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An innovative way to combat post-surgical scarring for patients of glaucoma has been developed in the far east.
Te results of the trial at SERI show that a new delivery method for drugs has meant that almost half the number of injections is needed after glaucoma surgery to reduce scarring. The figure released was a forty per cent reduction which of course means fewer return visits to hospital for the patients post surgery.
It is useful to note that Asians carry a higher risk of scarring after such surgery than Caucasians. In Singapore, up to one in three patients requires a minor procedure in the first six months of diagnosis to maintain the ideal low post-operative eye pressure.
The prescription is for a gel called hyaluronic acid, professors have been able to contain the drug, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) inside the gel. which allows time released medication gradually into the patients. This can be accomplished over days instead of the regular few hours. This results in fewer injections being required which in turn reduces the post surgical scarring.
The flap created in surgery to create a pathway for aqueous fluid to drain out can be blocked if scar tissue forms which pushes the eye pressure up once more. This is a common problem in Asian patients. To restore outflow the obstructing scar tissue needs to be removed by injecting 5-FU which prevents further scarring.
The trial involved 49 patients at the Singapore National Eye Centre.
The team found that those subjects who were randomised to receive the new treatment definitely had an improved post-operative outcome.
In the future, it is hoped that this new treatment could be applied during glaucoma surgery to further improve surgical outcomes, as well as reduce the potential need for needling intervention post surgery.