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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
T
he surgical treatment of glaucoma has traditionally resort-
ed to trabeculectomy and tube shunts: effective, if inva-
sive, approaches. But the development of micro-invasive
laser therapies and surgical implants can help to alleviate
the condition while also reducing the risk of complica-
tions and shortening recovery times. Plus, they can be done and reim-
bursed in the ambulatory setting. Does your facility have an eye on
these procedures?
Selective solution
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) employs an Nd:YAG laser to
make tiny burns in the trabecular meshwork at the base of the iris.
The laser energy stimulates the meshwork to drain more effectively,
thus increasing the fluid outflow and reducing the intraocular pres-
sure (IOP).
O P H T H A L M O L O G Y
New Angles in
Glaucoma
Treatment
Minimally invasive approaches
can have a major impact.
David Bernard | Senior Associate Editor
TO THE POINT An endoscopic
cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) probe
can treat intraocular pressure
through a cataract surgery incision.
Newsom
Eye
&
Laser
Center