Glaucoma Treatment Revolutionized by Tiny Device

2/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 7, 2008) A tiny device about the size of a grain of rice is revolutionizing glaucoma surgery and saving the vision of patients diagnosed with glaucoma.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 7, 2008) – A tiny device about the size of a grain of rice is revolutionizing glaucoma surgery and saving the vision of patients diagnosed with glaucoma. The Ex-PRESS mini shunt is being used in a limited number of ophthalmology practices in the area. Rick Palmon, M.D. at Southwest Florida Eye Care is one of just two physicians in the area offering this technology. Glaucoma is a potentially blinding eye condition in which optic nerve damage is caused by fluid buildup in the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve which is the conduit connecting the eye to the brain. Untreated pressure on the optic nerve leads to visual deterioration and possibly blindness. “The miniature-size Ex-PRESS shunt diverts fluid through an extremely small tube to the outside of the eye. It keeps a pathway open so the fluid which would otherwise build up in the eye goes around the blockade,” said Rick Palmon, MD. “The beauty of the Ex-PRESS shunt is that it provides precise control of the amount of fluid that is allowed to flow out, helping the eye maintain a healthy level of internal pressure.” Approximately 10 million Americans have elevated eye pressure which places them at risk for the onset of glaucoma. Eighty thousand Americans are already blind from the disease. African-Americans have a three-fold greater risk of developing glaucoma. Other treatment options for glaucoma include medication (eye drops) or laser surgery. These are usually the first treatments recommended when a patient has been diagnosed with the disease. When these treatments don’t work, or cease to be effective, a more invasive procedure, called trabeculectomy may be recommended. Trabeculectomy surgery creates a pathway for fluid to exit the eye and includes making incisions into the eye. “Trabeculectomy is a proven treatment for glaucoma and has been used for the past 30 years,” said Dr. Palmon. “The Ex-Press offers an alternative, less-invasive method because it doesn’t include making any cuts into the eye and it is getting very positive results with my patients. The device is inserted through a small needle tract. In most cases my patients are able to eliminate their need for glaucoma eye drops after Ex-PRESS surgery.” The Ex-PRESS shunt starts to work immediately after being placed in the eye. The eye pressure stabilizes to new levels during the first four weeks and then maintains a more normal level after that time. “We are very excited about the Ex-PRESS as an option for our patients,” said Dr. Palmon. “Most people don’t like having to put drops in their eyes multiple times a day, yet they don’t want to undergo invasive eye surgery.” It is important for patients to understand that only the symptoms of glaucoma can be treated, glaucoma cannot be cured. The Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt treats the symptoms of glaucoma and prevents a further deterioration in vision. However, previous damage to your sight cannot be reversed. Eye pressure should be checked as a routine part of a comprehensive eye exam, which Dr. Palmon recommends be performed every two years until the age of 40, and every year after that. People who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or with a family history of the disease should visit their eye physician more often. The office of Southwest Florida Eye Care is a full-service eye care medical practice specializing in cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Comprehensive eye exams for all ages are offered. Offices are located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples. Dr. Palmon received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed an internship at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a residency at Wills Eye Hospital and a Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Palmon is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.