Aims To define parameters of autonomic nervous system activity in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods Ambulatory 24-h ECG (Lifecard CF) and 24-h blood pressure (BP) monitoring (SpaceLab 90207-30) were carried out in 54 patients with NTG (44 women, mean age 59.7) and 43 matched control subjects (34 women, mean age 57.0). Heart rate variability time and frequency domain parameters (low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio), BP variability (BPV), diurnal and nocturnal BP variables were compared between study groups. Results Patients with NTG demonstrated higher LF, LF/HF and lower HF values than control subjects for the 24-h, daytime and night-time periods. The mean 24-h, daytime and night-time LF/HF ratios were statistically higher in patients with glaucoma as compared to control subjects ((3.2±1.5 vs 2.2±0.8, p=0.0009), (3.5±1.7 vs 2.7±1.0, p=0.0173) and (2.6±1.7 vs 1.4±0.6, p=0.0001), respectively). There were no statistical differences in the mean BP during the whole day, daytime and night-time, and in BPV (10.4±1.9 vs 10.5±2.1, p=0.790) between study groups. No difference was also found in the percentage decrease in night-time mean BP (12.3% vs 13.6%, p=0.720). ‘Dippers’, ‘non-dippers’ and ‘overdippers’ with NTG showed significantly higher LF/HF ratio as compared to the same subgroups of control subjects. Conclusions The sympathovagal balance of autonomic nervous system in patients with NTG shifted towards sympathetic activity however with no change of 24-h pattern of BPV as compared to controls.

Purpose: To assess tolerability and efficacy following a switch from benzalkonium chloride–latanoprost to preservative-free latanoprost in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Methods: A total of 140 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension controlled with benzalkonium chloride-latanoprost for at least 3 months were switched to treatment with preservative-free latanoprost. Assessments were made on days 15, 45, and 90 (D15, D45, and D90) and included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination, fluorescein staining, tear film break-up time, patient symptom evaluation, and subjective estimation of tolerability. Results: Mean best-corrected visual acuity remained unchanged during the study. Mean intraocular pressure compared with baseline (D0) remained stable throughout the study (D0, 15.9 mmHg (standard deviation = 2.6); D90, 15.3 mmHg (standard deviation = 2.4); p < 0.006). Tear film break-up time improved or remained unchanged relative to baseline in 92% of patients at D45 and in 93% at D90. Moderate-to-severe conjunctival hyperemia was seen in 56.8% of patients at D0, but this figure decreased to 13.7%, 2.2%, and 1.6% at D15, D45, and D90, respectively. Subjective assessment of tolerability (0–10 scale) indicated improvement with change of therapy (mean score: 5.3 (standard deviation = 2.2) at D0 versus 1.9 (standard deviation = 1.7) at D90; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Preservative-free latanoprost has at least the same intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy as benzalkonium chloride–latanoprost, with a better tolerability profile. This may translate into greater control of treatment and improved quality of life.

The role of corneal biomechanics in laser vision correction (LVC) is currently being raised in the assessment of postoperative corneal ectasia risk. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the changes in corneal biomechanics after LVC procedures based on a systematic review of current studies. The results of a search of the literature in the PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were selected for final consideration according to the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. Included in our review were 17 prospective clinical studies, with at least 6 months of follow-up time. Corneal biomechanical properties were assessed by Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), or Corvis ST. The results of the study revealed the highest corneal biomechanics reduction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) followed by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and surface procedures, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy (LASEK). In SMILE procedure treatment planning, the use of thicker caps preserves the corneal biomechanics. Similarly, reduction of flap thickness in LASIK surgery maintains the corneal biomechanical strength. Future prospective clinical trials with standardization of the study groups and surgical parameters are needed to confirm the results of the current review.

Purpose: We investigated whether 24-hour monitoring of corneoscleral limbus area (CSLA) with the Sensimed Triggerfish contact lens sensor (CLS) can be used clinically to assess midterm efficacy of canaloplasty and to assess the relationships of CSLA changes with the heart rhythm. Methods: Ten eyes of 10 patients, with POAG, which were qualified either to canaloplasty or canaloplasty and phacoemulsification, were included in this study. Eyes were washed out before the surgery and control visits were done at days 1, 7, and 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively, at which subjects were examined. We performed 24-hour monitoring of CSLA changes and Holter ECG at washout, and at 3- and 12-month postop visits. Raw CLS signals were processed to lead two parameters describing short-term 24-hour variability of CSLA (VAR, â). Heart activity parameters from CLS were compared to those acquired from Holter ECG. Results: Mean post washout IOP was 20.6 ± 4.7 and decreased to 14.2 ± 3.0 mm Hg 1 year after surgery (P < 0.01). A decreasing trend in VAR and â parameters were noted. Statistically significant differences were found between the washout and 3-month postop visit for VAR and â (P = 0.014 and P = 0.027, respectively) as well as between the washout and 12-month postop result for the parameter â (P = 0.031). No statistically significant differences were found between the 3- and 12-month postop results for both considered parameters. Conclusions: Canaloplasty alone or combined with cataract surgery is a successful surgical method of lowering IOP in glaucoma patients. Canaloplasty decreases 24-hour CSLA fluctuation pattern measured with CLS.

We present a surgical technique for evacuating an intracorneal pre-Descemet hematoma that occurred during a canaloplasty procedure. The technique allows both evacuation of the hematoma outside the anterior chamber and preservation of the intact Descemet membrane, and it can be performed within the primary procedure. Intraoperative pre-Descemet hematoma is reported to be a relatively rare complication of canaloplasty; however, to hasten visual recovery and to avoid potentially sight-threatening complications, surgeons should be aware of this possible complication and be prepared to resolve it as early as possible, even within the canaloplasty procedure.