High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy as Adjunctive Therapy in Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Glaucoma is a progressive optic nerve disease causing vision loss.
• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) often requires medical management.
• Medically uncontrolled POAG presents a challenge for preserving vision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hypotensive efficacy of High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy (HFDS).
• To assess HFDS in patients with medically uncontrolled POAG.
• To determine the safety and effectiveness of this novel ab interno procedure.

Main Methods:

• 23 patients with medically uncontrolled POAG underwent HFDS.
• The procedure involved creating six scleral pockets using a 500 kHz bipolar current.
• Postoperative care included anti-glaucoma eye drops for one month.

Main Results:

• Mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) was 25.6 mm Hg.
• Average IOP reduction was 8.6 mm Hg (33.6%) after one year.
• Significant complications were not observed; medication use decreased from 2.78 to 0.61 drops daily.

Conclusions:

• HFDS is a safe and effective surgical option for medically uncontrolled POAG.
• The procedure demonstrates significant IOP-lowering capabilities.
• HFDS offers a promising alternative for glaucoma management.