Aim: to assess the utility of brimonidine 0.2% as an additional IOP-lowering treatment for moderate glaucoma. Patients and Methods: 99 patients (121 eyes) aged 62–73 years with moderate glaucoma were enrolled. All patients were divided into four groups based on IOP-lowering medications. In group 1, prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost) and beta blockers (timolol) were prescribed. In group 2, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide) and beta blockers (timolol) were prescribed. In group 3, brimonidine 0.2% was added to prostaglandin analogues and beta blockers. In group 4, brimonidine 0.2% was added to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta blockers. All patients underwent IOP measurements and static automated perimetry (SAP) at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Results: additional treatment (brimonidine) gradually reduced IOP levels in groups 3 and 4, while in groups 1 and 2 IOP levels were stable. In group 1, mean deviation (MD) increased from -10.7±4.5dB to -10.8±3.8 dB after 6 months but reduced to -10.5±3.4 dB after 12 months. In group 2, MD increased from -11.7±5.1 dB to -12.0±3.2 dB after 6 months and -12.5±2.9 dB after 12 months. In group 3, MD reduced from -13.5±4.1 dB to -12.9±3.6 dB after 6 months and -12.7±3.0 dB after 12 months. In group 4, MD reduced from -13.9±4.6 dB to -13.0±4.1 dB after 6 months and increased to -13.1±3.5 dB after 12 months. Pattern standard deviation (PSD) was stable in all four groups. Conclusion: brimonidine as an additional treatment for moderate and advanced glaucoma results in stable IOP reduction. Combined therapy which includes brimonidine preserves visual functions even in moderate-to-advanced glaucoma. The neuroprotective effect of brimonidine is illustrated by SAP. This medication is well tolerated. Keywords: glaucoma, IOP, visual field, perimetry, tonometry, neuroprotection. For citation: Gazizova I.R., Korelina V.E. Brimonidine as an additional treatment for moderate glaucoma. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;21(2):69–71. DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2021-21-2-69-71.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering modern medical practice. Many routine clinical tasks, from imaging and automated diagnostics to robotic surgery, cannot be imagined without the use of AI. Neural networks show impressive results when analyzing a large amount of data obtained from standard automated perimetry, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography. Currently, both in Russia and abroad mathematical algorithms are being developed that allow detection of glaucoma based on certain signs. This article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of employing artificial intelligence in ophthalmological practice, discusses the need for careful selection of the criteria and their influence on the accuracy of calculators, considers the specifics of using mathematical analysis in suspected glaucoma, as well as in an already established diagnosis. The article also provides clinical examples of the use of glaucoma risk calculator in the routine practice of an ophthalmologist.

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) provides powerful effects on all pathogenic aspects of the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The property of this virus to initiate disseminated intravascular coagulation, damage endotheliocytes, and impair coagulation result in numerous severe complications affecting all organs and systems. This disorder provokes retinal ischemia and hypoxia and spurs apoptosis of ganglionic cells. Cytokine storm and oxidative stress resulting from the COVID-19 potentially contribute to the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Distressing effect of the pandemic, a growing number of patients with depressive and anxiety disorders increase the risk of POAG and ocular hypertension, reduce treatment compliance, and exacerbate glaucoma course. Ophthalmic patients should be informed on potential risks and consequences of the COVID-19 and educated on the safety and efficacy of vaccination and the need for these preventive measures for elderly patients (in particular, with glaucoma). A year of the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the attitude to many processes of doctor-patient relationships. There is a need for the development of the technologies of distant monitoring of patients with glaucoma. Keywords: primary open-angle glaucoma, COVID-19, telemedicine, pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, cytokine storm, oxidative stress, intraocular pressure, apoptosis of ganglionic cells, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, post-COVID-19 syndrome. For citation: Korelina V.E., Gazizova I.R., Kuroyedov A.V., Didur M.D. Glaucoma progression during the COVID-19 pandemics. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;21(3):147–152 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2021-21-3-147-152.

In a lecture for general practitioners, a characteristic of diseases which are included in the red eye syndrome. The division of the red eye syndrome into two subgroups is proposed: without a decrease in visual functions and with a decrease in vision. The main classification schemes of these diseases are described. The principles of differential diagnosis are stated methods of treatment and emergency care of the main diseases that can be manifested by redness of the eye are reflected.

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