Dr. William Boothe Comments on Groundbreaking New Eye Treatment Technology
Online, July 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - According to a recent article from RTT News, the development of a new tool called iStent, aims to help improve glaucoma-related surgeries. Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects a large percentage of Americans and is responsible for severe vision impairment and sometimes blindness if the condition is left untreated. Ninety percent of glaucoma cases are defined as open-angle glaucoma, where the disease progresses slowly and the patient is not quite aware of the condition until their sight becomes impaired. Dr. William Boothe, an eye doctor who has performed nearly 100,000 LASIK procedures, explains that even though the condition has a serious impact on vision, there are several treatments available to prevent total blindness.
Since glaucoma is caused by increased fluid pressure within the eye, many efforts aim to reduce or expel that fluid. Some find that oral medication is sufficient in helping release or minimize the fluid, but for severe cases surgery is necessary. Dr. William Boothe has conducted an immense amount of laser surgeries to treat open-angle glaucoma, and notes its high rate of success. He also indicates other surgeries commonly used to help relieve ocular pressure through fluid removal. These procedures include canaloplasty, trabeculectomy and the use of glaucoma drainage implants.
While these procedures are advanced and successful, many ophthalmologists, including Dr. William Boothe, are excited about the advent of the iStent. According to the article, iStent is "the smallest medical device ever implanted into the human body" that also aims to reduce ocular pressure that leads to vision impairment. While the iStent was developed by Glaukos Corp. for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, it also holds a unique ability to assist with cataract surgery. This combination is a strong benefit for doctors since many glaucoma patients suffer from cataracts as well.
After extensive testing on both cataracts and glaucoma patients, the FDA approved the medical device for medical use. "My colleagues and I are very excited about this new device. It provides a combined benefit that will make it easier on the surgeon as well as the patient to address two eye problems at once," notes Dr. William Boothe.
While medical science may be improving, Dr. William Boothe still urges every individual to maintain routine eye exams that include glaucoma testing. "As with many medical conditions, prevention is a surefire way to remain healthy," Boothe concludes.
ABOUT:
Dr. William Boothe is a cornea specialist who has performed over 130,000 LASIK laser procedures For many years Dr. William Boothe has done more intralasik than anyone in the world. He has shared his expertise teaching other surgeons his techniques. He has memberships in numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Ophthalmologic Association, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and more.