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Trabectome Fact Sheet
Download/Print pdf (103 Kb PDF) Patients who have glaucoma now have access to a new treatment option at the University of Kentucky, the only medical facility in the state to offer the procedure that works to improve natural fluid drainage from the eye. Performed with a small device called a Trabectome, the minimally invasive procedure takes about 30 minutes and is designed to decrease pressure within the eye and stabilize vision. What is the Trabectome procedure? Designed to improve fluid drainage from the eye and balance intraocular pressure (IOP), this minimally invasive procedure can help stabilize optic nerve health and minimize further visual field damage. The Trabectome tool is inserted in the eye through a tiny 1.7 millimeter incision at the edge of the cornea. A small strip of trabecular meshwork is then removed. This gently unblocks the eye and lowers the pressure. The procedure requires very little sedation and patients generally fully recover within one week. The benefits of Trabectome over the traditional glaucoma surgery include:
Am I a candidate? Not all patients with glaucoma are suitable for Trabectome surgery. Typically, this procedure is more effective in the early to moderate stages of glaucoma. Most patients who undergo this surgery are age 40 and older, however this can be performed at any age, including pediatric patients. Patients undergoing cataract surgery can also chose to have the Trabectome procedure at the same time as their cataract surgery, adding about 10-15 minutes total onto the procedure. Patients who have had major glaucoma surgery are not eligible for this specific procedure. Risks and side effects There are no major risks for this surgery. General risks are similar to other eye surgeries:
What happens during the procedure? The Trabectome procedure is a three-step process that takes approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery Trabectome is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient is able to return home when the surgery is complete. The patient’s eyes will be patched for a few hours after surgery. Normal daily activities can be performed 24 hours following surgery. Normally, you will be examined by your ophthalmologist at day 1, then seven days and 28 days after surgery. Your eye health will be monitored at regular intervals, up to a year from the date of your procedure. Source: www.cms.hhs.gov/glaucomascreening/ The Trabectome procedure at UK HealthCare Dr. Sunil Deokule is assistant professor of ophthalmology in the UK College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and a glaucoma specialist at UK HealthCare. He is the only specialist in Kentucky performing this procedure. For more information or to make an appointment, call toll free 1-800-333-8874. Other services UK HealthCare Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences provides medical and surgical services for ocular diseases and eye disorders. We offer:
Subspecialties include:
TO FIND OUT MORE UK HealthCare
ukhealthcare.uky.edu Other Locations We also provide subspecialty care as well as routine eye exams at these locations: UK HealthCare Eye Care Central Baptist Eye Clinic
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To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874. Send us Comments and Corrections.
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