-up. Cases comprised eyes that had undergone an NPDS and presented an end-point IOP > 18 mmHg; controls consisted of eyes that had undergone an NPDS and achieved an end-point IOP 18 mmHg after 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Two factors seem to be associated to NPDS failure: the absence of intraoperative MMC and preoperative IOP.

With the introduction of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), the safety profile of filtering surgery has dramatically improved owing to the extraocular nature of the procedure that addresses abnormally increased aqueous outflow resistance in Schlemm’s canal and the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork without entering the anterior chamber. The use of space-maintaining devices, antimetabolites and neodymium:YAG laser goniopuncture as adjuvant tools in NPDS has improved the long-term results, so that they are comparable with those of trabeculectomy. Therefore, NPDS has become the procedure of choice in the last few years for primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as some other forms of secondary open-angle glaucoma with surgeons who have mastered the procedure. NPDS involves removal of 4 × 4-mm deep scleral flap to deroof Schlemm’s canal and expose Descemet’s membrane, forming a decompression space or scleral lake. Aqueous humor reaches the scleral lake via the newly created trabeculo-Descemet’s membrane ...

Purpose: To document the outcome of viscocanalostomy (VC) alone or combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-VC) in eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: A prospective, comparative study of 314 eyes undergoing VC in two centres over 6 years was conducted. Main outcome measures were: (i) intraocular pressure (IOP) control (complete success was IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medication and failure IOP > 18 mmHg); and (ii) requirement for Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (YAG-GP) if IOP > 21 mmHg. Results: In the POAG group, 174 eyes underwent phaco-VC and 104 VC. In the PEX group, 20 eyes underwent phaco-VC and 16 VC. At final follow up, complete success rate (CSR) was 76% for POAG phaco-VC, 67% for POAG VC, 95% for PEXG phaco-VC and 63% for PEXG VC with mean IOP reduction of 29.9%, 40%, 42.5% and 51%, respectively. Without YAG-GP, by 3 years postoperatively the failure rate was 100% for PEXG eyes and 21% for POAG eyes undergoing VC alone, but PEXG eyes undergoing phaco-VC were 100% successful. CSR for YAG-GP was 92% in PEXG VC eyes and 55% in POAG VC eyes. Conclusions: In phakic eyes with PEXG undergoing VC, an absolute requirement for long-term success was YAG-GP. This was not the case in POAG eyes or PEXG eyes undergoing phaco-VC. Late IOP rise in phakic PEXG eyes and restoration of IOP control following YAG-GP suggests that continued release of PEX material from the lens capsule with time blocks the outflow through the trabecular-Descemetic window created by VC.

Purpose of reviewNonpenetrating glaucoma surgery is popular in a number of countries because of its perceived superior safety profile to mitomycin-C trabeculectomy. This article critically evaluates recently published literature relating to nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery.Recent findingsRecent modifications in nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery, including the use of implants, augmentation with antiproliferatives, and use of laser goniopuncture, appear to result in improved intraocular pressure control. Comparative studies suggest a better safety profile with nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery but higher long-term intraocular pressure than after trabeculectomy. Despite this perception, a difference in intraocular pressure control between mitomycin-C trabeculectomy and nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery, when the most recent modification has been incorporated, has not been demonstrated conclusively in randomized trials conducted over sufficiently long periods to be clinically important.SummaryNonpenetrating glaucoma surgery continues to evolve. Intraccular pressure-lowering efficacy seems to have improved with recent modifications in technique but the degree and longevity of intraocular pressure-lowering in comparison with trabeculectomy are still uncertain.

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser goniopuncture (LGP) to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) post-viscocanalostomy (VC)/phacoviscocanalostomy (PVC). Outcomes include: IOP reduction from pre-LGP levels and the need for further topical antiglaucomatous medication or surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 541 eyes that underwent VC/PVC between 2009 and 2012, at the Stanley eye unit in Abergele were included in the study. INCLUSION CRITERIA All patients who had LGP at any timepoint after VC/PVC when target IOP was not achieved +/- progression in visual field with at least 6 months of follow-up data.Statistical analysis was performed on IOP values pre- and post-LGP, involving χ, Fischer exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests. A P-value of

Purpose To assess the safety and efficacy of circumferential viscocanalostomy (canaloplasty) using a new canal expander in Caucasians with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods Thirty-five eyes of 35 consecutive patients with medically uncontrolled POAG underwent primary canaloplasty and implantation of the Stegmann Canal Expander into Schlemm's canal. Schlemm's canal was unroofed ab externo, and dilated with viscoelastic material and microcatheter. The Stegmann Canal Expander was implanted into the canal lumen, and the superficial scleral flap was closed watertight. Laser goniopuncture of the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane window was performed if postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) exceeded 16 mmHg. Results The mean IOP dropped from 26.6 ± 4.2 mm Hg preoperatively to 12.1 ± 2.6 mm Hg at 1 month, 13.1 ± 1.9 mmHg at 6 months, 13.0 ± 1.9 mm Hg at 12 months, and 13.4 ± 2.4 mm Hg at 24 months (p

Purpose: To correlate trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM) changes with a late rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with successful viscocanalostomy. Setting: Consultores Oftalmologicos, Hospital Oftalmologico Santa Lucia, and Centro de Estudios Medicos e Investigacion, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: Patients who had a viscocanalostomy between July 1998 and September 2001 were retrospectively studied. Gonioscopy was performed in all patients. A subgroup of patients who had a late increase in IOP and were successfully treated with neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser goniopuncture were studied to correlate gonioscopic findings. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed in 10 cases. Intraocular pressure measurements were taken before viscocanalostomy and before and after Nd:YAG treatment. Results: Sixty-eight eyes of 48 patients had a viscocanalostomy to control IOP. Twenty-six eyes had a late increase in IOP and were successfully treated with Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture. Before goniopuncture, 17 eyes (65.30%) had a concave TDM. The mean IOP in these patients increased from 14.27 mm Hg to 18.73 mm Hg (range 14 to 27 mm Hg). Goniopuncture was performed a mean of 10.7 months (range 1 to 36 months) after surgery. After Nd:YAG treatment, the TDM was flat in all patients who had a concave TDM before treatment. At the last examination, the mean IOP was 13.8 mm Hg, a mean decrease of 52.24% from the baseline preoperative IOP; 61.5% of eyes had a final IOP of 14.0 mm Hg or lower. Conclusions: A concave TDM was associated with a late IOP rise. The TDM was flat after laser goniopuncture and normalization of IOP.

Purpose: To study the outcome of viscocanalostomy (VC) and deep sclerectomy (DS) for the surgical management of medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Patients and Methods: A non-randomized, prospective study of all consecutive non-penetrating glaucoma filtering procedures was carried out in two centres. In the first centre, one surgeon (MSW) performed VC in 105 eyes (27 VC and 78 phaco VC). In the second centre, one surgeon (PKW) performed DS in 87 eyes (52 DS and 35 phaco DS). Results: The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 9–60 months). At final follow-up the complete success rate (intraocular pressure ≤ 21 Hg without medication) was 92.6% for VC eyes, 96% for phaco VC eyes, 77% for DS eyes and 94% for phaco DS eyes. Kaplan−Meier survival analysis for complete success showed no significant difference between DS and VC nor between phaco VC and phaco DS (p > 0.05). By 36 months postoperatively, mean IOP was 16.8 mmHg (SD 3) in VC eyes, 16.6 mmHg (SD 3.1) in phaco VC eyes, 16.7 mmHg (SD 5.7) in DS eyes and 15 mmHg (SD 3.2) in phaco DS eyes. Postoperative Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture was necessary in 10 eyes in the DS group. Large or cystic drainage blebs occurred only in the DS eyes. Conclusions: Viscocanalostomy and DS are effective and safe methods of achieving sustained IOP reduction in glaucomatous eyes and both techniques can be successfully combined with cataract extraction.

Purpose To report a delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage following Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) in an eye with a previous deep sclerectomy. Methods Case report. Results A 75-year-old woman with advanced primary open-angle glaucoma underwent LGP due to unsatisfactory intraocular pressure (IOP) in her left eye, 1 month after undergoing deep sclerectomy in the same eye. Delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurred the day after LGP execution. Conclusions Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture is often performed to enhance IOP control following deep sclerectomy. Although LGP is usually effective and safe, severe complications, such as delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage, may occur after its execution.

Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) goniopuncture is an efficient and safe treatment for low filtration through the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane after deep sclerectomy with a collagen implant (DSCI). The only reported complication of this procedure is choroidal detachment. However, we found an iris synechia in a patient whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated again 1 month after Nd:YAG goniopuncture. Synechiolysis and peripheral iridectomy with Nd:YAG and argon lasers effectively removed the iris synechia, and IOP immediately dropped to the normal range. We believe that iris synechia is a potential complication that may cause elevated IOP after laser goniopuncture in patients having DSCI.

Purpose: To study the intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing effect of deep sclerectomy on normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 21 eyes of 18 consecutive NTG patients who had undergone deep sclerectomy with mitomycin-C and a collagen implant. Results: Median (range) preoperative IOP was 15.1 mmHg (9.3–20.8) and median follow-up time 13 months (12–18). At the 1-year follow-up visit, median IOP was significantly (P

A new complication after deep sclerectomy with implant is presented as a case report. A 42-year-old male with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma underwent nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) with an SK-GEL implant in his left eye. Two months after surgery the implant was noted to migrate into the subconjunctival space. Seven months later the implant was stable in the new position without complication. Implant migration into the subconjunctival space is a possible complication of NPDS.

The objective was to evaluate the results of Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture after viscocanalostomy and to investigate the rate of penetration in non-penetrating surgery. Results of viscocanalostomy and incidence of goniopuncture were retrospectively investigated in 33 eyes of 33 patients. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) below 19 mmHg with an at least 30% decrease compared to the last preoperative measurement. General success rates after a mean follow-up of 33.5 +/- 11.3 months were 79 and 46%, with and without medications, respectively. Mean IOP levels, which were 37.7 +/- 9.9 mmHg at the diagnosis without treatment and 27.7 +/- 11.3 mmHg at the last preoperative measurement with medical treatment, significantly decreased to 12.7 +/- 4.8 mmHg at the last follow-up visit (P0.001 for both comparisons). Twelve eyes (36%) with IOPs higher than 18 mmHg during follow-up underwent laser goniopuncture. Mean IOP, which was 26.0 +/- 4.6 mmHg before goniopuncture, decreased to 11.5 +/- 4.0 mmHg immediately after the procedure (P = 0.002). Early goniopunctures (before month 3) were performed in six eyes, and late goniopunctures (after month 10) were performed in the remaining six eyes. Success rates of laser-applied eyes at the last visit were 75 and 33%, with and without medications, respectively (P = 0.568). No significant difference was found between eyes with and without goniopunctures in terms of success rates, IOP levels, and IOP reduction rates. According to the results of this study, laser goniopuncture is indicated in a significant proportion of patients following viscocanalostomy and may substantially improve the outcome of surgery.

PURPOSE To prospectively study the success rates and complications of viscocanalostomy. METHODS Prospective nonrandomized case series of 46 eyes (46 patients) with medically uncontrolled primary and secondary open angle glaucoma. All patients in the study underwent viscocanalostomy. Control of intraocular pressure was used to measure success. Pre and postoperative glaucoma medications, visual acuity, complications, and adjunctive procedures were recorded. RESULTS At 60 months, qualified success (intraocular pressure below 21 mmHg with glaucoma medication) was achieved in 37 (82%) patients and complete success (intraocular pressure below 21 mmHg without medication) in 25 (54%) patients. Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture was performed in 33 (72%) patients with significant post laser reduction of intraocular pressure. No sight threatening complications were observed in this series. Visual acuity remained unchanged in 33 patients (72%). CONCLUSIONS Viscocanalostomy appears to be a safe and effective intraocular pressure lowering procedure in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma and certain types of secondary open angle glaucoma.

Purpose of review This paper serves to review the safety and efficacy of new laser techniques for the treatment of glaucoma with emphasis on those studies published within the past year. Recent findings Recently published studies have reinforced the strong safety profile, and efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Endoscopic photocoagulation, while more technically challenging and more invasive, offers several advantages over transcleral cyclophotocoagulation including direct observation of treatment and therefore, fewer complications. Laser goniopuncture is a fledgling technology with, thus far, a good safety profile, and benefits that include conjunctival sparing and good treatment response. Many unanswered questions remain including long-term success rates and ideal treatment parameters. Summary The benefits of laser in the treatment of glaucoma have been well established, and while some techniques will add to the ophthalmologists' armamentarium, others will fall into disuse as the efficacy and safety profiles of these procedures become recognized. Novel laser modalities, as well as the more traditional ones, require continued evaluation to further refine treatment parameters and to determine their long-term benefits.

Recurrent iris prolapse after laser goniopuncture in an open-angle glaucoma patient treated with non-penetrating trabecular surgery

A new approach to treatment of glaucoma has been tried, in which Q-switched laser bursts are delivered to the anterior chamber angle. Nonthermal effects emerge as an important factor in the biological action of such laser impulses. Laser-induced defects in the filtering zone produced by Q-switched impulses have been traced histologically. Fifty patients (all of them awaiting glaucoma surgery) were treated by the method described above. The maximum follow-up study was three years. The average drop in the intraocular tension was 8.3 mm Hg. Improvement in the outflow facility was also characteristic. No appreciable adverse effects have been traced. The controlled state of the intraocular pressure was maintained by repeated laser goniopuncture sessions on the eyes of 46 patients (in four cases the tension was not controlled). Q-switched laser goniopuncture seems to offer a new aspect in the treatment of glaucoma, but further extensive studies and several years of follow-up study are certainly needed.

We report a case of recurrent iris synechiae one year after Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture for deep sclerectomy enhancement in the only functional eye of a patient with end-stage glaucoma. The possible pathophysiology of this uncommon complication and laser treatment aspects are discussed. A ocorrência de sinéquias irianas após goniopunctura a laser com finalidade de aumentar a filtração após esclerectomia não penetrante é evento raro e que pode levar à crise glaucomatosa aguda e suas consequências. Relatamos a ocorrência deste evento em olho único de paciente portadora de glaucoma em estágio final, um ano após a realização de goniopunctura. Os possíveis mecanismos fisiopatológicos desta complicação incomum, assim como aspectos do tratamento a laser para reverter o quadro são discutidos.