Baerveldt glaucoma implant with Supramid© ripcord stent in neovascular glaucoma: a case series

AIM:To report the outcome of Baerveldt glaucoma implant(BGI)with Supramid©ripcord use in neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcome of the BGI with Supramid©3/0 ripcord stent in patients with NVG.No tube ligation or venting slits were performed.Supramid was removed after 3mo if the target intraocular pressure(IOP)was not achieved.Surgical success was defined as IOP≤21 mm Hg with(qualified success)or without IOP-lowering medications(complete success).RESULTS:Twenty-six eyes from 24 patients were included in the study.The median duration of follow-up was 4[interquartile range(IQR)=1-5]y,ranging from 0.5 to 5y.IOP decreased by a mean of 24.2 mm Hg(59.7%);from a mean of 40.5±12.6 mm Hg at baseline to 16.3±11.9 mm Hg,P≤0.001.The number of glaucoma medications reduced from a median of 5(IQR=5-6)to 1(IQR=0-2,P≤0.001)at the final follow-up.Overall success rates were 88.0%at 1y,34.8%at 3y,66.7%at 4y,and 50%at 5y.Hypertensive phase(HP)in the first 3mo occurred in 15/26 eyes(57.7%)with a mean IOP of 31.1 mm Hg.CONCLUSION:BGI with Supramid©ripcord stent gives close to 90%of the overall survival rate at the final follow-up without significant early hypotony.However,early HP is still a challenge.

Construction and validation of a neovascular glaucoma nomogram in patients with diabetic retinopathy after pars plana vitrectomy

BACKGROUND Neovascular glaucoma(NVG)is likely to occur after pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)for diabetic retinopathy(DR)in some patients,thus reducing the expected benefit.Understanding the risk factors for NVG occurrence and building effective risk prediction models are currently required for clinical research.AIM To develop a visual risk profile model to explore factors influencing DR after surgery.METHODS We retrospectively selected 151 patients with DR undergoing PPV.The patients were divided into the NVG(NVG occurrence)and No-NVG(No NVG occurrence)groups according to the occurrence of NVG within 6 months after surgery.Independent risk factors for postoperative NVG were screened by logistic regression.A nomogram prediction model was established using R software,and the model’s prediction accuracy was verified internally and externally,involving the receiver operator characteristic curve and correction curve.RESULTS After importing the data into a logistic regression model,we concluded that a posterior capsular defect,preoperative vascular endothelial growth factor≥302.90 pg/mL,glycosylated hemoglobin≥9.05%,aqueous fluid interleukin 6(IL-6)≥53.27 pg/mL,and aqueous fluid IL-10≥9.11 pg/mL were independent risk factors for postoperative NVG in patients with DR(P<0.05).A nomogram model was established based on the aforementioned independent risk factors,and a computer simulation repeated sampling method was used to internally and externally verify the nomogram model.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity,and specificity of the model were 0.962[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.932-0.991],91.5%,and 82.3%,respectively.The AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of the external validation were 0.878(95%CI:0.746-0.982),66.7%,and 95.7%,respectively.CONCLUSION A nomogram constructed based on the risk factors for postoperative NVG in patients with DR has a high prediction accuracy.This study can help formulate relevant preventive and treatment measures.

Acute Uveitis in Neovascular Glaucoma Patient after a Single Dose of Travoprost

A 38-year-old man with no history of uveitis developed neovascular glaucoma (NVG) due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). He had a history of ocular surgery with placement of glaucoma drainage implants (GDI), ultrasonic phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation in both eyes. The patient had undergone a recent pars plana vitrectomy with complete panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) to clear vitreous hemorrhage in his right eye. To prevent progressive optic nerve damage, travoprost was tentatively administered because of inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control following surgery, laser treatment, and topical administration of many other IOP-lowering drugs. The patient experienced severe vision loss associated with acute anterior and intermediate uveitis. We consider it a rare complication due to the NVG patient’s vulnerability following ocular surgery. Given that acute uveitis developed rapidly and required time to resolve, systemic corticosteroid treatment could be considered to accelerate the resolution of inflammation.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic cycloplasty vs valve implantation and anti-VEGF for the treatment of fundus disease-related neovascular glaucoma

·AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonic cycloplasty(UCP) vs Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation(ADV) in addition to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) for treatment of fundus disease-related neovascular glaucoma(NVG).·METHODS: A total of 43 patients(45 eyes) with NVG secondary to fundus diseases underwent anti-VEGF combined with UCP or ADV from August 2020 to March 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Of them, 14 patients(15 eyes) were treated with both UCP and anti-VEGF as the UCP group and 29 patients(30 eyes) treated with both ADV and anti-VEGF as the ADV group. The success of the treatment was defined as intraocular pressure(IOP) between 11-20 mm Hg with or without using IOP-lowering drugs. IOP measurement, IOP lowering drugs at baseline and follow-ups period and complications were recorded.·RESULTS: The average age was 63.03±9.95 and 52.27±12.89y in ADV and UCP groups, respectively(P=1.947). The fundus pathology included proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 42 eyes and retinal vein occlusion in 3 eyes. All eyes in both groups achieved successful treatment at 3mo. While the success rate was 90.0%(27/30) in the ADV group and 86.7%(13/15) in the UCP group at the last follow-up of 6mo(P>0.05). IOP was significantly lower with reduction of drug use than the baseline in both groups(both P<0.05). And the ADV group needed fewer anti-glaucoma drops than the UCP group from 1d to 3mo. The comfort scores of patients in the ADV group were significantly lower than those in the UCP group in the first week after the operation(P<0.05).·CONCLUSION: UCP is an alternative to the ADV with the same efficacy but non-invasive for the treatment of NVG.

Intravitreal bevacizumab and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in patients with neovascular glaucoma

AIM:To explore the efficacy of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab(IVB) injection combined with Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV) implantation in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:This retrospective study included 35 eyes from 35 patients who underwent preoperative IVB and AGV implantation for treatment of NVG. Findings such as intraocular pressure(IOP) number of anti-glaucoma medications, visual acuity(VA), surgical success rates,and complications were recorded.RESULTS:AfterAGVimplantation,IOPwas18.2±4.0mmHg,15.5±3.3 mm Hg and 9.8±2.6 mm Hg at 6, 12 and 36 mo,significantly decreased compared with pre-IOP(P 【0.01).The number of anti-glaucoma medications was 0.9 ±0.5,0.8 ±0.9 and 0.8 ±0.6 at 6, 12 and 36 mo, significantly decreased compared to pre-treatment(P 【0.01). At last visit, there were 19 eyes with stable VA, 4 with VA improvement, 12 with diminished VA and 3 with complete loss light perception. There were 7 cases that failed during 3-year fellow up period. Cumulative probabilities of valve survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 82.9%,74.1% and 71.0% at 12, 24 and 36 mo, respectively. Cox stepwise regression analysis found that the survival time was significant associated with the pre-visual acuity 【2/400(P 【0.05). Post-operative complications occurred in 8eyes, of which hyphema presented in 2 eyes, choroidal effusion in 2 eyes.CONCLUSION:The procedure of preoperative IVB andAGV implantation should be one of treatments for NVG because of its safety and effectiveness.

Ahmed valve implantation for neovascular glaucoma after 23-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

·AIM: To report on the outcome of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation for the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after 23 -gauge vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). ·METHODS: Twelve medically uncontrolled NVG with earlier 23 -gauge vitrectomy for PDR underwent AGV implantation. The control of intraocular pressure (IOP), preoperative and postoperative best -corrected visual acuity, the development of intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated during the follow-up. ·RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 15.4±4.3 months (9-23 months). Mean preoperative IOP was 49.4±5.1mmHg and mean postoperative IOP at the last visit was 17.5 ± 1.6mmHg. The control of IOP was achieved at the final follow -up visits in all patients, however, 8 of 12 patients still needed anti-glaucoma medication (mean number of medications, 0.8±0.7). The visual acuity improved in nine eyes, and the visual acuity unchanged in three eyes at the final follow -up visits. The complications that occurred were minor hyphema in three eyes, choroid detachment in two eyes, and the minor hyphema and choroid detachments were reabsorbed without any surgical intervention. ·CONCLUSION: AGV implantation is a safe and effective procedure that enables successful IOP control and vision preservation in the NVG patients with the history of earlier 23-gauge vitrectomy for PDR.·

Etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma is defined as iris and/or anterior chamber angle neovascularization associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is a secondary glaucoma that is most frequently caused by severe retinal ischemia. The most common diseases responsible for the development of neovascular glaucoma are diabetic retinopathy, ischemic central retinal vein occlusion,and ocular ischemic syndrome. Uncommon causes include ocular radiation, ocular tumors, uveitis and other miscellaneous conditions. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important and likely predominant agent involved in the pathogenesis of intraocular neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma. The evolution of clinical and histopathological changes from predisposing conditions to the occurrence of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma is divided into four stages: prerubeosis, preglaucoma, open angle glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma.

Clinical efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy for medically uncontrolled neovascular glaucoma with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To describe the clinical results of combined Ahmed valve implantation and 23-gauge vitrectomy for medically uncontrolled neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS:The medical records of medically uncontrolled NVG patients with PDR who underwent Ahmed valve implantation and 23-gauge vitrectomy between March 2016 and December 2018 were reviewed.Enrolled patients had at least 6-month follow-up.Panretinal photocoagulation(PRP),anti-vascular endothelial growth factor,surgery and medication history were documented.RESULTS:Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included in our study.The visual acuity improved in 8 eyes and remained unchanged in 3 eyes.The preoperative intraocular pressure(IOP)was significantly decreased at the last follow-up(48.8±4.3 to 17.0±1.5 mm Hg,P<0.001).All eyes needed three topical anti-glaucomatous medications before surgery,but the number was significantly reduced to 0.72±0.19 at the last visit(P<0.001).Four eyes had choroidal detachment and 3 eyes had minor hyphemia,all of which gradually resolved without treatments in one week.CONCLUSION:Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy might be a safe and alternative treatment for NVG with PDR.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab with panretinal photocoagulation followed by trabeculectomy compared with Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in neovascular glaucoma

AIM：To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab（IVR）with panretinal photocoagulation（PRP）followed by trabeculectomy compared with Ahmed glaucoma valve（AGV）implantation in neovascular glaucoma（NVG）.METHODS：This was a retrospective comparative study.We reviewed the cases of a total of 45 eyes from 45 NVG patients among which 23 eyes underwent AGV implantation and the other 22 underwent trabeculectomy. The causes of neovascular glaucoma included：diabetic retinopathy（25 eyes）,and retinal vein occlusion（20 eyes）.All patients received preoperative IVR combined with postoperative PRP. The mean best-corrected visual acuities（BCVA）were converted to the logarithms of the minimum angle of resolution（log MAR）for the statisitical analyses.Intraocular pressure（IOP）,the log MAR BCVA and surgical complications were evaluated before and after surgery.The follow-up period was 12 mo.RESULTS：A total of 39 cases showed complete regression of iris neovascularization at 7d after injection,and 6 cases showed a small amount of residual iris neovascularization. The success rates were 81.8% and 82.6% at 12 mo after trabeculectomy and AGV implantation,respectively. In the trabeculectomy group,the log MAR BCVA improved at the last follow-up in 14 eyes,remained stable in 6 eyes and decreased in 2 eyes. In 4 cases,slight hyphemas developed after trabeculectomy. A shallow anterior chamber developed in 2 cases and 2 vitreous hemorrhages. In the AGV group,the log MAR BCVA improved in 14 eyes,remained stable in 5 eyes and decreased in 4 eyes. Slight hyphemas developed in 3 cases,and a shallow anterior chamber in 3 cases. The mean postoperative IOP was significantly lower in both groups after surgery（F=545.468,P〈0.05）,and the mean postoperative log MAR BCVA was also significantly improved（F=10.964,P〈0.05）with no significant difference between two groups.CONCLUSION：It is safe and effective to treat NVG with this combined procedure,and we found similar results after IVR＋AGV implantation＋PRP and IVR＋trabeculectomy＋PRP in eyes with NVG.

Intracameral anti-VEGF injection for advanced neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade

AIM: To evaluate the effect of intracameral injection of conbercept for the treatment of advanced neovascular glaucoma(NVG) after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade.METHODS: Conbercept 0.5 mg/0.05 m L was injected into the anterior chamber of 5 eyes, which had developed advanced NVG after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Then, trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and pan-retinal photocoagulation(PRP) or extra-PRP were conducted within 2 d. The follow-up time was 6 mo. Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), neovascularization of iris(NVI) were recorded before and after treatment.RESULTS: Within 2 d after injection, IOP control, and NVI regression were optimal for trabeculectomy. Hyphema occurred in one eye in the process of injection. But none of them present hyphema after trabeculectomy. At the end of follow-up time, all eyes had improved BCVA, well-controlled IOP, and completely regressed NVI. CONCLUSION: Intracameral injection of conbercept is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with advanced NVG after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Within 2 d after injection is the optimal time window for trabeculectomy, which can maximally reduce the risk of perioperative hyphema.

Role of bevacizumab intraocular injection in the management of neovascular glaucoma

AIM:To assess the long-term effects of intraocular bevacizumab(Avastin)injections as an adjunctive drug to manage patients with neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted consisting of 34 eyes with secondary NVG caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy(n=25),ischemic central retinal vein occlusion(n=8),and retinal ischemia resulting from persistent detachment(n=1)were managed by intraocular injections of bevacizumab(1.25 mg/0.05 m L),in addition to other treatments.The main outcome measure was the change in the degree of iris neovascularization.Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure and the number of additional interventions or antiglaucoma medications administered after injection.RESULTS:All patients were followed-up for at least 12 mo.At the last follow-up,complete regression of rubeosis irides was detectable in 13(38.2%)eyes and incomplete regression in 21 eyes(61.8%).The mean intraocular pressure was 45.32±7.185 mm Hg at baseline and significantly decreased to 26.15±5.679 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit(P=0.000005).Patients received an average of 4.97 injections.As additional treatments,12 eyes(35%)received laser photocoagulation and 6 eyes(18%)underwent retinocryopexy.No further treatment was needed in 16 eyes(47.1%).CONCLUSION:Intravitreal bevacizumab injection can have a favorable effect in controlling intraocular pressure and pain control in patients with NVG because it decreases the angiogenesis and helps to augment the results of conventional procedures.The primary cause of retinal ischemia should be always targeted.

Evaluation of Serum and Aqueous Humor Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate and correlate between the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and aqueous humor in cases of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) to stand up on if it can be used as a marker for early detection of such cases. Methods: This observational case control study included 60 eyes, divided into 3 groups, group A of 30 eyes presented by cataract of different causes (not diabetic patients and no signs of NVG) as a control group and group B of 30 eyes with NVG due to different causes, group C of the same eyes in group B but after one month of treatment by intravitreal bevacizumab and laser treatment by pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Serum VEGF was estimated in all groups, also aqueous humor VEGF was estimated in group A and B only. In addition glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was estimated in group B;statistical analysis of the results was performed. Results: The study revealed that the commonest cause of NVG was proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 26 cases (86.7%), HbA1c in group B revealed mean value 7.68% ± 2.75%. Serum VEFG level in the group B of cases of NVG was significantly higher than the control group A (P 0.05). Conclusions: VEGF is considered a good marker for the NVG either in serum or aqueous humor, laser treatment and the use of anti-VEGF are crucial treatment for such cases, and also glycemic control is a must for regulation of the vascular process in diabetic patients for prevention of such ocular neovascularization.

Prevalence, Causes and Management of Neovascular Glaucoma: A 5-Year Review

Purpose: To determine the prevalence, identify the causes and outline the management options available at our center for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. Setting: The study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: The case records of all patients who were managed in the department of ophthalmology from January 2013 to December 2017 for neovascular glaucoma were retrieved. Data collected included, age, sex, causes of neovascular glaucoma, presenting visual acuity, treatment options and outcomes, systemic and ocular comorbidities. Results were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 for Windows statistical software. Results: Thirty-two eyes (32) of twenty-eight patients were studied. The hospital prevalence of neovascular glaucoma was 0.3%. There were 4 cases of bilateral neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Retinal vein occlusion 17 (53%) was the commonest cause of NVG followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy 13 (41%). Uveitis was seen in only 2 (6%) eyes. The commonest form of intervention used was a combination of medical therapy and anti VEGFs. Fifty percent (50%) of the study population had a lowering of their intraocular pressures within the normal limits post treatment and this was statistically significant (p = 0.000). However, only 10% had an improvement in their visual acuity after treatment. Conclusions: Neovascular glaucoma is a potential blinding condition with challenges in control of intraocular pressures and preservation of vision. Early detection and attention to aetiological factors with timely institution of the appropriate mode of treatment may help in preserving vision.

Clinical research of EX-PRESS drainage device and modified trabeculectomy combined with intravitreal conbercept treatment for neovascular glaucoma

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified trabeculectomy(experimental group) and implantation of EX-PRESS drainage device(control group),combined with intravitreal conbercept injection for neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:Totally 30 patients with NVG were selected from June 2014 to June 2017,and randomly divided into experimental group and control group.All patients were underwent intravitreal conbercept(0.5 mg/0.05 mL) treatment before surgery.Modified trabeculectomy was performed in MT group,while EX-PRESS drainage device implantation was performed in EX group.The success rates,best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraocular pressure(IOP),filtering bleb and complications were observed and compared.RESULTS:The differences of success rate,BCVA and filtering bleb were not statistically significant 12mo after the surgery(P>0.05),however,the difference of IOP at 1d,1wk,1,3,and 6mo after surgery was statistically significant(F_(time)=390.64,P_(time)<0.0001) between two groups.The interactions between two groups in the given time showed no significant difference(F_(intergroup×time)=0.181,P_(intergroup×time)=0.57),and also there was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups(F=3.16,P=0.09).The results of pairwise comparison at each time point showed no significant difference in IOP between 1d and 1wk,3 and 6,3mo and 12mo after surgery(P>0.05),while the results at other time point indicate statistical differences(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The modified trabeculectomy and the implantation of EX-PRESS drainage device have clinical application value in reducing IOP and postoperative complications of refractory NVG.

Simultaneous pars plana vitrectomy,panretinal photocoagulation,cryotherapy,and Ahmed valve implantation for neovascular glaucoma

AIM:To describe and evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation(AGV)combined with pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)in a single surgical act for the treatment of advanced neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:Retrospective observational case series included 51 eyes from 50 patients with severe NVG treated with PPV,AGV,and panretinal photocoagulation and/or cryotherapy in a single surgical act during a 13-year period(2005-2018).Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative data at day 1 and months 1,3,6,21,and 24 were systematically collected.Definition of surgical success was stablished at IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without topical treatment.RESULTS:Main indications for surgery were NVG secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy(39.2%)and central retinal vein occlusion(37.3%).Mean(±SD)preoperative IOP was 42.0±11.2 mm Hg decreasing to 15.5±7.1 mm Hg at 12 mo and 15.8±9.1 mm Hg at 24 mo of follow up.Cumulative incidence of success of IOP control was 76.0%at first postoperative month,reaching 88.3%at 6 mo.Prevalence of successful IOP control at long term was 74.4%at 12 mo and 71.4%at 24 mo.Eye evisceration for unsuccessful NVG management was required in 1 case(2.0%).CONCLUSION:Combination of AGV implantation and PPV in a single act may be a suitable option for severe forms of NVG in a case-by-case basis for effective IOP control and a complete panretinal photocoagulation.

Uveitis glaucoma hyphema syndrome as a result of glaucoma implant: A case report

BACKGROUND Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure(IOP)that damages the optic nerve,leading to blindness.The Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV)is a glau-coma drainage implant device that is used in glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP.A possible complication after any ocular surgery however is hyphema,which can itself progress to uveitis glaucoma hyphema(UGH)syndrome on rare occasions.UGH syndrome has not yet been reported as a complication of AGV implantation.CASE SUMMARY Here,we have reported a case of a 55-year-old female who developed both hyphema and pigmentation as a result of AGV implantation.We confirmed UGH syndrome secondary to AGV implantation after the patient underwent another surgery to shorten and reposition the AGV tube.After the second surgery,the patient’s IOP was reduced,and she had a clear cornea and no signs of hyphema.CONCLUSION This first report of UGH syndrome as a complication of AGV implantation reminds clinicians that frequent follow-up is paramount.

Navigating postoperative complications:Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Altwijri and Alsirhy reported a case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after an Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgery in an advanced primary open-angle glaucoma patient,being the first ever recorded of its kind.The author describes the position of the tube as the origin of the anterior chamber inflam-mation and hyphema,which resolved shortly after shortening and relocating it.This publication emphasizes the importance of precise implant positioning and close-up patient follow-up after glaucoma filtration surgery as an important standard for healthcare providers.

Investigating the Influence of Glaucoma on the Quality of Life among Adult Patients

Background: Research exploring the influence of glaucoma on quality of life has gained momentum in recent years. Numerous studies have investigated the multifaceted aspects of quality of life in glaucoma patients, utilizing various assessment tools and methodologies. Objective: To determine the influence that glaucoma has on the quality of life among adult patients. Study site: kitwe teaching eye hospital, Zambia. Method: It was a cross-sectional study that was conducted from 30th June 2022 to 17th April 2023. The study included 106 diagnosed glaucoma patients who were above the age of 55 years. Data was collected using validated 25-item national eye institute visual function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Microsoft excel to present frequencies and percentages that generated graphical presentation. Results: 62% of the participants worry about their eye sight most of the time, 26% sometimes and 12% a little time. 9% of the participants had little difficulty to read ordinary prints, 14% moderate difficulties and 58% extremely difficult. 40% of the participants could drive despite glaucoma damaging their eyes while 60% could not. Majority of the patients said it was difficult noticing things around them while walking or sitted in one place. There was a significant difference between effects of glaucoma on patients and the existing relationship between glaucoma and quality of life (ANOVA, p = 0.019 and ANOVA, p = 0.023). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the magnitude of impact that glaucoma has on the Quality of Life (QoL) in diagnosed patients and the relationship between glaucoma and the Quality of Life. Due to the progressive visual loss, the amount of activities these patients would perform is negatively affected especially where social and economic activities are concerned which also affects their monthly earnings for those living in middle to low-income countries. Therefore, social welfare and psycho-social institutions need to increase their support for these glaucoma patients.

Analysis of SMOC2 gene variants in familial and nonfamilial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients

AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.

Suicide risk in juvenile open angle glaucoma patients

AIM:To investigate the association between juvenile open angle glaucoma(JOAG)and mental health among Koreans.METHODS:This study used nationally representative data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES)2021.Glaucoma diagnosis followed the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria based on glaucomatous structural defects,visual field defects,corrected vision,and intraocular pressure.As outcomes,suicidal behaviors,psychiatric counseling,and depression were evaluated through mental health questionnaires.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were estimated using logistic regression models,adjusting for covariates.RESULTS:Among 7090 participants,3446 met the inclusion criteria for analysis,and 88(2.6%)were diagnosed with open angle glaucoma(OAG).After adjusting for age,sex,and best-corrected visual acuity(VA),participants with OAG were revealed to have significantly higher odds of suicidal behaviors(i.e.,ideation,planning,or attempts)compared with those without OAG(OR:2.70;95%CI:1.12-6.54;P=0.028).This association remained significant after further adjustments for socioeconomic status,lifestyle factors,and presence of chronic conditions(P=0.031 and 0.035,respectively).However,there was no significant difference for the other two outcomes,psychiatric counseling and depression.An age-stratified analysis revealed a stronger association between OAG and suicidal behaviors in younger JOAG participants(<40y)than in older OAG participants(≥40y;OR:3.80 vs 2.22;95%CI:0.79-18.22 vs 0.56-8.80,respectively).CONCLUSION:OAG patients show a higher risk of suicidal behaviors than those without glaucoma particularly in JOAG patients.