Interventional Glaucoma

Stereoscopic photographs are a useful tool in the detection of glaucoma, however, the difficulty in obtaining them has seen them underused in favour of optical coherence tomography (OCT). A new device is attempting to redress this balance, enabling stereo-photography to be used alongside OCT for optimal practice.

As an objective measure of the function of retinal ganglion cells, pattern electroretinography (PERG) testing reveals subclinical optic nerve changes that may be critical for deciding when to start therapy to avoid vision loss from glaucoma progression.

As more microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures become available, surgeons are faced with decisions on adoption of new techniques.

The combined clinical use of pattern electroretinography for the detection of early glaucoma indicators and selective laser trabeculoplasty for intervention may help realise the potential of early detection and treatment.

In a small study, a combination over-the-counter supplement with antioxidant and mitoprotective properties significantly reversed mitochondrial dysfunction.

Results from MERCURY-1, a 12-month phase III pivotal trial, show that once daily treatment with fixed-dose combination netarsudil 0.02%/latanoprost 0.005% (Aerie Pharmaceuticals) is safe and provided significantly greater IOP-lowering than either of its components throughout follow-up.

Created for surgeons, by surgeons – a new method of approaching gel stent implantation provides better outcomes for patients.

Know the patient’s family history of glaucoma, and conduct a comprehensive exam before LASIK procedure. It is crucial to monitor the patient after surgery; watch for interfact cysts, loose flaps, and pressure-induced interlamellar stromal keratitis.

Jonathan S. Myers, MD, reports that intraocular drug delivery systems could help solve the problem of poor adherence in patients taking glaucoma medications. Implanted in the eye, the systems would allow for glaucoma drugs to gradually dissolve or elute medication.

Compared with SLT, PSLT appears to offer some advantages, such as a shorter duration of treatment and more comfort for patients.

Ocular surface disease (OSD) and dry eye disease (DED) are very common problems in the elderly, and they both considerably decrease vision-related quality of life.

Steven Vold, MD, reports that toric IOLs provide an accurate, safe, and convenient way to correct astigmatism and uncorrected distance vision for glaucoma patients, while patients wanting presbyopic correction have IOL options to fit a range of visual needs.

Until now, surgery has been considered a second-line treatment after medication and lasers because of the risks associated with trabeculectomy and tube shunts. Now ophthalmologists can draw from a larger surgical tool chest, explains Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD.

Advances in phacoemulsification are creating new opportunities for glaucoma surgery, especially in developing countries, according to Alan S. Crandall, MD.

One laboratory is at work on new devices that use visual stimuli to prompt retinal ganglion cells to regenerate, while two other researchers describe techniques through which virtual reality might diagnose the disease more accurately than standard automated perimetry.

One laboratory is at work on new devices that use visual stimuli to prompt retinal ganglion cells to regenerate, while two other researchers describe techniques through which virtual reality might diagnose the disease more accurately than standard automated perimetry.

In addition to making use of MIGS, interventional glaucoma might utilize other novel drainage devices and sustained drug-delivery devices and be combined with cataract surgery. This approach is more proactive, aims at lower IOP, lowers risk and addresses adherence, said Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD.

Glaucoma 360, a three-day event being held here by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), will move from its "Celebrate" phase with Annual Gala on Thursday into its "Innovate" phase with the New Horizons Forum set for today. This event is a full day of presentations, panels, and discussions featuring leaders from start-up companies, industry executives, ophthalmic experts, venture capitalists, and the FDA.

Glaucoma 360, a three-day event organized by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) will move into its final day on Saturday with the Glaucoma Symposium. The focus will shift from "Innovate" to "Educate." Two continuing medical education sessions are-one for ophthalmologists in the morning and another for optometrists in the afternoon.

Although there are no scientifically proven ways to prevent glaucoma, healthy habits–such as moderate exercise, regular visual check-ups, and eating green, leafy vegetables–represent a good starting point for a prevention strategy.