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Therapeutic ultrasound for refractory glaucoma: a three-center study
S L Maskin1, A I Mandell, J A Smith
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Therapeutic ultrasound effectively lowered intraocular pressure in refractory glaucoma patients. This treatment demonstrated a success rate between 66% and 72%, with manageable complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Ultrasound
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Refractory glaucoma presents a significant challenge in ophthalmic care.
- Limited effective treatment options exist for patients with advanced or resistant glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound for treating refractory glaucoma.
- To assess the impact of therapeutic ultrasound on intraocular pressure and visual acuity.
Main Methods:
- A three-center study involving 158 eyes with refractory glaucoma.
- Treatment with therapeutic ultrasound and a mean follow-up period of 8.0 months.
- Life table analysis was used to determine success rates based on defined criteria.
Main Results:
- A mean reduction of 38.4% in intraocular pressure was observed.
- Success rates ranged from 66% to 72% at the mean follow-up.
- Complications occurred in 11.4% of cases, with low rates of severe outcomes like phthisis bulbi (0.6%) and persistent hypotony (2.5%).
- Mean visual acuity loss was less than one line.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment modality for refractory glaucoma.
- The procedure offers a promising alternative for patients with limited treatment options.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and optimal application parameters.