Each year, the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) hosts a meeting for eye care professionals, called Glaucoma 360. Presentations are given by experts on new developments in glaucoma. This year, Dr. Oluwatosin U. Smith discussed the optimization and surgical modification of new glaucoma procedures.* Learn more about the highlights of her presentation. 

What were the surgical modifications?

With more new glaucoma procedures on the market, Dr. Smith says doctors are having to approach procedures differently to ensure effective outcomes for the patients. During the presentation, Smith divided modifications into three categories:

• Pre-operative modifications (before the procedure) involved techniques to ensure eyelids and other parts of the eye are prepped. 
• Intra-operative modifications (during the operation) consisted of different techniques on how to use surgical instruments. One example included techniques of placing an eye stent. 
• Post-operative modifications (after the procedure) focused on the times it would be important to make adjustments after stent placements or other procedures. One such example was the XEN® Gel Stent, which may require needling post-surgery. 

What are some tips for other surgeons? 

As an experienced surgeon and expert of glaucoma, Dr. Smith provided some words of wisdom to fellow surgeons, which included:

• Set realistic outcomes for each patient.
• Learn what tools and techniques work best for you during procedures and focus on improving those.
• Take time to read and learn the research on new glaucoma studies. 
• Work with a mentor when trying new procedures.

*OT Staff Reports. (2021, Jan. 30). Optimizing and modifying newer glaucoma surgeries. Ophthalmology Times. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/optimizing-and-modifying-newer-glaucoma-surgeries

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