Association of Matrix Metalloproteinases Polymorphisms with Glaucoma Risk, Glaucoma Phenotype, and Response to Treatment with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or Latanoprost.

In open-angle glaucoma, the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is caused by an increased resistance to aqueous humour outflow in the trabecular meshwork. Since genetic variability of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes may influence extracellular matrix remodelling, we investigated their association with glaucoma risk and/or response to treatment. The retrospective part of the study included patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT); in the prospective part of the study, newly diagnosed patients with POAG or OHT were randomised to receive either latanoprost or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as the initial treatment.

Is it the right time to promote competency-based European Training Requirements in Ophthalmology? A European Board of Ophthalmology survey.

Purpose: To report national practices and recent progress in competency-based medical education (CBME) implementation in ophthalmology across European countries.

Methods: A 30-question online survey was emailed to European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) ophthalmology section delegates, European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examiners and presidents of ophthalmology societies affiliated with UEMS/EBO.

Results: A total of 230 ophthalmologists with an average age of 54.

[Cataract surgery training in France: Analysis of the results of the European Board of Ophthalmology survey in the French cohort].

Objective: This study aims to present and analyze the results of the French cohort in a European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) survey on cataract surgical training in Europe, highlighting the particularities of French training.

Materials And Methods: A 23-question electronic questionnaire was sent to interns applying for the EBO examination from 2018 to 2022. Responses from French participants were specifically collected and analyzed.

Cataract surgical training: Analysis of the results of the European Board of Ophthalmology survey in the Swiss cohort.

Introduction: This study, part of a series, analyses the Swiss cohort from an EBO survey on cataract surgery training in Europe, focusing on Switzerland's unique program. The survey identifies two models: training all residents in surgery, and a "high-volume surgeon" model where only some learn CS post-residency.

Methods: This study analyses the survey results of Swiss participants in the EBO examinations (2018-2022) and compared them with the most important cohorts (Germany, France and Spain).

Training in cataract surgery in Spain: analysis of the results of a survey of the European Board of Ophthalmology in a Spanish cohort.

Introduction: A survey conducted by the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) revealed significant differences in the surgical training of the ophthalmology residents in Europe, including a disparity between the sexes and a variation in the experience on cataract surgery (CC) between them. This study is about the Spanish sub-cohort of the survey, and its objective is to present and analyse the peculiarities of ophthalmology training in Spain within the European context, as well as discussing ways to harmonise and improve that training throughout the EU.

Methods: We analyse data of the Spanish participants in the EBO exams, defining subgroups by the Autonomous Communities existing in Spain.

Slope between positive and negative ERG components in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate ERG morphology, in particular the slope between P50 and N95 components of the PERG, as well as between the b-wave and the photopic negative response (PhNR) of the light-adapted (LA) ERG in patients with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction due to open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: The PERG and LA-ERG traces of 16 glaucoma patients and 21 age-similar controls were retrospectively analysed. The ERG signal between the peak of the positive component (P50 and b-wave) towards the negative component (N95 and PhNR) was described by a linear regression y = a + bx, where the parameter b indicated the steepness of the P50-N95 and b-PhNR slope.

Retinal Ganglion Cell Function and Perfusion following Intraocular Pressure Reduction with Preservative-Free Latanoprost in Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

: Given the global prevalence of glaucoma and the crucial role of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in the management of the disease, understanding the immediate effects on retinal structure and function is essential. : This study aimed to assess the effects of preservative-free latanoprost on morphological and functional parameters in treatment-naïve patients with ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. : This study showed a significant reduction in IOP by an average of 30.

Effect of chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine and betadine antiseptic eye drops on cultured human conjunctival goblet cell survival.

Purpose: To compare the effect of the ocular antiseptic treatments 0.05% chlorhexidine, 5% povidone-iodine (PI) and 5% betadine on cell viability and mucin secretion of primary cultured human goblet cells (GCs).

Method: GC viability was analysed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tetrazolium dye (MTT) colorimetric assays.

Distinct Metabolic Profiles of Ocular Hypertensives in Response to Hypoxia.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The main risk factor is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but the actual cause of the disease remains unknown. Emerging evidence indicates that metabolic dysfunction plays a central role.

Cataract surgical training in Europe: European Board of Ophthalmology survey.

Purpose: To survey recently graduated European ophthalmologists concerning cataract surgery (CS) training opportunities.

Setting: Countries affiliated to the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO).

Design: Cross-sectional study of anonymous survey results.

Going for Gaps in Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age worldwide, and with the ageing population, this number will continue to rise, resulting in a reduced quality of life for these people and an increased social and economic burden on society [...

Relative Importance of Glaucoma-Referral Indicators in Retinal Images in a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme in Slovenia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness, so its timely detection is crucial. Retinal images from diabetic retinopathy screening programmes (DRSP) provide an opportunity to detect undiagnosed glaucoma. Our aim was to find out which retinal image indicators are most suitable for referring DRSP patients for glaucoma assessment and to determine the glaucoma detection potential of Slovenian DRSP.

Exploring the Relationship between Anti-VEGF Therapy and Glaucoma: Implications for Management Strategies.

A short-term increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is a common side effect after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, but a sustained increase in IOP with the development of secondary glaucoma has also been reported in some studies after repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and factors contributing to a sustained rise in IOP, as well as treatment strategies for patients at risk. Close monitoring and adjustable IOP-lowering treatment are recommended for high-risk patients, including those with glaucoma, angle-closure anomalies, ocular hypertension or family history of glaucoma; patients receiving a high number of injections or at shorter intervals; and patients with capsulotomy.

Is fat the future for saving sight? Bioactive lipids and their impact on glaucoma.

Glaucoma is characterized by a continuous loss of retinal ganglion cells. The cause of glaucoma is associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), but the underlying pathophysiology is diverse and, in most cases, unknown. There is an indisputable unmet need to identify new pathways involved in glaucoma pathogenesis.

Devices and Treatments to Address Low Adherence in Glaucoma Patients: A Narrative Review.

Poor adherence to topical glaucoma medications has been linked to worse visual field outcomes in glaucoma patients. Therefore, identifying and overcoming the adherence barriers are expected to slow down the progression of disease. The most common barriers to adherence, in addition to the lack of knowledge, include forgetfulness, side effects of medications, difficulties with drop instillation and low self-efficacy.

An Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of Preservative-Free 0.005% (/) Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solutions, and the Impact on In Vitro Human Conjunctival Goblet Cell Survival.

Purpose: To examine the physicochemical properties of five preservative-free (PF) 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic products; Monoprost, Latanest, Gaap Ofteno, Xalmono, and Xaloptic Free. Furthermore, the study investigated the mucin production and cell survival of primary cultured human conjunctival goblet cells when treated with PF eye drops.

Adverse Effects and Safety in Glaucoma Patients: Agreement on Clinical Trial Outcomes for Reports on Eye Drops (ASGARD)-A Delphi Consensus Statement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish consensus among experts on outcomes and methods to be used in clinical trials to assess adverse effects of anti-glaucomatous eye drops.

Design: Modified Delphi method.

Methods: Clinical experts from Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Asia were invited to participate in 2 sequential web-based surveys administered from June 27 to August 29, 2021.

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists - Potential Game Changers in the Treatment of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common ocular neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. It is the most common cause of irreversible blindness. With an increasing number of glaucoma patients and disease progression despite treatment, it is paramount to develop new and effective therapeutics.

Monitoring for glaucoma progression with SAP, electroretinography (PERG and PhNR) and OCT.

Purpose: To investigate the value of pattern electroretinography (PERG) and photopic negative response (PhNR) in monitoring glaucoma compared to standard clinical tests (standard automated perimetry (SAP) and clinical optic disc assessment) and structural measurements using spectral-domain OCT.

Methods: A prospective study included 32 subjects (32 eyes) with ocular hypertension, suspect or early glaucoma monitored for progression with clinical examination, SAP, PERG, PhNR and OCT for at least 4 years. Progression was defined clinically by the documented change of the optic disc and/or significant visual field progression (EyeSuite™ trend analysis).

Benzalkonium Chloride-Preserved Anti-Glaucomatous Eye Drops and Their Effect on Human Conjunctival Goblet Cells in vitro.

Introduction: Most intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering eye drops are preserved with benzalkonium chloride (BAK). This can increase side effects and decrease adherence. Particularly, damage to the mucin-producing conjunctival goblet cells may be an issue due to instability of the tear film.

Enhanced Physiological Stress Response in Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma during Hypoxia.

Purpose: To investigate whether patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) show an enhanced stress response to reduced oxygen supply compared to age-matched healthy controls, measured by serum adrenaline and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and changes in distal finger temperature.

Methods: A thorough clinical characterization of patients with NTG and age-matched controls was performed prior to inclusion in the study. Twelve patients with NTG and eleven healthy controls met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study.