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To describe the effect of COVID-19 on ophthalmic training programs and to review the various roles of technology in ophthalmology surgical education including virtual platforms, novel remote learning curricula, and the use of surgical simulators.COVID-19 caused significant disruption to in-person clinical and surgical patient encounters. Ophthalmology trainees worldwide faced surgical training challenges due to social distancing restrictions, trainee redeployment, and reduction in surgical case volume. Virtual platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, were widely used during the pandemic to conduct remote teaching sessions. Novel virtual wet lab and dry lab curricula were developed. Training programs found utility in virtual reality surgical simulators, such as the Eyesi, to substitute experience lost from live patient surgical cases.Although several of these described technologies were incorporated into ophthalmology surgical training programs prior to COVID-19, the pandemic highlighted the importance of developing a formal surgical curriculum that can be delivered virtually. Novel telementoring, collaboration between training institutions, and hybrid formats of didactic and practical training sessions should be continued. Future research should investigate the utility of augmented reality and artificial intelligence for trainee learning.

Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy can successfully lower intraocular pressure in some patients with uveitis-associated ocular hypertension or glaucoma.The purpose of this study was to report a case series of patients that underwent KDB goniotomy at a single institution for uveitis-associated ocular hypertension or glaucoma with an open angle.We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with uveitis-associated ocular hypertension or glaucoma who underwent KDB goniotomy with trabecular meshwork excision alone or in combination with phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a single center between August 2017 and February 2020. The case series included 45 eyes of 37 patients. All eyes developed ocular hypertension refractory to maximum-tolerated medical therapy and required surgical intervention. Two eyes were excluded as they were lost to follow-up before 5 months postoperatively. Surgical success was defined as reaching the goal intraocular pressure or lower for each patient, including ongoing medical therapy.At most recent follow-up, 25 (55.6%) of 45 eyes had an intraocular pressure that was at goal. Mean follow-up time was 15.2±12.1 months ranging from 0.5 to 36 months postoperatively, considering that patients were eliminated from the data analysis once they required a second surgery. The mean number of preoperative medications, including oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors was 3.7±1.2 medications. The mean number of postoperative medications through the last clinic visit was 2.5±1.9 medications for a mean reduction of 1.2±1.6 medications ( P -value0.0001*).This larger case series shows that some patients with uveitis-associated ocular hypertension or glaucoma with an open angle may have success with KDB goniotomy.

PRECIS Although the XEN stent offers a lower risk of hypotony and choroidal effusions with fewer clinic visits postoperatively, its surgical success rate was inferior to the EX-PRESS shunt. PURPOSE To compare the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of the XEN stent and EX-PRESS glaucoma drainage device in glaucomatous eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred eyes from 88 patients underwent ab interno XEN stent or EX-PRESS shunt implantation (52 XEN and 48 EX-PRESS) for uncontrolled glaucoma at the University of Colorado Eye Center. The primary outcome was surgical success defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 and ≤18 mm Hg, without reoperation for uncontrolled glaucoma, loss of light perception, or use of glaucoma medications (complete success). Secondary outcomes were the same requirements allowing for medications (qualified success), mean IOP, medication use, adverse events, and number of postoperative clinic visits in the first 3 months. RESULTS Baseline characteristics including glaucoma type and severity were similar between groups, with the exception of XEN patients having fewer men (17% vs. 46%), older patients (median age, 78 vs. 68), and a higher percentage of white patients (89% vs. 69%). Adjusted hazard ratio of failure of XEN relative to EX-PRESS was 3.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.73-9.00, P=0.001) for complete success and 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 0.40-6.38, P=0.501) for qualified success. There were significantly fewer postoperative clinic visits during the first 3 months in the XEN group (5.3 vs. 9.1 visits, P

To investigate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering success of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and combined phacoemulsification/Kahook Dual Blade (phaco/KDB) goniotomy in eyes with mild to severe open angle glaucoma (OAG).Eyes undergoing combined phaco/KDB goniotomy and that had previously undergone SLT were analyzed. Data collected included demographics, glaucoma type and severity, IOP, and topical IOP-lowering medications before and after both procedures. Eyes were divided into two groups based on success of SLT, defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% maintained on at least two consecutive follow-up visits without any subsequent medication additions or interventions. Phaco/KDB goniotomy success was defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% and/or reduction in the number of IOP-lowering medications of at least one up to 12 months of follow-up.Overall, SLT was successful in 20 of 43 eyes (46.5%), of which 63.6% (7/11) had successful phaco/KDB goniotomy at 12 months follow-up. Among eyes with unsuccessful SLT, 60.0% (9/15) had successful phaco/KDB at 12 months follow-up. Phaco/KDB success rate was similar in patients regardless of their previous response to SLT at all postoperative time points up to 12 months follow-up (p = 0.87).The presence or lack of IOP-lowering response to SLT did not influence the success rate of subsequent phaco/KDB goniotomy in eyes with mild to severe OAG. Patients who did not respond to SLT still benefited from phaco/KDB goniotomy at a later date.

Objective This study assesses a new departmental role—a professionalism mentor—who receives sexual harassment reporting, liaisons with campus resources, and organizes educational sessions. Study Design Multicenter randomized controlled survey study. Methods Academic ophthalmology departments in the United States were randomized to a professionalism mentor group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 7). Among both pre- and postsurveys, 605 faculty and trainee responses were received and 546 were complete. The intervention group was assigned a professionalism mentor with educational session for a 6- to 10-month period. Sexual harassment and reporting rate change over time were compared between the two groups. Results Among 546 anonymous responses, 16% experienced workplace sexual harassment during the prior 10 months. Location in the South or Midwest was a risk factor (p Conclusion This study identified a high sexual harassment rate in academic ophthalmology departments over a brief period. The presence of a professionalism mentor was viewed favorably and may lead to increased reporting.

To review the current understanding of the pathophysiology and management of aqueous misdirection syndrome. Aqueous misdirection syndrome represents a spectrum of disorders that converge on a common pathway of increasing posterior segment pressure and secondary angle closure glaucoma. Although the etiology of aqueous misdirection remains unclear and is likely multifactorial, recent data supports choroidal expansion as an inciting event in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. As such, the term aqueous misdirection may be a misnomer. Some would argue that the use of terminology such as acute and chronic fluid misdirection may better characterize the full spectrum of the disease process as it is known to occur at varying time points from intraoperatively to years postoperatively. Chronic fluid misdirection most commonly occurs following incisional surgery for primary angle closure glaucoma but has also been associated with numerous laser and invasive ocular surgeries. Regardless of the mechanism, many patients require incisional surgery for complete resolution. Recent literature suggests that variants of anterior vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidectomy offer comparable rates of success when compared to pars plana vitrectomy. Aqueous misdirection is a rare, and incompletely understood, form of secondary glaucoma characterized by diffuse shallowing of the anterior chamber in the presence of a patent iridotomy/iridectomy. It represents a spectrum of disorders that result in a cycle of increasing posterior segment pressure and secondary angle closure glaucoma that is notoriously refractory to medical intervention. Regardless of the mechanism, the syndrome can be well managed with incisional procedures that disrupt the anterior hyaloid face, debulk the vitreous, and establish an anterior-posterior communication either by a core or more complete anterior vitrectomy.

Purpose To quantify the effects of modified Ahmed glaucoma valves® (AGV) with anti-fibrotic plate coatings or a plate surface micro-pattern on outflow resistance and tissue response. Methods Twelve New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups: commercially available AGV implants (n = 3), AGV with hydrophilic coating (n = 3), AGV with heparin coating (n = 3), and AGV with a plate surface micro-pattern (n = 3). After 6 weeks, the anterior chamber silicone tube was cannulated in situ and perfused with 2.5 μL/min of saline. The pressures were recorded with a perfusion system to measure outflow resistance. The rabbits were then euthanized followed by enucleation of all eyes for bleb histological analyses. Results Hydrostatic pressures were significantly lower in AGVs with the hydrophilic plate coating (mean difference −9.6 mm Hg; p

Purpose To determine whether it is more advantageous to perform ab interno glaucoma surgeries involving the angle before or after phacoemulsification. Setting University of Colorado Health Eye Center, Aurora, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Video recordings were taken of eyes having phacoemulsification with or without angle surgery. From the videos, still images of the angle before and after cataract surgery were obtained. Four glaucoma physicians independently reviewed the images and were masked to whether the images presented side-by-side were captured before or after cataract surgery. The reviewers used a 5-point rating scale to assess which of the 2 presented images showed the best visualization of the angle. Patient and ocular characteristics were analyzed to determine predictive factors for better view before or after phacoemulsification. Results Twenty side-by-side comparisons (20 eyes of 20 patients) were reviewed and rated. The mean rating of all surgeons was 2.93, nearing the “3-no difference” response. The most common response was “3-no difference” between each photograph (32.5%), followed by “4-post phacoemulsification image somewhat better” (30%), and “2-pre-phacoemulsification image somewhat better” (27.5%). No ocular characteristic, including anterior chamber depth, angle pigmentation, or cumulative dissipation energy, was found to be predictive of surgeon preference. Conclusion In combination phacoemulsification and angle-based glaucoma procedures, there appears to be no significant angle visualization difference whether the surgeon chooses to complete angle surgery before or after phacoemulsification; therefore, the decision of surgical order should rely on surgeon preference.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate trends in ophthalmology resident operative experience and the early impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design Present study is a retrospective analysis of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Case Log System. Participants Anonymized graduating resident case logs from 2011 to 2020 academic years (AYs) were examined for this study. Methods Regression analysis for each procedure category was performed to identify trends between 2011 and 2019 AYs. Unpaired two-tailed t-test compared 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020 AY's for each category surgeon (S) and as surgeon and assistant (S + A). Main Outcome Measures Mean and median cases as (S) and (S + A) during 2011 to 2019 AYs. Comparison between 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020 AY's for each category as (S) and (S + A) to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Total ophthalmology procedures as (S) rose from a mean of 479.6 to 601.3 (p Conclusion During 2011 to 2019 AYs, cataract, intravitreal injections, glaucoma, and total procedures increased significantly. During the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020 AY), national halting of elective procedures had a precipitous effect on resident cataract surgery experience to volumes similar to 2013 to 2014 AY where the mean was twice the current required minimum number. With few exceptions, other procedure volumes remained stable.

BackgroundGlaucoma drainage implants have been used with increasing frequency for the management of glaucoma. Patients who are candidates for glaucoma drainage devices often have more severe disease and are at risk of vision loss with post-operative elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP). One post-operative complication that can result in IOP elevation after glaucoma drainage device implantation is occlusion of the tube lumen.Case presentationHere, we present a novel case of tube occlusion by the anterior capsule in a patient who underwent combined phacoemulsification and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. The tube occlusion was successfully managed with Nd:YAG capsulotomy with immediate IOP lowering.ConclusionsWhile there have been previous reports of occlusion of the tube lumen by vitreous, iris, blood and fibrin, to our knowledge this is the first report of tube occlusion by the anterior lens capsule and the first report to describe its successful management.

Although the XEN stent offers a lower risk of hypotony and choroidal effusions with fewer clinic visits postoperatively, its surgical success rate was inferior to the EX-PRESS shunt.To compare the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of the XEN stent and EX-PRESS glaucoma drainage device in glaucomatous eyes.One hundred eyes from 88 patients underwent ab interno XEN stent or EX-PRESS shunt implantation (52 XEN and 48 EX-PRESS) for uncontrolled glaucoma at the University of Colorado Eye Center. The primary outcome was surgical success defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 and ≤18 mm Hg, without reoperation for uncontrolled glaucoma, loss of light perception, or use of glaucoma medications (complete success). Secondary outcomes were the same requirements allowing for medications (qualified success), mean IOP, medication use, adverse events, and number of postoperative clinic visits in the first 3 months.Baseline characteristics including glaucoma type and severity were similar between groups, with the exception of XEN patients having fewer men (17% vs. 46%), older patients (median age, 78 vs. 68), and a higher percentage of white patients (89% vs. 69%). Adjusted hazard ratio of failure of XEN relative to EX-PRESS was 3.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.73-9.00, P=0.001) for complete success and 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 0.40-6.38, P=0.501) for qualified success. There were significantly fewer postoperative clinic visits during the first 3 months in the XEN group (5.3 vs. 9.1 visits, P0.001). The incidence of serous choroidal effusions and hypotony was significantly less after XEN compared with EX-PRESS (1 vs. 9, P=0.02 and 15 vs. 25, P=0.023, respectively). Three XEN stents (5.8%) required removal.In this population, although the XEN stent offers a better safety profile and fewer postoperative clinic visits, complete surgical success was inferior to the EX-PRESS shunt.

PurposeTo identify the role of gender and other factors in influencing ophthalmologists' compensation.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsU.S. practicing ophthalmologists.MethodsBetween January and March 2020, an anonymous survey was sent to U.S. residency program directors and practicing ophthalmologists who recently completed residency training. Respondents who completed residency ≤ 10 years ago and responded to questions about gender, fellowship training, state of practice, and salary were included. Propensity score match (PSM) analysis was performed with age, academic residency, top residency, fellowship, state median wage, practice type, ethnicity, and number of workdays. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) analysis controlled for additional factors along with the aforementioned variables.Main outcome measuresBase starting salary with bonus (SWB) received in the first year of clinical position was the main outcome measure. A multiplier of 1.2 (20%) was added to the base salary to account for bonus.ResultsOf 684 respondents, 384 (56% were female, 44% were male) from 68 programs were included. Female ophthalmologists received a mean initial SWB that was $33 139.80 less than that of their male colleagues (12.5%, P= 0.00). The PSM analysis showed an SWB difference of-$27 273.89 (10.3% gap, P= 0.0015). Additionally, SWB differences were calculated with the number of workdays substituted by operating room (OR) days (-$27 793.67 [10.5% gap, P= 0.0013]) and clinic days (-$23 597.57 [8.90% gap, P= 0.0064]) in separate PSM analyses. The SWB differences between genders were significant using MLR analyses, which also controlled for work, clinic, and OR days separately (-$22 261.49, $-18 604.65, and $-16 191.26, respectively; P= 0.017, P= 0.015, P= 0.002, respectively). Gender independently predicted income in all 3 analyses (P&nbsp

BackgroundGlaucoma patients undergoing phacoemulsification alone have a higher rate of refractive surprise compared to patients without glaucoma. This risk is further increased with combined filtering procedures. Indeed, there are few and conflicting reports on the effect of combined phacoemulsification and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Here, we look at refractive outcomes of glaucoma patients undergoing phacoemulsification with and without Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 385 glaucomatous eyes of 281 patients, which underwent either phacoemulsification alone (n = 309) or phacoemulsification with KDB goniotomy (n = 76, phaco-KDB) at the University of Colorado. The main outcome was refractive surprise defined as the difference in target and postoperative refraction spherical equivalent greater than ±0.5 Diopter (D).ResultsRefractive surprise greater than ±0.5 D occurred in 26.3% of eyes in the phaco-KDB group and 36.2% in the phacoemulsification group (p = 0.11). Refractive surprise greater than ±1.0 D occurred in 6.6% for the phaco-KDB group and 9.7% for the phacoemulsification group (p = 0.08). There was no significant difference in risk of refractive surprise when pre-operative IOP, axial length, keratometry or performance of KDB goniotomy were assessed in univariate analyses.ConclusionThere was no difference between refractive outcomes of glaucomatous patients undergoing phacoemulsification with or without KDB goniotomy.

IMPORTANCE: Although almost equal numbers of male and female medical students enter into ophthalmology residency programs, whether they have similar surgical experiences during training is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine differences for cataract surgery and total procedural volume between male and female residents during ophthalmology residency. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective, longitudinal analysis of resident case logs from 24 US ophthalmology residency programs spanned July 2005 to June 2017. A total of 1271 residents were included. Data were analyzed from August 12, 2017, through April 4, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Variables analyzed included mean volumes of cataract surgery and total procedures, resident gender, and maternity or paternity leave status. RESULTS: Among the 1271 residents included in the analysis (815 men [64.1%]), being female was associated with performing fewer cataract operations and total procedures. Male residents performed a mean (SD) of 176.7 (66.2) cataract operations, and female residents performed a mean (SD) of 161.7 (56.2) (mean difference, −15.0 [95% CI, −22.2 to −7.8]; P

Precis In a small case series of patients with uveitis-associated ocular hypertension (OHTN) or glaucoma, goniotomy with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) was an effective surgical treatment option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the success of goniotomy using the KDB with trabecular meshwork (TM) excision in lowering the IOP of patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was completed for all patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma who underwent KDB goniotomy with TM excision alone or in combination with phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a single institution. The study included 12 patients (16 eyes). Patients were followed for a minimum of 5 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures of this case series included postoperative IOPs, percent IOP reduction, and reduction of glaucoma medications. Results The mean maximum IOP of the patients before maximum-tolerated medical therapy or surgery was 35.6±5.8 mm Hg. The mean preoperative IOP at the clinical office visit before surgery of these patients was 28.1±8.5 mm Hg on maximum-tolerated medical therapy. Ten eyes (62.5%) have maintained an IOP at or below their goal through their most recent follow-up visit (mean follow-up time of 9.6±5.6 mo). The mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 3.6±0.9 medications to 2.1±1.7 medications, for a mean reduction of 1.5±1.4 medications (P=0.004). Conclusions On the basis of this small case series, KDB goniotomy may be a safe, less invasive, and effective first-line surgical alternative for patients with uveitis-associated OHTN or glaucoma refractory to medical therapy.

This study investigates the experience of academic ophthalmology residency programs to assess less-lethal weapon eye trauma after the George Floyd protests in Denver, Colorado.

Aim To describe the demographic characteristics, ocular comorbidities, and clinical outcomes of patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and to determine the number of patients who returned for a follow-up eye examination. Materials and methods We examined the clinical data of patients with NVG, who attended a glaucoma clinic between July 2010 and November 2014. We collected information on the demographic characteristics of the patients to include the level of education, ocular comorbidities, NVG stage, visual acuity, glaucoma medications, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of patients who had a follow-up ocular examination at month 1, 3, 6, and 12. Results Data from 350 patients (473 eyes) with NVG were collected. We found 91% of the cohort had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We found blindness in both or one eye in 14% and 31% of the cohort respectively. Low vision was found in both or one eye in 14% and 32% of the eyes respectively. By 6 months follow-up, only 32% of the patients were seen at our clinic and by 12 months follow-up, this number decreased to 15%. Around 60% of the patients were on no IOP lowering drugs at the first visit. We found 53% of the cohort had an incomplete elementary school education. Conclusion The results suggest that advanced NVG is a significant ocular problem for patients referred to our clinic with just over half of the patients presenting as blind. We also found that several socioeconomic factors that had an important role in the development of PDR and NVG, specifically, educational status. Clinical significance We described the characteristics of a large cohort of patients with very advanced NVG, reflecting the fact that the strict control of the underlying disease must be the main goal of the Mexican national health system. How to cite this article Lazcano-Gomez G, Soohoo JR, Lynch A, Bonell LN, Martinez K, Turati M, Gonzalez-Salinas R, Jimenez-Roman J, Kahook MY. Neovascular Glaucoma: A Retrospective Review from a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Mexico. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):48-51.

Purpose To compare the movement of a modular intraocular lens (IOL) with that of a standard single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL in a human cadaver eye perfusion model. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Eight phakic human donor eyes of 4 patients had standard phacoemulsification with lens removal. One of 2 IOLs was then implanted in the capsular bag: a modular IOL (Harmoni) or a standard single-piece IOL (Acrysof SN60). Each globe was connected to a programmable perfusion pump with an in-line pressure transducer. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to evaluate the anterior chamber depth (ACD) in each eye, measuring from the posterior cornea to the anterior surface of the optic at an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5 mm Hg, 10 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, and 30 mm Hg. Five consecutive measurements were recorded for all eyes at each pressure, and the results were averaged. Results There was significantly less movement in eyes with the modular IOL than in eyes with the single-piece IOL. The mean position of the modular IOL varied from a minimum of 0.03 mm to a maximum of 0.07 mm, and the mean position of the single-piece IOL varied from a minimum of 0.26 mm to a maximum of 0.87 mm ( P = .002). Conclusions The modular IOL showed less movement with changes in IOP than a standard single-piece IOL. Improved IOL stability might allow more accuracy in determining the effective lens position and hence improve the predictability of the refractive target. Financial Disclosure Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.

Purpose To study the effect of combined phacoemulsification cataract surgery and iStent (trabecular microbypass stent) implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication use in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients with a low mean preoperative IOP. Setting University of Colorado Health Eye Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Treatment outcomes analyzed included IOP, medication use, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Treatment success was defined as a 20% or more IOP reduction or discontinuation of at least 1 medication. Results Sixty-four eyes of 45 patients were included in the analysis. At 1 year, the mean IOP was significantly reduced from 14.7 ± 3.2 mm Hg (SD) to 13.2 ± 2.8 mm Hg ( P P = .0001). The estimated IOP reduction at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 3.5% ( P = .23), 7.9% ( P = .04), 9.7% ( P = .01), and 12.2% ( P = .002), respectively. Treatment success at 1 year was achieved in 76.1% of patients, and 41% of patients were medication free at 1 year. The CDVA was significantly improved from 0.4 ± 0.38 logMAR at baseline to 0.17 ± 0.35 at 1 year ( P Conclusions Combined cataract surgery and trabecular microbypass stent implantation was statistically effective in reducing IOP and/or medication burden in OAG patients with a low preoperative IOP. During the informed surgical consent process, the physician and patient should consider the clinical benefit of modest IOP lowering and/or a decrease in medication use. Financial Disclosure Drs. Seibold, SooHoo, Pantcheva, and Kahook have received grant support from Glaukos Corp. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Glaucoma is a common optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible vision loss, and intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only known modifiable risk factor. The primary method of treating glaucoma involves lowering IOP using medications, laser and/or invasive surgery. Currently, we rely on in-office measurements of IOP to assess diurnal variation and to define successful management of disease. These measurements only convey a fraction of a patient’s circadian IOP pattern and may frequently miss peak IOP levels. There is an unmet need for a reliable and accurate device for 24-h IOP monitoring. The 24-h IOP monitoring devices that are currently available and in development fall into three main categories: self-monitoring, temporary continuous monitoring, and permanent continuous monitoring. This article is a systematic review of current and future technologies for measuring IOP over a 24-h period.

AIM: To report on the efficacy of combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) and phacoemulsification cataract extraction (PCE) with intraocular lens placement for reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication burden in glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective case review of 91 eyes (73 patients) with glaucoma and cataract that underwent combined PCE/ECP surgery was performed. Baseline demographic and ocular characteristics were recorded, as well as intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, and visual acuity postoperatively with 12-month follow-up. Treatment failure was defined as less than 20% reduction in IOP from baseline on two consecutive visits (at 1, 3, 6, or 12mo postoperatively), IOP ≥21 mm Hg or ≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive visits, or additional glaucoma surgery performed within 12mo after PCE/ECP. RESULTS: Overall, mean medicated IOP was reduced from 16.65 mm Hg at baseline to 13.38 mm Hg at 12mo (P

Purpose The purpose of this article was to evaluate how human trabecular meshwork (TM) is influenced by the chronic presence of trabecular bypass implants. Methods Human TM samples were obtained intraoperatively from 3 patients who had previously undergone implantation of a trabecular micro-bypass stent. Trabecular strips were obtained with a goniotomy blade from areas directly adjacent to the stent after stent removal. Tissue samples were preserved, processed, cut, and stained according to standardized laboratory protocol. Harvested samples were compared with human cadaveric TM from an eye without ocular disease as well as TM obtained from a glaucomatous eye without prior stent placement. Results In all samples, a significant increase in the amount of fibrous material compared with cellular material was noted when compared with controls. In a single strip, a basement membrane-like structure was noted, which correlated with a semiopaque membrane noted intraoperatively overlying the stent and adjacent TM. Further, TM cells were absent from areas adjacent to the stent implantation site with related collapse of collagen beams. Conclusions These findings indicate that inflammatory and fibrotic changes are present surrounding the device with clear differences noted when compared with both healthy and glaucomatous controls. These changes suggest a possible etiology for device failure over time. Further studies are necessary to tease out differences in TM tissue reaction to various implant materials as well as to make comparisons to procedures that excise TM.

Purpose To investigate patient perceptions and preferences regarding the use of intravitreal injection (IVI) for the treatment of glaucoma. Design Cross-sectional study of patients seen at the University of Colorado Health Eye Center. Participants Patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma who were receiving or previously had received topical medication drops and previously had received an IVI for a different eye condition. Methods In this pilot study, participants were surveyed by telephone using a 10-item questionnaire. Preferences regarding glaucoma treatment methods, specifically a theoretical choice between topical and IVI treatment options, were recorded. Main Outcome Measures Preferences regarding IVI compared with topical drops in 2 different hypothetical scenarios, one in which both are equally effective and another in which IVI is more effective. Secondary outcomes included preferred interval between injections. Results Fifty patients completed the survey. The mean age was 65 years (range, 16–95 years). Patients were using an average of 1.6 glaucoma medications per day (range, 1–4). Seventy-four percent of patients (n = 37) said they would prefer topical medication if equal in efficacy to monthly IVI. In a hypothetical scenario in which a monthly IVI was more effective than topical medication, 76% (n = 38) said they would then prefer injection. Additionally, injection became more preferable as the hypothetical dosing interval changed. Assuming equivalent efficacy, 46% of patients preferred injection if required every 2 months, 62% if required every 3 months, and 82% if injection was required every 6 months. The main reasons cited for preferring topical medications were fear of pain, fear of the procedure, and the inconvenience of more frequent clinic appointments to undergo treatment. Conclusions Patients are open to alternative methods of drug delivery, and their willingness to undergo more invasive treatments, like IVI, for glaucoma rises with a longer theoretical duration between treatments.

Purpose To determine the effectiveness and safety of Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication need in glaucoma patients when combined with phacoemulsification or as a standalone procedure. Design Retrospective study. Participants A total of 197 eyes from 143 patients were reviewed. Methods Thirty-two eyes underwent KDB goniotomy alone and 165 eyes underwent KDB goniotomy combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (phaco-KDB). Main Outcome Measures Surgical success, defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% from baseline at 12 months, and/or reduction of at least 1 glaucoma medication. Results At 12 months, the success rate was 71.8% for the phaco-KDB group and 68.8% for the KDB-alone group. In the phaco-KDB group at 12 months (n = 124), mean IOP was significantly reduced from 16.7 (standard error [SE] 0.4) mmHg on 1.9 (SE 0.1) medications to 13.8 (SE 0.4) mmHg on 1.5 (SE 0.1) medications. In the KDB-alone group at 12 months (n = 16), mean IOP was significantly reduced from 20.4 (SE 1.3) mmHg on 3.1 (SE 0.2) medications to 14.1 (SE 0.9) mmHg on 2.3 (SE 0.4) medications. The most common complications were transient hyphema (17.3% at day 1) and IOP spike >10 mmHg from baseline at 1 week (10.2%). LogMAR visual acuity at 12 months was unchanged from baseline in the KDB-alone group (0.218 [SE 0.07] and 0.306 [SE 0.09], respectively, P = 0.244) and significantly improved in the phaco-KDB group (0.184 [SE 0.02] and 0.340 [SE 0.03], P Conclusions Goniotomy with the KDB has a favorable safety profile and is an effective procedure at reducing IOP and medication burden as a standalone procedure or combined with phacoemulsification.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an effective treatment option for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The mechanism by which SLT lowers IOP is not completely understood and is likely multifactorial. Published studies indicate that SLT is at least as effective as argon laser trabeculoplasty or medications at lowering IOP in many forms of glaucoma. In addition to IOP reduction, SLT may decrease IOP fluctuation and can be successfully used as primary or adjunctive therapy for the management of both early and advanced glaucoma. However, SLT may not be effective in certain forms of glaucoma, and the IOP-lowering effect seems to wane with time. High pretreatment IOP is the strongest predictor of treatment success, even in patients with normal-tension glaucoma. Repeatability of SLT has been controversial, but recent evidence suggests that it can be successfully repeated to achieve additional or recurrent IOP reduction, even in eyes that only had a modest response to initial treatment. Adverse events are uncommon after SLT, and the most common complications such as discomfort and inflammation are typically mild and transient. Further investigation is required to determine the optimal treatment parameters for SLT treatment. Limited evidence suggests that SLT is cost-effective as primary therapy for patients with glaucoma.

Background Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a potentially blinding disease associated with ocular ischaemia. Use of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent has been reported as a treatment option for NVG. The purpose of this study was to investigate initial results regarding the treatment of NVG with intravitreal aflibercept. Design This study employed a prospective, interventional case series study design. Participants Patients with newly diagnosed stage 1 or 2 neovascular glaucoma were eligible to participate in this study. Methods Four patients with newly diagnosed stage 1 or 2 NVG were treated with intravitreal aflibercept at the time of diagnosis, with planned repeat injection at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and then every 8 weeks thereafter up until 52 weeks after study initiation. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes were regression of neovascularization of the iris and angle (NVI, NVA). Secondary outcome measurements included visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results Intravitreal aflibercept resulted in rapid regression of NVI and NVA. IOP was stable or reduced in all patients at the 52-week study visit. Conclusions These results suggest that intravitreal aflibercept may be an effective treatment for stage 1 and 2 NVG, resulting in rapid and sustained regression of NVI and NVA as well as control of IOP. Further research is needed to determine the full duration of effect and the optimal dose and timing of administration.

Purpose To assess the prevalence of postoperative anterior chamber reaction or persistent anterior uveitis (PAU) by race and its effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA) after combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent combined phacoemulsification cataract extraction with ECP from January 1, 2007 to October 31, 2015. VA, IOP, presence of anterior chamber cells, steroid treatment, and number of IOP lowering drops were analyzed preoperatively and up to 3 months postoperatively. Patients were categorized according to self-reported race. PAU was treated according to severity and presence of symptoms. Results Two hundred twenty-three eyes met the inclusion criteria. PAU was present in 22.4% of eyes. PAU was significantly correlated with race, particularly African American race. PAU was also associated with a lack of improvement in inflammation at week 1 compared with day 1 postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in VA, IOP, or reduction of IOP lowering drops in those with or without PAU. When comparing African Americans to whites, PAU and its treatment were not associated with a difference in IOP reduction at 3 months. Conclusions PAU is common after combined phacoemulsification and ECP and is significantly correlated with race. Although PAU may require prolonged postoperative treatment, our data does not support poorer VA or IOP outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate refractive outcomes after phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma. Setting University of Colorado Health Eye Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The incidence of refractive surprise was evaluated in patients with and without glaucoma after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Refractive surprise was defined as the difference in spherical equivalent of the refractive target and postoperative refraction in diopters (D). Results The study comprised 206 eyes in the glaucoma group and 1162 control eyes. The refractive surprise greater than ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D was 29.9% and 4.9% in the control group and 40.3% (P = .0061) and 11.2% (P = .0011) in the glaucoma group. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (n = 154 eyes), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (n = 18 eyes), and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n = 23 eyes) had odds ratios of 1.90 (P = .1760), 14.54 (P = .0006), and 7.27 (P = .0138), respectively, of refractive surprise greater than ±1.0 D compared with patients without glaucoma. Refractive surprise was noted more often in POAG eyes with axial lengths longer than 25.0 mm (P = .0298). Glaucoma eyes had worse mean postoperative corrected distance visual acuity than control eyes (glaucoma: 0.1088 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; controls: 0.0358 logMAR; P = .01). Conclusion Patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma were more likely to have a refractive surprise and/or worse visual outcome after phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between 1-day postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery and tamsulosin use. Setting University of Colorado Health Eye Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Registry data from men who had cataract surgery were used. Patients taking tamsulosin at the time of surgery were included as cases, while patients with no history of tamsulosin use were used as controls. The primary outcome was a 1-day postoperative IOP spike defined as an IOP increase greater than 10 mm Hg compared with baseline or a 1-day postoperative IOP of 30 mm Hg or higher. General estimating equations were used for analysis. Results The study comprised 584 men (864 eyes). An IOP increase greater than 10 mm Hg or IOP 30 mm Hg or higher after cataract surgery occurred in 12.4% and 9.3%, respectively, of eyes in the tamsulosin group versus 4.4% and 2.1%, respectively, in the control group (all P = .001). After adjusting for significant covariates, patients on tamsulosin were 2.6 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-5.7; P = .01] and 3.8 (95% CI, 1.3-10.9; P = .01) more likely to have a 1-day postoperative IOP increase greater than 10 mm Hg or a 1-day postoperative IOP of 30 mm Hg or higher. Conclusion Patients on tamsulosin had an increased risk of a 1-day postoperative IOP spike after cataract surgery, showing the importance of identifying patients on tamsulosin preoperatively to better manage and potentially mitigate IOP spikes. Financial Disclosure None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Purpose. To compare morphologic changes in human trabecular meshwork (TM) after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT).Design. Laboratory evaluation of ex vivo human eye TM after laser trabeculoplasty.Methods. Corneoscleral rims from human cadaver eyes were sectioned and treated with varying powers of either SLT or ALT. Specimens were examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results. TEM of SLT at all powers resulted in disrupted TM cells with cracked and extracellular pigment granules. SEM of SLT samples treated at high power revealed tissue destruction with scrolling of trabecular beams. SEM of ALT-treated tissue showed increasing destruction with exposure to higher power. The presence or absence of “champagne” bubbles during SLT did not alter the histologic findings.Conclusions. SLT-treated human TM revealed disruption of TM cells with cracked, extracellular pigment granules, particularly at higher treatment powers. Tissue scrolling was noted at very high SLT energy levels. ALT-treated tissue showed significant damage to both the superficial and deeper TM tissues in a dose-dependent fashion. Further studies are needed to guide titration of treatment power to maximize the IOP-lowering effect while minimizing both energy delivered and damage to target tissues.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a potentially blinding disease associated with ocular ischaemia. Use of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent has been reported as a treatment option for NVG. The purpose of this study was to investigate initial results regarding the treatment of NVG with intravitreal aflibercept.This study employed a prospective, interventional case series study design.Patients with newly diagnosed stage 1 or 2 neovascular glaucoma were eligible to participate in this study.Four patients with newly diagnosed stage 1 or 2 NVG were treated with intravitreal aflibercept at the time of diagnosis, with planned repeat injection at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and then every 8 weeks thereafter up until 52 weeks after study initiation.Primary outcomes were regression of neovascularization of the iris and angle (NVI, NVA). Secondary outcome measurements included visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP).Intravitreal aflibercept resulted in rapid regression of NVI and NVA. IOP was stable or reduced in all patients at the 52-week study visit.These results suggest that intravitreal aflibercept may be an effective treatment for stage 1 and 2 NVG, resulting in rapid and sustained regression of NVI and NVA as well as control of IOP. Further research is needed to determine the full duration of effect and the optimal dose and timing of administration.

Glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The mainstay of treatment is lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) through the use of medications, laser and/or incisional surgery. The trabecular meshwork (TM) is thought to be the site of significant resistance to aqueous outflow in open angle glaucoma. Theoretically, an incision through TM or TM removal should decrease this resistance and lead to a significant reduction in IOP. This approach, commonly referred to as goniotomy or trabeculotomy, has been validated in the pediatric population and has been associated with long-term IOP control. In adults, however, removal of TM tissue has been historically associated with more limited and short-lived success. More recent evidence, reveals that even adult patients may benefit significantly from removal of diseased TM tissue and can lead to a significant reduction in IOP that is long-lasting and safe. In this review, we discuss current evidence and techniques for ab interno trabeculectomy using various devices in the adult patient.