Aim: To describe the current practice patterns and perceptions of Canadian ophthalmologists using laser trabeculoplasty (LTP). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of 124 members of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) who perform LTP was conducted. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square comparative analyses were performed on anonymous self-reported survey data. Results: Of the 124 respondents, 34 (27.4%) completed a glaucoma fellowship. Use of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) (94.4%) was preferred over argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) (5.6%). The most frequently cited reasons for SLT preference was less damage to trabecular meshwork (30.7%), availability (16.2%), and repeatability (16.2%). In all, 47.6% of the respondents performed LTP concurrently with medical treatment, 33.9% used it after medical treatment, and 17.7% used it as first-line treatment. Majority (87.1%) of the respondents believed that SLT is effective when repeated. In suitable patients, 41.9% of the respondents stated on average they repeat SLT once, 26.6% twice, and 19.4% greater than 2 times, respectively. Of those who repeat SLT on patients, 80.7% found repeat SLT treatments have good outcomes for patients. In all, 105 (84.7%) ophthalmologists responded they would benefit from an LTP practice guideline. Significantly more ophthalmologists without glaucoma fellowships perceived they would benefit from a practice guideline (p value <0.001). Conclusion: This survey provides valuable practical information on how LTP is used in the treatment of glaucoma in Canada. Clinical significance: The findings may serve as a baseline survey to trend future practices.

Aim: To compare outcomes of ab interno XEN gelatin stent (Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) implantation vs trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). Materials and methods: A retrospective review was conducted of eyes that underwent standalone XEN implantation or trabeculectomy with MMC at a single institution from 2014 to 2019. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medications, complications, and postoperative interventions were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the reduction in IOP at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of postoperative intervention and complications. Results: One hundred and seventy-nine eyes were included who underwent XEN (n = 90) or trabeculectomy (n = 89). The mean age was 74.5 ± 7.6 and 68.1 ± 8.2 years old for the XEN and trab groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Baseline IOP for XEN was 17.8 ± 6.0 vs 20.4 ± 9.0 mm Hg for the trab group (p = 0.03). At 6 months, mean IOP for XEN group was 13.5 ± 5.9 mm Hg, representing a 24.1% IOP reduction from baseline (p < 0.001) while mean for trab group was 10.8 ± 4.8 representing a 47% IOP reduction from baseline (p < 0.001). The mean IOP was 2.7 mm Hg lower in trab compared to the XEN group at 6 months (p < 0.003). The number of medications was reduced in both groups from 2.9 ± 1.1 and 3.1 ± 0.9 to 1.1 ± 2.3 and 0.8 ± 1.4 by 6 months postoperatively for XEN and trab groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Complication rates were low for both groups. The needling rate was 30% in XEN vs 7.9% in the trab group (p < 0.001), and 46.1% of eyes in the trab group underwent laser suture lysis. Additionally, IOP reduction and complication rates were similar following XEN in eyes receiving <40 or ≥40 μg of MMC. Conclusion: XEN implantation produces a substantial reduction in IOP with a favorable safety profile comparable to trabeculectomy. Careful postoperative bleb management is critical to obtain optimum outcomes, and higher MMC doses appear safe and may reduce needling rates. Clinical significance: This study confirms the safety and efficacy of XEN gelatin stent implantation in comparison to trabeculectomy with MMC.

Purpose: To describe the outcomes of a combined technique (Cyclo Mix) in uncontrolled glaucoma cases. Materials and methods: Retrospective study. The Supra 810 nm subliminal laser (Quantel Medical, Cournon d’Auvergne, France) was used. A combined technique was performed using the subliminal mode (Subcyclo) in one hemifield (power of 2,000 mW, a duty cycle of 35%, and 80–150 seconds), and the continuous wave mode (Thermo Cyclo) on the other hemifield (power of 1,000 mW, exposure time of 2 seconds per spot). The primary endpoint was the probability of surgical failure. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) change, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of glaucoma eye drops, and complications at 6 months postoperatively were secondary outcomes. Results: Twenty-three eyes from 13 patients were included. Mean age was 61.4 ± 16.7 (range: 18–78 years), and 69% were female, with a baseline IOP of 20.3 ± 5.9 (range: 13–38 mm Hg). The cumulative probability of failure was 18 and 22% on days 90 and 180, respectively. Mean IOP reduction was −25.6 ± 20.9% at 6 months. The number of glaucoma eye drops was reduced to 1.2 ± 1 (p = 0.0024) at 6 months. No statistically significant change in the mean BCVA compared with baseline at 6 months was found (p = 0.84), and no severe complications were reported. Conclusion: Cyclo Mix seems to be a safe therapy that effectively reduces the IOP and glaucoma medications in eyes with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma for up to 6 months.

Ophthalmic literature has been subjected to scientometrics in the past both for specific disease pathologies, such as, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, and specific journals to add insight to the evolving trends. This short scientometric review looks at the distribution pattern and subject domain knowledge of worldwide glaucoma research with data extracted from Web of Science (WoS, Clarivate Analytics) for the past 74 years.

Purpose: To present an association between acquired pits of the optic nerve (APON) and prior laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Materials and methods: A retrospective case series of patients with an optic disk pit on clinical exam and a history of LASIK. Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography images and Humphrey Visual Fields were reviewed from prior visits. Extended-depth optical coherence tomography was performed of the optic nerve head at subsequent visits after patients were identified. Results: Seven patients, aged 45–73 years, were identified each with unilateral optic disk pits. Optic disk pits were located inferior in six patients and centrally in one patient. All demonstrated thinning on optical coherence tomography and six patients had corresponding visual field defects. Four patients identified these defects after their LASIK procedure while two patients were unaware of their reproducible visual field defects. All patients were treated with drops initially. One patient underwent laser trabeculoplasty, and three underwent a trabeculectomy after demonstrating progression on maximum tolerated medical therapy. Conclusion: This series describes a possible association between LASIK and APON. Given the similarity and severity of vision loss associated with the optic nerve pits in these patients after LASIK, increased awareness and caution is suggested while considering LASIK in susceptible individuals.

Aim: To describe a case of acute bilateral endothelial decompensation following prophylactic Nd:YAG laser iridotomy (LI) for occludable angles. Background: Although regarded safe, LI can occasionally be a source of various ocular complications, including corneal endothelial damage. In the herein case, we describe the first case of acute bilateral endothelial decompensation after Nd:YAG LI. Case description: A 63-year-old man was referred for consultation due to visual acuity deterioration in both eyes 2 weeks after undergoing an uneventful prophylactic LI for occludable angles. On examination, bilateral corneal edema with Descemet's membrane folds was observed. Direct corneal damage from the laser beam was not seen. Specular microscopy failed to count endothelial density. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy, and ocular biometry were performed. The patient was referred for bilateral endothelial keratoplasty. Conclusion: Subacute endothelial dysfunction should be considered as a possible adverse event following Nd:YAG LI and patients should be advised accordingly. Clinical relevance: Surgeons should be aware of the potentially devastating complication of bilateral corneal decompensation following routine Nd:YAG LI, even in patients without preexisting corneal injury. Patients should be advised accordingly.