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Top Five of the 25th American Glaucoma Society Meeting
Coronado, CA, USA, February 26 – March 1, 2015

Christopher A. Girkin and Steven J. Gedde

1. A common variant of the gene SIX6(rs33912345) is associated with global and regional reduction in the retinal nerve fiber layer in a non-glaucomatous Asian population)
   The common variant of SIX6 that is present in 80% of Asians and a large percent of all other populations not only increases risk of POAG but also affects the eyes of those who will never be diagnosed with glaucoma. This is likely the first variant to be discovered that will alter the manner in which we calculate POAG risk. 
   (Rand Allingham)
2. To detect peripapillary perfusion defect in glaucoma using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography 
   Visualization of small vasculature in optical coherence tomography (OCT) imagery is limited by the high noise levels inherent to OCT signals. Huang has overcome this barrier through an algorithm that divides each raw A-scan into four independent measurement. Split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography (SSADA) algorithm was compared vessel glaucomatous and age-matched healthy eyes, finding an association between it and visual field parameters.
   (David Huang)
3. New OCT system shows collector channels rapidly open & close with pressure changes: a factor in the persistent distal resistance after MIGS?
   Ex vivo human limbal segments were examined to evaluate the effects of intraocular pressure pulses. Imaging revealed that collagen septa at collector channel ostia form flap-like openings that close with small pressure changes.
   (Murray J. Johnstone)
4. Impact of the introduction of generic latanoprost on glaucoma medication adherence 
   Using a network containing 8427 eligible patients, adherence rates were compared between persons who continued brand-name PGAs and those who switched to generic latanoprost. Patients who continued brand name PGAs were 39% more likely to have reduced adherence. Improved adherence was associated with lower monthly copay of generic latanoprost and black race.
   (Joshua D. Stein)
5. Characteristics of patients who first present with severe-stage glaucoma
   The characteristics of patients in a large US-managed care network who presented with a severe stage of glaucoma were discussed. Males, Asian Americans, and persons of lower income were more likely to have a severe stage of glaucoma at diagnosis in this patient group with health insurance.
   (Victoria Addis)

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