Abdullah M Khan, Ibrahim AlJadaan, Abdullah M Al-Omair, Dalal M A Motabagani, Ahmed Mousa, Gorka Sesma
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a leading cause of irreversible childhood blindness, with elevated prevalence in consanguineous populations of the Middle East and Central Asia. Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) is theoretically safer than conventional penetrating surgery, yet comparative evidence lacks systematic synthesis.
Methods: We systematically searched seven databases through December 2025. Eligible studies compared NPDS with conventional surgery in children with PCG aged under 4 years with ≥ 6 months follow-up. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data; risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0. A random-effects meta-analysis [REML with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) correction] was performed.
Results: Five studies [seven arms, 356 eyes; one randomized controlled trial (RCT), four observational] were included. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction was 10.34 mmHg (HKSJ 95% CI 7.54-13.14; 95% PI: 2.25-18.43 mmHg; I2 = 97.2%, indicating substantial between-study variability driven primarily by differences in baseline IOP [β = +0.61 mmHg; P = 0.004], adjuvant use, and surgical technique; P < 0.001). Surgical success was achieved in 77.1% of eyes (95% CI 65.3-85.8%). Visual acuity improved by 0.329 LogMAR (approximately three Snellen lines; 95% CI 0.220-0.438; P = 0.001). The composite complication rate was 13.2% (95% CI 8.7-19.4%), with I2 = 0% for hypotony, shallow anterior chamber, and hyphema. NPDS resulted in significantly fewer reinterventions (7.4% versus 14.1%; P = 0.046) and better corneal clarity preservation (92.4% versus 83.4%; P = 0.013) than non-NPDS procedures.
Conclusions: Evidence comparing NPDS and conventional surgery in PCG remains limited. Surgery achieved a mean IOP reduction of 10.34 mmHg (HKSJ 95% CI 7.54-13.14), though estimates showed substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.2%). While NPDS may be associated with lower reintervention rates and improved corneal clarity, no definitive differences in primary efficacy were observed. These findings require confirmation in well-designed prospective studies.
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Aims and Scope
Ophthalmology and Therapy is an international, open access, peer-reviewed (single-blind), and rapid publication journal. The scope of the journal is broad and will consider all scientifically sound research from preclinical, clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the use of ophthalmological therapies, devices, and surgical techniques.
The journal is of interest to a broad audience of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, case reports/series, trial protocols and short communications such as commentaries and editorials. Ophthalmology and Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an international and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of quality research, which may be considered of insufficient interest by other journals.
Rapid Publication
The journal’s publication timelines aim for a rapid peer review of 2 weeks. If an article is accepted it will be published 3–4 weeks from acceptance. The rapid timelines are achieved through the combination of a dedicated in-house editorial team, who manage article workflow, and an extensive Editorial and Advisory Board who assist with peer review. This allows the journal to support the rapid dissemination of research, whilst still providing robust peer review. Combined with the journal’s open access model this allows for the rapid, efficient communication of the latest research and reviews, fostering the advancement of ophthalmic therapies.
Open Access
All articles published by Ophthalmology and Therapy are open access.
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The journal’s dedicated in-house editorial team offer a personal “concierge service” meaning authors will always have an editorial contact able to update them on the status of their manuscript. The editorial team check all manuscripts to ensure that articles conform to the most recent COPE, GPP and ICMJE publishing guidelines. This supports the publication of ethically sound and transparent research.
Digital Features and Plain Language Summaries
Ophthalmology and Therapy offers a range of additional features designed to increase the visibility, readership and educational value of the journal’s content. Each article is accompanied by key summary points, giving a time-efficient overview of the content to a wide readership. Articles may be accompanied by plain language summaries to assist readers who have some knowledge of, but not in-depth expertise in, the area to understand the scientific content and overall implications of the article. The journal also provides the option to include various types of digital features including animated abstracts, video abstracts, slide decks, audio slides, instructional videos, infographics, podcasts and animations. All additional features are peer reviewed to the same high standard as the article itself. If you consider that your paper would benefit from the inclusion of a digital feature, please let us know. Our editorial team are able to create high-quality slide decks and infographics in-house, and video abstracts through our partner Research Square, and would be happy to assist in any way we can. For further information about digital features, please contact the journal editor (see ‘Contact the Journal’ for email address), and see the ‘Guidelines for digital features and plain language summaries’ document under ‘Submission guidelines’.
For examples of digital features please visit our showcase page https://springerhealthcare.com/expertise/publishing-digital-features/
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Upon acceptance of an article, authors will be required to pay the mandatory Rapid Service Fee of €5250/$6000/£4300. The journal will consider fee discounts and waivers for developing countries and this is decided on a case by case basis.
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Upon submission, manuscripts are assessed by the editorial team to ensure they fit within the aims and scope of the journal and are also checked for plagiarism. All suitable submissions are then subject to a comprehensive single-blind peer review. Reviewers are selected based on their relevant expertise and publication history in the subject area. The journal has an extensive pool of editorial and advisory board members who have been selected to assist with peer review based on the afore-mentioned criteria.
At least two extensive reviews are required to make the editorial decision, with the exception of some article types such as Commentaries, Editorials, and Letters which are generally reviewed by one member of the Editorial Board. Where reviewer recommendations are conflicted, the editorial board will be contacted for further advice and a presiding decision. Manuscripts are then either accepted, rejected or authors are required to make major or minor revisions (both reviewer comments and editorial comments may need to be addressed). Once a revised manuscript is re-submitted, it is assessed along with the responses to reviewer comments and if it has been adequately revised it will be accepted for publication. Accepted manuscripts are then copyedited and typeset by the production team before online publication. Appeals against decisions following peer review are considered on a case-by-case basis and should be sent to the journal editor.
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