BackAquaFlow™ Offers Hope for Glaucoma Patients
Article submitted by Dr. David C. Brown of the Eye Centers of Florida.
For more information, they can be reached at 1-888-393-2273.
Glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight" because it slowly steals the sight of people affected by the disease. Until now, glaucoma treatment has been limited to a lifetime of eye drops or a high-risk surgical procedure.
How does AquaFlow™ work?
People who suffer from open-angle glaucoma now have another treatment option with the new AquaFlow™ Collagen Glaucoma Drainage
Device. Dr. David C. Brown, founder and medical director of Eye Centers of Florida, performed the first AquaFlow™ procedure in the
Southeastern United States immediately following FDA approval.
The AquaFlow™ is implanted as part of a lower risk, non-penetrating surgical procedure for the treatment of glaucoma that helps to significantly reduce pressure in the eye. It is permanently implanted inside the sclera (white part of the eye) near the eye's natural drainage network.
"Patients can not feel the AquaFlow™ and it requires no maintenance," explains Dr. Brown. "With the AquaFlow™ procedure, we have an effective way to lower intraocular pressure with much lower risks than other surgical procedures. This means a quicker return to normal activities for the patient, and fewer visits and post-operative procedures for the patient. Additionally, AquaFlow™ stops the progression of glaucoma and often eliminates the need for drops," states Dr. Brown.
For high-risk patients, the procedure is often combined with a special laser treatment available only at Eye Centers of Florida.
What causes glaucoma?
Left untreated, glaucoma can dam-age the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made up of a bundle of nerve fibers that sends signals to
the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can initially cause blind spots at the outer edges of the field of vision called peripheral or
side vision. This is the main sign of glaucoma. As damage to the optic nerve gets worse, the visual field can shrink leading to
tunnel vision or even loss of central vision affecting the patient's ability to read.
How do I know if I have glaucoma?
Unfortunately glaucoma is typically associated with painless and progressive loss of vision that may escape detection by the
patient. "This stresses the importance of a thorough eye history and examination, especially in patients with a family history
of glaucoma," urges Dr. Brown.
Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. At least two million Americans have glaucoma. Of these Americans,
almost 900,000 are visually impaired and more than 80,000 are legally blind due to their glaucoma.
Is AquaFlow™ right for you?
The new AquaFlow™ procedure has helped many patients manage their glaucoma - some patients have eliminated the need for drops all
together. To find out if you're a candidate for AquaFlow™, visit any of our 21 locations in Southwest Florida or call Eye Centers
of Florida at 1-888-EYE-CARE.