Glaucoma

Investigators from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine presented data at the ARVO 2022 annual meeting that concluded mapping of the relative cerebrovascular reactivity in the murine brain showed widespread brain changes resulting from the chronic IOP elevation and demonstrates vascular involvement in glaucoma both within and beyond the primary visual pathways.

An end-of-week review of what happened in ophthalmology from April 9-April 15.

iStar Medical announced the expansion of its commercial rollout of its MIGS implant MINIject® to the UK.

Novel trial design will compare safety and effectiveness outcomes for the OMNI Surgical System and the iStent inject in lowering IOP as a standalone treatment option without concomitant cataract surgery.

A team of investigators at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in Japan have identified a gene necessary for the survival of retinal ganglion cells—a class of neurons located in the retina that are critical for vision.

The drug is prescribed as adjunctive therapy for those with glaucoma.

Researchers believe that the prolonged effect of bimatoprost may result from up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases, leading to sustained remodelling of the outflow pathways.

A team of investigators found that sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, could turn out to be key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma.

Many low- and middle-income countries lack resources for managing eye health. A pilot project aims to reduce the number of people going blind from untreated glaucoma by raising awareness and increasing engagement with screening and follow-up.

New World Medical notes that the intuitively designed Streamline features ClickPulse technology that targets the eye’s conventional outflow pathway.

Compounded medications are playing a central role in the process.

Recent innovations in glaucoma have helped clinicians and patients manage the condition more effectively.

The glaucoma toolbox is expanding to include laser, drug delivery systems and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Utilizing new technology, surgeons can be 20 to 40 times more precise.

Results from the study were presented by Dr Russell Tait, CEO of PolyActiva, at the Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum in San Francisco, California.

Prompt, careful use of laser-based treatment minimises postoperative adverse effects.

The 3-month study will assess the safety and ocular hypotensive efficacy of TC-002 ophthalmic solution.

The GMOPC was established in February 2020 at an inaugural meeting in Los Angeles, California, as an investigator-initiated clinical research study, with Heidelberg Engineering as an industry partner.

Comparisons of deep sclerectomy and trabeculectomy show the former to have better outcomes and fewer complications in cases where it is indicated.

The agreement includes Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States countries, China, India, parts of Latin America and the Oceania countries.

Benefits include better visualisation of ciliary processes and avoidance of tissue damage.

Polygenic risk score allows multiple variants to be tested simultaneously.

A gel stent allows for less invasive subconjunctival procedures and an easier recovery course than traditional forms of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Dr Felipe Medeiros in a presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 annual meeting in New Orleans, noted that a phase 3 clinical extension study of the bimatoprost implant found that patients’ IOP was lowered and stayed low with no additional treatment or changes in their visual fields.

The POAAGG study in African Americans gives insights into the effect of glaucoma on this population and provides data that could lead to gene therapies.

Home testing technology is proving to be a key advancement in monitoring and screening glaucoma patients.

Thinning of inner plexiform sub-layers can help differentiate glaucomatous from healthy eyes.

Exploring subtleties helps ophthalmologists understand postoperative surprises.

The versatile technique comes with short learning curve and combines well with MIGS.

Retrospective review highlights the sustained efficacy of combination procedure.