1: J Glaucoma. 2010 Mar;19(3):225-6. 

High occurrence rate of glaucoma among patients with normal pressure
hydrocephalus.

Wostyn P, Audenaert K, De Deyn PP.

*Department of PsychiatryPC Sint-AmandusBeernem, Belgium daggerDepartment of
Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium double daggerDepartment of
Neurology and Memory Clinic, Middelheim General Hospital (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
section signLaboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge,
University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium.

PMID: 20625253  [PubMed - in process]

2: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jul 8; [Epub ahead of print] 

Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome in a 16-Year-Old.

Olawoye O, Teng CC, Liebmann JM, Wang FM, Ritch R.

*Einhorn Clinical Research Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary double
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New
York daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, New York Medical College, Valhalla
section signDepartment of Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY.

We report iridocorneal endothelial syndrome in a male who presented at the age
of 16 years with a 3-year history of complaints of blurred vision, altered
pupillary shape, and monocular diplopia OD. The examination was notable for
unilateral effacement of the iris architecture, stretch holes, corectopia, and
localized ectropion uveae. Intraocular pressures were 41 mm Hg OD and 10 mm Hg
OS. Gonioscopy revealed intermittent areas of broad synechiae anterior to
Schwalbe's line alternating with a clinically normal appearance. The left eye
and angle were unremarkable. Specular microscopy confirmed the presence of
unilateral endothelial pleomorphism and polymegathism. To our knowledge, this is
the earliest reported case of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome in a young man.

PMID: 20616751  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jul 8; [Epub ahead of print] 

Outcomes of Bleb Excision With Free Autologous Conjunctival Patch Grafting for
Bleb Leak and Hypotony After Glaucoma Filtering Surgery.

Panday M, Shantha B, George R, Boda S, Vijaya L.

Smt Jadhavbai Nathmal Singhvee Glaucoma Services, Sankara Nethralaya (a unit of
Medical Research Foundation), Chennai, India.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes of bleb excision with free autologous
conjunctival patch grafting for bleb leak and hypotony after glaucoma filtering
surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative case
series. Outcome measures were closure of bleb leak, intraocular pressure (IOP),
and best corrected visual acuity after patch grafting and complications from
intervention. Complete success was defined as resolution of the bleb leak or
hypotony, with IOP between 6 and 18 mm Hg. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes (57
patients) were included: 51 with bleb leaks and 7 with hypotonous maculopathy
without a bleb leak. Eight eyes required scleral flap resuturing and 2 required
scleral patch grafts in addition to free conjunctival patch grafting. The mean
postoperative follow-up period was 112.65+/-128.74 weeks (median 80.0 wk). At 6
weeks and final follow-up, the IOP increased from baseline of 4.41+/-4.61 mm Hg
(median 4.00 mm Hg) to 11.98+/-6.25 mm Hg (median 11.50 mm Hg) (P<0.001) and
12.67+/-4.83 mm Hg (median 12.00) (P<0.001), respectively. Visual acuity
increased from baseline of 0.87+/-0.95 logMAR (median 0.60) to 0.65+/-0.80
logMAR (median 0.48) (P=0.001) and 0.76+/-0.93 logMAR (median 0.48) (P=0.35) at
6 weeks and last follow-up, respectively. The complete and qualified success
rates at the final follow-up were 75.8% and 79.3%, respectively. Failure events
occurred in 12 (20.6%) eyes, including 2 eyes with hypotony, 5 with raised IOP,
and 3 with postoperative bleb leaks. CONCLUSIONS: Free conjunctival patch
grafting is a successful procedure for bleb repair and hypotony providing
moderate IOP control with minimal postoperative complications in majority of
patients.

PMID: 20616750  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jul 8; [Epub ahead of print] 

Presence of an Optic Disc Notch and Glaucoma.

Healey PR, Mitchell P.

Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney,
Australia.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and associations of a notch in the optic disc
neural rim. METHODS: Stereo-photographs from the Blue Mountains Eye Study were
graded for the presence of a notch (defined as focal reduction in neural rim
width associated with a change in the curvature of the rim for no greater than 4
clock hours). RESULTS: A notch was found in at least 1 eye of 205 participants
(5.7%), and was bilateral in 51 (1.4%). Notch prevalence increased with age from
2.48% in participants aged <60 years, to 4.1% for ages 60 to 69 years, 7.98% for
ages 70 to 79 years and 15.3% for ages 80 years or older. No sex differences
were found. Notches were more frequent in eyes with myopia (odds ratio, OR,
1.98, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.31-2.98) or beta-peripapillary atrophy (OR
2.20, CI 1.52-3.22). No associations were found with intraocular pressure, optic
disc hemorrhage, or migraine history. After adjusting for other risk factors, a
neural rim notch was strongly associated with glaucoma diagnosis (OR 21.2, CI
8.8-50.8). The sensitivity and specificity for glaucoma with visual field loss
of finding a notch in either eye was 90.3% and 96.8%, respectively. The positive
predictive value of a notch was 45.4% and negative predictive value 99.7%.
CONCLUSIONS: A notch in the neural rim is a relatively infrequent sign in normal
eyes but is very frequent in glaucoma. This sign has both good sensitivity and a
positive predictive value for glaucoma.

PMID: 20616749  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Diagnostic Power of Optic Disc Morphology, Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber
Layer Thickness, and Macular Inner Retinal Layer Thickness in Glaucoma Diagnosis
With Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Huang JY, Pekmezci M, Mesiwala N, Kao A, Lin S.

*Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College
of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the capability of the optic disc, peripapillary retinal
nerve fiber layer (P-RNFL), macular inner retinal layer (M-IRL) parameters, and
their combination obtained by Fourier-domain optical coherent tomography (OCT)
in differentiating a glaucoma suspect from perimetric glaucoma. METHODS: Two
hundred and twenty eyes from 220 patients were enrolled in this study. The optic
disc morphology, P-RNFL, and M-IRL were assessed by the Fourier-domain OCT
(RTVue OCT, Model RT100, Optovue, Fremont, CA). A linear discriminant function
was generated by stepwise linear discriminant analysis on the basis of OCT
parameters and demographic factors. The diagnostic power of these parameters was
evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The
diagnostic power in the clinically relevant range (specificity >/=80%) was
presented as the partial area under the ROC curve (partial AROC). RESULTS: The
individual OCT parameter with the largest AROC and partial AROC in the high
specificity (>/=80%) range were cup/disc vertical ratio (AROC=0.854 and partial
AROC=0.142) for the optic disc parameters, average thickness (AROC=0.919 and
partial AROC=0.147) for P-RNFL parameters, inferior hemisphere thickness
(AROC=0.871 and partial AROC=0.138) for M-IRL parameters, respectively. The
linear discriminant function further enhanced the ability in detecting
perimetric glaucoma (AROC=0.970 and partial AROC=0.172). CONCLUSIONS: Average
P-RNFL thickness is the optimal individual OCT parameter to detect perimetric
glaucoma. Simultaneous evaluation on disc morphology, P-RNFL, and M-IRL
thickness can improve the diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing glaucoma.

PMID: 20577117  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

The Influence of Topical Diclofenac Sodium on the Ocular Hypotensive Effect of
Latanoprost in Glaucoma Patients.

Sorkhabi R, Alipanahi R, Eftakhari-Milani A, Ghojazadeh L.

Department of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of diclofenac sodium 0.1% on reducing
intraocular pressure (IOP) by latanoprost 0.005% in glaucoma patients. PATIENTS
AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with bilateral primary open angle glaucoma were
enrolled in this study. All patients had been given only latanoprost for at
least 4 weeks. Topical diclofenac sodium was additionally applied to one eye
(dicloptin group), whereas hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was administered into
the other eye (control group); both 4 times a day for 2 weeks. IOP measurement
was performed before and 2 weeks after the administrations, and also 2 weeks
after discontinuing additional ophthalmic solutions. RESULTS: No significant
difference was observed in the IOPs before additional administration of
ophthalmic solution between the dicloptin group and the control group (P=0.47).
Additional administration of diclofenac sodium increased mean IOP from
15.73+/-1.75 to 17.32+/-2.23 mm Hg (P=0.01). This increase was reversed 2 weeks
after discontinuing additional solutions (P=0.80); however, no significant
difference in mean IOP was observed in the control group after administration
and after discontinuing the additional medication (P=0.94 and 0.84,
respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Topical diclofenac sodium may interfere with the IOP
lowering effect of latanoprost in glaucoma patients; therefore this interference
should be noted in coadministration of these drugs.

PMID: 20577116  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Psychometric Evaluation of the Glaucoma Symptom Identifier.

Walt JG, Rendas-Baum R, Kosinski M, Vaishali P.

*Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA daggerQualityMetric Incorporated, Lincoln, RI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Glaucoma Symptom
Identifier (GSI), a tool designed to assess multiple possible glaucoma symptoms
and their impact on quality of life in clinical practice. We sought to address
the need for better methods to assess visual function related to quality of life
of glaucoma patients with a tool to show to both physicians and their patients
that glaucoma is not an asymptomatic disease. The development process was to
provide comprehensive assessment in 1 page of the impact of glaucoma on
patients' quality of life by including an exhaustive list of unique and
nonredundant items. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Seven
hundred and eighteen individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma, who
were at least 40 years of age. METHODS: The impact of glaucoma was assessed by
asking study participants the degree of difficulty they experience on a number
of tasks. Item response theory was used to psychometrically evaluate the GSI.
Scores on the GSI and the SF-12, a generic quality-of-life instrument, were
compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Items in the GSI were categorized in terms of
their ability to capture glaucoma impact on quality of life across the
population range of subjects from mild-to-severe glaucoma severity. RESULTS: The
GSI showed good reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. Items in
the GSI captured glaucoma impact on quality of life over an adequate range of
disease severity. Potential improvements to the existing questionnaire were
identified using item response theory modeling results and respondents' feedback
on the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the GSI is a
psychometrically valid tool, adequate for glaucoma patients' self-administration
within a clinician's routine practice to help both the patient and physician
assess the patient's current and potential future symptoms of glaucoma.

PMID: 20577115  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Does the Enlargement of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defects Relate to Disc
Hemorrhage or Progressive Visual Field Loss in Normal-tension Glaucoma?

Nitta K, Sugiyama K, Higashide T, Ohkubo S, Tanahashi T, Kitazawa Y.

*Fukui-ken Saiseikai Hospital, Fukui daggerKanazawa University Graduate School
of Medical Science, Kanazawa double daggerAkasaka Kitazawa Eye Clinic, Tokyo,
Japan.

PURPOSE: We investigated the difference in clinical characteristics between
cases with enlarged retinal nerve fiber layer defects (RNFLD) and stable RNFLDs
in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
reviewed NTG patients that were diagnosed and followed up for at least 3 years
at 1-month to 2-month intervals by the same examiner, and selected eyes with
distinct RNFLD borders. Using fundus photographs, for which we extracted only a
blue ingredient and processed it into black and white, we measured RNFLD angles
and divided NTG cases into 2 groups, enlarged RNFLD and stable RNFLD, and
compared the clinical characteristics between both groups. RESULTS: Ninety-three
eyes from 93 patients (mean follow-up, 8.2 y) were selected and enlargement of
RNFLD was detected in 55 eyes. Disc hemorrhage (DH) was found in 35 of 55 eyes
(63.6%) in the enlarged group and in 6 of 38 eyes (15.8%) in the stable group
(P<0.0001). Twenty-one eyes (38.2%) from the enlarged group exhibited recurrent
DH. In 48 eyes (87.3%) from the enlarged group, the enlargement of RNFLD was
toward the fovea. When DHs located apart from RNFLD were excluded, RNFLD
enlarged in the direction of DH in 21 of 25 eyes (84.0%). The cumulative
probability of non progression in the visual field was significantly lower in
the enlarged group (10-year survival rate: 0.52+/-0.11) than in the stable group
(10-year survival rate: 0.89+/-0.08) (P=0.0019). CONCLUSIONS: The enlargement of
RNFLD in NTG was closely associated with DH occurrence and the deterioration of
visual field.

PMID: 20577114  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

9: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Topographic Differences in the Age-related Changes in the Retinal Nerve Fiber
Layer of Normal Eyes Measured by Stratus Optical Coherence Tomography.

Feuer WJ, Budenz DL, Anderson DR, Cantor L, Greenfield DS, Savell J, Schuman JS,
Varma R.

*Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Miller School of
Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN double daggerValley
EyeCare Center, Pleasanton parallelDoheny Eye Institute, Department of
Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA section signUPMC Eye Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Department of
Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there are regional differences in the age-related
changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as measured
by time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Fast peripapillary
RNFL scans obtained with the Stratus time-domain OCT with nominal diameter of
3.46-mm centered on the optic disc were carried out on 425 normal participants
over a wide age range. One eye was randomly selected for scanning or analysis.
Average RNFL-, clock hour-, and quadrant-specific rates of RNFL thickness change
were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The 425 study participants ranged in age
from 18 to 85 years with mean (+/-SD) of 46 (+/-15) years. The mean (+/-SD)
average measured RNFL thickness was 104.7 (+/-10.8) micrometers (mum). The
decline in the average RNFL thickness was 2.4 mum per decade of age. Changes in
RNFL thickness per decade of age ranged from -5.4 (P<0.001) at clock hour 1 to
-0.9 (P=0.28) at clock hour 6. Similarly, the rate of thickness change per
decade of age in the superior quadrant was -4.3 (P<0.001) versus -1.5 (P=0.006)
in the inferior quadrant. The slopes of thinning superiorly and inferiorly were
highly significantly different (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The age-related decline
in normal RNFL measurements does not occur at equal rates around the disc and
occurs mainly superiorly.

PMID: 20577113  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

10: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Perimetric Progression in Open Angle Glaucoma and the Visual Field Index (VFI).

Ang GS, Mustafa MS, Scott N, Diaz-Aleman VT, Azuara-Blanco A.

*Department of Ophthalmology, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
daggerDepartment of Public Health, University of Aberdeen, UK double
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La
Laguna, Spain.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the Visual Field Index (VFI) in eyes with
perimetric glaucomatous progression, and to compare these against stable
glaucoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with open angle
glaucoma with a minimum of 6 reliable visual fields and 2 years of follow-up
were identified. Perimetric progression was assessed by 4 masked glaucoma
experts from different units, and classified into 3 categories: "definite
progression," "suspected progression," or "no progression." This was compared
with the Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA) II and VFI linear regression
analysis, where progression was defined as a negative slope with significance of
<5%. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-seven visual fields from 51 eyes of 39
patients were assessed. The mean number of visual fields was 7.8 (SD 1.1) per
eye, and the mean follow-up duration was 63.7 (SD 13.4) months. The mean VFI
linear regression slope showed an overall statistically significant difference
(P<0.001, analysis of variance) for each category of progression. Using expert
consensus opinion as the reference standard, both VFI analysis and GPA II had
high specificity (0.93 and 0.90, respectively), but relatively low sensitivity
(0.45 and 0.41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The mean VFI regression slope in our
cohort of eyes without perimetric progression showed a statistically significant
difference compared with those with suspected and definite progression. VFI
analysis and GPA II both had similarly high specificity but low sensitivity when
compared with expert consensus opinion.

PMID: 20577112  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

11: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

A Comparison of the Intraocular Pressure Lowering Effect of Adjustable Suture
Versus Laser Suture Lysis for Trabeculectomy.

Kobayashi H, Kobayashi K.

*Department of Ophthalmology, Kanmon Medical Center, Shimonoseki
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure lowering effect of adjustable
sutures and laser suture lysis for trabeculectomy in eyes with primary open
angle glaucoma. METHODS: Fifty patients with primary open angle glaucoma were
studied. Eyes were assigned randomly to either trabeculectomy augmented with
mitomycin C with adjustable sutures or with laser suture lysis. Patients were
followed up for 12 months and success rate based on intraocular pressure was
compared. Adjustable sutures were carried out as reported by Wells et al.
RESULTS: Mean baseline intraocular pressure was 27.8+/-2.8 mm Hg in the
adjustable suture group and 27.3+/-2.9 mm Hg in the laser suture lysis group
(P=0.7). Mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 12.1+/-2.0 mm Hg at 3
months, 12.7+/-3.2 mm Hg at 6 months, and 12.9+/-3.4 mm Hg at 12 months in the
adjustable suture group and 12.1+/-2.6 mm Hg at 3 months, 13.1+/-4.7 mm Hg at 6
months, and 13.4+/-3.5 mm Hg at 12 months in the laser suture lysis group. There
was no significant difference in the mean intraocular pressure between the
groups at any time point. At 12 months, 24 patients (96%) in the adjustable
suture group and 23 patients (92%) in the laser suture lysis group achieved an
intraocular pressure of >/=20 mm Hg without medication and a minimum of 30
percent reduction (P=0.7). Significant anterior chamber reduction was found in
no patient (0%) in the adjustable suture group and 6 patients (24%) in the laser
suture lysis group after loosening of the adjustable sutures or laser suture
lysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in hypotensive efficacy
between adjustable suture group and laser suture lysis group. The use of
adjustable sutures may reduce the incidence of shallow anterior chamber and
hypotony after postoperative intraocular pressure lowering procedures.

PMID: 20577111  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

12: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Rasagiline-induced Delay of Retinal Ganglion Cell Death in Experimental Glaucoma
in Rats.

Levkovitch-Verbin H, Vander S, Melamed S.

Sam Rothberg Ophthalmic Molecular Biology Laboratory, Goldschleger Eye
Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine,
Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of rasagiline (N-propargyl-1
(R)-aminoindan), a selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, on the survival of
retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucomatous rat eyes. Rasagiline is an FDA
approved anti-Parkinson disease drug with neuroprotective capabilities that were
shown in many models of brain damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The neuroprotective
effect of daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of rasagiline (0.5 mg/kg and 3
mg/kg) was evaluated and compared with saline injections using the translimbal
photocoagulation model of experimental glaucoma in Wistar rats. Intraocular
pressure (IOP) was measured before and immediately after the laser treatment,
and then weekly. Seven weeks after the induction of glaucoma, the animals were
killed, the eyes were enucleated and the retinas were prepared as whole mounts.
Fluoro-gold had been injected into the superior colliculus 10 days before
enucleation, and RGC survival was evaluated by counting the surviving labeled
RGCs in a masked way. RESULTS: All rats (n=29) displayed significant IOP
elevation and RGC damage. Seven weeks after the induction of glaucoma, the mean
RGC survival was 43+/-8% in the rasagiline 3 mg/kg-treated group and 43+/-9% in
the rasagiline 0.5 mg/kg-treated group compared with 23%+/-4% in the
saline-treated (control) group (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION:
Systemic treatment with rasagiline significantly enhances the survival of RGCs
in experimental glaucoma.

PMID: 20577110  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

13: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

SLT and Adjunctive Medical Therapy: A Prediction Rule Analysis.

Martow E, Hutnik CM, Mao A.

Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St Joseph's Hospital, Lawson
Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE: To investigate if specific classes of antiglaucoma medications have an
influence on selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) success. METHODS: This
retrospective prediction rule analysis investigated 120 eyes from 120 patients
diagnosed with either open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, who underwent
SLT treatment. Treatment success was defined as >/=20% intraocular pressure
(IOP) reduction at 3 and 6 months after the treatment date. Multivariate
logistic regression analyses were performed to determine success predictors.
RESULTS: Pre-SLT IOP (up to 4 wk before SLT therapy) was the only independent
predictor for >/=20% IOP reduction with an odds ratio of 1.30 when controlling
for pre-SLT antiglaucoma drops. The area under receiver operator characteristic
curve was 0.777. CONCLUSIONS: Topical medications do not adversely, nor
favorably, affect SLT success. SLT efficacy is positively associated with the
degree of IOP elevation before SLT treatment. Pigmentation of the anterior
chamber angle, class of antiglaucoma medications, diabetes, sex, corneal
thickness, pseudophakia, diagnosis, washout of eye drops, and previous argon
laser trabeculoplasty treatment are not associated with SLT treatment efficacy.

PMID: 20577109  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

14: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Comparison of the Prevalence of Plateau Iris Configurations Between
Angle-closure Glaucoma and Open-angle Glaucoma Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

Mochizuki H, Takenaka J, Sugimoto Y, Takamatsu M, Kiuchi Y.

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Hiroshima University Graduate
School of Biomedical Science.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of plateau iris configurations in acute
primary angle-closure (APAC), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG), and
open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: The study included fellow eyes of 27 APAC patients, 26 OAG patients,
and 26 CACG patients with no history of APAC. Patients with a history of earlier
intraocular surgery or argon laser peripheral iridoplasty were excluded from the
study. Eyes that had not undergone laser peripheral iridotomy were excluded from
APAC and CACG groups. Radial scans were carried out using ultrasound
biomicroscopy in all 4 quadrants. A plateau iris configuration within a quadrant
was defined by the presence of an anteriorly positioned ciliary process, a
narrow ciliary sulcus, a steeply rising peripheral iris, followed by a downward
angulation from the corneoscleral wall and the presence of a flat iris plane.
Eyes with plateau iris configurations were defined as those having at least 2
quadrants fulfilling these criteria. RESULTS: Plateau iris configurations were
found in fellow eyes of 10 of 27 patients with (37.0%) APAC, 9 of 26 (34.6%)
patients with CACG, and 5 of 26 (19.2%) patients with OAG. No significant
difference in the prevalence of plateau iris configurations was observed among
the 3 groups (P=0.314, chi test). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with OAG had a higher rate
of plateau iris configurations than expected. Longitudinal studies to evaluate
plateau iris height are required to determine its significance in the
pathogenesis of angle-closure glaucoma.

PMID: 20577108  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

15: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Intraoperative Mitomycin C for Nonpenetrating Glaucoma Surgery: A Systematic
Review and Meta-analysis.

Cheng JW, Cai JP, Li Y, Wei RL.

Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military
Medical University, Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability between nonpenetrating
glaucoma surgery with (NPGS-MMC) and without (NPGS-noMMC) intraoperative
mitomycin C application in the treatment of patients with open angle glaucoma.
METHODS: Pertinent studies were selected through extensive searches of the
Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Chinese Biomedicine Database. Eight
controlled clinical trials meeting the predefined criteria were systematically
reviewed by meta-analysis. The main outcome measures were percentage intraocular
pressure reduction and complete success rate. The pooled estimates were carried
out in RevMan version 5.0 software. RESULTS: The weighted mean differences of
the percentage intraocular pressure reduction when comparing NPGS-MMC with
NPGS-noMMC were 5.24% (95% confidence intervals: -3.24-13.72) at 6 months, 8.31%
(4.33 to 12.30) at 12 months, 9.56% (4.88 to 14.24) at 24 months, and 14.45%
(9.03 to 19.88) at 36 months. NPGS-MMC was associated with significant greater
complete success rates compared with NPGS-noMMC, with a pooled risk ratio being
1.16 (1.05 to 1.27) at 6 months, 1.20 (1.05 to 1.38) at 12 months, 1.30 (1.05 to
1.61) at 24 months, and 1.36 (1.06 to 1.73) at 36 months. Intraoperative MMC was
not associated with any drug-induced complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
intraoperative MMC is a safe and effective additional step during nonpenetrating
filtering surgery.

PMID: 20577107  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Circumferential Viscocanalostomy and Suture Canal Distension (Canaloplasty) for
Whites With Open-angle Glaucoma.

Grieshaber MC, Fraenkl S, Schoetzau A, Flammer J, Orgul S.

Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Service, University Hospital of Basel,
Basel, Switzerland.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of canaloplasty (360-degree
viscodilation and tensioning of the Schlemm canal) in Whites with open-angle
glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: In a prospective study, 32 consecutive patients with
medically uncontrolled OAG underwent primary canaloplasty with a follow-up time
of more than 1 year. Laser goniopuncture was performed if postoperative
intraocular pressure (IOP) was above 16 mmHg. IOP, number of antiglaucomatous
medications, best-corrected visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative
complications were recorded. Complete success was defined as an IOP PMID: 20577106  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

17: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Conjunctival Inflammatory Cells and Their Predictive Role For Deep Sclerectomy
in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma and Exfoliation Glaucoma.

Helin M, Ronkko S, Puustjarvi T, Terasvirta M, Ollikainen M, Uusitalo H.

*Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kuopio daggerDepartment of
Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland double
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere and Tampere University
Hospital, Tampere University, Finland. This study was financially supported by
Finnish Technological Fund (TEKES) and Elsemay Bjorn Fund.

PURPOSE: To investigate the conjunctival inflammatory alterations of patients
with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) and
correlate the findings with the success of deep sclerectomy (DS) surgery and
with the patients' medical history. METHODS: Altogether 25 POAG and ExG patients
of the prospective DS study were divided, based on the diagnosis and success of
the operation, into 4 groups, POAG S (success), POAG F (failure), ExG S, and ExG
F. Controls were obtained from other ophthalmologic surgery patients who did not
have glaucoma, and their conjunctiva was examined to be normal. Inflammatory
cell subtypes in the conjunctiva were identified and quantified by using
immunohistochemistry and monoclonal antibodies: CD3 (T-lymphocyte marker), CD4
(T-helper lymphocyte marker), CD8 (T-cytotoxic lymphocyte marker), CD20 (pan-B
cell marker), CD38 (plasma cell marker), CD45RA (naive T-cell marker), and CD68
(macrophage marker). RESULTS: Higher numbers of inflammatory cells were found in
the conjunctiva of the glaucoma patients on medical treatment compared with the
normal conjunctiva of the controls. Moreover, T-lymphocytes, T-helper
lymphocytes, T-cytotoxic lymphocytes, B cells, plasma cells, and macrophages
were found in significantly higher numbers in patients in whom DS failed during
the follow-up period of 2.5 years than those with surgical success. CONCLUSIONS:
High numbers of cytotoxic and helper T-lymphocytes, plasma cells, and
macrophages indicate a chronic inflammatory reaction in the conjunctiva of
glaucoma patients. The chronic inflammation is most probably owing to the
chronic topical treatment of the patients and seems to be a significant risk
factor for DS surgery failure.

PMID: 20577105  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

18: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Central Corneal Thickness and Anterior Scleral Thickness in Korean Patients With
Open-angle Glaucoma: An Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

Yoo C, Eom YS, Suh YW, Kim YY.

Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

PURPOSE: To assess the correlation between central corneal thickness (CCT) and
anterior scleral thickness (AST) in Korean patients with normal tension glaucoma
(NTG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive
patients with POAG, NTG, and normal individuals were recruited. Anterior segment
optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT, Visante) was used to measure CCT and AST.
The AST was measured 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur in the temporal
meridian. Statistical analysis of the data included ANOVA and Pearson
correlation analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and eight participants (36 with NTG,
35 with POAG, and 37 normal individuals) were enrolled. The CCT (NTG
514.81+/-25.03 mum; POAG 534.43+/-34.79 mum; controls 536.70+/-32.11 mum) was
found to be thinner in patients with NTG compared with POAG and the control eyes
(P=0.023; P=0.009). The AST (NTG 738.53+/-53.63 mum; POAG 771.86+/-53.75 mum;
controls 783.62+/-57.03 mum) was thinner in the patients with NTG compared with
POAG and the normal controls (P=0.032; P=0.002). No significant difference in
AST was found among the POAG and control eyes (P=0.636). A correlation between
CCT and AST was found only among the patients with NTG (r=0.469, P=0.004).
However, no correlation was observed between CCT and AST in patients with POAG
and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior scleral thickness was correlated with CCT in
the NTG group, but this correlation was not observed among the POAG or control
groups.

PMID: 20577104  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

19: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

The Effect of Early Posttrabeculectomy Intraocular Pressure Spike in the
Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study.

Chen PP, Musch DC, Niziol LM; for the CIGTS Study Group.

*Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington daggerDepartment of
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan. double daggerA list
of CIGTS investigators is found in the appendix of reference 6.

PURPOSE: To examine effects of early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP)
spike in patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy in the Collaborative Initial
Glaucoma Treatment Study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified patients with IOP
spike >/=5 mm Hg above the baseline IOP on postoperative day 1 and those without
IOP increase. The mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and
corrected PSD of the visual field (VF) were compared at 6 months and years 1, 2,
3, and 5 after surgery, as was the IOP. RESULTS: Seventeen of 300 patients
(5.7%) had IOP spike. After controlling for baseline VF severity in a
generalized linear regression model that addressed change in MD, PSD, and
corrected PSD, or in a logistic regression model for >/=3 dB of MD change,
comparison between the groups revealed no significant difference at all time
points examined (P>0.05). Patients with IOP spike had significantly higher mean
IOP at years 3 and 5 of follow-up (P/=5 mm Hg above baseline IOP was not associated with subsequent VF loss, but
was associated with significantly higher IOP during long-term follow-up.

PMID: 20577103  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

20: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Rigidity of Retinal Vessel in Untreated Eyes of Normal Tension Primary
Open-angle Glaucoma Patients.

Oettli A, Gugleta K, Kochkorov A, Katamay R, Flammer J, Orgul S.

Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: To analyze pulse wave propagation in the ocular circulation and
vessel stiffness in untreated eyes of normal tension primary open-angle glaucoma
(NTG) patients. METHODS: Inferotemporal retinal vessels of 22 NTG eyes and 25
controls were examined with a Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Inferotemporal
peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured by ocular
coherence tomography. Phase delay between venous trough and arterial peak was
assessed at 3 sites centrifugal from the disc and a choroid-to-retina pulse
delay was calculated as an estimation of vessel rigidity. RESULTS: There was
choroid-to-retina pulse delay of 0.26+/-0.08, 0.30+/-0.11, and 0.33+/-0.11
seconds, respectively, in NTG eyes at proximal, middle, and distal sites; in
control eyes, the corresponding values were 0.28+/-0.10, 0.35+/-0.12, and
0.40+/-0.17 seconds. Average choroid-to-retina pulse delay was shorter in NTG
eyes (P=0.028). Retinal nerve fiber layer (inferotemporal) showed an opposite
correlation with choroid-to-retina pulse delay in controls (r=-0.48, P=0.019)
and in NTG eyes (r=0.47, P=0.032 ). CONCLUSIONS: Untreated NTG eyes show stiffer
retinal vessels. Vessel rigidity correlates with level of glaucomatous damage.

PMID: 20577102  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

21: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Split-thickness Hinged Scleral Flap in the Management of Exposed Tubing of a
Glaucoma Drainage Device.

Lee ES, Kang SY, Kim NR, Hong S, Ma KT, Je Seong G, Kim CY.

*Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University
College of Medicine daggerSiloam Eye Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

A split-thickness hinged scleral flap technique was devised to aid in tube
exposure after glaucoma drainage device implantation. This technique resulted in
the successful recovery of the tube without reexposure or serious complications
in all 3 observed cases. Split-thickness hinged scleral flaps may be an
effective surgical technique for the management of repeated tube exposure after
glaucoma drainage device implantation.

PMID: 20577101  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

22: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Sterile Single Use Cover for the G-probe Transscleral Cyclodiode.

Rootman DB, Howarth D, Kerr JQ, Flanagan JG, Trope GE, Buys YM.

Departments of *Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences daggerLaboratory Medicine and
Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto section signSchool of Optometry,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada double daggerOxted, United
Kingdom.

PURPOSE: Multiuse of the G-probe transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC)
device can lead to contamination. We evaluated the mechanical stability and
clinical efficacy of a disposable sterile barrier for the G-probe footplate.
METHODS: We measured diode laser output with and without the G-probe barrier
both before and after cadaver TSCPC (18 shots at 2000 mW for 2000mS).
Qualitative analyses of the laser aiming beam were made before each trial in the
barrier and nonbarrier state. After each trial, the G-probe barrier was examined
for microperforations and footplate for debris and/or damage. Microbiology was
taken on the cadaver eye and the G-probe before and after 20 cycles. Histologic
analysis after TSCPC with and without barrier was carried out on a cadaver eye.
RESULTS: Qualitatively, laser focus dispersion was minimized by the G-probe
cover. Mean (95% CI) laser output was measured for the nonbarrier, with barrier
pre-TSCPC and with barrier post-TSCPC, respectively as 980 mW (899,1061), 1247
mW (1115, 1378), and 1240 mW (1132, 1347). The difference between the nonbarrier
and barrier both preTSCPC and postTSCPC was statistically significant (df=2,
F=36.26, P<0.01). No perforations in the G-probe barrier were evident and no
debris or damage was detected on the G-probe. Pathology was consistent with
earlier reports of TSCPC in cadaver eyes. Microbial segregation of the cadaver
eye and the G-probe footplate was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The G-probe barrier
is an effective and robust method to protect consecutive patients from
contamination during TSCPC. Although energy levels were slightly higher in
probes with barrier, histologic differences were not evident and the clinical
significance of this finding is likely limited.

PMID: 20577100  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

23: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

The Use of HRT With and Without the Aid of Disc Photographs.

Loon SC, Tong L, Gazzard G, Chan YH, Sim EL, Aung T, Tan DT, Healey PR, Wong TY,
Koh V, Saw SM.

*Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital daggerOphthalmology,
Singapore National Eye Centre section signNational University of Singapore
parallelDepartment of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine Yong Loo Lin
School of Medicine, National University of Singapore paragraph signSingapore Eye
Research Institute, Singapore musical sharpUniversity of Sydney, Centre for
Vision Research, Sydney **Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of
Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia double daggerOphthalmology, Moorfields Eye
Hospital, London, UK.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the measurement of optic disc morphology using Heidelberg
Retinal Tomography (HRT) with and without the aid of optic disc photos. METHODS:
One hundred three children (aged 11 and 12 y, 52 boys) were selected randomly
from the Singapore Cohort study of Risk Factors for Myopia. Optic nerve head
topography and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements were assessed
using the HRT-II (Heidelberg, Germany) scanning laser ophthalmoscope. All
contour lines were drawn by the same researcher on 2 occasions. The first
drawing was made without optic disc photographs but using the 3-dimensional
rotation assessment. The second drawing was made with the additional aid of
digital monoscopic optic disc photographs. RESULTS: There was a high correlation
between the measurements taken with and without optic disc photographs. For the
global disc area, the difference between the mean readings was 0.67 mm and the
intraclass correlation (ICC) was 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.86].
The mean difference for the global cup-to-disc ratio was 0.03 [ICC 0.86 (95% CI
0.80-0.90)]. The ICCs were high across almost all of the readings except rim
volume, in which the ICC was 0.57 (95% CI 0.43-0.69). CONCLUSIONS: This study
shows minimal differences in HRT measured optic disc parameters when optic disc
photos are used to aid in the definition of the scleral ring. Omitting the use
of disc photographs in measuring HRT outputs may translate into significant
savings in time and logistics in simultaneously obtaining HRT and optic disc
photographs in large population-based studies.

PMID: 20577099  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

24: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Exfoliation Syndrome in a United
States Veterans Affairs Population: A Case-control Study.

Wood SD, Asefzadeh B, Fisch B, Jiwani A, Lee RK, Conlin PR, Pasquale LR.

*VA Boston Healthcare System section signDepartment of Ophthalmology,
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
daggerYale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT double daggerBascom Palmer Eye
Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL.

PURPOSE: Earlier studies suggest that an inverse relationship exists between
diabetes mellitus and exfoliation syndrome (ES). We evaluated the relationship
between diabetes mellitus and ES while controlling for important covariates. In
addition, we investigated whether glucose control, as measured by glycosylated
hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, differed between the subset of diabetic patients with
and without ES. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective case-control study
included outpatients seen in Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System eye
clinics. Exfoliation cases (n=328) and controls (n=328) were drawn from the same
clinic and matched for age. For all participants, we ascertained diabetes
status, gender, race, body mass index, and glaucoma status. Among patients with
diabetes mellitus, we collected the 5 most recent HbA1c levels and type of
diabetes control. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus was present in 96 (29.2%) cases and
in 114 (34.8%) controls. In multivariate analysis, no statistically significant
relationship between diabetes mellitus and ES (OR=0.77; 95% CI, 0.55-1.07) was
identified. When glaucoma status was added as a covariate, the results were
essentially unchanged (OR=0.81, 95% CI, 0.57-1.14). Adjusted mean HbA1c levels
were similar in diabetic patients with (6.85%; 95% CI, 6.66-7.04) and without
(7.05%; 95% CI, 6.87-7.22) ES (P=0.14). CONCLUSION: In this predominately white
male population, we did not observe a statistically significant relationship
between diabetes mellitus and ES. In addition, HbA1c levels did not vary among
diabetic patient based on exfoliation status.

PMID: 20577098  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

25: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry and Dynamic Contour Tonometry are not Correlated
With Central Corneal Thickness in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

Regev G, Harris A, Siesky B, Shoshani Y, Egan P, Moss A, Zalish M, Wudunn D,
Ehrlich R.

*Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN daggerKaplan MC Department of Ophthalmology, Rehovot, Israel.

PURPOSE: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by Goldmann applanation
tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) and assess their
relationship to central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with primary open
angle glaucoma (OAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: GAT, DCT, and CCT were assessed in
116 patients with OAG [mean age 65.9 (10.5); 59% female] participating in the
Indianapolis Glaucoma Progression Study. GAT and DCT were measured in a
randomized order followed by CCT (ultrasonic corneal pachymetry) during a single
study visit. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the limits of agreement
between tonometery methodologies whereas multivariate regression analysis was
used to evaluate the influence of CCT on GAT and DCT IOP measurements. RESULTS:
IOP values obtained by DCT and GAT showed a strong positive correlation in
patients with OAG (r=0.93; P<0.001). Mean IOP measured with DCT [18.4 (5.1) mm
Hg] was significantly higher (P<0.001) than GAT IOP measurements [16.5 (4.5)
mmHg]. CCT did not seem to influence either GAT or DCT measurements (r=0.1025,
P=0.16; r=0.05, P=0.46), respectively. The Bland-Altman data showed that the
amount of disagreement between IOP assessment techniques varied, suggesting a
proportional bias. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with OAG, there was a
strong correlation between GAT and DCT measurements of IOP. IOP measured with
DCT was consistently higher than IOP measured with GAT. Neither GAT nor DCT
measurements were correlated with CCT. This data suggests that factors other
than CCT may be involved in the tendency of DCT to produce higher measures of
IOP than GAT.

PMID: 20577097  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

26: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

GDx Staging System: A New Method for Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Damage
Classification.

Brusini P.

Department of Ophthalmology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Udine,
Italy.

PURPOSE: To provide a reliable and easy-to-use method for classifying retinal
nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage using the parameters obtained by the scanning
laser polarimeter with variable corneal compensator (GDx VCC). METHODS: GDx
Staging System is a new method that uses the superior and inferior RNFL
thickness values plotted on an x-y diagram to classify GDx VCC results. RNFL
defects are classified into 6 stages of increasing severity and 3 classes of
defect localization (superior, inferior, or diffuse defect). The diagram was
created based on 320 GDx VCC tests from 84 healthy controls and from 236
patients affected by ocular hypertension or chronic open-angle glaucoma.
Sensitivity and specificity of the method were assessed in a different cohort
that included 161 patients with either ocular hypertension or open-angle
glaucoma, and 34 normal participants. The results were correlated with both a
clinical classification of the GDx VCC results and with visual field defects
classified with the Glaucoma Staging System 2. RESULTS: Sensitivity and
specificity of the GDx Staging System were, respectively, 88.2% and 100%.
Correlations with the clinical classification and the Glaucoma Staging System 2
results were statistically significant (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.92
and 0.57, respectively; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The GDx Staging System is an
easy and quick method for interpreting GDx VCC results. It can be clinically
useful, especially for nonexpert ophthalmologists.

PMID: 20577096  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

27: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun 10; [Epub ahead of print] 

Apolipoprotein E Genotypes in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliation
Glaucoma.

Krumbiegel M, Pasutto F, Mardin CY, Weisschuh N, Paoli D, Gramer E, Weber BH,
Kruse FE, Schlotzer-Schrehardt U, Reis A.

*Institute of Human Genetics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg daggerDepartment
of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Erlangen double daggerMolecular
Genetics Laboratory, University Eye Hospital, Tuebingen parallelUniversity Eye
Hospital, Wuerzburg paragraph signInstitute of Human Genetics, University of
Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany section signDepartment of Ophthalmology,
Hospital of Monfalcone-Gorizia, Monfalcone-Gorizia, Italy.

PURPOSE: Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome, an age-related, systemic, elastic
microfibrillopathy, is characterized by fibrillar-granular deposits in the
anterior segment of the eye. Although not representing a true amyloidosis, PEX
syndrome shares some features with amyloid disorders, such as Alzheimer disease.
It has been shown that amyloid-associated proteins also occur in association
with PEX fibrils. Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) is directly involved in these amyloid
deposition and fibrils formation. The ϵ4 allele of APOE gene was shown to
be associated both with an increased risk for coronary heart disease and
late-onset Alzheimer disease. In this study, we therefore investigated whether
APOE alleles are associated with PEX syndrome and/or PEX glaucoma (PEXG) in 2
large cohorts of German and Italian origin. METHODS: The 3 common APOE alleles
ϵ2, ϵ3, and ϵ4 were genotyped in 661 unrelated patients (459
PEXG and 202 PEX patients) and 342 healthy individuals of German origin and
furthermore in 209 unrelated patients (133 PEXG and 76 PEX patients) and 190
healthy individuals of Italian origin using TaqMan assays for allelic
discrimination. A genetic association study was then performed. RESULTS: The
ϵ3 allele was found to be the most common in both populations (80% to
83%), whereas the ϵ2 allele was the rarest (6% to 9%). No significant
differences in allele and genotype frequencies between both groups were observed
in either population. CONCLUSION: Our data show that APOE genotypes are not
associated with PEX and PEXG in either Germans or Italians.

PMID: 20543710  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

28: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun-Jul;19(5):347-8. 

Spontaneous venous pulsation as a barometer for translaminar pressure
fluctuation.

Chang TC, Singh K.

Publication Types:
    Comment
    Letter

PMID: 20543631  [PubMed - in process]

29: J Glaucoma. 2010 Jun-Jul;19(5):346; author reply 347. 

Goldmann applanation tonometry and dynamic contour tonometry after treatment
with prostaglandin analog/prostamide.

Ang GS, Wells AP.

Publication Types:
    Letter

PMID: 20543630  [PubMed - in process]

30: J Glaucoma. 2010 May 29; [Epub ahead of print] 

A Correlation Between Latanoprost-induced Conjunctival Hyperemia and Intraocular
Pressure-lowering Effect.

Kobayashi H, Kobayashi K.

*Department of Ophthalmology, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu
daggerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.

PURPOSE: To study any correlation between a short-term change in conjunctival
hyperemia severity and the intraocular pressure-lowering effect induced by
latanoprost. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 114 patients (56 females and 58 males) with
open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were studied. Their mean age was
60.9+/-15.0 years (range, 25 to 87 y). The primary outcome measure was the
change in conjunctival hyperemia grade at 2 days and the change in intraocular
pressure at 6 months after the start of latanoprost administration. RESULTS:
Mean intraocular pressure before and 6 months after latanoprost administration
was 22.5+/-3.8 mm Hg and 16.5+/-2.9 mm Hg, respectively (P<0.0001). Mean
conjunctival hyperemia grade before and 2 days after the administration of
latanoprost was 0.32+/-0.58 and 1.74+/-1.11, respectively (P<0.0001). Mean
change in intraocular pressure was -1.7+/-1.2 mm Hg (-6.6+/-5.1%) in eyes with
no hyperemia grade change, -5.2+/-2.2 mm Hg (-21.5+/-7.6%) in eyes with a
hyperemia grade change of 1, -7.3+/-2.8 mm Hg (-32.0+/-8.9%) in eyes with a
change of 2, and -10.8+/-2.7 mm Hg (-46.1+/-8.6%) in eyes with a change of 3 or
4 (P<0.0001). There was a significant correlation between intraocular pressure
change and hyperemia grade change (intraocular pressure: r=0.535, P=0.0001;
percent of intraocular pressure: r=0.755, P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: A statistically
significant correlation was found between a change in intraocular pressure and
conjunctival hyperemia severity induced by latanoprost.

PMID: 20520573  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]