Lloyd VMC Purchases State-of-the-Art Equipment to Treat Glaucoma
By Lionel Sebbag, Dr Med Vet
We are excited to announce that the Ophthalmology Service recently purchased a novel device to treat glaucoma.
The equipment uses newly patented MicroPulse technology to deliver laser energy and lower intra-ocular pressure. Compared to previous laser units, the MicroPulse device provides a kinder, gentler approach with an improved efficacy and safety profile. While standard cyclophotocoagulation creates focal burns in the ciliary body, this novel device revolutionizes the procedure by “chopping” continuous laser waves into repetitive short pulses, thereby avoiding focal heating and burning of the tissue. This technique results in a slow, steady application of laser energy to the ciliary body.
The device can be used in dogs, cats and horses, and is a good option for patients for which medical therapy for glaucoma has become ineffective. It is also beneficial for patients with early disease as an adjunctive treatment for elevated intra-ocular pressure.
Procedure
Depending on the patient’s demeanor, the procedure is done under sedation or short general anesthesia. The laser probe is placed on top of the sclera and the laser energy is emitted 360 degrees to treat the underlying ciliary body. There are no incisions performed or sutures placed. Patients remain in our hospital for 24 hours for close monitoring.
Fee
At this time, the procedure fee is waived; thus the owner is solely charged for the initial consultation, anesthesia, medications, and one day of hospitalization (approximately $600 total). In exchange, we request that the patient be rechecked at Iowa State one week post laser therapy, while subsequent rechecks (1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year) can be done at your clinic or at Iowa State.
Dr. Lionel Sebbag
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology