Glaucoma is the name given to a group
of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is
slowly damaged then destroyed. It is a leading cause of blindness and
vision impairment affecting approximately 2.5 million Americans.
In most people glaucoma is caused by
an increase in pressure inside the eye as a result of blockage of the
circulation of aqueous humor (fluid), or its drainage. In some patients
damage may also be caused by poor blood supply to the optic nerve
fibers, a weakness in the structure of the nerve or a problem in the
health of the nerve fibers themselves.
In a normal eye aqueous humor is a
clear fluid that fills the anterior (front) and posterior (back)
chambers of the eye. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body in
the posterior chamber. It passes through the pupil, and drains through
the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber (Figure 1).
OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
In open-angle glaucoma, impaired outflow resulting from dysfunctioning
of the aqueous drainage system (Figure 2) causes elevated intraocular
pressure within the eye resulting in the damage of the optic nerve
(Figure 3).
Trabectome is an FDA approved device for minimally invasive surgical treatment of open angle glaucoma.
Trabectome ablates and removes a strip of trabecular meshwork and
re-establishes access to the eye’s natural drainage pathway. By
restoring the eyes natural fluid balance, the Trabectome procedure
helps stabilizes optic nerve health to minimize further visual field
damage.
The 3 Step Trabectome Procedure May be Performed Seperately or at the time of Cataract Surgery.
- A tiny incision is made on the cornea of the affected eye, which can be used for the cataract surgery.
- A small strip of diseased or
affected tissue is removed with an electrosurgical pulse to open access
to the drainage system of the eye.
- The eye is irrigated with a saline solution to remove tissue debris, leaving the eye to recover.
ADVANTAGES OF TRABECTOME
- Minimally invasive, removal of Trabecular Meshwork and inner wall of the eye, ie…Schlemm’s canal.
- Creates direct access for aqueous humor to outflow channels using a small incision.
- Low patient risk.
- Excellent safety profile with minimal post-operative complications.
Patients who have glaucoma, may also develop cataracts. Glaucoma
patients who develop cataracts and require cataract surgery may also
choose to have the trabectome procedure performed at the same time.
This permits the added benefit of intraocular pressure reduction for
the treatment of glaucoma. For those patients on glaucoma eye
drops, it may allow reduction or elimination of eye drop treatment.
Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy are certified trainers and among a few select eye surgeons locally and nationally who perform the Trabectome procedure for the treatment of glaucoma. Cataract intraocular lens implantation surgery combined with the Trabectome is just another treatment option provided to our patients for their benefit and convenience.
