Dr. Kamran Massoumi: Discovering the New Era of Glaucoma Surgery Techniques
Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The condition occurs when pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. While traditional treatments such as eye drops and oral medications can help manage intraocular pressure, surgery becomes necessary for many patients to prevent further vision loss Recent advancements in glaucoma surgery have revolutionized how this disease is treated, offering patients safer, more effective options,as explained by Dr Kamran Massoumi
One of the most significant innovations in glaucoma surgery is the development of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) MIGS procedures are designed to reduce intraocular pressure with smaller incisions and quicker recovery times than traditional surgical techniques. These procedures often use microstates, tiny devices inserted into the eye to help drain excess fluid, lowering eye pressure MIGS has gained popularity due to its ability to preserve the natural anatomy of the eye while delivering promising results in controlling glaucoma.
Another breakthrough in glaucoma surgery is the use of laser treatments Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a non-invasive procedure targeting the trabecular meshwork, a part of the eye draining fluid By applying gentle pulses of laser light, SLT improves the outflow of liquid,
which lowers intraocular pressure without the need for cuts or stitches This procedure can be used as an alternative to medications or as a complement to other treatments for patients who cannot tolerate traditional glaucoma medications
For patients with more advanced glaucoma or those who do not respond to MIGS or laser treatments, traditional surgical options like trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery are still vital These surgeries involve creating new drainage pathways for fluid within the eye to reduce pressure Though these procedures are more invasive than MIGS or laser treatments, they are often necessary for patients with severe glaucoma, offering long-term pressure control
As glaucoma surgery continues to evolve, innovations in technology and surgical techniques promise to make the treatment of glaucoma safer, faster, and more effective With options like MIGS, SLT, and traditional surgery, patients can now explore a range of treatments that best suit their needs and lifestyles While glaucoma remains a serious condition, these advanced techniques provide new hope for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for those affected