Professor Gus Gazzard is joined by Ahmad Elsahn to delve into the use of excimer laser technology and its impact in shifting mindsets towards more interventional strategies for glaucoma patients. They provide insights into the distinct characteristics of the excimer laser, and discuss the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
The Interventional Glaucoma Podcast
Episode 2: Spotlight on Excimer Lasers
Key Takeaways
- Characteristics of Excimer Lasers: The excimer laser differs from other optical lasers due to its formation process involving a noble gas and a halogen, resulting in ultraviolet laser emission with high precision and no thermal effect.
- High Precision: Excimer laser precision and non-thermal approach protects the integrity of adjacent tissues and collector channels with minimal scar formation and inflammatory responses.
- Cold Laser Technology: Contrary to common laser associations with heat, excimer laser is a non-thermal laser that creates controlled openings in the trabecular meshwork to facilitate aqueous outflow, thereby reducing IOP.
- Efficacy and Long-Term Safety: Excimer trabeculotomy has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressure and is backed by long-term follow-up data [1-4] and basic underpinning clinical research, showing promising results in terms of safety and pressure-lowering effects.
Guests
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.
Ahmad Elsahn
Ahmad Elsahn is currently the Head of Service of Ophthalmology at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. He has a strong background in clinical ophthalmology and cutting-edge basic science and clinical research. He has worked as a specialist ophthalmologist in three continents over the last 20 years, with a keen interest in clinical research.
Additional Resources
References:
- Long-term treatment success and safety of combined phacoemulsification plus excimer laser trabeculostomy: an 8-year follow-up study
- Advances in Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy within the Landscape of Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
- Cataract surgery combined with excimer laser trabeculotomy to lower intraocular pressure: effectiveness dependent on preoperative IOP
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: Latest Developments and Future Challenges
Follow Prof. Gus Gazzard on social:
Prof. Gus Gazzard | LinkedIn
Follow Ahmad Elsahn on Social:
Ahmad Elsahn | 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.