Glaucoma

There is buzz happening within the glaucoma industry, and two experts weigh in on the various highlights of the year.

Ophthalmologists from 76 countries discussed the latest findings in diagnostics and therapy, and also issues of promoting the next generation of young ophthalmologists.

Researchers presented positive top-line clinical results for AMA0076 (Amakem Therapeutics), a possible new drug candidate for the treatment of glaucoma at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Heidelberg edge perimetry (HEP) may have role in the early detection and assessment of functional damage cause by glaucoma, according to the authors of a case report presented online at PubMed via Case Reports in Ophthalmology. Further, HEP testing may potentially have advantages over standard automated perimetry (SAP), currently the gold standard for visual function testing.

Waveform changes in optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow as measured by laser speckle flowgraphy may be useful in differentiating healthy eyes from those with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), according to the authors of a recent study.

Phacoemulsification done after trabeculectomy may significantly increase the rates of bleb failure in the following 12 months, but not at 24 months, according to a recently published study.

In this article, the author provides a summary of the current market and considerations with regard to generic drugs for glaucoma treatment.

Even patients experienced with instilling topical glaucoma medications continue to have difficulties with eye drop administration, even those who do not self-report such difficulties, according to a recent study. Further, the risk of having difficulties with eye drop instillation is increased in patients who self-report difficulty and in those who have been previously observed to have difficulties.

Researchers have developed a methodology for calculating likelihood ratios for glaucoma diagnosis using continuous retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements taken with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and found that average RNFL thickness values < 86 ?m were associated with negative likelihood ratios of such a diagnosis.

Cataract surgery not only can result in a reduction of IOP, it also provides benefits for future management of glaucoma, according to this article.

Dr Nichamin discusses surgical options including MIGS, which he believes is offering attractive prospects for both patients and surgeons.

The article looks at a minimally invasive glaucoma laser procedure with a long-lasting IOP lowering efficiency.

Long-term follow-up is necessary in secondary pigmentary glaucoma patients implanted with a foldable IOL in the ciliary sulcus, advises a recent journal paper.

Gold Micro Shunt Plus (GMS+) implantation is not an effective method for controlling IOP in glaucoma patients, according to a recent study in the journal BMC Ophthalmology.

In this article, Prof. Bron discusses treatment considerations, advocating the treatment of the whole patient.

Here, Dr Noecker discusses options that are available to patients, highlighting the MIGS procedures, which he believes offer promise to reign in compliance issues in glaucoma care.

Prof. Auffarth reveals data that suggests the iStent supra is capable of significantly reducing IOP.

A combination of prostaglandin analog (PGA) and timolol 0.1 & gel reduces both IOP and fluctuations in primary-angle glaucoma patients, states a recent paper in European Journal of Ophthalmology.

Goldmann applanation tonometry is affected by central corneal thickness, reveals a study in the Journal of Glaucoma.

The Ahmed glaucoma device (AGD) effectively controls intraocular pressure (IOP) with high-risk penetrating keratoplasty, reveal the findings from a study in the journal Cornea.

SD-OCT is easier to use when obtaining measurements in children, compared to time-domain OCT, claims a recent study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A good alternative treatment option for reducing IOP

Study demonstrates safety of PLT and its potential to treat open angle glaucoma

Gamma-irradiated cornea allograft is safe and effect for use in glaucoma surgery, according to a paper published in the latest issue of the Journal of Glaucoma.

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) will be awarding five grants totaling ?255 000 for critical glaucoma research.