Glaucoma: advances in technology guarantee better results and better quality of life for patients – Collaborators

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that affects the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. It is generally associated with increased intraocular pressure, but can also occur with normal pressures. Damage to the optic nerve results in gradual and irreversible loss of peripheral vision, which can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated early.

Advances in technology have revolutionized the approach to glaucoma surgery, offering new treatment options and improving outcomes for patients. The disease, one of the main causes of blindness in the world, is a chronic eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and progressive loss of vision.

In this sense, one of the most significant innovations in glaucoma surgery is the introduction of minimally invasive devices, such as trabecular stents and subconjunctival drainage systems.

The devices help improve fluid flow within the eye, effectively and safely reducing intraocular pressure. Additionally, they are less invasive than traditional surgical techniques, resulting in shorter recovery times and fewer post-operative complications. Lasers can be used to make small openings in the trabecular meshwork, allowing eye flow to flow more freely and reducing pressure in the eye.

Telemedicine is also becoming a valuable tool, making it easier to access specialized care, even in remote areas.

There are also considerable gains in imaging technology, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), allowing for better assessment and monitoring of glaucoma progression over time. The exam helps ophthalmologists identify early signs of optic nerve damage and adjust treatment according to each patient’s individual needs.

Advances in technology are transforming the approach to glaucoma surgery, offering new treatment options, improving outcomes and providing a better quality of life for patients.