In this episode of the Interventional Glaucoma podcast, Prof. Ike Ahmed presents a series of ELIOS case studies recorded by Dr. Ana Miguel, Dr. Jose Belda, Dr. Karl Mercieca, and Ms. Nishani Amerasinghe. The cases explore the versatility of the ELIOS procedure in managing glaucoma, from early intervention in ocular hypertension to addressing complex cases with prior MIGS treatments.
The Interventional Glaucoma Podcast
Episode 12: Captivating Cases: Reviewed by Prof Ike Ahmed
- 28 January 2025
Key Takeaways
- Precision and Minimally Invasive Treatment: ELIOS offers a precise, minimally invasive approach to glaucoma treatment, making it an appealing option for patients with varying degrees of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
- Combining MIGS with Cataract Surgery for Better Outcomes: Combining MIGS with cataract surgery can address both glaucoma and medication intolerance, improving patient outcomes while minimizing post-operative complications.
- Larger Area Coverage with ELIOS: ELIOS stands out for its ability to treat a larger area of the angle, which is beneficial for patients with complex glaucoma cases or previous MIGS procedures.
- Benefits of Early MIGS Intervention: Early intervention with MIGS, particularly for patients with ocular hypertension, may prevent disease progression and offer a more effective, long-term solution.
- Flexibility of ELIOS in Complex Cases: ELIOS provides flexibility, allowing for discreet placement of treatment channels, even in areas where other MIGS treatments have already been applied.
- Advantage of Standalone MIGS for Younger Patients: Standalone MIGS procedures, like ELIOS, may be particularly advantageous for younger patients or those seeking a non-invasive solution without the need for implants.
Guests

Prof Ike Ahmed
Prof. Ike Ahmed is a world-renowned glaucoma, cataract, and anterior segment surgeon, with a practice focus on the surgical management of glaucoma, complex cataract 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.

Dr. Ana Miguel
Dr. Ana Miguel is an Ophthalmologist at Polyclinique de la Baie and is a leading clinical researcher in glaucoma with over 23 publications. She is the first surgeon in Normandy and Brittany to perform XEN minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) since 2018

Dr Karl Mercieca
Dr. Karl Mercieca is a consultant Opthalmic Surgeon and Glaucoma specialist at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. He has more than 50 publications and has received several research prizes including best poster prize at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Congress and the Peter Watson medal for joint highest score in the FEBOS-GL glaucoma sub-specialty exam. His portfolio includes studies on CSF pulsatility and vascular biomarkers, non-penetrating glaucoma surgery, uveitic glaucoma, and mobile technology for harnessing glaucoma service delivery.

Ms Nishani Amerasinghe
Ms Amerasinghe is a full time Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery. She is a leading expert in Glaucoma in the UK employing the latest medical and surgical techniques including lasers (SLT), conventional glaucoma surgery (tube and trabeculectomy) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). She is an expert complex cataract surgeon using the latest innovative techniques. She is President Elect of the UK and Ireland Glaucoma Society.

Dr Jose Belda
Dr Jose Belda is a Surgeon Ophthalmologist at Visionker, Clínica Oftálica, and Clínica Baviera and head of the Ophthalmology Service at the University Hospital of Torrevieja. He is a reference expert in the approach and treatment of Glaucoma, standing out for his great work in the different clinical and hospital centers where he has worked. His extensive training in ophthalmology includes stays in centers of international prestige such as the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the Hospital for the Prevention of Blindness
Additional Resources
Follow Prof Ike Ahmed on Social:
Prof. Ike Ahmed | LinkedIn
Prof. Ike Ahmed | Instagram
Follow Dr. Karl Mercieca on Social:
Dr. Karl Mercieca | LinkedIn
Follow Dr Ana Miguel on Social:
Dr Ana Miguel | LinkedIn
Follow Dr Jose Belda on Social:
Dr Jose Belda | LinkedIn
Follow Ms Nishani Amerasinghe on Social:
Ms Nishani Amerasinghe | LinkedIn
Ms Nishani Amerasinghe | Instagram
Episode 11: Routine Phaco+ MIGS: Are we there yet?
Professor Gus Gazzard, Ms. Nishani Amerasinghe, and Dr Jose Belda discuss the concept of routine Phaco Plus.
Episode 10: Glaucoma Management Five Years From Now
Dr. Karl Mercieca, Dr. Gok Ratnarajan, and Dr. Ana Miguel discuss the future of glaucoma management.
Episode 9: Physician experiences with ELIOS and the rationale for routinely combining MIGS with cataract surgery
Dr Jose Belda, Dr María Isabel Canut, and Dr Marta Ibarz discuss the rationale and benefits of routinely combining MIGS with cataract surgery.