advertisement
Abstract #6267 Published in IGR 2-2
Intraocular pressure reduction after endoscopic erbium:YAG laser goniotomy
Funk J; Feltgen N; Asbeck DOphthalmologe 2000; 97: 473-477
BACKGROUND: Microperforations of the trabecular meshwork can be made using an endoscope guided Er:YAG laser. As shown in enucleated human melanoma eyes, these microperforations are not accompanied by thermal damage of the surrounding tissue. The authors report their first clinical results using a commercially available endoscope/laser system for performing this particular kind of goniotomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A combined cataract extraction and Er:YAG goniotomy was performed in 24 eyes of 20 patients. Seventeen eyes were re-examined after a minimum follow-up of four months (mean 6.5 months, maximum 12 months). The results were compared to a control group having only the cataract operation (14 eyes). RESULTS: After combined cataract operation and Er:YAG goniotomy, mean intraocular pressure dropped from 21.8-15.5 mmHg. Intraocular pressure regulation was successful in 88% of these cases. In contrast to this, the intraocular pressure reduction in eyes having only the cataract operation was much less pronounced (mean intraocular pressure preoperative 20.0, postoperative 17.4, success rate 35%). CONCLUSIONS: The first results with this particular endoscope/laser system are encouraging. Other groups using comparable devices have reported similar success rates. The authors hope that the endoscopic Er:YAG goniotomy may become a minimally invasive type of glaucoma surgery in the near future. LA: German
Dr. J. Funk, Universitats-Augenklinik Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
Classification:
12.9 Trabeculotomy, goniotomy (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
