[Transcorneal electrical stimulation in primary open angle glaucoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neurodegenerative ocular diseases, like primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), are a leading cause of vision loss.
• Electrical stimulation has emerged as a potential therapeutic modality for these conditions.
• Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) using DTL electrodes is being investigated for its efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
• To assess adverse events and visual function parameters following TES treatment.

Main Methods:

• 14 patients with POAG were randomized into three groups: sham (0%), 66% phosphene threshold, and 150% phosphene threshold.
• Patients received TES for 30 minutes weekly for six weeks.
• Outcomes included adverse events, intra-ocular pressure, and visual function tests.

Main Results:

• TES was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. One optic disc hemorrhage occurred in a sham-stimulated eye.
• A statistically significant increase in intra-ocular pressure was observed in the 66% group compared to sham, but it was not clinically meaningful.
• No significant differences in visual field tests or other objective/subjective visual function parameters were found between groups.

Conclusions:

• Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) using DTL electrodes is safe for patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
• Current evidence does not support a significant therapeutic benefit of TES for POAG.
• TES should only be administered to POAG patients within study settings.