Tuesday, December 31, 2019


BIODEGRADABLE COLLAGEN IMPLANT FOR TRABECULECTOMY


Guest author
SANA MAHREEN
Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College
Aligarh-India

INTRODUCTION

Trabeculectomy currently remains the “gold standard” for filtration surgery.
A disadvantage of this procedure is postoperative fibrosis and scarring, leading to bleb failure and rise of intra-ocular pressure (IOP).
Concern over postoperative scarring has led to the widespread intra- and post-operative use of antifibrotic agents, particularly 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU) and Mitomycin C (MMC). These agents, however, may bring an increased risk for chronic bleb leaks, hypotony, blebitis and even endophthalmitis.
One solution to this challenge may have its roots in the burgeoning field of “tissue bioengineering”.

BIODEGRADABLE COLLAGEN MATRIX IMPLANT

The biodegradable collagen matrix (BCM) implant is being marketed, depending on the country, as OlogenTM (Aeon Astron Corporation) or iGenTM (Life Spring Biotech Company), both based in Taipei, Taiwan.


It takes advantage of micro-technology and tissue bioengineering by having a molecular structure that permits the formation of a spongy filtration bleb without the use of antifibrotic agents.
The implant is a 3D porous scaffold made of 1% collagen/C-6-S copolymer with a pore size ranging from 20-200µ.
It measures 4x7 mm and has a cylindrical shape, allowing for easy insertion and manipulation during glaucoma surgery.
The implant encourages the formation of a spongy meshwork of fibroblasts and connective tissue in a controlled and organized pattern. It forces fibroblasts and myofibroblasts to only grow into the pores, during the early postoperative period and secrete connective tissue in the form of a loose matrix.
After the polymer scaffold biodegrades, it leaves a milieu of organized fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and extra-cellular matrix. This leads to a reduced scar formation.
The implant also maintains an elevated bleb while the healing process is underway.
In trabeculectomy, early inflammation can lead to adhesion of the conjunctiva and episcleral surface during the early postoperative phase.


SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

A conjunctival flap (limbus or fornix based) is created.
A partial thickness scleral flap is then formed.
A sharp blade is used to enter the anterior chamber at the base of the scleral flap.
A sclerostomy is created with a punch or en bloc excision, after which the scleral flap is closed with two-to-four 10-0 nylon sutures.
The BCM implant is then placed directly above the scleral flap and the conjunctiva closed as per surgeon’s preference.


RESEARCH

ANIMAL STUDIES:
Chen et al performed trabeculectomy with the BCM implant in one eye of 17 rabbits and standard trabeculectomy without anti-fibrotic agents in the fellow eye as control.
For the first 2 post-operative weeks IOP was similar in the two groups. Subsequently, the IOP decreased in the implant group as the matrix dissolved. Conversely, the IOP in the control group progressively elevated to post-operative levels.
Another study was performed in 30 rabbits undergoing trabeculectomy with the implant were compared with a control group of rabbits undergoing trabeculectomy without it.
In both groups, the conjunctiva was incompletely sutured to produce a wound leak. Although the conjunctival defect sealed equally well in both groups, IOP was significantly lower in the implant group after conjunctival healing was complete.

HUMAN STUDIES:
The BCM implant is now available in Europe and Asia.
Chen and Hsu reported the preliminary results of the experience in 12 patients. They found a 64% reduction in IOP four months after surgery. The average number of glaucoma medications also decreased from 2 to 0.3.
Ruokonen et al. reported their experience in 17 patients with open angle glaucoma. IOP improved from 30 to 14 mmHg within 3 months after surgery. The average number of glaucoma medications required decreased from 3.3 to 0.2. Eleven eyes developed bleb encapsulation with elevated IOP after 7 months. Of these some responded well to needling and 2 required further surgery to control IOP.
Another study reported the outcomes of 20 consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy with implant placement. After 3 months, mean IOP decreased from 33.8 to 13.3 mmHg. All patients tolerated the implant well and no systemic adverse-effects were noted.
Researchers in China studied the effects of trabeculectomy with the implant versus trabeculectomy without anti-fibrotics. The mean IOP was significantly lower in the implant group after 6 months of follow-up. The risk of bleb failure was 30% lower in the implant group.
The BCM implant is also being used in cases of combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy. Grewel et al. studied 10 patients with POAG who were undergoing combined phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy and implant placement. At 3 months post-operatively, mean IOP had improved from 20 to 9 mmHg and the mean number of topical glaucoma medications needed reduced from 2.7 to 0.9.

CONCLUSION

The BCM implant invokes the concepts of tissue bioengineering to promote successful glaucoma filtration surgery. The implant is largely safe, easy to handle and effective in reducing IOP without any side-effects as seen with anti-fibrotic agents.


  ologen® Collagen Matrix prevents subconjunctival, scleral and trabdoor scarring via three principal mechanisms:

  1. The volume of ologen® Collagen Matrix creates a functional bleb which maintains a physiological barrier in the subconjunctival space that prevents subconjunctival scar formation.
  2. The porous structure of the collagen matrix induces random growth of the fibroblasts into the porous structure to prevent scar formation and to modulate the wound healing process.
  3. ologen® Collagen Matrix has a superior water-absorbing abilityand an excellent pliable strength. When ologen® Collagen Matrix absorbs aqueous humor, it works like a reservoir and creates a tamponading effect on the scleral flap, which along with the use of a loose suture on the scleral flap maintains a dynamic controlled drainage of the aqueous humor outflow. These properties further prevent scar formation in the trabdoor and intra-scleral space and reduce the chances of hypotony which may be seen in trabeculectomy with the applications of anti-metabolites adjuncts before ologen® Collagen Matrix can be applied.



Friday, December 27, 2019

AHMAD'S MODIFIED TRABECULECTOMY TECHNIQUE: 
ASIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY


Ahmad's Modified Trabeculectomy Technique (AMTT) aims to utilize subtle modifications to the classical trabeculectomy technique in order to achieve a better filtering bleb, leading to lesser complications.

Details of the AMTT study have been published in the:
Asian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019;16:231-241.

Link ⇒




Monday, December 16, 2019

PUBLICATIONS AND POSTERS


PUBLICATIONS AND POSTERS


  1.  “The paradigm of traumatic lens-induced glaucoma”: Journal of Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, Vol XXXVI; No: 4, Dec 1997, 37-40.
  2. “Traumatic Cataracts: Newer Perspectives”: Journal of Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, Vol XXXVII; No: 2, June 1998, 31-33.
  3. “An overview of free radical scavengers in glaucomatous neurodestruction”: SFRR-India Bulletin, 2004, 3(2): 37-43.
  4.  “Devastating ocular injury by a rice black bug: A case report”, International Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010; 10:1253-1256.
  5. “A case of bilateral, spontaneous absorption of lenses”, Digital Journal of Ophthalmology, 2011, Volume 17, Number 1.
  6. “Bilateral persistent pupillary membranes associated with cataract”, Digital Journal of Ophthalmology, 2011, Volume 17, Number 4.
  7. “Persistent pupillary membranes”: included in the London Dysmorphology and Neurogenetics database, 2012.
  8. “Florid diabetic retinopathy in a young patient”, Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research, 2012; 7:84-87.
  9. “Toxoplasmosis: Maternal, pediatric and ocular-need for a change in prevalence”: Science International, 2012; 24:69-73.
  10. “Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: An unusual ophthalmic presentation”, Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, 2012; 5: 115-117.
  11. “A 5-year old with a lid swelling”, Digital Journal of Ophthalmology, 2012, Volume 18, Number 4.
  12. “Current concepts in the biochemical basis of glaucomatous neurodegeneration”, Journal of Clinical Glaucoma Practice, 2013; 7:49-53.
  13. “Cut-it-out technique in a case of fish-hook injury”, Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock, 2013; 6: 293-295.
  14. “An iris metastasis from malignancy of the lungs-Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of a case report”, Southeast Asian Journal of Case Report and Review, 2013; 2: 256-261.
  15. “Asymptomatic unilateral pulsatile eye: Clinical and therapeutic evaluation of sphenoid bone defect in neurofibromatosis type I”, International Journal of Case Reports and Images 2013;4(11):623–626.
  16. “Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: A commentary”, Med J Dr DY Patil University, 2014; 7:255.
  17. “The dynamics of aqueous humor outflow: A major review”, US Ophthalmic Review. 2014; 7(2):137–42.
  18. “Protein S Deficiency Related Retinal Artery Occlusion in a Pregnant Chinese Woman”, American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2014, 2(9), 175-180.
  19. “An ode to NVG”, Journal of Clinical Glaucoma Practice, Sept-December, 2014;8:85.
  20. “Pharmacologic trabeculectomy”, US Ophthalmic Review, 2015; 8 (1):46–51.
  21.  “A case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease mimicking sympathetic ophthalmia”, Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2015; 3(7): 585-587. 
  22. “A case of choroidal melanocytoma mimicking a a choroidal melanoma”, Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology, 2015, 29, 242–245.  
  23. “Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: An unusual ophthalmic presentation”: Included in The London Ophthalmic Genetics Database (GENEEYE) 2015.
  24.  “Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in a 9-year old girl”, Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2015; 3(10): 838-839.
  25. “A benign presentation of primary ductal adenocarcinoma of lacrimal gland: A rare malignancy”,   Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2015; 63:856-8.
  26. “Bee sting keratopathy with retained stinger”, Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2016; 4(1): 83-84.               
  27. “A case of acute periorbital necrotizing fasciitis”, Journal of Acute Disease.  2016; 5(2): 174–176.
  28. “Two case reports of toxocariasis mimicking endophthalmitis in immunosuppresed adults”, Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2016; 4(3):248-250.
  29. “Pigmentary glaucoma with retinochoroidal pigmentation”, Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research 2016; 11 (1): 120-123.
  30. “Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor—A Case Report”, US Ophthalmic Review, 2016; 9(1):34–6.
  31. “Idiopathic Orbital Inflammatory Disease Mimicking a Carotid Cavernous Fistula”, American Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2016, Vol. 4, No. 4, 122-125.
  32. “Large non-traumatic iris cyst”, American Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2016;4(6):218-220.
  33. “Controversies in the vascular theory of glaucomatous optic nerve degeneration”, Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;6:182-186.
  34. “Acute anterior necrotizing scleritis: A case report”, Journal of Acute Disease. 2016;5(5):439-441.
  35. “Masquerade syndrome: Retinoblastoma presenting as phacolytic glaucoma”, Journal of Coastal Life Medicine. 2016;4(10):838-840.
  36. “A case of acute periorbital necrotizing fasciitis”, Journal of Acute Disease.  2016; 5(2): 174–176.
  37. “An introduction to DARC technology”, Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. 2017;31:38-41.
  38. “Acute lens induced glaucomas: A review”, Journal of Acute Disease. 2017;6(2):47-52.
  39. “Gonioscopy- A primer”, US Ophthalmic Review. 2017;10(1):42-45.
  40. “Water related ocular diseases: A review”, Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. 2018 Jul-Sep;32(3):227-233.
  41. “Electrical injury of irides”, Medical Journal of the Dr D. Y. Patil University. 2018;11:178-9.
  42. “Glaucoma suspects: A practical approach”, Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology, 2018;8:74-81.
  43. "Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Associated Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Leading to Neovascular Glaucoma and Optic Neuritis: A Case Report“, Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research, 2019;14:97-100.
  44.  “A rethink of 10-2 visual fields in early glaucoma”, US Ophthalmic Review, 2019; 12: 33-6.
  45.  “A modified trabeculectomy technique”. Asian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019;16:231-241.
  46.  “Validation of the WINROP algorithm in an East Malaysian population”. Asian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019;16:250-259.
  47.  “Controversies in the association of parapapillary atrophy with glaucoma”. Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology [Ahead of print]. DOI:10.4103/tjo.tjo_64_19.
  48. "CMV retinitis associated with high CD4 counts and DHEA abuse". Indian Journal of STD and AIDS.Indian J Sex Transm Dis. 2020;41:119-22
  49. "Clear lens extraction in glaucoma (Is it still a controversy?)". Editorial, Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020; Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v36i2.1025 
  50. " Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation: Our Experience". Ophthalmology Open Journal. 2020; 4(1): 1-4. doi: 10.17140/OOJ-4-120.
  51. 'Coronavirus and ophthalmology". US Ophthalmic Review, Insights.  https://www.touchophthalmology.com/insight/coronavirus-and-ophthalmology/
  52. " Clear lens extraction in primary angle-closure disease: pros and cons". US Ophthalmic Review. 2020;13(1):23–9.
  53. "Coenzyme Q and its role in glaucoma". Accepted for publication in the Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjopt.2020.04.007.
  54. "Optic atrophy". Statpearls Publications. PMID: 32644556. NBK559130.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32644556/
  55. "Eyelid Coloboma". Statpearls Publications. PMID: 32644331. NBK558905. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32644331/
  56. "Retinal hemorrhages". StatPearls Publications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560777/?report=reader#_NBK560777_pubdet_
  57. "Evaluation of proptosis:A primer". touchREVIEWS in Ophthalmology. 2021;15(1)
POSTERS
  1. “Branch retinal artery occlusion associated with protein C and S deficiency”, poster presentation at the 25th Malaysia Singapore Joint Ophthalmic Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 20-22nd November, 2009:
  2. “Devastating ocular effect of rice bug- Posisang”, poster presentation at the 25th Malaysia Singapore Joint Ophthalmic Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 20-22nd November, 2009:
  3. “Sabah Mission For Vision: An experience in eye-care delivery in Malaysia” poster presentation at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Nice, France, 20-23 April 2010.
  4. “Acanthamoeba keratitis: A challenge in diagnosis and treatment”, poster presentation at the 8th UKM Ophthalmology Symposium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 10-11th July, 2010.
  5.  “Challenges in diagnosis of choroidal melanocytoma”, poster presentation at the 27th Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ophthalmic Congress, Penang, Malaysia, 24-26th June, 2011.
  6.  “Cut-it-out technique in a case of fish hook injury”, poster presentation at the 3rd Annual Scientific meeting of the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology, Selangor, 24-25th March, 2012.
  7. “Bilateral pigment dispersion glaucoma: A case report”, poster presentation at the 27th Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO), Busan, Korea, 13-16th April, 2012.
  8.  “Ahmad’s Modified Trabeculectomy Technique”, poster presentation at the World Glaucoma Congress, Hong Kong, 6-9 June, 2015. 
  9.  “Validation of the WINROP screening algorithm among pre-term infants in East Malaysia”, poster presentation at the Asia Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS), Kuala Lumpur, 8-10 December 2017 (Best Poster Winner). 
  10.  “A boat not to miss”, poster presentation at the 8Th Conjoint Scientific Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14-16th August, 2018.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY 



Guest author
GULAFSHAN FATIMA
Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College 
Aligarh-India



INTRODUCTION 

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an effective treatment option for reduction of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension.
SLT is at least as effective as Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty at lowering IOP in many forms of Glaucoma. SLT decreases IOP fluctuation and can be successfully used as a primary or adjunctive therapy for management of both early and advanced Glaucoma. Limited evidence suggests that SLT is cost effective as primary therapy for patients with Glaucoma.

[FURTHER READING: https://ourgsc.blogspot.com/search?q=selective]




BASIC PRINCIPLES

SLT is based on the principle of selective laser thermolysis.
According to this concept, radiation energy applied to trabecular meshwork (TM) selectively targets pigmented cells without causing significant collateral thermal damage.
The SLT base is a 532-nm frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a fixed spot size of 400-nm and duration of 3 nanoseconds.
The power range for treatment varies from 0.4-1.4 mJ.
These parameters spare surrounding non-pigmented cells as the pulse duration is significantly shorter than thermal relaxation time (1 microsecond) of melanin granules contained in pigmented TM cells.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The exact mechanism by which IOP is lowered by SLT is unknown and probably multifactorial.
SLT appears to lower IOP by increasing trabecular outflow.
Proposed mechanism of action include: structural alteration inflammatory response with remodeling of extracellular matrix and stimulation of TM cell proliferative changes.

SLT IN SPECIFIC TYPES OF GLAUCOMA

SLT is useful in various types of glaucoma including:
Normal tension glaucoma
Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma
Pigmentary glaucoma
Steroid induced glaucoma

Normal tension glaucoma:
SLT can have a significant IOP lowering effect in patients with NTG, albiet with a smaller absolute reduction in IOP. The use of SLT in NTG has been limited historically because of the fact that the most reliable predictor of success is a higher preoperative IOP. Lee et. al. treated 45 NTG eyes with 360-degree SLT after 1 month of medication washout, the IOP was significantly reduced.

Steroid induced glaucoma:
Although there is limited data available, SLT appears to effectively lower IOP in patients with steroid induced glaucoma and may even help prevent IOP spikes from subsequent steroid treatment.
SLT was found to produce a 35.9% drop in IOP over 12 months of follow up in patients with steroid induced glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

SLT is an effective treatment option for the reduction of IOP in patients with ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma. Based on published data SLT is at least as effective as ALT and medications.

There is evidence that SLT can successfully be repeated to achieve additional or recurrent IOP reduction in eyes that had a modest response to initial treatment.

Adverse effects are uncommon after SLT. The most common complications being mild and transient rise in IOP immediately following the procedure.

SLT can be a useful and effective treatment option when medications are ineffective or are causing unwarranted side-effects.




Sunday, December 1, 2019

ANIRIDIA


Guest author
HINA MERAJ
Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College 
Aligarh-India

INTRODUCTION

Aniridia is a congenital, hereditary, bilateral, extreme form of iris hypoplasia or absence of iris.

It occurs as a result of abnormal neuroectodermal development secondary to a mutation in the PAX6 gene. This gene (PAX6) is adjacent to gene WT1, the mutation of which predisposes to Wilm's tumor.

TYPES

  • ANIRIDIA TYPE 1 (AN-1)
AN-1 is inherited through the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. It only affects the eye and spares rest of the body. Penetrance is complete (all patients with the genotype will have the phenotype). However, severity is variable.

  • ANIRIDIA TYPE 2 (AN-2)
AN-2 is sporadic; which means it is not inherited from either of the parents.
Children with sporadic congenital aniridia may only have aniridia or they may also have a chance of having problems with other parts of their bodies.
Children with AN-2 are at risk of developing two associated conditions, namely Miller syndrome and WAGR syndrome.

  • ANIRIDIA TYPE 3 (AN-3)
Can be associated with Gillespie Syndrome. AN-3 follows the autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It is not caused by PAX6 mutations. Cerebellar ataxia and mental handicap are main features.

OCULAR FEATURES

Presentation is typically at birth with nystagmus, photophobia and strabismus (esotropia). The parents may have noticed the absence of iridis or apparently large pupil.


SIGNS

Aniridia is variable in severity, ranging from minimal, detectable only by retroillumination to total absence of iris. 

There is often meibomian gland dysfunction apparent on the lids. Tear film instability, dry eye and epithelial defects are common. Lesions include corneal vascularization, epithelial ulcers, aniridic keratopathy and microcornea. Limbal stem cell deficiency may result in conjunctivalization of the peripheral cornea.

Lens changes can include cataract and subluxated or dislocated lens.

Possible abnormalities of the fundus include:
Foveal hypoplasia
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Macular hypopigmentation
Dull macular reflex
Glaucomatous cupping
Choroidal coloboma

MANAGEMENT

Painted contact lenses maybe used to create an artificial pupil and improve both vision and cosmesis. Simple tinted lenses are an alternative. Both may improve nystagmus. 

Lubricants are frequently used for keratopathy.

Colored IOLs for aniridia
Cataract surgery is often required.

GLAUCOMA

It accounts for 75% of cases; seen in late childhood or adolescence.
It is caused by synechial angle closure secondary to the contraction of rudimentary frill of iris.

Treatment
Medical treatment is usually inadequate in long term. Goniotomy maybe helpful if performed prior to the irreversible angle closure.

Glaucoma Drainage Devices maybe effective.

Diode laser cycloablation may be necessary if other modalities fail.





PERIPAPILLARY RETINOSCHISIS IN GLAUCOMA

  Peripapillary changes on OCT scans are being increasingly reported in glaucoma patients. This could be due to better awareness of these ch...