Dr. Ike Ahmed and Professor Gus Gazzard kick off the Interventional Glaucoma podcast series with an unscripted discussion about the evolving mindset of interventional glaucoma. They explore the motivations behind this shift, including the need to address the limitations of current treatments, and highlight cataract surgery as an opportune entry point to intervene with simultaneous glaucoma treatment.
The Interventional Glaucoma Podcast
Episode 1: Introducing the Interventional Glaucoma Podcast
Key Takeaways
- Shifting the Glaucoma Mindset: Interventional glaucoma represents a shift from traditional approaches where patients were primarily managed with medications and surgery was considered a last resort. It emphasizes proactive intervention to achieve better outcomes for patients.
- Addressing Shortcomings: Interventional Glaucoma aims to address the shortcomings of the conventional approach to glaucoma treatment, including compliance, adherence, side effects, and quality of life issues by offering more innovative and effective alternatives.
- Integration with Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery provides a window of opportunity to offer patients an additional interventional procedure to treat glaucoma, whilst already in surgery. This approach not only reduces the burden and side effects of drops, it means patients can avoid undergoing two separate procedures, which is also more efficient for healthcare systems.
- Barriers to Adoption: Despite the benefits of interventional glaucoma, there are barriers to its widespread adoption, including the need for more evidence, concerns about cost-effectiveness, and the inertia of some clinicians.
- The Importance of Proper Patient Selection: Proper patient selection and postoperative management are crucial for the success of interventional glaucoma. Surgeons must ensure that interventions are appropriate for each patient and follow them closely postoperatively to monitor outcomes.
Guests
Dr. Ike Ahmed
Dr. Ike Ahmed is a world-renowned glaucoma, cataract, and anterior segment surgeon with a practice focus on the surgical management of glaucoma, complex cataract surgery, and intraocular lens complications. He is board-certified in ophthalmology in Canada and the USA and is an active member of numerous national and international societies.
Prof. Gus Gazzard
Professor Gus Gazzard is Director of Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Professor in Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Studies at UCL London. He has joined the Glaucoma Research Society as one of the top 100 glaucoma researchers in the field and is leading author of multiple publications on MIGS surgery.
Additional Resources
Follow Dr. Ike Ahmed on social:
Dr. Ike Ahmed | LinkedIn
Dr. Ike Ahmed | Instagram
Follow Prof. Gus Gazzard on social:
Prof Gus Gazzard | LinkedIn
Episode 5: ELIOS Explained: Pearls for Patient Selection
Dr. Cathy McCabe, Dr. Mark Gallardo, and Mr Dan Lindfield discuss patient selection, communication strategies, and the need for patient-centered care.
Episode 4: Three Facts ALL Ophthalmologists Should Know About Aqueous Humor Dynamics
Dr. Ike Ahmed, Prof. Gus Gazzard, and Prof. Carl Sheridan discuss the dynamics of aqueous humor outflow in glaucoma pathology and treatment.
Episode 3: The Trabecular Meshwork: Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
Dr. Ike Ahmed, Prof. Gus Gazzard, and Prof. Carl Sheridan discuss the complexities of the trabecular meshwork and its significance in glaucoma management.