Objective To evaluate the effect of releasable sutures on shallow anterior chamber, filtering bleb and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods We searched MEDLINE (1971 to 2007), OVID (1971 to 2007) and National Science and Technology Library (1971 to 2007). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effect of releasable sutures on trabeculectomy were collected. Study selection and assessment, data collection and analyses were undertaken and cross-checked by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed with The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.10 software. Results Six RCTs involving 341 eyes were included. Significant differences were observed in the reduction of postoperative shallow anterior chamber (RD –0.23, 95%CI –0.31 to –0.14, Plt;0.000 01) and functional filtering blebs (RD –0.15, 95%CI –0.27 to –0.02, P=0.02). But, no differences were observed for the control of long-term IOP (SMD –0.13, 95%CI –0.37 to 0.10, P=0.27). Conclusion The evidence currently available showed that releasable sutures could reduce the incidence of shallow anterior chamber and has no beneficial effect in controlling long-term IOP. The current evidence is insufficient to define the efficacy of maintaining functional filtering blebs. Further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.
There are so many biomechanical risk factors related with glaucoma and their relationship is much complex. This paper reviewed the state-of-the-art research works on glaucoma related mechanical effects. With regards to the development perspectives of studies on glaucoma biomechanics, a completely novel biomechanical evaluation factor -- Fractional Flow Reserve (FPR) for glaucoma was proposed, and developing clinical application oriented glaucoma risk assessment algorithm and application system by using the new techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning were suggested.
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg (DEX) for treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods This study was a six-month, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial with a 2-month open-label study extension. Patients with branch or central RVO received DEX (n=129) or sham procedure (n=130) in the study eye at baseline; all patients who met re-treatment criteria received DEX at month 6. Efficacy measures included Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central retinal thickness (CRT) on optical coherence tomography. Results Time to ≥15-letter BCVA improvement from baseline during the first 6 months (primary endpoint) was earlier with DEX than sham (P＜0.001). At month 2 (peak effect), the percentage of patients with ≥15-letter BCVA improvement from baseline was DEX: 34.9%, sham: 11.5%; mean BCVA change from baseline was DEX: 10.6±10.4 letters, sham: 1.7±12.3 letters; and mean CRT change from baseline was DEX: −407±212 μm, sham: −62±224 μm (all P＜0.001). Outcomes were better with DEX than sham in both branch and central RVO. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was in-creased intraocular pressure (IOP). Increase sin IOP generally were controlled with topical medication. Mean IOP normalized by month 4, and no patient required incisional glaucoma surgery. Conclusions DEX had a favorable safety profile and provided clinically significant benefit in a Chinese patient population with RVO. Visual and anatomic outcomes were improved with DEX relative to sham for 3 - 4 months after a single implant.