Appointment
Make A Payment 
OnlineStore
Refer a Friend 
Call 704.365.0555In March of 2020, Dr. Vandana R. Minnal of Horizon Eye Care was one of the first surgeons in the Charlotte area to perform glaucoma surgery utilizing The Next Generation OMNI Surgical System. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to reduce the risk of further vision loss. The OMNI procedure is a unique system that enables ophthalmologists to treat three different areas of resistance.
The Basics Of Glaucoma
The eye continuously produces and drains fluid called aqueous humor. Dysregulation at different levels can cause elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure can damage the optic nerve and the nerve fibers that are responsible for peripheral and central vision.
There are three primary points of resistance:
- Trabecular meshwork: an area of tissue in the eye located around the base of the cornea which is responsible for draining the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber.
- Schlemm’s Canal: a channel that collects aqueous humor from the anterior chamber and delivers it into the bloodstream.
- Distal Collector Channels: conduits between Schlemm’s canal and the bloodstream (aqueous and episcleral veins).
The OMNI Surgical System is capable of targeting all three points of resistance using one of these two methods:
- Viscoelastic Delivery: The surgeon will use the cannula to insert a thin tube (microcatheter) into the main pipe of the drain (Schlemm’s Canal). The microcatheter delivers a small amount of viscoelastic to open the system.
- Trabeculotomy: The surgeon can also thread the tube (microcatheter) into the main pipe (Schlemm’s Canal) and remove the first and most important layer of potential resistance, the trabecular meshwork.
Benefits Of The OMNI Surgical System
There are many benefits to treating open angle glaucoma with the OMNI Surgical System. First, this tool provides safe and effective treatment for patients with all stages of the disease. Studies have demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in intraocular pressure. Secondly, the surgeon does not implant a device into the eye like many other less invasive glaucoma surgeries.
Further, this is a micro-invasive approach that may be performed at the same time as cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure. If performed at the same time as cataract surgery, the surgeon will use a pre-existing incision. On the other hand, if performed alone, the surgeon will create a small incision in the clear cornea to access the anterior chamber angle.
Schedule A Comprehensive Glaucoma Exam
While more glaucoma patients are able to undergo treatment using the Next Generation OMNI Surgical System, not everyone is a candidate. If you are interested, call to schedule a thorough glaucoma exam with one of Horizon’s glaucoma specialists. To schedule a consultation at Horizon Eye Care, use our Patient Portal or call 704-365-0555 Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..