Glaucoma is a condition marked by damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, resulting in loss of vision. This is usually the peripheral vision followed by central vision but can be the other way around.
Causes: Often associated with high intraocular pressure, but can also develop with normal eye pressure.
Treatment:
Initial Approach: Lowering intraocular pressure, usually with eye drops.
Alternative Options: If eye drops are insufficient, other treatment methods are available.
Purpose: Laser treatment enhances the eye’s drainage system to lower intraocular pressure.
Procedure: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a quick, painless outpatient procedure that improves natural drainage.
Effectiveness: Often produces a significant reduction in intraocular pressure.
Usage: Can be used as a primary treatment or alongside glaucoma eye drops.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery is effective for mild to moderate glaucoma but can also be used in advanced disease in certain cases. These procedures are usually performed in combination with cataract surgery which enhances pressure reduction. Mr Edward Ridyard performs the iStent procedure, usually alongside cataract surgery.
iStent: a titanium stent (Glaukos iStent) which is inserted into the trabecular meshwork of the eye which improves drainage and in turn lowers eye pressure.
Need for Procedure: Required for significant pressure reduction, especially in moderate to advanced glaucoma.
Filtration Surgery: Creates an extra outflow channel for fluid to drain into the subconjunctival space. The traditional procedure used to create this outflow channel was called the trabeculectomy which involves creating a drainage flap by splitting a layer at the top of the eye.
Innovative Devices: Includes Preserflo Microshunt and Xen Gel stent to assist fluid escape.
Procedure Details: A 45 minute operation with effective pressure reduction.
Purpose: For complex and advanced glaucoma, especially after previous surgeries fail.
Traditional Devices: Baerveldt Tube and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve.
Newer Implants: Paul and Eyewatch implant.
Advantage: Improved success in more complex cases
