New Type of Laser Addresses Glaucoma, Other Eye Conditions
BACKGROUND: In addition to glaucoma care, the technique is useful for cataract surgeries and repair of traumatic ocular injuries, Dr. Nagi said. Glaucoma is a blinding disease in which the optic nerve deteriorates, usually because of high pressure in the eye. ECP is a type of laser that gently burns the ciliary body, the muscle that secretes aqueous humor (a liquid) in the eye. This reduces the pressure. ECP uses an endoscopic probe – a camera the size of a pencil lead – to directly visualize what is being treated. Older techniques laser the muscle from outside the eye, which uses substantially more energy and results in greater inflammation. The new technique can lower intraocular pressure when used in conjunction with cataract surgery, and may decrease the need to use drops to lower eye pressure, Dr. Nagi said.
WHAT: UT Medicine San Antonio’s and University Health’s first patients to receive glaucoma treatment using a technique called endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP); this is performed with a newly acquired laser that can lower pressure in the eye after cataract surgery without extra incisions and with less inflammation than patients experience with other laser techniques
WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8
WHERE: University Health’s Surgery Center – Medical Center (Located at the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC), 8300 Floyd Curl Drive)
WHO: Kundandeep Nagi, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology in the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Medicine is the clinical practice of the School of Medicine)
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UT Medicine San Antonio is the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. With more than 700 doctors – all School of Medicine faculty – UT Medicine is the largest medical practice in Central and South Texas. Expertise is in more than 100 medical specialties and sub-specialties. Primary care doctors and specialists see patients in private practice at UT Medicine’s flagship clinical home, the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC), located at 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio 78229. Most major health plans are accepted, and UT Medicine physicians also practice at several local and regional hospitals. Call 210-450-9000 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.UTMedicine.org for a list of clinics and phone numbers.
University Health is a nationally recognized teaching hospital and outpatient network of primary care and specialty centers, owned by the people of Bexar County. University Hospital’s level 1 trauma center serves a 22-county region of South Texas. University Health is the region’s only Magnet organization, a U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital, one of the Most Wired and Most Wireless Hospitals, and a BEST Award winner for employee learning. University Health is committed to improving the health of our community, advancing medicine and increasing access to the highest level of healthcare for the people of Bexar County and beyond.
