Surgical Outcomes of a Small Incision Limbus-Based Revision for Failed Trabeculectomies

Background: Trabeculectomy does not always work as long as necessary to control glaucoma. This study aimed to describe the initial outcomes of a surgical technique for restoring failed trabeculectomies. Methods: We reviewed patients with failed trabeculectomy with mitomycin (MMC) who underwent limbus-based revision. After the dissection of the subconjunctival area through a smaller incision (3 mm), MMC was applied and episcleral fibrosis was excised. Each criterion was classified as complete or qualified for glaucoma medication. Results: Nineteen patients (19 eyes) were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 9.4 ± 8.6 months. At the last follow-up visit, the mean intraocular pressure was reduced from 20.9 ± 8.4 (range, 12 - 44 mmHg) to 11.6 ± 3.6 mm Hg (range, 6 - 19 mmHg) (p Conclusions: Our initial results suggest that limbus-based revision is an effective alternative to restoring failed trabeculectomies with minor postoperative complications.

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.

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.

Outcomes and risk factors for failure of trabeculectomy in glaucomatous patients in Southwest China:a 325 eyes analysis

AIM:To evaluate the outcomes and elucidate the failure factors for trabeculectomy with mitomycin C(MMC)in Southwest Chinese patients.METHODS:A retrospective correlational study was conducted on the glaucomatous patients who underwent initial trabeculectomy with MMC in Southwest Hospital and had been followed up for 1-3y.A complete success for surgery is defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP)>5 and≤21 mm Hg and 20%reduction of IOP compared to preoperative,without IOP-lowering medications.A qualified success for surgery is defined as the abovementioned postoperative IOP with or without IOP-lowering medications.The primary outcomes were IOP,the number of IOP-lowering medications,and cumulative success rate.The secondary outcomes included best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),mean deviation(MD)of visual field,major complications,and risk factors for surgical failure.RESULTS:A total of 325 eyes of 261 glaucomatous patients had been included in our study.Both the mean IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications were significantly decreased from 32.9±12.0 to 16.4±5.7 mm Hg(P<0.0001)and 3.0±0.9 to 0.9±1.0(P<0.0001),respectively,at the last visit.The cumulative complete success rate and qualified success rate were 77.8%and 92.0%at 1-year follow-up,and 47.2%and 77.7%at 3-year follow up.There were no significant differences in surgical outcomes between primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)and primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).In PACG patients,the success rates of trabeculectomy were comparable with those of phacotrabeculectomy.Hypertension(HR=1.904,P=0.011),encapsulated bleb(HR=2.756,P<0.001),and more preoperative topical medications(HR=2.475,P=0.008)were risk factors for surgical failure.CONCLUSION:The qualified success rate of trabeculectomy with MMC in glaucomatous patients in the cohort is 92.0%at 1-year,and 77.7%at 3-year follow up.Hypertension,encapsulated bleb,and more preoperative topical medications are associated with surgical failure.

Posterior scleral application of a mitomycin C-soaked sponge during trabeculectomy

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of posterior scleral application(a modified technique)of an antimetabolite mitomycin C-soaked sponge in trabeculectomy for patients with glaucoma.METHODS:This retrospective study included 101 patients(115 eyes)with glaucoma(aged 12–83y)who underwent trabeculectomy using a modified mitomycin C-soaked sponge placement method.A piece of 3.5×10 mm2 sponge was placed vertically and posteriorly with the long side perpendicular to the limbus.The mitomycin C concentration and exposure time were 0.2–0.5 mg/m L and 1–5min,respectively.Intraocular pressure,bestcorrected visual acuity,and hypotensive medications were recorded at baseline and at the final visit.Complications,interventions required,and bleb morphology were recorded postoperatively.The primary outcome was trabeculectomy safety,including complications and bleb morphology;the secondary outcome was the trabeculectomy success rate.RESULTS:At the final follow-up[median 28mo,range 7–67mo and interquartile range(IQR)13mo],the qualified(cumulative)success rate was 93.0%and the complete success rate was 60.0%.No bleb-related complications were observed.The mean height,extent,and vascularity grades were 0.6±0.9,1.1±0.4,and 2.4±0.9,respectively.All Seidel tests were negative.The mean posteriority grade was 0.8±0.4.CONCLUSION:Trabeculectomy with the long side of a mitomycin C-soaked sponge placed perpendicular to the corneal limbus is safe and effective.

Fungal corneal ulcer after repair of an overhanging filtering bleb:A case report

BACKGROUND Overhanging filtering bleb is a common complication after trabeculectomy and surgical repair is an effective treatment when the patient presents with apparent symptoms.Filtering bleb relevant infection including in the filtering bleb itself and even endophthalmitis in some severe cases has been reported.However,corneal fungal infection after filtering bleb repair is rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old Chinese man who had sensations of redness and foreign body sensations in the left eye 3 wk after repair of overhanging filtering bleb.3 wk ago,due to sensations of a foreign body in the left eye for 3 years with worsening for 3 mo.The patient was diagnosed as overhanging filtering bleb and underwent a repair of overhanging filtering bleb.Postoperative,the filtering bleb formed well and the intraocular pressure is normal.But the patient gradually develop redness,pain and a grey infiltrate of the cornea in the eye.Finally it developed into fungal corneal ulcer.Through asking the medical history,we found the patient had irregularly self-medicated for years with glucocorticoid eye drops for years to relieve the foreign body sensation in the eye caused by filtering bleb overhanging.Because the glucocorticoid eye drops he used years ago had provide normal sensation to the eye.After 3 mo of anti-fungal treatment,the inflammation was controlled.CONCLUSION In addition to avoiding the development of overhanging filtering bleb after trabeculectomy,the present case report also suggests that clinicians should pay more attention to the patient’s ocular self-medication history.Particularly in patients with a history of glaucoma or eye surgery.Because these patients may be exposed to more types of eye drops than other individuals,they may select the wrong medi-cations for long-term use,based on their previous experience.

A narrative review of ocular surface disease considerations in the management of glaucoma

s from those searches were screened for relevance to our review topics.Publications were included if the subjects included glaucoma patients,and if ocular surface outcomes were described.Non-English papers were excluded.Key Content and Findings:Topical glaucoma medications frequently cause adverse effects on the ocular surface,both through direct action of the medications themselves as well as through toxicity from their associated preservatives.Optimization of the ocular surface may improve medication compliance rates.Traditional surgical treatments for glaucoma,such as trabeculectomy,can exacerbate OSD by disrupting the ocular surface but can also reduce the need for chronic medications.Optimization of ocular surface health is imperative in reducing trabeculectomy complication rates,while also potentially reducing the need for trabeculectomy in patients that are able to achieve intraocular pressure control through improved drop tolerability.The introduction of MIGS represents a promising alternative to existing therapies and has been shown to alleviate the overall medication burden.It would be reasonable to assume that decreasing the medication burden could reduce OSD prevalence and severity.However,more research is needed to directly assess the extent of improvement seen after MIGS.Conclusions:A comprehensive understanding of the importance of OSD in medical and surgical management of glaucoma is essential in optimizing patient care and improving outcomes.

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.

Outcomes of 1.8-3.0 mm incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract

●AIM:To compare efficacy of coaxial microincisions(1.8 mm,2.2 mm)and small incisions(3.0 mm)on phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)with cataract.●METHODS:Ninety-six patients(96 eyes)with PACG and cataract were recruited and randomly divided into three groups between January 2015 and June 2017.Group A(3.0 mm incision),B(2.2 mm incision),and C(1.8 mm incision)comprised 30,34 and 32 eyes respectively.All cases were treated with clear corneal incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy.Data including best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),corneal astigmatism,corneal endothelial cell counts(CECC),intraocular pressure(IOP),and complications were collected before the operation,and at postoperative 1 d,1 and 3 mo.●RESULTS:All the patients were successfully treated with surgery.The BCVA of groups B and C were significantly improved as compared to group A at postoperative 1 d,1 and 3 mo(all P<0.05),but there was no difference between groups B and C at each time interval(all P>0.05).The corneal astigmatism of group A was statistically higher than that of group B(P=0.026);corneal astigmatism of group B was statistically higher than that of group C at postoperative 1 d(P=0.006).The corneal astigmatism of group A at postoperative 3 mo was significantly higher than that before operation(P=0.003).At postoperative 1 and 3 mo,corneal astigmatism of groups B and C were significantly lower than that of group A(all P<0.05).The CECC in group B was significantly higher than that of group A(P=0.020),and CECC in group C was significantly higher than that of group B(P=0.034)at postoperative 1 d.At postoperative 1 and 3 mo,CECC of groups B and C were significantly higher than that of group A(all P<0.05).In each group,postoperative mean IOP at each time interval was significantly lower than preoperative IOP(all P<0.05).●CONCLUSION:Coaxial microincision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for PACG with cataract has better curative efficacy in reducing postoperative corneal astigmatism and corneal endothelial cell injury than traditional small incision combined surgery,and the 1.8 mm microincision has better curative efficacy than 2.2 mm microincision in the early postoperative period.

Ex-PRESS implantation versus trabeculectomy in Chinese patients with POAG:fellow eye pilot study

AIM： To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS implantation in one eye versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the fellow eye in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma （POAG）. METHODS： This was a prospective, non-randomized comparative study. Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients with bilateral POAG necessitating surgery were included and underwent Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap in one eye and trabeculectomy in the other eye according to patients’ choice. Primary outcome measures included mean intraocular pressure （IOP） and success rate. Secondary outcome measures were aqueous flare, postoperative medication use, visual acuity, and incidence of complications.RESULTS： All 24 patients finished a 1-year follow-up. Both groups maintained significant reductions in IOP after surgery throughout the follow-up period. At any point in time, the IOP of the two groups did not differ significantly. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant differences in success between the two groups （P=0.289）. The mean number of anti-glaucoma medicines and visual acuity in both groups were not significantly different. Eyes with Ex-PRESS implantation had lower aqueous flare values on days 1 and 3 （both P〈0.05）. Instances of early postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusion were significantly fewer in frequency after Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap compared with those after trabeculectomy （P〈0.001）. CONCLUSION： Ex-PRESS is comparable to trabeculectomy in terms of IOP, success rate, number of glaucoma medications used, and visual acuity. However, Ex-PRESS resulted in fewer cases of inflammation and a lower rate of complications.

Surgical treatment for primary angle closure-glaucoma: a Meta analysis

AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy, phacotrabeculectomy plus intraocular lens implantation (phacotrab+IOL group) and phacoemulsification with IOL (phaco+IOL) in primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG). METHODS: It was a systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials(RCT) and clinical controlled trials (CCT) were collected through electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Wanfang Database online, Chinese journal Full-text Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Full-text Database (from the date of building the database to October 2010) We also checked the bibliographies of retrieved articles. M the related data that matched our standards were abstracted. The quality of included trials was evaluated according to the Dutch Cochrane Centre. Rev Man 5.0 software was used for Meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5 RCT and 11 CCT involving 1495 eyes were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that phacotrab+IOL group was superior than trabeculectomy(trab group) (MD -3.93,95% CI [-7.31, -0.54]) which was also superior than phaco+IOL group(MD 0.52,95%CI [0.10, 0.95]) in decreasing Intraocular Pressure(IOP). Phacotrab group(MD -1.45,95%CI [-1.68, -1.22])and phaco group (MD-1.12,95% CI [-1.87, -0.37])are both deeper than trab group in the anterior chamber depth. In increasing the coefficient of outflow facility of aqueous humor (C values) there was no statistical difference in the three groups. And there was no statistical difference between phacotrab groups and phaco groups in visual acuity but phacotrab group was superior than phaco group (MD 1.07, 95% CI [0.73, 1.40])in the use of IOP-lowering drugs. There was no statistical difference among three groups. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that phacotrab+IOL group was superior than tab group which was also superior than phaco+IOL group in decreasing IOP. Phacotrab group and phaco group are both deeper than trab group in the anterior chamber depth. Phacotrab group was superior than phaco group in the use of IOP-lowering drugs.

Efficacy and economic analysis of Ex- PRESS implantation versus trabeculectomy in uncontrolled glaucoma： a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM：To systematically review the current evidence based on the efficacy and cost of Ex-PRESS implantation and trabeculectomy（Trab）for uncontrolled glaucoma.·METHODS：Clinical trials were identified by electronic databases（Pub Med,EMBASE,ISI Web of science and Cochrane library）,and data,such as intraocular pressure（IOP）,the complete and qualified success rate,the postoperative complications and the cost,were exacted from these relevant studies.Weighted mean difference（WMD）,odds ratio（OR）and 95%confidence intervals（CIs）were calculated and were pooled using a randomeffects model.·RESULTS：Eleven relevant publications and two abstracts met the inclusion criteria.The efficacy of ExPRESS was similar to that of Trab in the percentage of IOP reduction（IOPR%）at 1,2y（WMD：-2.01;95%CI：-7.92-3.90;=0.50 and WMD：2.89;95%CI：-8.05-13.83;=0.60,respectively）.Ex-PRESS possessed a significant higher complete and qualified success rate（OR：1.59;95%CI：1.07-2.35;=0.02 and OR：1.74;95%CI：1.06-2.86;=0.03,respectively）.Moreover,Ex-PRESS exerted a significantly lower frequency of hypotony and hyphema than Trab（OR：0.39;95%CI：0.21-0.72;=0.003 and OR：0.27;95%CI：0.10-0.69;=0.003,respectively）.However,there was no consistent result on the cost between the two groups according to the previous three studies.·C ONCLUSION：Both Trab and Ex-PRESS have equivalent efficacy in lowering IOP,yet Ex-PRESS had a lower risk of hypotony and hyphema than Trab.Nevertheless,whether the cost of Ex-PRESS was less than that of Trab should be further investigated to ensure evidence-based conclusion in the long run.

Safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy using BCECF-AM compared to mitomycin C in controlling post-operative fibrosis in a rabbit model of subscleral trabeculectomy

AIM： To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cellular photoablation using BCECF-AM [2, T-bis-（2-carboxyethyl） -5-（and-6）-carboxyfluorescein, acetoxymethyl ester mixed isomersl as a method to control postoperative fibrosis in subscleral trabeculectomy （SST） compared to mitomycin C （MMC） in a rabbit model. METHODS： A comparative prospective case-control animal study was conducted. Fourteen rabbits were subjected to SST with intraoperaUve use of wound modulating agents （MMC or BCECF-AM） of the right eye （study groups I and II respectively） and SST without use of intraoperative wound modulating agents for the left eye （control group II）. Two rabbits 4 eyes were considered as control group I with no surgical intervention. BCECF-AM was injected subconjunctivally 30min before surgery followed by intraoperative illumination with diffuse blue light for 10min. Antifibrotic efficacy was established by clinical response and histological examination. Clinical response was assessed by measuring intraocular pressure （lOP） at day 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 postoperatively, Success was defined by 〉20.0% reduction in lOP from the preoperative values without anti-glaucoma medications. RESULTS： The mean percentage of reduction was 35.0% in the study group I with only one eye （14.3%） had 12.5% reduction. The mean percentage of reduction was 28.0% in the study group U with two eyes （28.6%） in study group II had 14.2% reduction each. Regarding the control group II, the mean percentage of reduction was 14.3% with 64.3% eyes had 〈20.0% reduction. There was a highly statistically significant difference between each of the study groups （right eyes） and the corresponding control group II （left eyes） as regards the mean postoperative lOP values started from day 5 in both study groups and this highly significant difference remained so till the end of the follow up period. Histologically, MMC treated blebs showed thinning of conjunctival epithelium with marked reduction of the goblet cells relative to control. Marked sub-epithelial edema was seen along with variable collagen dispersion. Mild cellularity was noted in sub-epithelial tissue. BCECF-AM treated blebs showed normal conjunctival epithelial thickness with abundant goblet cells. Mild sub- epithelial edema was noted along with moderate collagen dispersion. No histological abnormality was noted in the ciliary body or the cornea in any of the studied groups. CONCLUSION： Cellular photoablation using BCECF-AM is a safe and effective wound modulating agent to control postoperative fibrosis in trabeculectomy. However MMC considered as a more potent adjuvant to trabeculectomy than BCECF-AM in promoting IOP reduction.

Pentacam changes in primary angle-closure glaucoma after different lines of treatment

AIM: To assess the changes in the anterior chamber parameters using Pentacam following four different lines of treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).METHODS: A retrospective comparative study included 126 patients(126 eye) presented within 24-48 h after acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG). Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A(68 eyes) with controlled intraocular pressure(IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, which included subgroup A1(34 eyes) with clear lens underwent Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI) and subgroup A2(34 eyes) with cataract underwent standard phacoemulsification;and group B(58 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP, which included subgroup B1(30 eyes) with clear lens underwent trabeculectomy and subgroup B2(28 eyes) with cataract underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. Patients were fol owed up for at least 3 mo. Primary outcomes were Pentacam anterior segment measurements [anterior chamber angle(ACA) and depth(ACD)]. Secondary outcomes were changes in IOP, visual acuity(VA) and recorded complications. RESULTS: At the 3^(rd)month, there was significant increase in the ACA values in all studied groups compared to preoperative values(P<0.001). The highest percent of increase in ACA was recorded in phacotrabeculectomy group B2(128.40%). There was significant increase in ACD values at 3^(rd)month compared with baseline values(P<0.001) for groups A1, A2, and B2;without change in B1 trabeculectomy group. The maximum deepening of ACD was noticed in group B2 with 94.27% increase. Significantdecrease in postoperative IOP in groups A2, B1 and B2(P<0.001, P=0.014, and P<0.001 respectively). In group A1 there was significant increase in 3^(rd)month postoperative IOP from baseline values(P<0.001). The maximum decrease in IOP was noticed in group B2 with 59.54% decrease. VA improvement in 3^(rd)month postoperative was recorded in all studied groups, maximum VA improvement was observed in group B2 up to 0.2 log MAR.CONCLUSION: Pentacam can be a helpful tool in studying and comparing the effect of the different lines of management of PACG on the anterior chamber measures. Phacotrabeculectomy was proved to be an effective line for managing PACG with resultant significant increase in the anterior chamber parameters, IOP reduction as well as maximum VA improvement. LPI has only temporary effect on IOP with significant changes in ACA and ACD. Phacoemuslification alone can be an option in treating PACG. Trabeculectomy resulted in temporary increase in the anterior chamber parameter which subsequently returned to baseline values.

Comparison of trabeculectomy and trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation in the same patient with bilateral glaucoma

AIM:To observe effects of trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation(AMT) in controlling postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP) in patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma.·METHODS:This study included adult patients with requiring bilateral glaucoma surgery.Each patient underwent trabeculectomy(Non-AMT group) in one eye and with AMT(AMT group) in the other eye according to randomized principle.Success was defined as intraocular pressure(IOP) 【21mmHg without any anti-glaucoma medications at 24 months follow-up.The two groups were compared in terms of IOP,complications and success rate.·RESULTS:Thirty-four eyes of 17 patients were investigated in this study.There was no statistically signifcant difference in pre-operative IOP between the two groups.The mean IOP was lower in AMT group compared with Non-AMT group on follow up months 12,18,and 24.Postoperative complications were more frequent in Non-AMT group(35.3%,6/17) compared with AMT group(5.9%,1/17).The success rate of surgery was88.2%(15/17) in Non-AMT group and 100%(17/17) in AMT group.·CONCLUSION:Trabeculectomy with AMT is an effective procedure to reduce IOP and complications,thereby improving surgical success rates.

Trabeculectomy with large area mitomycin-C application as a first-line treatment in advanced glaucoma: retrospective review

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy with large area mitomycin-C(MMC) application as a first line treatment in advanced glaucoma. ·METHODS: The records of 55 patients with severe visual field defects undergoing trabeculectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified as first-line therapy to either early trabeculectomy(initial trabeculectomy-Group 1) or long term medical therapy followed by trabeculectomy(primary trabeculectomy-Group 2). Trabeculectomy was performed with large-area MMC application. Intraocular pressure(IOP) values,visual acuities,mean deviations,morphology and function of the blebs,necessity for anti-glaucomatous medications and surgical complications were reported. ·RESULTS: There were 20 eyes of 18 patients in Group 1 and 37 eyes of 37 patients in Group 2. The mean preoperative IOPs in Groups 1 and 2 were 40.2±10.0mmHg(27-68mmHg) and 29.0±4.4mmHg(21-41mmHg),respectively(P=0.001). Average preoperative mean deviations(MD) in Groups 1 and 2 were 17.4±2.8dB(13.3-23dB) and 17.9± 2.4dB(13.7-23.2dB),respectively(P=0.441). Postoperative IOPs significantly decreased and were comparable in both Groups. The mean number of medications was significantly higher in Group 2(P =0.005). No cystic bleb formation was observed in Group 1,whereas 4 patients from Group 2(10.8%) developed cystic bleb(P =0.040). No visually devastating complication has occurred in both Groups. ·CONCLUSION: Initial trabeculectomy with large areaMMC application might be applied in patients with advanced glaucoma with low complication rates. Long-term topically applied anti-glaucomatous medications seem to increase the risk of cystic bleb formation.

Postoperative adjunctive bevacizumab versus placebo in primary trabeculectomy surgery for glaucoma

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of postoperative adjunctive use of subconjunctival bevacizumab in altering the outcome of primary trabeculectomy in terms of sustained lowering of intraocular pressure(IOP) and reduction of postoperative bleb vascularization and fibrosis.METHODS: A prospective, one center, randomized, placebo-control study. Fifty-nine patients(59 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP under maximal tolerated medical treatment(MTMT) were recruited. A primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C(MMC) was done and the patients were randomized to either postoperative subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab(1.25 mg/0.05 mL) or balanced salt solution(BSS). Forty-seven patients(47 eyes) completed at least one year of follow up and were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the IOP, and secondary outcome measures include bleb morphology, vascularization, and fibrosis, as well as the need for glaucoma medications and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) needling.RESULTS: At 1-year follow up, there was no significant difference between groups for IOP(P=0.65), bleb morphology(P=0.65), and the need for glaucoma medications(P=0.65) or 5-FU needling requirements(P=0.11). However, the bevacizumab group had a higher rate of success results, lower use of glaucoma medications after surgery, and optimal bleb aspect in more patients, but more 5-FU needling procedures required. CONCLUSION: A bigger sample size is needed in order to determine whether the differences found in the bevacizumab group are statistically significant.

Anti-proliferative effect of olmesartan on Tenon's capsule fibroblasts

AIM： To evaluate the inhibitive effect of olmesartan to fibroblast proliferation and the anti-scarring effect in Tenon＇s capsule, both in vitro and in vivo.· METHODS： Human primary Tenon＇s capsule fibroblasts were cultured in vitro, treated with up titrating concentrations of olmesartan. The rate of inhibition was tested with methyl thiazol tetrazolium（MTT） method.Real-time PCR was performed to analyze changes in m RNA expressions of the fibrosis-related factors： matrix metalloproteinase-2（MMP-2）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase（TIMP-1,2） and proliferating cell nuclear antigen（PCNA）. Thirty rabbits were divided into5 groups（3, 7, 14, 21, and 28d）. A rabbit conjunctiva flap model was created in each eye. Olmesartan solution was injected subconjunctivally and then evaluated its anti-proliferation and anti-fibrosis effects through the histological morphology and immunohistochemistry of MMP-2 and PCNA in each group. Only the 7d group was treated with Masson＇s trichrome to compare the neovascularization in the subconjunctiva area.·RESULTS： In vitro, cultured Tenon＇s capsule human fibroblasts showed a dose dependent inhibition by olmesartan in MTT. Olmesartan reduced m RNA expressions of MMP-2 and PCNA but increased m RNA expressions of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. In vivo, the rabbit eyes treated with olmesartan at 3rd, 7th, 14 thand 21stdays demonstrated a significant reduced expressions of MMP-2 and PCNA compared with control eye, no significant difference observed in 28 thday group. The cellular proliferation and neovascularization was suppressed by olmesartan in Masson＇s trichrome observation.·CONCLUSION： By inhibiting fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo, olmesartan prevents the proliferation and activity of fibroblasts in scar tissue formation, which might benefit glaucoma filtering surgery.

Effects of Honghua preserved amniotic membrane on scar healing in experimental glaucoma surgery

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of Honghua preserved amniotic membrane(AM)for preventing scar formation of the filtering bleb in a rabbit model of glaucoma trabeculectomy surgery.METHODS:Totally 36 rabbits(36 eyes)were randomly divided into 3 groups:the experimental group(ocular trabeculectomy in combination with Honghua preserved AM transplantation),the control group(ocular trabeculectomy surgery in combination with AM implantation),and the blank group(single trabeculectomy).Clinical observations[including intraocular pressure(IOP),filtering blebs and complications],MassonTrichrome staining,real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR),Western blot were performed on different time points(D1,D7,D14,D21 and D56)after the surgery.RESULTS:After operated for 14d,there were statistically significant differences in the filtering blebs compared to the situation before operation(P【0.05),whereas no statistically difference on that among three groups(P】0.05).After 21d,the IOP of experimental group was lowest(P【0.05).There was significant difference between control group and blank group(P【0.05).On postoperative D14,the mean number of fibroblasts in the experimental group was significantlylower(40.6±10.2)compared to those in the control group(54.4±10.8)and blank group(68.2±11.6)(P【0.05,respectively).The mean numbers of the macrophage in the experimental and control groups were respcitively significantly lower versus the blank group(P【0.05,P【0.05,respectively).Compared to that in blank group,the level of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)expression in sclera and conjunctival areas was reduced in the experimental and control groups on protein and mRNA level(P【0.05),but not significant difference between these two groups(P】0.05).CONCLUSION:The trabeculectory surgery with Honghua preserved AM can control IOP,sustain the functional filtration bleb,inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and open the filtrating pathway on the rabbit glaucoma models.