OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture combined with phacoemulsification for cataract with glaucoma. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with cataract and angle-closure glaucoma were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 34 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with phacoemulsification. Based on the treatment in the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with and acupuncture at acupoints around eyes; the treatment was given once every other day, and 15-day treatment constituted a course, and 2 courses (60 days) were given. The intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, pain severity, aqueous outflow (F value) and clinical symptoms were observed in the two groups before treatment and after 1 d, 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment. RESULTS: The IOP after 1 d, 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (all <0.05), while the visual acuity after 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05). Compared before treatment, the IOP was significantly decreased after 1 d, 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment in the two groups, and the visual acuity was significantly increased after 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment in the two groups (all <0.05). The pain scores and F value after 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). Compared before treatment, the pain scores and F value after 7 d, 30 d and 60 d of treatment were significantly reduced in the two groups (all <0.05). After 60 d of treatment, the number of patients who presented general clinical symptoms in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (<0.05). CONCLUSION Based on phacoemulsification, acupuncture and could significantly reduce the IOP and F value, relieve pain and improve visual acuity in patients with cataract and glaucoma.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Cataract ; complications ; therapy ; Glaucoma ; complications ; therapy ; Humans ; Phacoemulsification ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti- scarring effect of rapamycin in rabbits receiving glaucoma filtering surgery. METHODS: Ninety-six Chinchilla rabbits were randomized equally into 3 rapamycin treatment groups and one control group. All the rabbits underwent trabeculectomy, after which the rabbits in the 3 rapamycin groups were treated with eye drops containing 1%, 3%, or 5% rapamycin in the operated eyes, and those in the control groups were given castor oil 4 times a day. The intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammatory reaction in the treated eyes were observed, and the PCNA-positive cells in the filtering bleb were detected using immunohistochemistry. RTFs isolated from the Tenon's capsule of the rabbits were cultured , and the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in the fibroblasts were detected after treatment with different concentrations of rapamycin. RESULTS: The IOP was significantly lower in rapamycin-treated group than in the control group after the surgery ( < 0.05). The counts of the PCNA-positive cells were significantly lower in rapamycin-treated rabbits than in the control group ( < 0.05). Rapamycin treatment dose-dependently increased the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase- 9 at both the mRNA ( < 0.001) and protein ( < 0.001) levels without causing significant changes in the expressions of caspase-8. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin can inhibit excessive proliferation of the fibroblasts in the filtering bleb to reduce scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits. Rapamycin also increases the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 to induce apoptosis of the RTFs.
Animals ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cicatrix ; prevention & control ; Filtering Surgery ; adverse effects ; Glaucoma ; surgery ; Intraocular Pressure ; Postoperative Complications ; enzymology ; prevention & control ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; analysis ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Sirolimus ; therapeutic use ; Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes and factors associated with surgical failure in patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: This retrospective and longitudinal study enrolled 40 eyes (38 patients) that underwent combined phacoemulsification and AGV implantation. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Complete success was defined as a last follow-up IOP of 6 to 21 mmHg without medication, qualified success as an IOP of 6 to 21 mmHg with medication, and failure as an IOP of >21 or <6 mmHg. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18 ± 10 months. Preoperative diagnoses were chronic angle closure glaucoma (35.0%), neovascular glaucoma (22.5%), uveitic glaucoma (17.5%), primary open-angle glaucoma (15.0%), and other (10.0%). IOP decreased from a mean of 30.5 ± 8.7 to 14.5 ± 3.7 mmHg at the last follow-up visit (p < 0.001). Treatment was classified as qualified success in 18 eyes (45%), complete success in 15 (37.5%), and failure in seven (17.5%). Twenty-two eyes (55%) showed improvement in visual acuity. The most common postoperative complication was a transient hypertensive phase (five eyes, 12.5%). Tube-iris touch was associated with surgical failure (hazard ratio, 8.615; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification and AGV implantation is an effective and safe surgical option for patients with refractory glaucoma and cataract. Postoperative tube-iris touch is an indicator of poor prognosis.
Cataract ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma Drainage Implants ; Glaucoma* ; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure ; Glaucoma, Neovascular ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Longitudinal Studies ; Phacoemulsification* ; Postoperative Complications ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures. Surgical complications are rare, but can have severe consequences, such as permanent vision loss. In this report, we describe a patient who developed primary angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with associated vision loss after a oculoplastic procedure using local anesthesia. So far, six similar cases have been described in the literature. It is believed that acute ACG is triggered by the surgical procedure in patients with predisposing risk factors such as a cataract. Surgical triggering factors include the use of buffered lidocaine/xylocaine with adrenaline/epinephrine, stress, and coverage of the eyes postoperatively. Due to postoperative analgesic use, the clinical presentation can be mild and atypical, leading to a significant diagnostic delay. Acute ACG should therefore be excluded in each patient with postoperative complaints by assessing pupillary reactions. If a fixed mid-wide pupil is observed in an ophthalmologic examination, an immediate ophthalmology referral is warranted. Surgeons should be aware of this rare complication in order to offer treatment at an early stage and to minimize the chance of irreversible vision loss.
Anesthesia, Local ; Blepharoplasty* ; Blindness ; Cataract ; Glaucoma ; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure* ; Humans ; Ophthalmology ; Postoperative Complications ; Pupil ; Referral and Consultation ; Risk Factors ; Surgeons

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of biometric variables on refractive outcomes after cataract surgery in angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, 42 ACG patients, 40 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, and 35 controls without glaucoma who had undergone conventional cataract surgery were enrolled consecutively. Electronic medical records, including preoperative biometric variables (keratometric diopter, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness), the refractive change (RC), and the absolute value of refractive change (ARC) were reviewed. RESULTS: In the control and OAG patients, the anterior chamber depth was negatively correlated with the ARC (r = -0.344, p = 0.043 and r = -0.431, p = 0.006, respectively), whereas there was no correlation in the ACG patients. Lens thickness was positively correlated with the RC, but not with the ARC, in the control and OAG groups (r = 0.391, p = 0.020 and r = 0.501, p = 0.001, respectively). In contrast, lens thickness in the ACG group was not correlated with the RC but was positively correlated with the ARC (r = 0.331, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with the anterior chamber depth, preoperatively measured lens thickness may be a useful predictor of the direction of the RC after cataract surgery in control and OAG patients. However, in ACG patients, a thicker lens was correlated with a larger RC, regardless of the direction of the shift (hyperopic or myopic).
Aged ; Anterior Chamber/*diagnostic imaging ; Biometry/*methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure/*complications/diagnosis/surgery ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle/*complications/diagnosis/surgery ; Humans ; *Intraocular Pressure ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Phacoemulsification ; Refraction, Ocular/*physiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Optical Coherence

BACKGROUNDEarly surgical intervention is required for the primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). There are currently few reports on the surgical outcomes in infants with PCG. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trabeculotomy and the postoperative visual outcomes in Chinese newborns with PCG within 4 weeks of birth.

METHODSA total of 21 eyes of 12 patients with PCG who underwent primary trabeculotomy within 4 weeks of birth were retrospectively studied. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal clarity and diameter, axial length and optic disc cupping, visual acuity and postoperative refractive error, success rates, and complications were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to evaluate the success rates.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up time was 46.9 ± 34.4 months (range: 12-122 months). The postoperative IOP was significantly lower than the preoperative IOP at all of the follow-up visits (P < 0.001). The complete success rates for all eyes at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postoperatively were 90.5%, 85.7%, 85.7%, and 85.7%, respectively. The IOPs of the three patients who needed antiglaucomatous medications postoperatively were also well controlled. At the last visit, the cornea became clear, and the cup-to-disc ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.01) although the horizontal corneal diameter did not change significantly (P = 0.11). Visual acuities were able to be recorded in eight eyes at the last visit, among which six eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. There were no severe intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONSTrabeculotomy proves to be a safe and effective treatment in reducing IOP in this group of Chinese newborns with PCG. The outcomes of vision function were satisfactory in most of the patients.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Congenital Abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Glaucoma ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Trabeculectomy ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D and glaucoma. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included subjects who underwent a health screening at the Health Screening Center of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from August 2012 to July 2013. All fundus photographs were reviewed by ophthalmologists. The ophthalmologists determined if an eye was glaucomatous based on the criteria set forth by the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology and by the appearance of the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic disc. If the subjects previously underwent an ophthalmologic examination, they were enrolled based on the documented history. In addition to fundus photographs, each participant underwent a systemic examination including blood sampling and sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires. The subjects were divided into five groups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess possible associations between elevated glaucoma risk and systemic factors with a p < 0.2 on univariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 169,208 subjects older than 20 years, 123,331 were eligible for the study. There was no difference in the prevalence of glaucoma according to quintile of serum 25(OH)D level based on sex (p = 0.412 for males, p = 0.169 for females). According to the multivariable-adjusted logistic analysis, the odds ratio of glaucoma for the fourth quintile was significantly lower than that of the first quintile in females (odds ratio, 0.713; 95% confidence interval, 0.520 to 0.979). CONCLUSIONS: Lower 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with an elevated risk of glaucoma in females compared with higher 25(OH)D level. Further evaluation is needed to investigate the relationship between glaucoma and vitamin D.
Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma/diagnosis/*epidemiology/etiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intraocular Pressure ; Male ; Optic Disk/diagnostic imaging ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Vitamin D/*blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency/blood/complications/*epidemiology ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To seek for mechanisms to prevent fixed dilated pupil including Urrets-Zavalia syndrome after intraocular surgery by analyzing and classifying the causes of such cases. METHODS: Medical records and anterior segment photographic images of patients with fixed dilated pupil who underwent penetrating keratoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty, or cataract surgery were analyzed in a retrospective manner from April, 1984 to February, 2014. RESULTS: Among 15 cases of postoperative fixed dilated pupil, 8 eyes of keratoconus eyes had received penetrating keratoplasty done and 7 eyes with ocular disorders other than keratoconus underwent intraocular surgeries. In cases 1 and case 2, which received penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus, dilated pupil with regular pupil border, iris atrophy, and secondary glaucoma occurred; these cases were classified as group 1 and diagnosed as Urrets-Zavalia syndrome. Cases from 3 to 8 which also received penetrating keratoplasties due to keratoconus, irregularly dilated pupil, severe iris atrophy, posterior synechiae after moderate to severe inflammation in the anterior chamber, and fibrotic membrane on the anterior capsule occurred; these cases were classified as group 2. Finally, cases 9 to 15, which had mild inflammation, no fibrotic membrane, and regularly fixed dilated pupil after receiving other intraocular surgeries were classified as group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist between definite Urrets-Zavalia syndrome and postoperative fixed dilated pupil with regards to regularity of pupillary margin, degree of iris atrophy, posterior synechiae, fibrotic membrane, and posterior subcapsular opacity. Therefore, a new classification of fixed dilated pupil after intraocular surgery which addresses these characteristics is required and various trials to prevent the adverse postoperative complications of fixed dilated pupil should be performed. Preventive measures may include careful control of intraocular pressure, restricting atropine use, completely removing of viscoelastics, and minimal air or gas injection.
Anterior Chamber ; Atrophy ; Atropine ; Cataract ; Classification* ; Corneal Transplantation ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intraocular Pressure ; Iris ; Keratoconus ; Keratoplasty, Penetrating ; Medical Records ; Membranes ; Postoperative Complications ; Pupil* ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDNeovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a refractory glaucoma. The management of NVG is very difficult, and it is more difficult when combined with vitreous hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ranibizumab plus combined surgery for NVG with vitreous hemorrhage.

METHODSA total of 26 eyes of 26 NVG patients with vitreous hemorrhage were recruited in this study. The patients aged from 36 to 63 years with a mean age of 51.97 ± 7.60 years. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 46.38 ± 5.75 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) while being treated with the maximum medical therapy. The mean best-corrected visual acuities converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR BCVA) was 2.62 ± 0.43. All the patients underwent intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg (0.05 ml) ranibizumab combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), pars plana lensectomy (PPL) with a preserved anterior capsule, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and trabeculectomy (intravitreal ranibizumab [IVR] + PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy). The IOP and logMAR BCVA were the main outcome measures in this study.

RESULTSThe follow-up period was 12 months. The mean postoperative IOPs were 26.38 ± 3.75 mmHg, 21.36 ± 3.32 mmHg, 18.57 ± 3.21 mmHg, and 16.68 ± 2.96 mmHg, respectively at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy. At the last follow-up, the mean IOP was significantly lower than the preoperative one (t = 6.612, P = 0.001). At 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy, the mean logMAR BCVA were 1.30 ± 0.36, 1.29 ± 0.37, 1.29 ± 0.39, and 1.26 ± 0.29, respectively. At the last follow-up, the mean logMAR BCVA was significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant compared with preoperative one (t = 6.133, P = 0.002). The logMAR BCVA improved in 22 eyes (84.62%), and remained stable in 4 eyes (15.38%). The neovascularization in the iris and the angle regressed significantly in all patients 7 days after ranibizumab injection. No serious complications occurred during 12 months of the study.

CONCLUSIONSIVR + PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy can control IOP well and improve BCVA without severe complication for NVG patients with vitreous hemorrhage.

Adult ; Female ; Glaucoma, Neovascular ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; drug effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Ranibizumab ; therapeutic use ; Trabeculectomy ; adverse effects ; Vitrectomy ; adverse effects ; Vitreous Hemorrhage ; drug therapy ; surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors for initial central scotoma (ICS) compared with initial peripheral scotoma (IPS) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Fifty-six NTG patients (56 eyes) with an ICS and 103 NTG patients (103 eyes) with an IPS were included. Retrospectively, the differences were assessed between the two groups for baseline characteristics, ocular factors, systemic factors, and lifestyle factors. Also, the mean deviation of visual field was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients from both ICS and IPS groups were of similar age, gender, family history of glaucoma, and follow-up periods. Frequency of disc hemorrhage was significantly higher among patients with ICS than in patients with IPS. Moreover, systemic risk factors such as hypotension, migraine, Raynaud's phenomenon, and snoring were more prevalent in the ICS group than in the IPS group. There were no statistical differences in lifestyle risk factors such as smoking or body mass index. Pattern standard deviation was significantly greater in the ICS group than in the IPS group, but the mean deviation was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: NTG Patients with ICS and IPS have different profiles of risk factors and clinical characteristics. This suggests that the pattern of initial visual field loss may be useful to identify patients at higher risk of central field loss.
Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; *Intraocular Pressure ; Low Tension Glaucoma/*complications/diagnosis/physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Optic Disk/*pathology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment/*methods ; Risk Factors ; Scotoma/diagnosis/*epidemiology/etiology ; Visual Fields/*physiology