Compatibility and durability of the gel stent material.

Introduction: The XEN Gel Stent (AbbVie Pharmaceuticals) is a device made from Gelatin; a well-known material in the medical field that is firm enough to hold its shape and soft enough to conform to tissues and reduce the risk of erosion. The Gel Stent creates a permanent outflow connection between the anterior chamber and subconjunctival space.

Areas Covered: Validation testing done on the Gel Stent to evaluate biocompatibility and durability of the material as well as real-world experience are included and discussed in this paper.

Intracameral dexamethasone reduces inflammation on the first postoperative day after cataract surgery in eyes with and without glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate whether dexamethasone injected intracamerally at the conclusion of surgery can safely and effectively reduce postoperative inflammation and improve surgical outcomes in eyes with and without glaucoma.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 176 consecutive eyes from 146 patients receiving uncomplicated phacoemulsification (PE) (n = 118 total, 82 with glaucoma), glaucoma drainage device (GDD) (n = 35), combined PE/GDD (n = 11) and combined PE/endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (n = 12). Ninety-one eyes from 76 patients were injected with 0.

Trabeculectomy with intraoperative retrobulbar triamcinolone acetonide.

Use of topical steroids is an important component of postoperative care after filtration surgery. Efficacy of postoperative medications is affected by patient adherence and physical limitations in the elderly population often prohibit proper dosing of ophthalmic drops. We describe a technique for the use of intraoperative retrobulbar triamcinolone acetonide in trabeculectomy surgery and report on postoperative outcomes.

Effect of audible and visual reminders on adherence in glaucoma patients using a commercially available dosing aid.

We studied the effects of audible and visual alarms on adherence with a recommended dosing regimen in the management of glaucoma. Forty-two patients were begun on therapy with the Travatan((R)) Dosing Aid (TDA) and randomly divided into two observation groups - one with visual and audible alarm functions turned on and the other with alarms off. Dosing information was analyzed for mean rates of adherence, missed days, and dosing at the wrong time.

Ab interno sulcus placement of glaucoma tube implants.

A modified technique for sulcus placement of glaucoma silicone tubes is described. Sulcus placement can be useful in patients with penetrating keratoplasty or in those who are at risk for corneal endothelial decompensation. However, correct placement can be difficult to confirm with a traditional ab externo approach.

Parent-administered visual acuity testing: is it reliable and can it improve office efficiency?

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a parent-administered visual acuity test, using the electronic visual acuity tester (EVA) (JAEB Center, Tampa, FL) and evaluate its use as a means to improve efficiency of office acuity testing.

Methods: This was a prospective experimental study. Part I: Sixty-four children had their visual acuity determined using the EVA, first by their parents and then by an ophthalmic technician.