by
Mamisoa Andriantafika
Glaucoma is an eye condition that, if left untreated, can result in irreversible vision loss. That's why, at the Brussels-Schuman Medical Center, we are committed to providing our patients with regular and comprehensive monitoring of their eye health. For over ten years, we have regularly performed a visual field examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for our glaucoma patients.
This proactive approach allows us to detect changes in your vision and take steps to prevent the progression of the disease.
A recent study, published in the journal Ophthalmology, highlighted the importance of this approach. For two years, American researchers compared the accuracy of glaucoma monitoring between 12,150 eyes monitored by OCT and 20,583 eyes undergoing visual field examinations. In each group, at least five checks with one or the other method were carried out over the period.
The results showed that OCT obtained 5 to 10 points more than the visual field examination for detecting average glaucoma worsening, and 10 to 15 points more for diagnosing rapid worsening. Furthermore, when OCT and the visual field examination were combined, the accuracy increased by 17%. The researchers therefore recommended frequent checks to monitor the progression of glaucoma and encouraged the use of both methods.
At the Brussels-Schuman Medical Center, we are proud to be at the forefront of this approach. We have integrated these two methods into our monitoring protocol for over ten years, well before the publication of this study. This testifies to our commitment to providing our patients with the best possible care and using the most advanced technologies to prevent the progression of glaucoma.
When OCT and the visual field examination were combined, the accuracy increased by 17%.
The benefits of SLT laser trabeculoplasty are numerous. In some situations, the patient no longer has to worry about instilling drops.
In addition to OCT and visual field examination, we also use a treatment called Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). This treatment, which we have adopted for over ten years, uses the YAG laser to increase the drainage of the aqueous humor by acting on pigmented cells in the trabeculum. It is particularly effective in pigmented and pseudoexfoliative glaucomas.
The SLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, lasts a few minutes and is not painful. Recent studies show that this procedure is very safe and very effective. It can be used as a first-line treatment, in place of eye drops, or in addition to another treatment already in place when the glaucoma is not balanced.
The benefits of SLT are numerous. The patient no longer has to worry about instilling drops if it's a monotherapy. This allows better control of eye pressure over time. The absence of eye drops helps preserve the ocular surface, knowing that treatment for glaucoma is generally lifelong.
By combining OCT, visual field examination, and SLT, the Brussels-Schuman Medical Center offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to the monitoring and treatment of glaucoma.
We know that glaucoma can be a scary disease, but we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to help you at every step of the way, providing you with the information and care you need to manage your glaucoma with confidence.
Together, we can preserve your vision and your quality of life. Thank you for trusting us with your eye care.