Browse articles on EyeWorld.org from the Glaucoma section. EyeWorld is the award-winning member publication of ASCRS. The magazine provides news and updates from the Society as well as clinical features in the areas of cataract, refractive, cornea, glaucoma, and practice management. It publishes quarterly with editorial direction from its medical editorial board and staff.
When it comes to ophthalmic surgery, ergonomics play an important role. Two surgeons discussed how they consider ergonomics in everyday practice, equipment and strategies to help, and its role in glaucoma surgery.
“ASCRS and EyeWorld have been the cheerleaders of innovation in cataract and glaucoma surgery for many decades,” said Nathan Radcliffe, MD, Glaucoma editor said, adding later, “EyeWorld has been with me throughout my career to foster my drive for innovation.”
Though the trabeculectomy procedure is more than 50 years old, it is still considered to be the gold standard in glaucoma surgery. Leon Herndon Jr., MD, and Douglas Rhee, MD, discussed the history of trabeculectomy, how it has evolved, and how it fits into the glaucoma treatment paradigm.
When it comes to training, there are many techniques for future glaucoma surgeons to learn. In addition to traditional surgeries like trabeculectomies and tube shunts, there are MIGS procedures and other newer technologies. Ophthalmologists working in different training programs around the country commented on how they approach the surgical training experience and which procedures are included.
This article recapped a session that ASCRS co-sponsored at the 2021 virtual meeting of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS), which covered topics relating to patients with controlled glaucoma but visually significant cataracts.
Ophthalmology will see its first major live meeting since the pandemic started with the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting. “Just as the live meeting will be reflective of our interesting times, this issue of EyeWorld is a product of our unique year, covering many topics that will help the modern ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist succeed,” said Nathan Radcliffe, MD, Glaucoma editor.
Glaucoma should not necessarily be an immediate contraindication to premium cataract surgery technologies, such as toric and presbyopia-correcting IOLs and FLACS. Reay Brown, MD, Paul Harasymowycz, MD, and Joey Hsia, MD, said there are situations where these IOL technologies are suited for glaucoma patients, but the decision to offer them is not as straightforward.
Some MIGS options are approved only in conjunction with cataract surgery, while others are not limited in this way. Three ophthalmologists EyeWorld spoke with think there is a value in uncoupling some MIGS procedures from cataract surgery, yet two of the three do not perform off-label standalone MIGS.
Infection is a risk for any ocular surgery, but there are a few reasons why there isn’t a lot of discussion about infection when it comes to glaucoma procedures. MIGS, which have become increasingly common, have a lower infection risk profile compared to incisional glaucoma surgery.
Glaucoma Editor Nathan Radcliffe, MD, introduces the topics covered in the section, including early experience with Durysta, how other sustained therapies can benefit the glaucoma patient following cataract surgery, and how glaucoma care can be streamlined to keep everyone safe in the pandemic.
Get the latest ophthalmology news delivered to your inbox every Friday.