ViaLase’s chief medical officer, Rick Lewis, discusses the company’s groundbreaking nonincisional glaucoma treatment. The treatment involves creating a 500-micron-wide channel in the trabecular meshwork using a nonincisional technique with advanced imaging technology. This allows for precise placement of the channel almost anywhere in the meshwork for 360 degrees.
Initial safety studies have shown that the treatment is both safe and effective. The study followed patients for up to 3 years and found that they experienced a drop in intraocular pressure without any adverse events. Patients saw their intraocular pressure decrease to the low teens, demonstrating the durability of the procedure. A single channel of 500 by 200 microns was enough to effectively control pressure.
Moving forward, ViaLase is conducting a pivotal trial with 152 total patients to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment. The trial compares the femtolaser treatment to an SLT in a randomized manner. Data collection for the 6-month follow-up is expected to be completed next month, with plans to file for FDA approval later this year. The results so far have been promising, showing good safety and efficacy.
The nonincisional approach to treating glaucoma that ViaLase is pioneering has the potential to revolutionize glaucoma treatment. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional incisional surgeries and provides hope for patients struggling with managing their intraocular pressure. With ongoing research and development, this innovative treatment could become an important tool for ophthalmologists around the world.