Glaucoma surgery experiments using digital microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography and OCT-compatible instruments

There is a certain failure rate in traditional glaucoma surgery because of the lack of depth information in microscope images.In this work,we present a digital microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography(MIOCT)system and several custom-made OCT-compatible instruments for glaucoma surgery.Sixteen ophthalmologists were asked to perform trabeculectomy and canaloplasty on live porcine eyes using the system and instruments.After surgery,a subjective feedback survey about the user experience was taken.The experiment results showed that our system can help surgeons easily locate important tissue structures during surgery.The custom-made instruments also solved the shadowing problem in OCT imaging.Surgeons preferred to use the system in their future practice.

p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 suppresses ferroptosis in the glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxicity glaucoma model

Glutamate excitotoxicity has been shown to play an important role in glaucoma, and glutamate can induce ferroptosis. The p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK) pathway inhibitor SB202190 has a potential ability to suppress ferroptosis, and its downstream targets, such as p53, have been shown to be associated with ferroptosis. However, whether ferroptosis also occurs in retinal ganglion cells in response to glutamate excitotoxicity and whether inhibition of ferroptosis reduces the loss of retinal ganglion cells induced by glutamate excitotoxicity remain unclear. This study investigated ferroptosis in a glutamate-induced glaucoma rat model and explored the effects and molecular mechanisms of SB202190 on retinal ganglion cells. A glutamate-induced excitotoxicity model in R28 cells and an N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced glaucoma model in rats were used. In vitro experiments showed that glutamate induced the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxide and morphological changes of mitochondria in R28 cells, and SB202190 inhibited these changes. Glutamate induced the levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and SAT1 and decreased the expression levels of ferritin light chain, SLC7A11, and GPX4. SB202190 inhibited the expression of iron death-related proteins induced by glutamate. In vivo experiments showed that SB202190 attenuated N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced damage to rat retinal ganglion cells and improved visual function. These results suggest that SB202190 can inhibit ferroptosis and protect retinal ganglion cells by regulating ferritin light chain, SAT1, and SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathways and may represent a potential retina protectant.

Morphological disruption and visual tuning alterations in the primary visual cortex in glaucoma(DBA/2J)mice

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the primary visual cortex(V1)is altered in glaucoma.This study used DBA/2J mice as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma.The aim of the study was to compare the electrophysiological and histomorphological chara cteristics of neurons in the V1between 9-month-old DBA/2J mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice.We conducted single-unit recordings in the V1 of light-anesthetized mice to measure the visually induced responses,including single-unit spiking and gamma band oscillations.The morphology of layerⅡ/Ⅲneurons was determined by neuronal nuclear antigen staining and Nissl staining of brain tissue sections.Eighty-seven neurons from eight DBA/2J mice and eighty-one neurons from eight C57BL/6J mice were examined.Compared with the C57BL/6J group,V1 neurons in the DBA/2J group exhibited weaker visual tuning and impaired spatial summation.Moreove r,fewer neuro ns were observed in the V1 of DBA/2J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice.These findings suggest that DBA/2J mice have fewer neurons in the VI compared with C57BL/6J mice,and that these neurons have impaired visual tuning.Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathological changes that occur in V1 neuron function and morphology in the DBA/2J mouse model.This study might offer some innovative perspectives regarding the treatment of glaucoma.

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.

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.

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.

Exploring the Impact of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking on Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Objective: Utilizing Mendelian Randomization, this study employs Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to explore the causal relationships between bibulosity, smoking, and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Methods: GWAS data for bibulosity, smoking, and POAG were obtained from the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium website and the IEU OpenGWAS Project website, respectively. Using a P-value threshold of −8, a linkage disequilibrium coefficient (r2) of 0.001, and a linkage disequilibrium region width of 10,000 kb, the data were aggregated, resulting in 6 SNPs for bibulosity and 253 SNPs for smoking. Three regression models, MR-Egger, Weighted Median Estimator (WME), and Random-Effects Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) were applied to analyze the causal impact of bibulosity and smoking on POAG. Results: The GWAS data for alcohol consumption and smoking were derived from European populations, while the GWAS data for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) were sourced from East Asian populations, with no gender restrictions. Analysis using three different regression models revealed that neither excessive alcohol consumption nor smoking significantly increased the risk of developing POAG. Specifically, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the alcohol consumption group were 0.854 (0.597 - 1.221) in MR-Egger regression, 0.922 (0.691 - 1.231) in WME regression, and 0.944 (0.711 - 1.252) in IVW regression. For the smoking group, the odds ratios were 1.146 (0.546 - 2.406) in MR-Egger regression, 0.850 (0.653 - 1.111) in WME regression, and 0.939 (0.780 - 1.131) in IVW regression. Given the significant heterogeneity in the SNPs associated with smoking, the focus was primarily on the results from the IVW regression model. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption and smoking are not significant risk factors for the development of POAG.

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.

Ocular decompression retinopathy after phacoemulsification in a patient with primary acute angleclosure glaucoma undergoing chemotherapy

Dear Editor,Ocular decompression retinopathy(ODR),which manifests as diffuse retinal hemorrhage occurring abruptly in multiple locations,including the subretinal,intraretinal,and preretinal spaces,is a rare complication after glaucoma surgery and is caused by sudden,iatrogenic lowering of intraocular pressure(IOP).Implicated procedures include glaucoma drainage implantation,trabeculectomy,iridotomy,and even cataract surgery[1].One report described a case of ocular decompression management following uncomplicated cataract surgery with no posterior capsular rupture or other intraoperative complications[2].Here,we report a rare case of ODR triggered by phacoemulsification and the use of systemic chemotherapeutic drugs in a patient with primary acute angleclosure glaucoma(PACG).The case not only improves our understanding of potential side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on ophthalmic surgery but may also serve as a reference for clinicians in the management of patients with glaucoma with similar medical histories.

Micropulse transscleral laser therapy for secondary angle-closure glaucoma in nanophthalmos: a case report

Dear Editor,The choice of surgical intervention for nanophthalmos patients with secondary angle-closure glaucoma poses a challenging decision for ophthalmologists.Because nanophthalmos patients who have undergone filtration surgery or other intraocular procedures are more susceptible to severe complications,including choroidal effusion,malignant glaucoma,and explosive choroidal hemorrhage,all of which can lead to vision loss[1].This dilemma is particularly pronounced in patients with shorter axial lengths.Micropulse transscleral laser therapy(M-TLT),also known as micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(MP-TSCPC),is a nonincisional laser therapy surgery for glaucoma[2].In 2015,Golan and Kurtz[3]were the first to report four patients with secondary angle-closure glaucoma in nanophthalmos with axial lengths ranging between 17 and 19 mm(mean 18 mm)who were successfully treated with M-TLT,and choroidal detachment was observed in all patients(recovery spontaneously in two patients and recovery after systemic steroid treatment in the other two),of which two had a slight decrease in visual acuity.

Systematic bibliometric and visualized analysis of research hotspots and trends on the application of artificial intelligence in glaucoma from 2013 to 2022

AIM:To conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on artificial intelligence(AI)in the field of glaucoma to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research and identify potential new directions for future studies.METHODS:Relevant articles on the application of AI in the field of glaucoma from the Web of Science Core Collection were retrieved,covering the period from January 1,2013,to December 31,2022.In order to assess the contributions and co-occurrence relationships among different countries/regions,institutions,authors,and journals,CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were employed and the research hotspots and future trends within the field were identified.RESULTS:A total of 750 English articles published between 2013 and 2022 were collected,and the number of publications exhibited an overall increasing trend.The majority of the articles were from China,followed by the United States and India.National University of Singapore,Chinese Academy of Sciences,and Sun Yat-sen University made significant contributions to the published works.Weinreb RN and Fu HZ ranked first among authors and cited authors.American Journal of Ophthalmology is the most impactful academic journal in the field of AI application in glaucoma.The disciplinary scope of this field includes ophthalmology,computer science,mathematics,molecular biology,genetics,and other related disciplines.The clustering and identification of keyword nodes in the co-occurrence network reveal the evolving landscape of AI application in the field of glaucoma.Initially,the hot topics in this field were primarily“segmentation”,“classification”and“diagnosis”.However,in recent years,the focus has shifted to“deep learning”,“convolutional neural network”and“artificial intelligence”.CONCLUSION:With the rapid development of AI technology,scholars have shown increasing interest in its application in the field of glaucoma.Moreover,the application of AI in assisting treatment and predicting prognosis in glaucoma may become a future research hotspot.However,the reliability and interpretability of AI data remain pressing issues that require resolution.

NMI,POLR3G and APIP are the key molecules connecting glaucoma with high intraocular pressure:a clue for early diagnostic biomarker candidates

AIM:To understand the molecular connectivity between the intraocular pressure(IOP)and glaucoma which will provide possible clues for biomarker candidates.METHODS:The current study uncovers the important genes connecting IOP with the core functional modules of glaucoma.An integrated analysis was performed using glaucoma and IOP microarray datasets to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in both conditions.To the selected DEGs,the protein interaction network was constructed and dissected to determine the core functional clusters of glaucoma.For the clusters,the connectivity of IOP DEGs was determined.Further,enrichment analyses were performed to assess the functional annotation and potential pathways of the crucial clusters.RESULTS:The gene expression analysis of glaucoma and IOP with normal control showed that 408 DEGs(277 glaucoma and 131 IOP genes)were discovered from two GEO datasets.The 290 DEGs of glaucoma were extended to form a network containing 1495 proteins with 9462 edges.Using ClusterONE,the network was dissected to have 12 clusters.Among them,three clusters were linked with three IOP DEGs[N-Myc and STAT Interactor(NMI),POLR3G(RNA Polymerase Ⅲ Subunit G),and APAF1-interacting protein(APIP)].In the clusters,ontology analysis revealed that RNA processing and transport,p53 class mediators resulting in cell cycle arrest,cellular response to cytokine stimulus,regulation of phosphorylation,regulation of type Ⅰ interferon production,DNA deamination,and cellular response to hypoxia were significantly enriched to be implicated in the development of glaucoma.Finally,NMI,POLR3G,and APIP may have roles that were noticed altered in glaucoma and IOP conditions.CONCLUSION:Our findings could help to discover new potential biomarkers,elucidate the underlying pathophysiology,and identify new therapeutic targets for glaucoma.

Values of macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and 10-2 visual field measurements in detecting and evaluating glaucoma

AIM:To assess the performance of macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness(mGCIPLT)and 10-2 visual field(VF)parameters in detecting early glaucoma and evaluating the severity of advanced glaucoma.METHODS:Totally 127 eyes from 89 participants(36 eyes of 19 healthy participants,45 eyes of 31 early glaucoma patients and 46 eyes of 39 advanced glaucoma patients)were included.The relationships between the optical coherence tomography(OCT)-derived parameters and VF sensitivity were determined.Patients with early glaucoma were divided into eyes with or without central 10°of the VF damages(CVFDs),and the diagnostic performances of OCT-derived parameters were assessed.RESULTS:In early glaucoma,the mGCIPLT was significantly correlated with 10-2 VF pattern standard deviation(PSD;with average mGCIPLT:β=-0.046,95%CI,-0.067 to-0.024,P<0.001).In advanced glaucoma,the mGCIPLT was related to the 24-2 VF mean deviation(MD;with average mGCIPLT:β=0.397,95%CI,0.199 to 0.595,P<0.001),10-2 VF MD(with average mGCIPLT:β=0.762,95%CI,0.485 to 1.038,P<0.001)and 24-2 VF PSD(with average mGCIPLT:β=0.244,95%CI,0.124 to 0.364,P<0.001).Except for the minimum and superotemporal mGCIPLT,the decrease of mGCIPLT in early glaucomatous eyes with CVFDs was more severe than that of early glaucomatous eyes without CVFDs.The area under the curve(AUC)of the average mGCIPLT(AUC=0.949,95%CI,0.868 to 0.982)was greater than that of the average circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(cpRNFLT;AUC=0.827,95%CI,0.674 to 0.918)and rim area(AUC=0.799,95%CI,0.610 to 0.907)in early glaucomatous eyes with CVFDs versus normal eyes.CONCLUSION:The 10-2 VF and mGCIPLT parameters are complementary to 24-2 VF,cpRNFLT and ONH parameters,especially in detecting early glaucoma with CVFDs and evaluating the severity of advanced glaucoma in group level.

Clinical Application of Cataract Ultrasonic Emulsification Combined with Atrial Angle Segmentation in the Treatment of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of cataract ultrasonic emulsification(PE)combined with atrial angle separation(CSS)for primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).Methods:78 patients with PACG admitted to the hospital between October 2021 and October 2023 were selected and grouped by randomized numerical table;39 cases were counted in the observation group and selected PE combined with CSS surgery;39 cases were counted in the reference group and selected PE combined with trabeculectomy and the total effective rate,the state of the atrial angle,the clinical indexes,the degree of ocular symptoms,and the complication rate were compared.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the reference group,and the percentage of the wide atrial angle of the atrial angle status was higher than that of the reference group;3 months after the operation,the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution(Log MAR)and intraocular pressure of the observation group was lower than that of the reference group,and the central anterior chamber depth(ACD)was greater than that of the reference group;the scores of the degree of ocular symptoms of the observation group were lower than that of the reference group,and the rate of complication was lower than that of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:PE combined with CSS surgical treatment for PACG patients can improve the efficacy of treatment,improve the state of the patients’atrial angles,and restore the ocular function indexes.It can alleviate the ocular symptoms as soon as possible and has a high surgical safety.

改进YOLOv5su模型检测桃树缩叶病

为实现自然环境下桃树缩叶病的检测,该研究提出了一种基于YOLOv5su的桃树缩叶病识别改进模型DLLYOLOv5su。首先,针对桃树缩叶病目标特征变化较大的问题,在骨干网络最后一层C3模块中加入可变形自注意力模块(deformable attention,DA),使模型更加关注目标区域,降低背景对模型的影响,提高模型在复杂背景下的拟合能力。其次在SPPF(fast spatial pyramid pooling)模块中引入LSKA(large separable kernel attention)结构,大核卷积增大了模型的感受野,使模型能够关注更多信息。最后,提出了LAWD(lightweight adaptive weighted downsampling)模块,使用轻量化的下采样结构替换卷积模块,减少计算开销。在桃树缩叶病数据集上进行试验,结果显示,DLL-YOLOv5su模型权重大小为17.6 MB,检测速度为83帧/s。识别准确率P、召回率R和平均精度均值mAP_(50)分别达到了80.7%、73.1%和80.4%,相较于原始YOLOv5su分别提高了4.2、2.4和4.3个百分点。与YOLOv3-tiny、Faster R-CNN、YOLOv7和YOLOv8相比mAP_(50)分别高出了28.5、11.8、2.1和4.1个百分点。改进模型识别精度高,误检、漏检率低,检测速度满足实时检测的要求,可以为桃树缩叶病的实时监测和预警提供参考。

小麦SUS基因家族鉴定与生物信息学分析

【目的】对小麦蔗糖合成酶(sucrose synthase,SUS)基因家族进行鉴定和生物信息学分析,为探究小麦SUS(TaSUS)基因家族的作用机制提供理论参考。【方法】采用生物信息学方法在小麦全基因组上鉴定TaSUS基因家族成员,并对其系统进化关系、染色体位置、基因结构、保守结构域、启动子顺式作用元件和基因表达模式进行分析。【结果】在小麦基因组中共鉴定到分布于14条染色体上的24个TaSUS基因,可分为3个亚组。TaSUS基因含有多个外显子,但部分基因缺失非翻译区结构。TaSUS基因家族成员启动子区域包含45种顺式作用元件,涉及植物生长发育和逆境胁迫响应。大多数TaSUS基因在小麦穗中显著表达,在叶、茎和根中的相对表达量较低。【结论】研究结果有助于了解小麦SUS基因家族的进化,为后期小麦SUS基因家族的生物功能研究奠定理论基础。

Trend of glaucoma internal filtration surgeries in a tertiary hospital in China

AIM:To evaluate the trend of glaucoma internal filtration surgeries for inpatients between 2015 and 2021 at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.METHODS:A review of the medical records of inpatients who had been diagnosed with glaucoma and received antiglaucoma surgery between January 1,2015 and December 31,2021 was conducted.The glaucoma diagnosis in this study included primary open angle glaucoma,primary angleclosure glaucoma,secondary glaucoma,and paediatric glaucoma.The types of surgeries were categorised as internal filtration,external filtration,and cyclodestruction surgery based on the pathway of aqueous humor outflow.The trend of these glaucoma surgeries in the sample of patients with different types of glaucoma was then analysed.RESULTS:The number of patients hospitalised for glaucoma surgery increased yearly,from 752 in 2015 to 1373 in 2021,at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.Regarding the patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma,internal filtration surgery increased from 27.40%of the sample to 54.40%of the sample,while external filtration surgery decreased from 71.50%to 44.20%between 2015 and 2021.For paediatric glaucoma,internal filtration surgery increased from 37.50%in 2015 to 88.20%in 2021.Whilst different types of surgeries were performed on the sample of patients with secondary glaucoma,the proportion of internal filtration surgery also showed an increase from 18.20%in 2015 to 40.90%in 2021.Meanwhile,internal filtration surgery in the patient sample with primary angle-closure glaucoma already accounted for over 70.00%in 2015,and showed a small increase by 2021.CONCLUSION:As surgical technology and surgical experience continue to elevate and improve,the range of glaucoma surgeries are correspondingly evolving.This study find that internal filtration surgeries accounted for an increasing proportion of treatments in the surgical management of glaucoma between 2015 and 2021.

Cost analysis of childhood glaucoma surgeries using the US Medicaire allowable costs

AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure(IOP) reduction($/mm Hg).METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quantitate the reduction of mean IOP and glaucoma medications for each surgical intervention in childhood glaucoma. A US perspective was adopted, using Medicare allowable costs to calculate cost/mm Hg IOP reduction($/mm Hg) at 1y postoperatively.RESULTS: At 1y postoperatively, the cost/mm Hg IOP reduction was $226/mm Hg for microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, $284/mm Hg for cyclophotocoagulation, $288/mm Hg for conventional ab-externo trabeculotomy, $338/mm Hg for Ahmed glaucoma valve, $350/mm Hg for Baerveldt glaucoma implant, $351/mm Hg for goniotomy, and $400/mm Hg for trabeculectomy.CONCLUSION: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy is the most cost-efficient surgical method to lower IOP in childhood glaucoma, while trabeculectomy is the least cost-efficient surgical method.

Initial medication adherence in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients:three adherence measures

AIM:To determine initial medication adherence in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients treated with anti-glaucoma drugs.METHODS:This retrospective and observational study included all patients diagnosed with glaucoma in the Primary Health Care units in Portugal during the years 2012 and 2013,which in consequence received a first prescription for anti-glaucoma drugs.Data was collected from electronic prescribing records of the primary care units and from pharmacy claims records.Initiation of glaucoma treatment and early discontinuation were measured,and the combination of(non)-initiation and early discontinuation accounted for initial medication(non)-adherence.RESULTS:A total of 3548 new glaucoma patients(40.1%male;59.9%female)were included.The 1133(31.9%)patients were initially classified as non-users,since there was no pharmacy claim found for their first prescription for glaucoma treatment.Additionally,277(11.5%)patients early discontinued their treatment,acquiring only their first prescription.Overall,the initial medication non-adherence rate was 39.7%since 1410 patients either didn’t initiate treatment or discontinued it early.CONCLUSION:This study,reveals a major opportunity to improve glaucoma treatment and its control,since a large proportion of patients fail to engage with their prescribed therapy,which implies that implementation of individual or group strategies that enable patients with glaucoma to correctly perform their treatment is still needed.

Ferroptosis and glaucoma: implications in retinal ganglion cell damage and optic nerve survival

Glaucoma and visual pathway degeneration:Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide,which leads to a progressive loss of vision.Glaucoma can be classified into two types:primary open-angle glaucoma and primary closed-angle glaucoma.Primary open-angle glaucoma can be caused by the blockage of the trabecular meshwork,and this results in elevation of the intraocular pressure(IOP),leading to retinal ganglion cell(RGC)death.However,many glaucoma patients have normal IOP;this is known as normal-tension glaucoma.Nevertheless,excitotoxic damage and oxidative stress can also lead to RGC damage in normal-tension glaucoma(Almasieh et al.,2012).Glaucomatous genes such as TIGR,OPTN,and CYP1B1 have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma.However,some glaucomatous patients may remain asymptomatic in the early,moderate,and late stages.Another type of glaucoma is primary closed-angle glaucoma.In this clinical condition,a relative pupillary block is contributed by the iris obstructing aqueous outflow.The patients may suffer from corneal swelling,headache,nausea,and blurred vision during the acute phase.