Glaucoma Research Foundation

Glaucoma Experts Convene in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 2, 2007 — Recently, two important glaucoma meetings took place here: the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting, and the 11th Annual Glaucoma Symposium. Glaucoma experts from around the country convened in the city by the bay to listen to talks by leaders in the field and share ideas about treatment modalities, glaucoma medications, surgical techniques, and research updates.

American Glaucoma Society Meeting

At AGS, specialists presented findings from recent studies seeking improved diagnostics and better treatments for various forms of glaucoma. Among the wide variety of topics presented were reports on goniosurgery procedures in young children, minimally invasive treatment for open angle glaucoma with the Trabectome device, and a nondestructive procedure known as canaloplasty.

David S. Walton, MD discussed his study of goniosurgery performed on 55 aniridic children under 10 years of age, reporting that goniosurgery helps reduce the risk that these young patients will develop secondary glaucoma. Don S. Minckler, MD reported that implanting a minimally invasive Trabectome device, either alone or combined with cataract surgery, effectively controls IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma. And a study conducted by Richard A. Lewis, MD evaluating the efficacy of the canaloplasty procedure found that patients had significant reductions in IOP at 1 year follow-up; Dr. Lewis said the advantages of canaloplasty include that it is a nonpenetrating, nondestructive procedure that produces excellent IOP control, but he noted that disadvantages include a steep learning curve for physicians seeking to become adept at the procedure.

Glaucoma Symposium

At the 11th Annual Glaucoma Symposium, keynote speaker B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD of Harvard Medical School discussed how glaucoma diagnosis and treatment has changed over the years. A standout talk among many excellent talks was Kuldev Singh, MD, Director of Glaucoma Service at Stanford University lecturing on Ethnic Considerations in Glaucoma Diagnosis. Dr. Singh cited recent studies verifying glaucoma’s higher prevalence among African Americans and older Hispanics; and he warned against misdiagnosing younger males of Chinese ancestry who exhibit classic signs of glaucoma, but may instead have a non-progressive, non-standard form of glaucoma. Preliminary results from Dr. Singh’s study of glaucoma in young Chinese males are published in the March issue of Ophthalmology.

Patient Education

The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) participated in both meetings with an exhibit table where eye care specialists previewed free patient education materials and newsletters, including the 32-page booklet Understanding And Living With Glaucoma, available in both English and Spanish. GRF board members participated at both meetings as invited speakers and guests, as staff and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to meet with renowned glaucoma specialists and industry leaders.