Iridoschisis misdiagnosed as acute angle-closure glaucoma:a case report and literature review

We present the case of a patient with iridoschisis complicated with cataract,peripheral anterior synechiae(PAS),secondary glaucoma,and corneal endothelial damage.The patient was initially misdiagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma.Iridoschisis is a rare condition characterized by the splitting of the iris into two layers:the anterior layer breaks down into fibers,floating freely in the anterior chamber with a“shredded wheat”appearance.

Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index(CVI)and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure(F-APAC)and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(F-CPACG)and the eyes of normal controls.METHODS:This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC,37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment,and 36 healthy participants.Using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally.Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors.RESULTS:The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10,0.33±0.09,and 0.29±0.04,and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92,306.22±59.29,and 262.69±45.55μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes.In the peripapillary region,the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08,0.20±0.08,and 0.19±0.05,and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18,174.82±50.67,and 176.18±37.94μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors.Younger age,shorter axial length,and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls.Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG.A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Combined treatment of phacoemulsification and single-port limited pars plana vitrectomy in acute angle-closure glaucoma

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment of phacoemulsification(PE) and micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) in acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS: A retrospective study included 26 patients who underwent PE diagnosed with AACG. Among them, 16 patients(16 eyes) underwent PE alone, 10 patients(10 eyes) underwent combined limited vitrectomy and PE. Then we compared intraocular pressure(IOP), anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell count before and after surgery, and effective PE time during cataract surgery.RESULTS: Effective PE time was shorter in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP and best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups postoperatively. At 6 mo postoperatively, there was no difference in the anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness between two groups, but corneal endothelial cell count was higher in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.046). No complication such as vitreoretinal disease, endophthalmitis, bullous keratopathy was noted.CONCLUSION: Combined micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited PPV and PE are more effective and safer than PE alone because of less operation time and fewer complications for management of AACG.

Effect of low dose laser cycloplasty on deepening anterior chamber in chronic angle-closure glaucoma

AIM:To describe the outcome of using low-dose laser cycloplasty(LCP)in chronic angle-closure glaucoma(CACG).METHODS:A retrospective case series.Medical charts of CACG patients who underwent LCP in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were reviewed.The main outcomes included intraocular pressure(IOP),the number of glaucoma medication,anterior segment parameters and surgery-related complications.RESULTS:A total of 7 eyes of 7 CACG patients(age 38.9±11.0y)underwent LCP with a mean follow-up of 27.1±13.7mo(range 16-48mo).Following LCP,mean IOP and glaucoma medications decreased from 26.1±6.1 mm Hg with 3.1±1.1 glaucoma medications pre-treatment to 14.9±3.1 mm Hg(P=0.027)with 0.4±1.1 glaucoma medications(P=0.001)at final follow-up.The anterior chamber depth(ACD),angle opening distance500 and trabecular-iris angle increased from 1.65±0.33 mm,0.05 mm(range 0-0.30 mm)and 5.1°(range,0-31.97°)at baseline to 1.98±0.43 mm(P=0.073),0.53 mm(range 0.42-0.91 mm,P=0.015),45.9°(range,40.2°-59.4°),(P=0.015)in the long-term follow-up,respectively.The deepening of ACD and reopening of anterior chamber angle(ACA)was observed in 6 eyes(85.7%).CONCLUSION:LCP is a promising treatment option for patients with CACG via reducing IOP and glaucoma medication without serious complications.In addition,LCP can bring a significant deepening in ACD and reopening of ACA.

Structural measurements and vessel density of spectraldomain optic coherence tomography in early,moderate,and severe primary angle-closure glaucoma

AIM:To compare the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer(GCIPL)thickness,retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness,optic nerve head(ONH)parameters,and retinal vessel density(VD)measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)and analyze the correlations between them in the early,moderate,severe primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)and normal eyes.METHODS:Totally 70 PACG eyes and 20 normal eyes were recruited for this retrospective analysis.PACG eyes were further separated into early,moderate,or severe PACG eyes using the Enhanced Glaucoma Staging System(GSS2).The GCIPL thickness,RNFL thickness,ONH parameters,and retinal VD were measured by SD-OCT,differences among the groups and correlations within the same group were calculated.RESULTS:The inferior and superotemporal sectors of the GCIPL thickness,rim area of ONH,average and inferior sector of the retinal VD were significantly reduced(all P<0.05)in the early PACG eyes compared to the normal and the optic disc area,cup to disc ratio(C/D),and cup volume were significantly higher(all P<0.05);but the RNFL was not significant changes in early and moderate PACG.In severe group,the GCIPL and RNFL thickness were obvious thinning with retinal VD were decreasing as well as C/D and cup volume increasing than other three groups(all P<0.01).In the early PACG subgroup,there were significant positive correlations between retinal VD and GCIPL thickness(except superonasal and inferonasal sectors,r=0.573 to 0.641,all P<0.05),superior sectors of RNFL thickness(r=0.055,P=0.049).More obvious significant positive correlations were existed in moderate PACG eyes between retinal VD and superior sectors of RNFL thickness(r=0.650,P=0.022),and temporal sectors of RNFL thickness(r=0.740,P=0.006).In the severe PACG eyes,neither GCIPL nor RNFL thickness was associated with retinal VD.CONCLUSION:The ONH damage and retinal VD loss appears earlier than RNFL thickness loss in PACG eyes.As the PACG disease progressed from the early to the moderate stage,the correlations between the retinal VD and RNFL thickness increases.

Uveal effusion following acute primary angle-closure:a retrospective case series

AIM：To evaluate the morphological changes in anterior segment in Chinese patients with uveal effusion（UE）after the attack of acute primary angle-closure（APAC）using ultrasound biomicroscopy（UBM）,and to assess the clinical course and prognosis of the disease.METHODS：In a retrospective case series,26 eyes in 26 consecutive patients diagnosed with UE after the treatment of intraocular pressure（IOP）-lowering medication for the attack of APAC were enrolled. The unaffected fellow eyes served as controls. The morphological changes were observed by ultrasonography,slit lamp microscopy and gonioscopy. UBM was used to assess the degree and extent of effusion based on the analysis of parameters associated with UE.RESULTS：The mean IOP was 9.2（SD 2.1）mm Hg at the diagnosis of UE after IOP-lowering medication,while 14.1（SD,2.6）mm Hg in the fellow eyes（P=0.000）. The anterior chamber depth（ACD）（P=0.000）,angle opening distance at 500 μm（AOD500）（P〈0.01）and anterior chamber angle（ACA）（P〈0.05）were decreased significantly,while ciliary body thickness（CBT）（P〈0.05）increased significantly in UE eyes. UE grade analysis showed 7 eyes in grade 1,9 eyes in grade 2,and 10 eyes in grade 3. Quadrant scores were performed of 4 eyes in 1 quadrant,3 eyes in 3 quadrants,and 19 eyes in 4 quadrants. There was the positive correlation between grade and quadrant score（R=0.644,P=0.000）. The effusion on all eyes were recovered after medication,which mean IOP was 13.9（SD,2.8）mm Hg.CONCLUSION：UE is a frequent complication in Chinese patients after the attack of APAC,partially associated with hypotony. The severity of UE is correlation with height of effusion,extent of detachment,and shallower ACD.

A Meta-Analysis: Safety and Efficacy of Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Trabeculectomy for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in China

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy in the treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) systematically. Methods: From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2022, we searched PubMed, Science Citation Index Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database for pertinent material about the treatment of AACG with various operations. The imported literature was carefully vetted using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed for quality, and the raw data were retrieved and integrated into EndNoteX9. For the meta-analysis, STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 were used as the tools. Results: The meta-analysis includes 20 clinical investigations in all, involving 1463 eyes. The quality of the literature was rated as excellent and the data homogeneity among the studies was excellent based on the various study types that were included in the literature. According to a meta-analysis, phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis is superior to trabeculectomy for treating acute angle-closure glaucoma because it results in improved postoperative visual acuity, lower intraocular pressure, a broader anterior chamber depth, and fewer complications. Conclusion: If conditions allow, phacoemulsification in conjunction with goniosynechialysis performs better than trabeculectomy in terms of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, and comorbidities.

A Meta-Analysis: Safety and Efficacy of Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Trabeculectomy for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in China

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy in the treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) systematically. Methods: From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2022, we searched PubMed, Science Citation Index Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database for pertinent material about the treatment of AACG with various operations. The imported literature was carefully vetted using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed for quality, and the raw data were retrieved and integrated into EndNoteX9. For the meta-analysis, STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 were used as the tools. Results: The meta-analysis includes 20 clinical investigations in all, involving 1463 eyes. The quality of the literature was rated as excellent and the data homogeneity among the studies was excellent based on the various study types that were included in the literature. According to a meta-analysis, phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis is superior to trabeculectomy for treating acute angle-closure glaucoma because it results in improved postoperative visual acuity, lower intraocular pressure, a broader anterior chamber depth, and fewer complications. Conclusion: If conditions allow, phacoemulsification in conjunction with goniosynechialysis performs better than trabeculectomy in terms of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, and comorbidities.

Aqueous proinflammatory cytokines in acute primary angle-closure eyes

AIM：To evaluate changes of proinflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with acute primary angleclosure（APAC） and age-related cataracts. METHODS：Twenty eyes of 20 APAC patients and 15 eyes of 15 age-related cataract patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Aqueous humor samples were collected prospectively. The levels of 20 proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the aqueous humor of the APAC and cataract patients using the multiplex bead immunoassay technique. Clinical data were collected for correlation analysis.RESULTS：Seven of the 20 proinflammatory cytokines included in the magnetic bead panel were detectable in both APAC eyes and cataract eyes：interleukin（IL）-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-6, chemokine（C-C motif） ligand 20, and tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α）. IL-27 was only detectable in APAC eyes. Compared with the cataract eyes, the APAC eyes had significantly elevated concentrations of IL-12（P=0.036）, IL-15（P=0.001）, IL-6（P=0.012）, and IL-27（only detectable in APAC eyes）. Age was positively correlated with IL-12（P=0.022） and IL-6（P=0.037）, and time elapsed between APAC onset and aqueous humor samples collection was positively correlated with IL-15（P=0.037）, IL-27（P=0.040）, and TNF-α（P=0.042）.CONCLUSION：Several proinflammatory cytokines including IL-12,IL-15, IL-6 and IL-27, were elevated in the APAC eyes and may be implicated in its pathologic mechanism.

Anterior and posterior segment structural features of acute primary angle-closure eyes:date based on AS-OCT and SS-OCT

Background:To measure the anterior and posterior segment structural features of acute primary angle-closure(APAC)eyes.Methods:A total of 36 subjects with unilateral APAC were recruited in this study.The ocular biometric characteristics were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)and swept source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),respectively at baseline,2 weeks,and 1 month after surgical intervention.Results:At baseline,when compared with the fellow eyes,APAC-affected eyes showed significantly greater corneal thickness(P=0.004),shallower anterior chamber depth(ACD)(P<0.001),smaller anterior chamber area(ACA)(P=0.013),angle opening distance at 750μm from the scleral spur(AOD750)(P=0.002),trabecular-iris space area at 750μm from the scleral spur(TISA750)(P=0.033),angle recess area(ARA)(P=0.014),and iris area(IARE)(P=0.003),less iris curvature(ICURVE)(P=0.003),and larger lens vault(LV)(P=0.030).After intervention,the corneal thickness was significantly decreased at 1 month(P<0.001),while ACD,ACA,and AOD750 were significantly increased at 2 weeks and 1 month(all P<0.017).Changes in ACD were correlated with decreasing LV(P<0.05).The posterior segment parameters did not change over the 4-week period.Conclusions:When compared with the fellow eyes,APAC-affected eyes had greater corneal thickness,shallower anterior chamber,narrower angle,less ICURVE,and larger LV.After intervention,the corneal thickness was decreased,while the shallower anterior chamber was relieved to some extent.

Diffusion tensor imaging of optic nerve and optic radiation in primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma using 3T magnetic resonance imaging

AIM: To evaluate the value of quantitative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing the axonal and myelin damage of the optic nerves and optic radiations in patients with chronic primary angle -closure glaucoma (PACG) by using high -field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (3T). METHODS: Twenty patients with bilateral chronic PACG and twenty age - and sex matched disease -free control subjects were enrolled. Conventional MRI and DTI were performed on all subjects using 3T MR scanner. Mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivities (AD) and radial diffusivities (RD) of each optic nerve and each optic radiation were measured by using post -processing software of DTI studio 2.3, and then compared between left eyes and right eyes and between patients group and control group. The pairedsample t- test were used. RESULTS: There was no abnormality in the shape and signal intensity of the optic nerves and optic radiations in patients group and control group on the conventional MRI. No significant differences were observed in the FA, MD, AD and RD between the right and left optic nerves and optic radiations within patients group and control group (P>0.05). The optic nerves and optic radiations of patients with chronic PACG, as compared with control subjects, had significantly higher MD, AD, RD and significantly lower FA (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The diffusivity of optic nerves and optic radiations in chronic PACG group showed abnormal and diffusivity parameters could be used markers of axonal and myelin injury in glaucoma.

The association between matrix metalloprotease-9 gene polymorphisms and primary angle-closure glaucoma in a Chinese Han population

AIM:To examine the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) gene and primary angleclosure glaucoma(PACG)in a Chinese Han population.METHODS:DNA samples were extracted from peripheral-blood mononuclear cells of 214 PACG patients and 224 healthy controls.Genotyping of rs3918249,rs3918254,rs17577 and rs3787268 in MMP-9was performed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)analysis and the direct sequencing technique.The association between these genetic polymorphisms and risk of PACG was estimated by χ2 test.RESULTS:The distributions of rs3918249,rs3918254,rs17577 and rs3787268 genotypes among cases and healthy controls were compatible with that from HardyWeinberg equilibrium(HWE,P】0.05).The increased frequency of CC and CT genotypes of rs3918254 were observed in PACG patients compared to healthy controls[P=0.006,P corrected(Pcorr)=0.048].The haplotype analysis showed that the CCGG haplotype was nominal associated with PACG(P=0.015),however,the significant was lost when the Bonferroni correction was used(Pcorr=0.105).CONCLUSION:Our results revealed that rs3918254 in MMP-9 may be a susceptible locus to PACG in China,people with the CC and CT genotypes of rs3918254 are more susceptible to PACG.The susceptibility to PACG inChinese Han patients may be not influenced by SNPs rs3918249,rs3787268 and rs17577 in MMP-9.

Phacoemulsification versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract: a Meta-analysis

AIM： To compare the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification（Phaco） against combined phacotrabeculectomy（Phacotrabe） in primary angle-closure glaucoma（PACG） with coexisting cataract.·METHODS： By searching electronically the Pub Med,EMBASE, Scientific Citation Index and Cochrane Library published up from inception to January 2014, all randomized controlled trials that matched the predefined criteria were included. The quality of included trials was evaluated according to the guidelines developed by the cochrane collaboration. And the outcomes estimating efficacy and safety of two different surgical treatments were measured and synthesised by Rev Man 5.0.· RESULTS： Five randomized controlled trials were selected and included in Meta-analysis with a total of468 patients（468 eyes） with both PACG and cataract. We found that Phacotrabe had a greater intraocular pressure（IOP） lowing effect [preoperative IOP： weighted mean difference（WMD）=0.58, 95% confidence intervals（95% CI,-0.53 to 1.69）, P =0.31; postoperative IOP： WMD =1.37,95% CI（0.45 to 2.28）, P =0.003], a lower number of antiglaucoma medications [risk ratio（RR）=0.05, 95% CI（0.02 to 0.18）, P 〈0.00001] needed postoperatively and less serious damage of optic nerve [RR =0.48, 95% CI（0.21 to 1.07）, P =0.07], but a higher risk of complications[odds ratio（OR）=0.04, 95% CI（0.01 to 0.16）, P 〈0.00001]compared with Phaco. The rest studies indicated that there had no significantly difference between the two surgical methods for postoperative best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA） [WMD =-0.05, 95% CI（-0.14 to 0.05）, P =0.32] and loss of visual field [RR=1.06, 95% CI（0.61 to1.83）, P =0.83].·CONCLUSION： Phaco alone compared with Phacotrabe had a better effect in IOP reduction, whereas the securitydecline. Considering the number of sample size, our results remains to be further studied.

Outcomes of chronic angle-closure glaucoma treated by phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation with or without endoscopically goniosynechialysis

AIM:To investigate the surgical outcomes of patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma(CACG)treated with phacoemulsification(phaco)/endocyclophotocoagulation(ECP)with and without endoscopic goniosynechialysis(E-GSL).METHODS:A retrospective,nonrandomized,comparative case series was conducted.Patients with CACG who underwent phaco in combination with either ECP alone(ECP group)or GSL with ECP(E-GSL group)from 2018 to 2019 were followed for 12mo and reviewed.Clinical features and outcomes were identified and analyzed.The ECP and E-GSL groups were matched in age and baseline intraocular pressure(IOP).Changes in IOP,mean of visual acuity(VA),peripheral anterior synechiae(PAS)formation,and the number of glaucoma medications was examined.RESULTS:The ECP group included 32 eyes of 27 patients,and the E-GSL group included 32 eyes of 26 patients.The preoperative baseline IOP was 22.18±6.48 mm Hg in the ECP group and 22.95±6.71 mm Hg in the E-GSL group(P=0.644).The mean IOP reduction was 26.2%in the ECP group and 41.6%in the E-GSL group at 12mo.The mean postoperative VA(log MAR units)at 12mo was 0.47 in the ECP group and 0.36 in the E-GSL group.The reduction in PAS formation and the number of glaucoma medications was also higher in the ECP group than E-GSL group at 12mo.CONCLUSION:The phaco/ECP and phaco/E-GSL groups both achieve a significant reduction in IOP without complications associated with traditional glaucoma filtration surgeries.

Association of peripheral anterior synechia,intraocular pressure,and glaucomatous optic neuropathy in primary angle-closure diseases

AIM:To investigate the association of peripheral anterior synechiae(PAS)with intraocular pressure(IOP)and glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON)in primary angle closure(PAC)and primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).METHODS:Totally 355 eyes(238 PAC and 117 PACG)of 181 patients were included in this retrospective analysis of baseline data from a randomized clinical trial.All patients had undergone a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.The extent of PAS in clock hours as determined on gonioscopy was documented.The independent effect of the extent of PAS on IOP and the prevalence of GON were determined using multivariable generalized estimating equation(GEE)models.RESULTS:The frequency of GON increased with the extent of PAS and a higher IOP.PAS were more extensive(8 vs 1 clock hour,P<0.001)and IOP higher(28.01 vs 18.00 mm Hg,P<0.001)in PACG compared to PAC.The prevalence of GON among the PAS quartiles were 10.2%(PAS<0.5 clock hours),16.9%(PAS≥0.5 and PAS<3 clock hours),29.6%(PAS≥3 and PAS<7 clock hours),and 74.4%(PAS≥7 clock hours),respectively.After adjusting for IOP,age,gender,spherical equivalent,average Shaffer score and number of medications,the odds ratio(OR)for GON was 4.4(95%CI:1.5-13.0;P=0.007)with PAS≥3 clock hours and 13.8(95%CI:4.3-43.6;P<0.001)with PAS≥7 clock hours as compared to eyes with PAS<0.5 clock hours.The frequency of GON increased linearly with the extent of PAS.Extent of PAS was also associated with higher IOP.Eyes with both PAS≥6 clock hours and IOP≥21 mm Hg had the highest risk of GON compared to eyes with both PAS<6 clock hours and IOP<21 mm Hg(OR=18.0,95%CI:7.5-43.4;P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The extent of PAS in PAC and PACG is an important predictor of higher IOP and is linearly associated with GON independent of IOP,suggesting other factors related to PAS formation may be involved in the development of GON in PACG.

Bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma precipitated by over the counter oral decongestant

Dear Sir,We hereby report a case of bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma secondary to a systemic decongestant containing pseudoephedrine freely available over the counter.Acute angle closure glaucoma is an ocular emergency.Delayed recognition and treatment inevitably leads to permanent visual impairment.Acute angle closure occurs as a result of obstruction to aqueous drainage by blockage of the trabecular meshwork by the iris.Typical presenting symptoms include acute onset of ocular pain,headache and blurred vision.On clinical examination,it is characterized by a markedly raised IOP of above 21 mm Hg together with

Primary Chronic Angle-closure Glaucoma in Chinese——A Clinical Exploration of Its Pathogenesis And Natural Course

Fourty-three cases (86 eyes) of primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma were randomly selected. An additional 44 cases (77 eyes) of primary acute angle-closure glaucoma and 30 normal subjects (34 eyes) were also randomly enrolled as control groups for comparison in the clinical study. Ultrasonic biometric measurements of the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length of the eyeball were performed. Using an potic microgauge attached to the slit-lamp, the entrance of anterior chamber angle was...

Increased aquaporin-1 levels in lens epithelial cells with primary angle-closure glaucoma

AIM： To determine the levels of aquaporin-1（AQP-1） in the lens epithelial cells（LECs） of primary glaucoma and to clarify its correlation with lens thickness.METHODS： This study comprised 64 eyes of 64 patients with primary glaucoma, who were divided into 3 groups： 25 eyes of 25 patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma（APACG）, 19 eyes of 19 patients with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma（CPACG） and 20 eyes of 20 patients with primary open angle glaucoma（POAG）. This study also included 12 eyes of 12 patients with senile cataract as controls. The levels of AQP-1 in LECs were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（RT-q PCR） and immunohistochemistry. The lens thickness was measured by A-scan ultrasonography. RESULTS： The AQP-1 m RNA levels of LECs were 0.84±0.27, 0.69±0.34, 0.44±0.19 and 0.51±0.21 in APACG, CPACG, POAG and senile cataract group, respectively. The levels of AQP-1m RNA were significantly higher in PACG groups compared with those in senile cataract and POAG group（all P〈0.05）. The immunohistochemistry showed the AQP-1 expression were strong-positive in PACG groups, but weak-positive in senile cataract and POAG group. A positive correlation was found between AQP-1 m RNA levels and the lens thickness（r=0.645, P〈0.001）. CONCLUSION： These findings show that the higher expression of AQP-1 in LECs may contribute to increased lens thickness, which might be associated with the occurrence and development of PACG.

Indicating and predicting role of the horizontal C/D ratio in preclinical diabetic retinopathy associated with chronic angle-closure glaucoma

AIM: To observe morphological optic disc characteristics in patients with preclinical diabetic retinopathy(DR) associated with chronic angle-closure glaucoma(CACG). METHODS: Twenty-two cases(43 eyes) of preclinical DR associated with CACG were enrolled in group A; 24 preclinical DR cases(46 eyes) were enrolled in group B; 26 CACG cases(51 eyes) were enrolled in group C; and 49 normal controls(49 eyes) were enrolled in group D. All underwent optical coherence tomography to measure the horizontal C/D ratio(HCDR), C/D area ratio(CDaR), vertical C/D ratio(VCDR), rim area(RA), cup volume(CV), disc area(DA) and average retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL) thickness. RESULTS: The ages of groups A, B, C, and D were 67.60±3.36, 66.78±3.33, 65.98±3.83, and 67.54±3.17 y, respectively. The HCDR values in groups A, B, and C were distinct relative to those in group D(P<0.0001, P<0.01, and P<0.05, respectively). The HCDR values in group A were higher compared with those in groups B(P<0.0001) and D(P<0.0001); while these values were virtually identical statistically between groups A and C(P>0.05). The CDaR values in group A were higher in comparison to those in groups B and D(P<0.0001 in both groups); while these values were virtually identical statistically between groups A and C(P>0.05). The RA values in group A were smaller relative to those in groups B and D(P<0.0001 in both groups); while groups A and C were not distinct statistically(P>0.05). The CV values in group A were greater in comparison to those in groups B and D(P<0.0001 in both groups); while groups A and C were not distinct statistically(P>0.05). DA was not distinct for comparisons of two groups among the four groups(P>0.05). HCDR value correlated with mean nasal RNFL thickness(r=-0.909,P<0.0001), mean superior RNFL thickness(r=-0.866, P<0.0001), mean inferior RNFL thickness(r=-0.650, P<0.001) and mean temporal RNFL thickness(r=-0.562, P<0.01) in group A. CONCLUSION: The HCDR was a sensitive morphological parameter in detecting structural visual disc changes in preclinical DR associated with CACG, which can reflect optic nerve damage caused jointly by CACG and diabetes. A higher HCDR may predict optic nerve atrophy.

The effect of lens parameters on the development of the primary angle-closure glaucoma

Objective ：To investigate the role the lens dimensions played on the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma. Methods：38 eyes of 20 patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma （PACG） and 35 eyes of 22 normal individuals without ocular abnormalities were examined. The anatomical parameters of the lens and other structures of the anterior segment were calculated using B ultrasound, computer image processing and ultrasound biomicroscopy （UBM）. The parameters were compared between the patients and normal subjects. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the radii of curvature of the anterior lens surface （RCALS） and the other parameters of the anterior segment. Results：Compared with the normal eyes, the eyes of PACG had thicker lens, steeper curvature of anterior lens surface, decreased depth of the anterior chamber, narrower chamber angle, and more anterior position of the ciliary bodies and lens. All these differences were significant（P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. In the PACG group, the RCALS had significantly negative correlation with the central and peripheral lens thickness （P 〈 0.01 and P 〈 0.05 respectively）, and had positive correlation with relative lens position, anterior chamber depth（ACD）, angle-open distance at 500 um（AOD500）, trabecular iris angle （TIA） and trabecular ciliary processes distance（TCPD, P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusion：The occurrence of PACG is relevant to the abnormal anatomical structures of the anterior segment. Among all factors, the lens parameters play an important role in the pathogenesis. Increased lens thickness, relative more anterior position of lens, especially steepened curvature of anterior lens surface are predisposing factors of the pathologic phenomenon in PACG including pupillary blockage, shallow anterior chamber, secondary closure of chamber angle and elevation of intraocular pressure.