Advanced Glaucoma Technology
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At North Toronto Eye Care, we integrate the latest technology with patient-centered care. Our advanced glaucoma technologies with modern diagnostic tests ensure we deliver the best possible treatment and management for our patients.
Advanced Glaucoma Technologies include:
Ellex Tango™ SLT/YAG Combination Laser
This is a versatile tool in the management and treatment of glaucoma, offering both Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI).
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
LPI involves creating a small hole in the peripheral iris using a YAG laser, which helps relieve pupillary block and prevent angle-closure glaucoma.
LPI is often used as a preventative measure in patients with narrow angles and those at risk of angle-closure glaucoma. It is a quick and effective, with very low risk of complications.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT uses short pulses of low-energy laser to target the trabecular meshwork, stimulating the body’s natural healing response to improve aqueous outflow and reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
SLT is clinically proven to be a safe and effective first-line therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort and quick recovery, making it suitable for repeated treatments if necessary.
Advanced diagnostics technologies play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing glaucoma. These technologies help doctors provide precise patient-centered assessments.
Below are key advancements:
The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA) is a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
Visual Field Testing
- Detection of Visual Field Defects: The HFA is used to perform perimetry tests, which assess the visual field of a patient. This helps in detecting areas of vision loss caused by glaucoma.
- Establishing Baselines: Initial tests help establish a baseline visual field which is crucial for monitoring changes over time.
Monitoring Disease Progression
- Guided Progression Analysis (GPA): The HFA includes GPA, which tracks changes in the visual field over time. It highlights significant changes from baseline and provides information on likelihood of disease progression.
Efficient and Accurate Testing
- SITA Algorithms: The GHA uses SITA (Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm) for faster and more accurate visual field testing. SITA Faster reduces testing time by up to 50%, improving patient comfort and clinical efficiency.
- Central Visual Field Testing (24-2C or 10-2): Additional points of central visual field covers areas susceptible to glaucomatous defects.
OCT imaging is a pivotal tool in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
Early Detection
- Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) Analysis: OCT provides high-resolution images of the RNFL, allowing for the detection of thinning, which is an early sign of glaucoma.
- Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC): By assessing the thickness of the GCC, OCT helps identify early glaucomatous damage before it affects the visual field
- Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD): A shallow anterior chamber depth is a significant risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma. Measuring ACD helps identify individuals at risk, allowing for early intervention.
- Anterior Chamber Angle Imaging: Detailed views of the anterior chamber angle help detect narrow or closed angles, which are indicative of angle closure-glaucoma.
Monitoring Disease Progression
- Quantitative Measurements: OCT offers precise, repeatable measurements of the optic nerve head and RNFL, enabling doctors to track changes over time and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Visual Field Correlation: Changes detected by OCT can be correlated with visual field tests to provide a comprehensive disease progression.
Assessing Treatment Efficacy
- Evaluating Structural Changes: OCT helps in monitoring the structural integrity of the optic nerve and macula, ensuring that treatments are effectively slowing or halting disease progression.