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Beaumont Michigan's First To Use New Glaucoma Operation

Ophthalmologists at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak are the first in Michigan to use an advanced procedure, known as Trabectome, to treat glaucoma. The minimally invasive surgical procedure is a new treatment option in preventing blindness.

The first two patients on Oct. 11 were a 64-year-old Warren woman and a 67-year-old Troy man. Asher Weiner, M.D., glaucoma specialist, performed the surgeries.

During Trabectome, a small probe is passed through a tiny incision in the eye's cornea. An electrosurgical pulse removes diseased tissue, with the aim of re-establishing the flow of fluid through the eye's natural drainage channels.

"We've never had a mid-range treatment for glaucoma, like Trabectome. It was either noninvasive or traditional surgeries. We can now better match the treatment with the needs of each patient," says Dr. Weiner.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness, can be treated with medication such as eye drops or pills; laser treatments; more traditional surgeries, such as a trabeculectomy and tube shunts; and now at Beaumont, Royal Oak, the minimally invasive Trabectome procedure.

"As surgeons, our goal is to control fluid pressure within the eye and prevent further vision loss. Trabectome is an excellent option for treating patients with moderate glaucoma before more traditional surgery," says George Lesser, M.D., director, Glaucoma Services, Beaumont, Royal Oak. "This new, outpatient procedure is less invasive, more comfortable for patients, and has a faster recovery period. The incision is less than 2mm in size and there is virtually no visible wound."

Lesser likes that Trabectome can be combined with cataract surgery. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. Patients are up on their feet 30 minutes after surgery, and usually back to normal activities within a week. As a result of the procedure, it is hoped glaucoma medications will be eliminated or decreased.

According to the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, glaucoma damages the optic nerve when the fluid pressure inside the eye rises. While there is no cure for this condition, if diagnosed early, it can be controlled.

Alarmingly, open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, usually has no symptoms or warning signs. The Glaucoma Research Foundation estimates over 4 million Americans have glaucoma and half don't know it.

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at higher risk than others. The following are considered "at risk:"

Race -- Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for African Americans.
Age -- Persons over age 60 are more at risk for developing glaucoma.
Family history -- People with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to develop the disease.
High intraocular pressure -- Persons with an elevated intraocular pressure, also called IOP, are at an increased risk.

The risk of glaucoma increases with age. The National Eye Institute recommends that anyone in these risk groups receive an eye exam with dilated pupils every two years.

For more information about Trabectome or a glaucoma screening call Beaumont's Appointment Center at (800) 328-8542.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.

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