Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can be difficult to manage and is the most frequent cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve, which is situated in the back of your eye.
The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them and there is no cure. However, you can find out whether you have glaucoma through an eye examination and early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
There are many different types of glaucoma. The most common type in the UK and worldwide is primary open angle glaucoma. This is where inner eye pressure (also called intraocular pressure) increases due to the right quantity of fluid being unable to drain from the eye. Traditionally, this has been treated with eye drops to help the drainage and, if that doesn’t work, surgery.
Preserflo Microshunt
Preserflo Microshunt is a relatively new treatment for glaucoma. But, what’s different about this treatment?
Firstly, this is a permanent treatment option for the management of glaucoma. It helps to help drain excess fluid out of the eye and removes the inconvenience of having to apply drops several times daily. The procedure is less invasive than other surgeries and is faster to complete. It is also considered a safer procedure compared to other surgical treatments, with post-operative intervention needs being low.
Essentially, the intervention works by one end of the MicroShunt (made from biocompatible, degradation-resistant material) being inserted in front of the iris, where the excess fluid builds up, and the other end being tucked under the clear membrane surrounding the eye. This aids the drainage of excess eye fluid.
When I recently performed the procedure at Midland Eye we found that following the treatment the pressure has been successfully reduced and the patient no longer needs to use eye drops.
This is a relatively new procedure, having been around internationally for around three years and it has been performed in the UK for about 18 months. Given that many people are at risk of blindness from glaucoma this treatment can offer fast, effective and safe relief from the symptoms.
By Thomas Ressiniotis, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Midland Eye
ABOUT MIDLAND EYE
Midland Eye was founded by four ophthalmic surgeons who wanted to provide patients with a comprehensive, specialist service for the diagnosis and treatment of all eye conditions. The team are leaders in their field and offer a consultant-only service to all patients requiring eye care or surgery. Every consultant is qualified to treat common eye conditions such as cataracts but each one also has a particular area of specialisation, ensuring that patients get the best possible outcome, no matter what the diagnosis. Private patients can benefit from access to collaborative care and facilities with the latest and best technology. The clinic’s approach is designed to be convenient for people who lead busy lives and have limited time to seek medical advice and treatment.
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