PEOPLE in Worcestershire suffering from glaucoma will be the first in the Midlands to benefit from a new type of surgery now able to be performed in Worcestershire’s hospitals.
Hydrus Microstent Glaucoma Surgery is a new type of stent surgery which has been proven to provide improved outcomes for patients.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is the first and only hospital Trust in the Midlands area to offer this type of surgery, meaning Worcestershire glaucoma patients will uniquely benefit from this new procedure.
The new surgery can only be performed by highly-trained specialist surgeons, and Mr Tarun Sharma from Worcestershire’s hospitals is the first surgeon in the Midlands to be qualified to perform this new procedure after its approval.
During the surgery, the highly flexible mirco-stent – which is roughly the size of an eyelash – is placed in the eye canal by a specially trained surgeon using high-tech equipment. This less invasive approach results in fewer complications and faster healing times than in more traditional glaucoma surgery.
Studies have also shown that patients who underwent this new type of surgery had a significant reduction in eye pressure and could reduce the need for ongoing medication.
Worcestershire’s Ophthalmology departments have received international honours for their treatment of glaucoma patients in the past, previously winning the International Glaucoma Association’s ‘Best Glaucoma Ophthalmology Unit’ award.
Clinical director for ophthalmology at Worcestershire’s hospitals, Mr Tarun Sharma, said: “We’re delighted to be the first hospital Trust in the Midlands to offer this new type of surgery to our glaucoma patients.
“There are only a very select group of surgeons who are currently able to perform this procedure so it is an honour to be able to offer this to patients in Worcestershire. I believe this new surgery will improve outcomes and the quality of life of patients who receive it.”
