Feb 1 2016
Brandon Eye Associates has purchased a Lumenis Selecta Duet Laser to treat glaucoma patients. According to the Glaucoma Foundation, up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but may be unaware as the disease can develop with few symptoms.
The Lumenis Selecta Duet is an advanced anterior segment laser that combines YAG photo disruption with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) technology.
SLT uses single pulse, short duration lasers to treat glaucoma. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty replaces the previous treatment, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty. SLT uses a lower-power laser to focus a beam of light to treat the drainage angle of the eye.
Lawrence C. Taylor Jr., M.D., of Brandon Eye Associates, believes this laser will enable them to offer better care for their patients who suffer from glaucoma. "Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure increases in the eyeball, eventually causing blindness. During a comprehensive eye exam, we perform several tests that screen for glaucoma, including an eye pressure test, peripheral vision tests, and a physical examination of the eye itself. When glaucoma is caught early, we can begin treatment that will help slow the rate in which vision loss occurs," stated Dr. Taylor.
Glaucoma is treated with eye drops, medications, and laser surgery. Trabeculoplasty is the most common type of laser surgery in the treatment of glaucoma. The laser is focused on the eye's drain and causes subtle changes allowing the aqueous fluid to pass more easily out of the drain.
According to Dr. Taylor, "Laser surgery is a great treatment option for our glaucoma patients. They can generally go home and return to normal activities within just a few hours. With our new Selecta Duet laser, we are able to provide very precise laser treatments in our office. It has several advanced features which allow us not only treat glaucoma, but also posterior capsule opacity, which is a condition that can occur after cataract surgery."
Glaucoma has no cure and is a leading cause of blindness if left untreated. Even with treatment, up to 10 percent of those diagnosed will experience some degree of vision loss. Individuals of every race and age are at risk of developing glaucoma. However, those who are diabetic or extremely nearsighted are at greater risk for developing blindness as a result of glaucoma.