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Ophthalmic Research 2023The iStent (Glaukos Corporation; Laguna Hills, CA, USA) is one of the minimally invasive glaucoma devices. It can be inserted at the time of phacoemulsification or as a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The iStent (Glaukos Corporation; Laguna Hills, CA, USA) is one of the minimally invasive glaucoma devices. It can be inserted at the time of phacoemulsification or as a stand-alone procedure to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP).
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effect of iStent insertion at the time of phacoemulsification with phacoemulsification alone in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE (OVID and PubMed), CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for articles published between 2008 and June 2022 (PRISMA 2020 for the checklist). Studies comparing the IOP-lowering effect of iStent with phacoemulsification versus phacoemulsification alone were included. The endpoints were IOP reduction (IOPR) and the mean reduction in the number of glaucoma drops. A quality-effects model was used to compare both surgical groups.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included, reporting on 1,453 eyes. Eight hundred fifty three eyes had the combined iStent and phacoemulsification, and 600 eyes underwent phacoemulsification alone. IOPR was higher in the combined surgery at of 4.7 ± 2 mm Hg compared to 2.8 ± 1.9 mm Hg in phacoemulsification alone. A greater decrease in postoperative eye drops was noted in the combined group having a decrease of 1.2 ± 0.3 eye drops versus of 0.6 ± 0.6 drops in isolated phacoemulsification. The quality effect model showed an IOPR weighted mean difference (WMD) of 1.22 mm Hg (confidence interval [CI]: [-0.43, 2.87]; Q = 315.64; p < 0.01; I2 = 97%) and decreased eye drops WMD 0.42 drops (CI: [0.22, 0.62]; Q = 42.6; p < 0.01; I2 = 84%) between both surgical groups. Subgroup analysis shows that the new generation iStent may be more effective in reducing IOP.
CONCLUSION
iStent has a synergetic effect with phacoemulsification. The reduction of IOP and glaucoma eye drops was higher when iStent is combined with phacoemulsification compared with isolated phacoemulsification.
Topics: Humans; Phacoemulsification; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Glaucoma Drainage Implants; Glaucoma; Intraocular Pressure; Trabecular Meshwork; Ophthalmic Solutions
PubMed: 37245507
DOI: 10.1159/000531077 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology May 2023Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, with an estimated 57.5 million people suffering from glaucoma globally. Treatment of glaucoma focuses on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, with an estimated 57.5 million people suffering from glaucoma globally. Treatment of glaucoma focuses on lowering intra-ocular pressure to prevent progression of visual field defects, which is the only proven method for treating this disease. Yoga practices are believed to lower intra-ocular pressure in the eyes and prevent further damage in patients with glaucoma. Therefore, this systematic review was planned to explore the available scientific studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were the basis for the investigation of the literature. The Jadad Scale was used to assess the quality of included clinical trials, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included case studies. Based on the quality assessment and eligibility, six studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients carried out between 2007 and 2021 were included in the final review. The results showed a reduction in intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma through Jyoti-trataka (gazing steadily on a point or candle flame) and some other slow yogic breathing techniques, whereas studies on inversion Asanas (yoga postures) showed a rapid increase in intra-ocular pressure soon after starting. The three high-quality RCTs included in the meta-analysis showed a greater improvement in intra-ocular pressure in the yoga groups in both eyes than in the control groups; however, there were some limitations related to a small sample size, study quality, a long-term follow-up period, and variations in the yoga practices. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to overcome the limitations for a better understanding.
Topics: Humans; Yoga; Glaucoma; Intraocular Pressure; Tonometry, Ocular; Blindness
PubMed: 37203026
DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2054_22 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Nov 2023To compare the VEGF levels in the aqueous humor of patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and non-glaucomatous eyes and reveal any potential statistically...
PURPOSE
To compare the VEGF levels in the aqueous humor of patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and non-glaucomatous eyes and reveal any potential statistically significant correlations.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, from inception to December 31, 2021. Key search terms included VEGF and Glaucoma. All relevant studies that evaluated the VEGF levels in patients with POAG and in the control group were included in this systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Heterogeneity was statistically quantified by Q, H, and statistics, and a meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Seven cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis. 144 eyes were enrolled in the POAG group and 162 eyes in the control group. The random effect model showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (SMD =0.284, 95% CI = -0.173 to 0.741; P = 0.223), but we noticed a trend towards elevated VEGF levels in the aqueous humor of POAG patients. Significant heterogeneity was detected (= 74.1%, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates a trend towards elevated VEGF-A levels in the aqueous humor of patients with POAG and suggests a potential neuroprotective role of VEGF in patients with POAG. Future studies are required to evaluate the exact role of VEGF in POAG.
PubMed: 37038334
DOI: 10.1177/11206721231168146 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Prostaglandin analogs have been found to have more versatile uses: treatment of open-angle glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, vitiligo, and other treatments. And... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandin analogs have been found to have more versatile uses: treatment of open-angle glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, vitiligo, and other treatments. And prostaglandin analogs have been found to have an important role in the hair growth cycle. However, prostaglandin analogs have not been sufficiently studied for hair (including hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows) regeneration. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of topical prostaglandin analogs on hair loss was performed.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy and safety of topical prostaglandin analogs for treating hair loss.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases comprehensively. Data were pooled using Review Manager 5.4.1, and subgroup analyses were performed if necessary.
RESULTS
There were six randomized controlled trials included in this meta-analysis. All studies compared prostaglandin analogs with placebo, and one trial consisted of two sets of data. The results showed that prostaglandin analogs could significantly improve the hair length and density ( 0.001). As far as adverse events are concerned, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group.
CONCLUSION
In patients with hair loss, the topical prostaglandin analogs have better therapeutic efficacy and safety than placebo. However, the best dose and frequency of experimental treatment require further studies.
PubMed: 36999072
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1130623 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) are increasingly used options for mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) care.... (Review)
Review
Systematic Literature Review of Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for the Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma with or Without Cataract Extraction.
INTRODUCTION
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) are increasingly used options for mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) care. While most MIGS devices are indicated for use in combination with cataract surgery only, with phacoemulsification playing a role in lowering IOP, newer technologies can also be used as standalone glaucoma surgery.
METHODS
This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to assess the clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes of MIGS and SLT for the treatment of OAG and was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies that assessed MIGS or SLT in at least one treatment arm versus any other glaucoma treatment in adults with mild-to-moderate OAG were included. Clinical, humanistic (health-related quality of life [HRQoL] and patient burden), and economic data were extracted, and the methodological quality of included studies was evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 2720 articles were screened, and 81 publications were included. Fifty-eight reported clinical outcomes. The majority assessed iStent or iStent inject (n=41), followed by OMNI (n=9), gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) or the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) (n=7), Hydrus (n=6), SLT (n=5), Xen Gel Stent (n=2), PreserFlo (n=1), and iTrack (n=1). IOP reduction was observed across prospective studies, varying from -31% to -13.7% at month 6 and from -39% to -11.4% at year 1 versus baseline. Most adverse events were transient and non-serious. Limited humanistic and economic data were identified.
CONCLUSION
Given their established efficacy and safety, there is a rationale for wider use of MIGS in mild-to-moderate OAG. Of the MIGS devices, iStent and OMNI have the largest clinical evidence base supporting their sustained effectiveness.
PubMed: 36636619
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S389406 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2022To investigate whether prostaglandin analogue (PGA) eyedrops have a significant effect on central corneal thickness (CCT), we conducted a systematic search of literature... (Review)
Review
To investigate whether prostaglandin analogue (PGA) eyedrops have a significant effect on central corneal thickness (CCT), we conducted a systematic search of literature published from 2000 to 2021. Among the studies conducted on topical PGA therapy in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients over 18 years old, prospective studies with CCT change as an outcome were included. A single-arm meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall effect on CCT, and subgroup analysis according to exposure time of PGA eyedrops was also performed. We counted the number of articles that reported on severe events (CCT reduction of 25 μm or more) and obtained their proportion. The methodological quality was assessed by the McHarm tool. Twenty-two reports of prospective studies were selected. The results of the single-arm meta-analysis showed very high heterogeneity. Still, in subgroup analysis, when PGA was used for more than 6 months, heterogeneity was low, and a significant decrease in CCT was observed. Severe events were reported in two reports and occurred in 3.8% to 14.8% of participants. PGA eyedrop use may cause a clinically significant CCT decrease, requiring CCT follow-up.
PubMed: 36614844
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010044 -
Journal of Glaucoma Mar 2023Normal tension glaucoma patients had softer corneas than normal controls, whereas high-tension glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients had stiffer corneas. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PRCIS
Normal tension glaucoma patients had softer corneas than normal controls, whereas high-tension glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients had stiffer corneas.
PURPOSE
To comprehensively identify the corneal biomechanical differences of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) using the Ocular Response Analyzer or the Corvis ST.
METHODS
The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched for studies comparing corneal biomechanical differences between POAG and OHT patients with normal controls by Ocular Response Analyzer or Corvis ST. The weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the subtypes of POAG, including high-tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
RESULTS
Thirty-one case-control studies were ultimately included, with 2462 POAG patients, 345 OHT patients, and 3281 normal controls. The corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and highest concavity time (HC-t) were all lower in POAG patients than in normal controls. The CH, time at the second applanation (A2t), HC-t, highest concavity radius (HC-R), and deformation amplitude at the highest concavity (HC-DA) were lower in OHT patients, while the CRF, time at the first applanation (A1t), and stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1) were greater in OHT patients than in normal controls. The subgroup analyses showed that the CH, A2t, length at the second applanation (A2L), and HC-DA were lower in HTG, and the CH, CRF, A1t, and HC-t were lower in NTG patients than in normal controls.
CONCLUSION
The corneas of NTG patients are more deformable than normal controls, whereas the corneas of HTG and OHT patients are stiffer.
Topics: Humans; Low Tension Glaucoma; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Intraocular Pressure; Biomechanical Phenomena; Tonometry, Ocular; Glaucoma; Ocular Hypertension; Cornea
PubMed: 36583701
DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002170 -
Ophthalmic Research 2023Prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) are first-line antiglaucoma agents that appear to either decrease or increase central cornea thickness (CCT), creating controversy regarding... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) are first-line antiglaucoma agents that appear to either decrease or increase central cornea thickness (CCT), creating controversy regarding the benefits of PGAs in treating CCT.
PURPOSE
We performed the first meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the effects of PGAs on CCT in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT).
METHODS
This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was performed of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (Open Grey), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and the references of retrieved studies. Only observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The final CCT of patients and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each study were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). A fixed-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Subgroup analyses based on several stratified factors such as public bias (Begg's test) and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Five cohort, 5 case-control, and three cross-sectional studies including 2,722 subjects were included. The pooled effect of all thirteen studies showed that PGAs reduced the CCT of patients with glaucoma or OHT slightly but significantly (WMD = -9.37; 95% CI [-12.18, -6.57]; p = 0.00; I2 = 45.5%). Significant effects were also observed in all three study designs: cohort (WMD = -5.17; 95% CI [-9.52, -0.82]), case-control (WMD = -15.31; 95% CI [-22.66, -7.97]), and cross-sectional (WMD = -8.65; 95% CI [-17.30, -0.01]). In addition, subgroup analysis of exposure time showed the effect of PGAs to be more obvious in the first (WMD = -5.81; 95% CI [-9.49, -2.14]) and second (WMD = -13.73; 95% CI [-20.19, -7.28]) years.
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled effects of previously reported studies suggest that PGA use can reduce the CCT of patients with glaucoma or OHT slightly but significantly, with this effect more pronounced in the first 2 years. These findings suggest that clinicians must closely monitor changes in CCT in the first 2 years of PGA use to identify cases of intraocular pressure misestimation and the efficacy of PGAs.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Cornea; Glaucoma; Ocular Hypertension; Intraocular Pressure; Tonometry, Ocular; Prostaglandins, Synthetic
PubMed: 36455536
DOI: 10.1159/000528461 -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... May 2023Cataract and glaucoma are two of the most common ocular comorbidities. Cataract surgery has been shown to influence intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Cataract and glaucoma are two of the most common ocular comorbidities. Cataract surgery has been shown to influence intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma; nevertheless, the extent of this effect remains controversial, especially in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). The aim of this review is to determine the real effect of cataract surgery on IOP change in patients with OAG, focusing on data retrieved from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A systematic review was performed, including six different RCTs that studied the net effect of cataract surgery on IOP. Eligibility criteria required a full washout from hypotensive therapy, allowing accurate measurement of unmedicated IOP, both before and after surgery.
RESULTS
Included studies revealed a consistent reduction on IOP occurring after surgery, varying between 4.1 and 8.5 mmHg depending on the RCT. There was also a decrease in the number of glaucoma medications, with a mean reduction of 0.2-1.0 agents postoperatively. Evaluation of adverse outcomes of cataract surgery showed a very favourable safety profile.
CONCLUSION
Although the role of cataract surgery in the algorithm of glaucoma treatment remains to be established, this review highlights a consistent decrease on IOP following surgery and a reduced dependency on glaucoma medications. Potential downgrade in medication can thus be considered in well-controlled glaucoma patients after phacoemulsification. PROSPERO registry: CRD42022343378.
Topics: Humans; Cataract Extraction; Intraocular Pressure; Tonometry, Ocular; Glaucoma; Phacoemulsification; Cataract; Glaucoma, Open-Angle
PubMed: 36441227
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05911-3 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 2023This review focuses on utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in analysis of biofluid markers in glaucoma. We detail the accuracy and validity of AI in the exploration...
PURPOSE
This review focuses on utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in analysis of biofluid markers in glaucoma. We detail the accuracy and validity of AI in the exploration of biomarkers to provide insight into glaucoma pathogenesis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases including Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. Studies pertaining to biofluid marker analysis using AI or bioinformatics in glaucoma were included. Identified studies were critically appraised and assessed for risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools.
RESULTS
A total of 10,258 studies were screened and 39 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 23 cross-sectional studies (59%), nine prospective cohort studies (23%), six retrospective cohort studies (15%), and one case-control study (3%). Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was the most commonly studied subtype (55% of included studies). Twenty-four studies examined disease characteristics, 10 explored treatment decisions, and 5 provided diagnostic clarification. While studies examined at entire metabolomic or proteomic profiles to determine changes in POAG, there was heterogeneity in the data with over 175 unique, differentially expressed biomarkers reported. Discriminant analysis and artificial neural network predictive models displayed strong differentiating ability between glaucoma patients and controls, although these tools were untested in a clinical context.
CONCLUSION
The use of AI models could inform glaucoma diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity. While insight into differentially expressed biomarkers is valuable in pathogenic exploration, no clear pathogenic mechanism in glaucoma has emerged.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Glaucoma; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Prospective Studies; Proteomics; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36426575
DOI: 10.1177/11206721221140948