IN THE NEWS
Intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of dry eye disease.
Dry Eye is one of the most common reasons for consultation in ophthalmology.
Recent technological breakthroughs and the latest guidelines given by the DEWS 2 report give rise to new perspectives in non-contact diagnosis and treatment by IPL of this complex pathology.
LacryStim IPL is a treatment device featuring a unique wavelengths spectrum and train of pulses enabling the stimulation of the lachrymal and meibomian glands and the reduction of inflammation. These mechanisms of action help the improvement of the tear film quality and the reduction the major symptoms associated with mild to moderate dry eye diseases.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Glaucoma
Results from the LiGHT study demonstrate clearly that patients with glaucoma who received SLT laser had better and more stable eye pressures.
The study compared eye drops for glaucoma to SLT laser and found that patients had better pressure control with lower surgery rates at 3 years.
74% of patients were drop-free at 3 years and the rates of progression of their disease compared to patients with drops were reduced by nearly 50%.
The LiGHT trial recently reported 6-year data which showed 69.8% remained at or less than the target IOP without the need for medical or surgical treatment. More eyes in the drops arm exhibited disease progression. Patients in the drop arm were significantly more likely to require surgery.
Contact Mr Gouws if you wish to discuss having this procedure.
XEN stent GLAUCOMA OPERATION
The Xen stent is a new procedure to treat glaucoma where a small tube is placed in the eye to create a new drainage channel for fluid. Recovery is very quick compared to conventional surgery with excellent results.
See my experience to date in the presentation.
CATARACT Surgery
The decision to have cataract surgery should be based on whether the patient thinks surgery is right for them, says NICE in new guidance.
"This is a condition which can severely impair a person’s vision and can lead to a decreased quality of life as daily tasks such as driving or going to the shops seem impossible. This guideline aims to ensure everyone with a cataract has access to timely, sight-restoring surgery.”
Hydrus Stent in Glaucoma
Results from the Horizon study demonstrate clearly that patients with glaucoma who received the Hydrus implant had improved pressure control compared to the control group.
The study compared cataract extraction alone with cataract extraction combined with Hydrus stent implantation and now has an impressive 5 year follow-up. Involving over 3,000 data points, eyes treated with the Hydrus Microstent show 47% lower rate of Visual Field loss after 5 years.
77% of patients who had the Hydrus were drop-free at 2 years and 66% at 5 years with a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma drops needed.
The stent can be implanted alone or combined with a cataract operation.
Contact Mr Gouws if you wish to discuss having this procedure.
Improving on an already great Multifocal lens Implant.
PanOptix® is the most implanted Trifocal IOL(intra ocular lens implant) in the world and was recognised with prestigious Prix Galien Award for “Best Medical Technology” in 2021. Prix Galien is an international award recognising innovative therapies. Largely considered the Nobel Prize of the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries, Prix Galien honours innovations rigorously selected as life-changing therapeutics each year. With over 2.2 million implants, PanOptix® is the most-implanted trifocal IOL worldwide and delivers an exceptional high-quality visual experience from far to near.
Alcon have now launched their new lens, Clareon Panoptix,in the UK after being available in the USA and Japan since 2022.
Mr Gouws is one of only 13 ophthalmologists in the UK to offer the new Clareon Panoptix lens Implant!
The new multifocal IOL made with HEMA (a new hydrophilic polymer) has been proven to be safe and provides stable visual acuity as well as superior contrast sensitivity and lower subjective photic phenomena, over the prior IOL.
99.2% of patients with the Clareon® PanOptix® Lens would choose the same lens again and 98% of patients with the Clareon® PanOptix® Lens would recommend it to family and friends.
