Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is symptomless and gradually steals your vision without warning, but it can be detected by a simple test usually performed during a routine vision exam. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., but with early treatment, you can protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone over the age of 35 have a full dilated eye exam, including a glaucoma test, at least once every three years. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, and the elderly are considered at elevated risk of glaucoma and should be tested on a yearly basis.

Fortunately, glaucoma can now be treated with a remarkable laser technology that can halt the disease's progress. The new procedure, called Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation (ECP), targets the fluid-producing structures of a patient's eye to reduce the pressure that causes glaucoma. The Robbins Eye Center was the first to offer the ECP procedure in Connecticut.

In the ECP procedure, the ciliary body of the eye, which creates fluid, is treated with a laser. This reduces fluid production that in turn, reduces intraocular pressure. The ciliary body is a small gland running the circumference of the eye located behind the iris. ECP allows the surgeon to view the area through an endoscopic camera, which aids in the very precise placement of the laser beam used for treatment.

In a majority of cases, ECP eliminates or greatly reduces the need for medicated drops, which are now the most common treatment for the affliction. ECP surgery can also provide relief from the side effects of eye drops, which may include redness, allergic reactions, headaches and elevated blood pressure. While medicated drops are usually not covered by most insurance plans, the ECP procedure is covered.

ECP can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with cataract surgery. Performed on an outpatient basis, the surgery takes just a few minutes to complete. After a short recovery period, patients are able to resume their normal routine. Patients generally can stop using their eye drops anywhere from one to six weeks post-op.

"It truly is remarkable", says Dr. Kim Robbins of Robbins Eye Center. "Glaucoma is called 'the sneak thief of sight' because of its slow and painless progression. Now, with a quick and safe outpatient procedure, we can often stop its terrible effects".

For more information on ECP, contact Robbins Eye Center at (203) 371-5800 or contact us here.