Thomas W. Samuelson, MD

SAN FRANCISCO — Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, discusses his participation in panels regarding FDA approvals and new, innovative glaucoma technologies at the Glaucoma 360: New Horizons Forum.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – At the Kiawah Eye meeting, OSN Glaucoma Section Editor Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, discusses canal -based glaucoma procedures, highlighting two new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices pending FDA approval, the Glaukos second generation iStent inject and the Ivantis Hydrus.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — At the Kiawah Eye meeting here, OSN Glaucoma Section Editor Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, gives tips on increasing safety in cataract and glaucoma surgery.

WASHINGTON ― At the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting here, Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, discusses results of the iStent inject (Glaukos) procedure in patients with glaucoma. The iStent inject involves the use of two stents with a more linear technique of placement compared with the original iStent.

WAILEA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye 2018, Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, discusses how transscleral glaucoma surgeries will continue to increase with an aging population.

Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, at Kiawah Eye 2017.

Thomas W. Samuleson, MD, at Hawaiian Eye 2017.

Abnormality of trabecular meshwork function is the primary cause of elevated IOP in primary open-angle glaucoma. The trabecular meshwork is lined with endothelial cells that facilitate the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. Injury or death of endothelial cells increases resistance to outflow of aqueous through the trabecular meshwork and results in elevation of IOP. Recent advances in glaucoma treatment are aimed at enhancing the function of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal.

The most compelling developments right now in glaucoma are on the surgical front. Obviously, trabeculectomy has been the gold standard, but it is getting squeezed now from all sides.

Patients with glaucoma and concurrent cataract have inherent challenges when undergoing phacoemulsification compared with those with otherwise healthy eyes. Contrast sensitivity is adversely affected with aging, especially with cataract. In the glaucomatous patient, this becomes even more relevant, as a patient can still have excellent visual acuity but a pronounced reduction in contrast sensitivity.