Unveiling the silent link:Normal-tension glaucoma's enigmatic bond with cardiac blood flow

This comprehensive review embarks on a captivating journey into the complex relationship between cardiology and normal-tension glaucoma(NTG),a condition that continues to baffle clinicians and researchers alike.NTG,characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss despite normal intraocular pressure,has long puzzled clinicians.One emerging perspective suggests that alterations in ocular blood flow,particularly within the optic nerve head,may play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis.While NTG shares commonalities with its high-tension counterpart,its unique pathogenesis and potential ties to cardiovascular health make it a fascinating subject of exploration.It navigates through the complex web of vascular dysregulation,blood pressure and perfusion pressure,neurovascular coupling,and oxidative stress,seeking to uncover the hidden threads that tie the heart and eyes together in NTG.This review explores into the intricate mechanisms connecting cardiovascular factors to NTG,shedding light on how cardiac dynamics can influence ocular health,particularly in cases where intraocular pressure remains within the normal range.NTG's enigmatic nature,often characterized by seemingly contradictory risk factors and clinical profiles,underscores the need for a holistic approach to patient care.Drawing parallels to cardiac health,we examine into the shared vascular terrain connecting the heart and the eyes.Cardiovascular factors,including systemic blood flow,endothelial dysfunction,and microcirculatory anomalies,may exert a profound influence on ocular perfusion,impacting the delicate balance within the optic nerve head.By elucidating the subtle clues and potential associations between cardiology and NTG,this review invites clinicians to consider a broader perspective in their evaluation and management of this elusive condition.As the understanding of these connections evolves,so too may the prospects for early diagnosis and tailored interventions,ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those living with NTG.

The change of anterior segment parameters after cataract surgery in normal-tension glaucoma

AIM： To investigate the change of anterior chamber angle morphology and intraocular pressure （lOP） reduction after cataract surgery in patients with normal-tension glaucoma （NTG） using swept-source optical coherence tomography （SS-OCT）. METHODS： This prospective, comparative, observational study recruited patients into two groups. Group 1 was the control group including normal subjects except those with cataracts （cataract group, n=67 eyes of 67 patients）, and group 2 was NTG group including patients who were diagnosed with NTG and cataracts （n=43 eyes of 43 patients）, which were treated with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Before surgery, and at postoperative 1 and 6too, anterior chamber angles were evaluated by SS-OCT under dark conditions using three- dimensional angle analysis scan protocol. Angle opening distance （AOD）, angle recess area （ARA）, and trabecular- iris surface area （TISA） at four quadrants （temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior） were calculated automatically by SS-OGT, after the observer marked scleral spurs. RESULTS： A total of 106 patients （54 males and 52 females） were enrolled in the study. Angle parameters, AOD, ARA, and TISA were increased after surgery in both groups. However, changes of angle parameters were only significant in group 2. In group 2, preoperative lOP was 13.2＋2.9 mm Hg, and postoperative lOP at 1 and 6mo were 10.5＋3.0 and 10.7＋2.8 mm Hg, respectively. In group 1, preoperative lOP was 12.42.8 mm Hg, and postoperative lOP at 1 and 6mo were 11.6＋2.5 and 12.0＋2.8 mm Hg, respectively. After cataract surgery, angle parameters changed significantly while IOP significantly reduced and was maintained in group 2 （P〈0.001）. The changes in angle parameters （＆AOD500, ATISAS00 at temporal; ＆AOD500, S, RA500 at nasal） were linearly correlated with postoperative IOP changes. CONCLUSION： Cataract surgery may have improved antedor chamber angle parameters and decreased lOP in NTG patients.

Dysfunction of axonal transport in normal-tension glaucoma:a biomarker of disease progression and a potential therapeutic target

Glaucoma and dysfunction of axonal transport:One of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide is glaucoma,with increased intraocula r pressu re(IOP)being the most common risk factor.However,in some glaucoma patients it has been shown that the IOP does not differ from that of the normal population.In Japan,normal-tension glaucoma(NTG),which accounts for 92%of primary open-angle glaucoma,has been shown to be more frequent in the population.

Discovery of a normal-tension glaucoma-suspect rhesus macaque with craniocerebral injury:Hints of elevated translaminar cribrosa pressure difference

To the Editor:Normal-tension glaucoma(NTG)is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by irreversible blindness with statistically normal intraocular pressure(IOP)(≤21 mmHg),^([1,2])which makes early-stage diagnosis in the clinical practice difficult.Pathophysiological pathways underlying NTG include vascular dysregulation,toxic metabolite accumulation,and elevated translaminar cribrosa pressure difference(TLCPD).^([3])Although various small animal models have provided evidence of different pathophysiological mechanisms,the complicated clinical phenotype cannot be fully imitated by secondary disease models,and the gap between rodents and humans weakens their translational potential.Thus,the pathological changes associated with NTG remain unclear.

Patient satisfaction and follow-up adherence to glaucoma case management clinic in China

AIM:To assess glaucoma patient satisfaction and follow-up adherence in case management and identify associated predictors to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,a total of 119 patients completed a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 and a sociodemographic questionnaire.Clinical data was obtained from the case management system.Follow-up adherence was defined as completing each follow-up within±30d of the scheduled time set by ophthalmologists during the study period.RESULTS:Average satisfaction scored 78.65±7,with an average of 4.39±0.58 across the seven dimensions.Age negatively correlated with satisfaction(P=0.008),whilst patients with follow-up duration of 2 or more years reported higher satisfaction(P=0.045).Multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that longer follow-up durations were associated with lower follow-up adherence(OR=0.97,95%CI,0.95-1.00,P=0.044).Additionally,patients with suspected glaucoma(OR=2.72,95%CI,1.03-7.20,P=0.044)and those with an annual income over 100000 Chinese yuan demonstrated higher adherence(OR=5.57,95%CI,1.00-30.89,P=0.049).CONCLUSION:The case management model proves effective for glaucoma patients,with positive adherence rates.The implementation of this model can be optimized in the future based on the identified factors and extended to glaucoma patients in more hospitals.

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.

Navigating the intersection of psychiatry and ophthalmology:A comprehensive review of depression and anxiety management in glaucoma patients

Glaucoma,a prevalent and debilitating eye disease,has long been associated with vision impairment and blindness.However,recent research has shed light on the often-underestimated psychological dimensions of this condition.Anxiety and depression,two pervasive psychiatric comorbidities,have been increasingly recognized among glaucoma patients.This comprehensive review aims to explore the intricate relationship between psychiatry and ophthalmology,in the context of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.By meticulously examining peer-reviewed literature,we synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence,risk factors,and underlying mechanisms of anxiety and depression in glaucoma.The evidence reveals that glaucoma patients face an elevated risk of experiencing these mood disorders.Factors such as progressive vision loss,complex medication regimens,and the fear of further visual deterioration contribute to their vulnerability.Moreover,we delve into the bidirectional relationship between glaucoma and mood disorders,shedding light on the complex interplay between ocular and emotional health.Our review investigates the implications of anxiety and depression on glaucoma management,including their potential impact on treatment adherence,disease progression,and overall quality of life.We also explore the neurobiological pathways linking glaucoma and mood disorders,providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.In conclusion,recognizing the psychological burden carried by glaucoma patients is essential for holistic and patient-centered care.This review underscores the pressing need for integrated approaches that bring together ophthalmological and psychiatric expertise to optimize the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of glaucoma.By addressing anxiety and depression in glaucoma care,healthcare providers can enhance the overall quality of life for these patients,ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for those affected by this condition.This review offers valuable insight for healthcare practitioners and researchers,providing a concise overview of key topics and research in the field of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.

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.

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

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

Glycolysis and glucose metabolism as a target for bioenergetic and neuronal protection in glaucoma

Vision is arguably our most valued sense,yet approximately 340 million people globally suffer blindness or moderate visual impairment,highlighting the need to further develop and advance treatments for ophthalmic diseases.Glaucoma refers to a group of ocular disorders united by a clinically characteristic optic neuropathy with associated retinal ganglion cell loss.

Glaucoma drainage device implantation and cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM:To compare the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device implantation(GDI)and trans-scleral neodymium:YAG cyclophotocoagulation(CPC)in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemetstripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK).METHODS:This retrospective study on observational case series enrolled 29 patients who underwent DSAEK and posterior anti-glaucoma surgery(15 with GDI and 14 with CPC).The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure(IOP),glaucoma surgery success rate(defined as IOP of 6–21 mm Hg without additional anti-glaucoma operation),number of glaucoma medications,endothelial graft status,and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA).RESULTS:The mean follow-up time was 34.1 and 21.0mo for DSAEK or glaucoma surgeries,both for the GDI and CPC groups.Both groups showed significant IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery.The GDI group presented a significantly higher success rate in IOP control than the CPC group(60%vs 21.4%,P=0.03).Both procedures significantly decreased the number of glaucoma medications(P=0.03).Forty percent and 57%of cases in the GDI and the CPC group,respectively,experienced endothelial graft failure during follow-up(P=0.36).Significantly worse BCVA after surgery was observed in the CPC group but not in the GDI group.CONCLUSION:Both GDI and CPC significantly decrease IOP in eyes with glaucoma after DSAEK.GDI is preferable to CPC in refractory glaucoma cases after DSAEK,as it manifests a significantly higher success rate for IOP control,similar endothelial graft failure rate,and relatively preserves BCVA than CPC.

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.

Two become one:combination of two risk factors in a new glaucoma animal model

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)and optic nerve degeneration.During this process,the visual field is reduced,and blindness may ultimately occur.Worldwide,glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness,with about 80 million people affected.Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease and due to its complexity,the exact pathomechanisms are not fully understood yet.However,different risk factors,such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP),age,or myopia,have been identified to date(EGS,2021).

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.

Monogenic gene therapy for glaucoma and optic nerve injury

The prevalence of glaucoma, the second leading cause of global blindness, is increasing due to aging populations. In glaucoma, degeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) causes visual field defects and eventual blindness.

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.

Penetrating canaloplasty in corticosteroid-induced glaucoma:a report of two cases

Dear Editor,We have treated two patients of glucocorticoid-induced glaucoma with penetrating canaloplasty(PCP)since 2021.PCP is a new type internal drainage surgery for glaucoma,which is a bleb-independent filtering surgery combined canaloplasty with trabeculectomy,and the surgery shows a great efficacy of intraocular pressure(IOP)reduction with no surgical complication.PCP surgery started with a fornix-based conjunctival flap and double scleral flap,and Schlemm’s canal was opened,a 10-0 prolene suture was positioned and tensioned within Schlemm’s canal,trabucular meshwork segment was excised and peripheral iridectomy was performed,the scleral flap and the conjunctival flap were closed watertight with 10-0 prolene sutures.

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.