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Mar 14, 2007 12:48 pm US/Central
New Technology Aims To Spot Glaucoma Earlier
by Dennis Douda
(WCCO)
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Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and one in 30 Americans over the age of 40 has it. (File)
Most people never see glaucoma coming until they see their sight going. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and one in 30 Americans over the age of 40 has it, but a new technology is offering a bright ray of new light.
Jane Swenson, of River Falls, Wis., is trying to stop a thief, which is how glaucoma is often refereed: the sneak thief of sight.
"Because this is nerve damage, it's irreversible and it's again, gradual and progressive," said Dr. Tony Novak, an ophthalmologist in Hudson, Wis.
Fluid is produced within the eye at a constant rate, Novak explained.
"The fluid then flows between the iris and the lens to nourish the lens and the inside of the eye," Novak said. "And then drains out through little drain pores, if you will, here in the front of the eye."
The pores are a part of the trabecular meshwork. It is there that problems lead to glaucoma. When fluid doesn't drain, pressure builds up, damaging the optic nerve that carries signals to the brain.
Bursts of laser energy aimed at the edge of the iris cause new cells to regenerate, which restore the drain pores.
While lasers have been around for more than 20 years, treating glaucoma, Novak did not want to use the old-style of laser more than twice on a patient, because of a risk of scarring.
Earlier lasers used heat. Low-energy systems, including the Lumenis Selecta II, use a so-called cold laser.
"This one, because it doesn't cause any damage that we know of to the eye, can be repeated as often as every year," Novak explained.
While medicated drops can be effective, they're costly and up to half of all patients don't use them correctly.
Glaucoma patient Lester Rood of Red Wing, Minn. was back to have his second eye treated. He thinks the laser is a great option for trying to save sight.
"I thought it was an improvement," Rood said. "I can't ask for more."
The two main risk factors for glaucoma are age and family history. Blacks are up to five times more likely than whites to get it.
Novak said regular eye exams are the best defense, because the earlier it's detected, the easier it is to stop.
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