ECP

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Endoscopic CycloPhotocagulation

There are many options offered for the treatment of Glaucoma at Loden Vision Centers. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” because there are no symptoms until permanent vision loss begins to occur. That’s why early detection through annual eye health examinations and ongoing treatment by our Glaucoma specialists is key to a lifetime of good vision.

Recently, a breakthrough laser treatment known as Endoscopic CycloPhotocagulation (ECP) is now available at Loden Vision Centers. ECP treats the area of the eye behind the iris known as the ciliary body. This small gland produces the fluid which elevates the eye’s intra-ocular pressure, causing damage to both cells and nerves. An endoscopic camera is used during treatment for precise placement of the laser beam on the ciliary tissue to reduce  production of fluid, which in tur,n reduces the intra-ocular pressure.

Endoscopic CycloPhotocagulation can be used to treat all types of glaucoma including both open -angle and narrow-angle, the two most common types of glaucoma. Studies over the past 10 years have shown that many glaucoma patients are able to reduce, or even eliminate their dependence on glaucoma medications.

This safe, effective treatment is often performed during Cataract surgery. Best of all, most ECP patients find that they are no longer at risk for vision loss.

Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation is often performed on clients at the time of cataract surgery. It can also be performed on those clients who had SLT or ALT laser procedures, glaucoma filtration surgery or other surgical procedures that were not successful at controlling intra-ocular pressure.

ECP has proven to be an effective way to reduce intra-ocular pressure. Studies have shown that the majority of clients have their glaucoma medications reduced or completely eliminated after the procedure and are no longer at risk of loss of vision from glaucoma.

Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation is for those who:

• have glaucoma or higher than normal intra-ocular pressure including those with cataracts
• have not responded well to medications and other surgical to other treatments

What to expect on procedure day:

ECP is most often performed at the same time as cataract surgery, after the cataract has been removed from the eye. No additional incisions are required. The ECP probe uses tiny, optical fibers to illuminate, view and treat the ciliary body with laser energy. Approximately 20 to 40 laser applications will be administered.

Your eye pressure will be checked shortly after your procedure and drops may be prescribed to alleviate any soreness or swelling inside your eye. You may also receive oral medications to control inflammation.

You should relax for the rest of the day. Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor eye pressure. It may take a few weeks to see the full pressure-lowering effect of this procedure. Most clients resume normal activities within a few days.

Realistic expectations:

The effect of the surgery may wear off over time, but the majority of clients have their pressure reduced and many can eliminate their need for glaucoma medications. However, this procedure and other glaucoma surgical procedures does not restore lost vision. Serious complications with Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation are rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Prior to your procedure, you will be given additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Take The First Step Call us today at for LASIK, or (615) 859-3937 for Cataracts and General Information, to schedule your appointment for a consultation with our vision correction experts. Loden Vision Centers has four convenient locations in the Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. See our Locations page for more details. For the best in Nashville LASIK surgery, turn to Loden Vision Centers - home of Tennessee’s first and only 20/20 LASIK guarantee!