Life changing procedure for patient with glaucoma
23 September 2019
Julia Medcalf, 85, had never heard of glaucoma until she had a 'health MOT' in her 60s and it was discovered she had this degenerative eye disease.
She was prescribed eye drops which she took for many years in both eyes. By the time of her first minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in July 2018, she was taking four different types of eye drops for advanced chronic open angle glaucoma.
She had the right eye implanted with the Xen gel stent in July 2018 by Mr Minas Georgopoulos. This miniscule stent is made from natural gelatine and is inserted into the eye to open up a passage, allowing fluid to drain and reduce pressure in the eye. The procedure took just 10 minutes under local anaesthetic, with drops administered to the eye.
“I was sedated during the procedure and was very comfortable,” said Julia, who has 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. “Anything to do with the sight is so important and I was grateful I could have this done and that this country is at the forefront of technology when it comes to eye surgery.
“I had learnt that once glaucoma has damaged the optic nerve that would be it for my sight, so I thought for heaven’s sake, let’s just get on with this.”
Julia went on to have her left eye implanted with the Xen gel stent in November last year.
“I can’t feel them in my eyes at all and I no longer need to use eye drops,” she says.
Although Julia has had to give up driving due to poor vision in her right eye caused by glaucoma, she is able to enjoy her favourite pastime of gardening and seeing her family and soon hopes to get around town in a mobility scooter. She says she is “immeasurably grateful” that she no longer needs to worry that glaucoma will steal her sight.
“I have been saved from that and I am very thankful.”
If you wish to seek advice or book a consultation with Mr Georgopoulos, please call on 01293 778 906 to find out more.