Combined Glaucoma/Cataract Treatment Provides Greater Benefits for Patients

Glaucoma patients who also suffer from cataracts now have another treatment option to help treat both diseases at once. Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation or ECP is an exciting development in the management and treatment of many types of glaucoma, especially the more common open-angle variety, and even narrow-angle glaucoma. ECP is not a new procedure but doctors have discovered that ECP can effectively lower intraocular eye pressure, halting the progression of glaucoma. Studies have shown that the majority of patients who have ECP can either reduce or completely eliminate the need for medications and/or eye drops, and are no longer at risk of loss of vision from glaucoma.

Doctors are now routinely performing ECP when patients undergo cataract surgery as a logical next step in the treatment process for patients who have both glaucoma and cataracts, which is very common. ECP is beneficial for patients with glaucoma because even though the disease is typically controlled with eye-drop medication, and many patients can forget to take their medications or have a difficult time using eye drops.

ECP uses a gentle form of light energy to decrease fluid production and pressure in the eye. It is most often performed at the same time as cataract surgery, after the cataract has been removed from the eye – doctors use the same incisions for both procedures. ECP can be performed together with cataract surgery or on its own as an outpatient procedure.

“It’s exciting when you find a new and powerful use for a novel procedure that really helps patients manage a serious condition like glaucoma. By reducing or eliminating the number of medications needed to control their glaucoma, we are also reducing the monthly cost for these patients at the pharmacy and therefore improving their quality of life. ECP is a relatively simple procedure with few, if any side effects, and most patients can resume activities within a few days,” said Dr. Lee Peplinski, consultative optometrist at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers.

ECP is recommended for patients who have glaucoma or higher than normal intra-ocular pressure including those with cataract and for patients who have not responded well to medications or other surgical treatments.