Treatment of glaucoma with high intensity focused ultrasound

Focused high intensity therapeutic ultrasound has been used since 1982 by Coleman and all, to treat patients with uncontrollable intraocular pressure. Three mechanisms may be responsible for lowering intraocular pressure: decreased aqueous humor production in the ciliary epithelium, transscleral outflow of aqueous humor, and increased uveal outflow. We began the use of focused ultrasound to treat glaucoma in April 1987. Up to now (April 1988), we have treated 220 patients. We describe results from patients that had a follow up of 3, 6, 12 months. Successful treatment resulting in pressure less than 20 mm Hg, was obtained in over 80% of patients treated at 90 days post treatment and of 50% after 6 and 12 months. The complication rate is low. Retreatment is safe and effective. Additionally, the use of U.S. to open closed filtering blebs, recently postoperative, has been a success in 90% of the treated eyes after 3 months. The follow-up period of this study is short which makes conclusions about long-term effects and side effects not possible.