Explore the vast range of titles available.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery aims to provide a medication-sparing, conjunctival-sparing, ab interno approach to intraocular pressure reduction for patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma that is safer than traditional incisional glaucoma surgery. The current approaches include: increasing trabecular outflow (Trabectome, iStent, Hydrus stent, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, excimer laser trabeculotomy); suprachoroidal shunts (Cypass micro-stent); reducing aqueous production (endocyclophotocoagulation); and subconjunctival filtration (XEN gel stent). The data on each surgical procedure for each of these approaches are reviewed in this article, patient selection pearls learned to date are discussed, and expectations for the future are examined.

To characterize the clinical outcomes of a novel ab interno minimally invasive procedure with the STREAMLINE Surgical System for creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation in eyes with mild to severe primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In a prospective, single-arm, first-in-human case series, 20 eyes of 20 subjects with mild to severe POAG underwent creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation following phacoemulsification cataract extraction after washout of all intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications. The angle surgery portion was performed with a single-use handpiece tipped with a microcannula that creates precise goniotomies through the trabecular meshwork into the canal of Schlemm and delivers a small volume of ophthalmic viscosurgical device directly into the canal via precise catheterization. Outcomes in this interim analysis included mean reduction in IOP and medications through 6 months of follow-up, as well as the proportion of eyes achieving IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline. At month 6, mean IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline was achieved in 89.5% of eyes (17/19). Mean (standard deviation) medicated IOP at screening was 16.3 (3.6) mmHg and unmedicated baseline IOP (after washout) was 23.5 (2.5) mmHg. Mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline through 6 months of follow-up to 14.7 (2.4) mmHg ( <0.001), representing an IOP reduction of 8.8 mmHg (36.9%). Overall, 57.9% (11/19) of eyes decreased dependence on IOP-lowering medications by at least one medication, and 42.1% (8/19) were medication free. Mean medication use was reduced from 2.0 (0.8) at screening to 1.1 (1.1) at 6 months ( <0.001). Three eyes had transient IOP spikes treated with topical medications. The creation of incisional goniotomies and canal of Schlemm viscodilation safely and effectively reduced IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications by both clinically and statistically significant magnitudes in eyes with mild to severe POAG undergoing concomitant phacoemulsification cataract extraction through the first 6 months of follow-up.

To evaluate the effectiveness and biocompatibility of Wistend, a novel Schlemm’s canal (SC) microstent made of Nitinol designed to improve aqueous humor outflow. New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were divided into blank, sham-operated and Wistend groups. ICare ® Tonovet Plus ® , swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinal camera and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for preoperative and postoperative observations. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) tissue staining was adopted for biocompatibility. A significant difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) between the Wistend group and the control groups was observed during the six-month follow-up. SS-OCT identified arc line internal reflections within the SC in the anterior chamber angle. Conjunctival congestion and edema gradually diminished in the early stages. No corneal vascularization, no anterior chamber inflammatory response and no significant tissue reactions were noted in any groups. SEM showed the Wistend’s windows and orifices remained clear, encircled by minimal incidental ocular tissue and free from blockage. Histopathological examination revealed no discernible differences between the Wistend-implanted and sham-operated eyes. These in vivo studies demonstrate the effectiveness and biocompatibility of the microstent. Our findings suggest a promising potential for Wistend in significantly reducing IOP and effectively facilitating the outflow of aqueous humor.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on Schlemm’s canal (SC) and the trabecular meshwork (TM) in cases with pseudoexfoliation (PX). Methods In this prospective study, 37 PX and 37 normal eyes, who underwent cataract surgery, were included. The PX group was further divided into two subgroups: PX syndrome (PXS) and PX glaucoma (PXG). Preoperative complete ophthalmologic examination, anterior segment (AS) imaging using a Scheimpflug camera, and measurements of SC length and area and TM thickness and length using AS optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed in all cases. All measurements were repeated at the first and third months after surgery. Results Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), AS parameters, SC, and TM values showed no significant differences between the groups ( p  > 0.05). After surgery, there was a significant increase in AS parameter values and a significant decrease in IOP values in both the PX and control groups ( p  < 0.05). The nasal and temporal SC area showed a significant increase in the PX group after surgery ( p  = 0.007, p  = 0.003, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the only significant change in the nasal and temporal SC area was in the PXS group ( p  = 0.006, p  = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion Cataract surgery resulted in an increase in the SC area in patients with PXS. This increase may be due to multiple mechanisms including the IOP-lowering effect of cataract removal, change in AS, and removal of intraocular PX material after surgery.

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery has gained popularity over the past decade. It can be performed using three different mechanisms. In the present review, we focused on Schlemm's canal (SC)-based surgery, which increases aqueous humor (AH) outflow into the aqueous veins by either removal of the trabecular meshwork (TM) or an increase in the tension in the TM. In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the TM is the most likely region for increased AH outflow resistance. Theoretically, removal of the TM can improve the AH outflow; hence, glaucoma specialists focus on microsurgical dissection of the TM. In this review, we analyzed the available literature to examine SC-related microsurgical modalities based on the histopathological proofs of the localization of resistance of the AH outflow. First, we considered the role, anatomy, and physiology of the TM and SC. We referred to studies that describe the mechanisms and potential pathways, related to increased intraocular pressure in the POAG, that are targeted using the SC-related microsurgical interventions. Next, we took a closer look at the gonioscopic tools necessary for an ab-interno approach and explored incision canal surgery: ab-interno trabeculectomy using different instrumentation (Trabectome , Kahook Dual Blade) and variations of the technique. Thereafter, we discussed ab-interno canaloplasty, explaining the technique and reviewing its effectiveness. Finally, we presented the scope for future research in the field. Although the iStent also targets SC by bypassing it, this device has been reviewed extensively elsewhere.

We retrospectively investigated the relationship between Schlemm’s canal incision length and the results of ab interno gonioscopy-assisted transluminal suture trabeculotomy (GATST) with/without cataract surgery in open-angle glaucoma patients at Tsukazaki Hospital from 2018–2021. The study included 113 eyes from 76 patients (age: 70.0 ± 10.8 years; female/male: 43 [56.6%]/33 [43.4%]). GATST with and without cataract surgery was performed on 87 (phakia) [77.0%] and 26 eyes (pseudophakia) [23.0%], respectively; 102 [90.3%] eyes had primary open-angle glaucoma, and 11 [9.7%] had pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) significantly decreased at 3/6/12 months, and the antiglaucoma eyedrop number significantly decreased at 6/12 months (all P values < 0.001). Linear mixed-effects models showed that incision length had significant positive associations with IOP spikes, hyphema grade, and IOP changes (amount/percentage) at 6 months; surgical success rate (IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, ≥ 20% reduction, no additional surgeries [criterion B]) at 6/12 months; and surgical success rate (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, ≥ 20% reduction, no additional surgeries [criterion A]) at 12 months (Ps < 0.05). There were no significant associations with IOP changes at 12 months, surgical success rate (criterion A) at 6 months, or antiglaucoma eyedrop number at either timepoint (Ps > 0.05). Longer incisions were more likely to produce greater IOP reduction, requiring more attention to IOP spikes/hyphema.

Purpose To evaluate the Schlemm’s canal (SC) parameters obtained by swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) different in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) eyes compared to healthy eyes. Methods This cross-sectional observational study evaluated 64 eyes of 32 GO cases and 56 eyes of 28 healthy controls. The study was conducted between October 2020 and June 2021. SC images were obtained from the temporal limbus of individuals using swept-source OCT. SC length (SCL) and SC area (SCA) were measured. The relationship between SC parameters in the patient group and intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, Graves’ disease (GD) duration, and clinical activity score (CAS) was evaluated. Results In the GO group, 64 eyes of 32 patients were evaluated, and in the age and gender-matched healthy control group, 56 eyes of 28 individuals were assessed. SC images from 4 eyes of 4 patients in the patient group and 1 eye of 1 patient in the control group were not clear, preventing SCL and SCA measurements for these eyes. SCL and SCA measurements were found to be lower, and IOP and Hertel values were higher in the GO group compared to the healthy controls. However, no significant correlation was observed between SCL and SCA with IOP, RNFL thickness, GD duration, GO duration, or CAS in the GO group. In the GO group, the mean value of SCA was found to be higher in eyes with glaucoma or OHT compared to those without. Conclusion These findings indicate that SC in GO-affected eyes is shorter and has a smaller area than in healthy individuals. Additionally, higher IOP and Hertel values were observed in the GO group compared to healthy controls. This study suggests that assessing SC using anterior segment OCT could provide valuable insights into the regulation of IOP and the development of glaucoma in GO-affected eyes.

Ocular corticosteroids are commonly used clinically. Unfortunately, their administration frequently leads to ocular hypertension, i.e., elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which, in turn, can progress to a form of glaucoma known as steroid-induced glaucoma. The pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood yet shares similarities with the most common form of glaucoma. Using nanotechnology, we created a mouse model of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension. This model functionally and morphologically resembles human ocular hypertension, having titratable, robust, and sustained IOPs caused by increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow. Using this model, we then interrogated the biomechanical properties of the trabecular meshwork (TM), including the inner wall of Schlemm’s canal (SC), tissues known to strongly influence IOP and to be altered in other forms of glaucoma. Specifically, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, we observed that SC in corticosteroid-treated mice was more resistant to collapse at elevated IOPs, reflecting increased TM stiffness determined by inverse finite element modeling. Our noninvasive approach to monitoring TM stiffness in vivo is applicable to other forms of glaucoma and has significant potential to monitor TM function and thus positively affect the clinical care of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

This review provides a comprehensive update on emerging ROCK inhibitors as an innovative treatment option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and aims to describe the structure, mechanism of action, pharmaceutical characteristics, desirable ocular effects, including side effects for each agent. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, ARVO journals, Cochrane library and Selleckchem. Databases were searched using \"investigational Rho kinase inhibitors,\" and \"glaucoma\" as keywords. In addition to this building block strategy, successive fractions were employed to further refine the results. Of the several ROCK inhibitors discovered, only two drugs are currently approved for glaucoma treatment; Netarsudil in the USA and Ripasudil in Japan and China. We identified and reviewed 15 agents currently in laboratory or clinical trials. These agents lower IOP mainly by decreasing outflow resistance through pharmacologic relaxation of the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and reducing episcleral venous pressure. They have an optimistic safety profile; however, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival hemorrhage, pain on instillation, and corneal verticillata are common. Other properties such as neuroprotection (enhancing optic nerve blood flow and promoting axonal regeneration), anti-fibrotic activity, and endothelial cell proliferation may improve the visual prognosis and surgical outcomes in glaucoma. In addition, these agents have the potential to work synergistically with other topical glaucoma medications.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with 360° ab-interno trabeculotomy using the TRAB360 device as a stand-alone procedure in patients with refractory primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and preoperative IOP ≥18 mmHg. This study evaluated patients treated in a tertiary-referral clinical practice setting. This study is a retrospective analysis of 81 eyes. Patients with refractory open-angle glaucoma underwent stand-alone 360° ab-interno trabeculotomy using the TRAB360 device. Effectiveness was determined by reduction in medicated IOP and the use of medications from baseline. Safety was determined by the rate of adverse events and secondary surgical interventions. The time points assessed were baseline and postoperative day 1, week 1, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. A subgroup analysis was performed on eyes with medicated preoperative IOP values of ≥25 mmHg. The reductions in IOP from 1 day to 12 months postoperatively were statistically significant compared to baseline values. The mean reduction in IOP at 12 months was 7.3±6.7 mmHg from baseline. At 12 months, 59% eyes achieved ≥20% reduction in IOP and IOP <18 mmHg with the same or fewer numbers of IOP-lowering medications compared with those at baseline. The mean number of IOP-lowering medications was reduced from 1.7±1.3 at baseline to 1.1±1.0 at 12 months. At 12 months, 67% of eyes with preoperative IOP values of ≥25 mmHg achieved ≥20% reduction in IOP and IOP <18 mmHg with the same or fewer numbers of IOP-lowering medications compared with those at baseline. The most common adverse event for all eyes was mild, transient hyphema (57 eyes). During the first year after the procedure, 20 (25%) eyes were considered failures since they required reinterventions. Trabeculotomy using the TRAB360 device resulted in significant IOP reductions up to 1 year with a favorable safety profile. The device is an effective stand-alone MIGS procedure for patients with refractory POAG.