Dr. Rajesh Shetty, an ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists, was among the first doctors to use the innovative Xen Gel Stent, a new method of glaucoma surgery that is safer and much faster. This new treatment helped save a woman’s vision in her left eye.
Dr. Shetty sat down with local TV news station News4Jax to discuss the benefits of the Xen Gel Stent, who may qualify, and how it benefits glaucoma patients.
Watch the full TV news clip or click the link below to hear from Dr. Shetty and learn about the promising future of new glaucoma technology.
Read the full story on News4Jax.
Video Transcript
Doctors say a new method to treat glaucoma is safer and much faster than the previous treatment. News4Jax reporter Aaron Ferrar explains how a Jacksonville doctor was one of the first in the area to use the tool that might prevent a woman from going completely blind.
Critical eye appointments and treatment are more than routine for Marion Rogers. A glaucoma diagnosis, diabetes, and a brain tumor all played roles in her losing more than just the vision in her right eye. ‘For me, it’s the loss of total control of my life — like going shopping by myself, or driving anytime I want to.’ After failed procedures, she finally got a promising treatment that may ultimately save her left eye. Ophthalmologist Rajesh Shetty, with Florida Eye Specialists, used this Xen Gel Stent that he believes will make a difference. ‘This is a new device that has helped us reduce eye pressure without having to do a larger procedure, with a lot less trauma to the eye and a lot fewer complications.’
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. It often goes undiagnosed until it causes vision loss, like in Rogers’s case. ‘What I’m trying to maintain now is the left eye being able to function, so I’m able to do certain things without help — that’s my goal.’ ‘We’re fortunate to have this device that we can offer her to reduce her eye pressure and save her eye while she’s being treated for multiple different conditions.’
Now Rogers hopes the stent will help her brother too, if he ends up needing treatment. Rogers says quick action can help her brother avoid going down a familiar road. ‘It makes me feel good that I can help him, and that he may be able to not go through all the loss that I have.’ She says that would be a win. Aaron Ferrar, Channel 4, the Local Station.
Glaucoma typically occurs in people who are over 40, and the risk increases exponentially for those over 60. The doctor says those at higher risk are African Americans and Hispanics.
