New Glaucoma Treatment [Developed by an Israeli company]

Israel National News ^ | 15:39 Jul. 16, '03 / 16 Tammuz 5763

[yonif]

Normally, glaucoma can be treated with medication or laser surgery; however, some cases are not responsive to these treatments. That is where Optonol’s patented Ex-PRESS Miniature Glaucoma Implant comes in. The treatment significantly reduces intra-ocular pressure, by ridding the eye of excess fluid, which does not drain normally in glaucoma sufferers. The device can also serve as an effective, long-term alternative to the traditional treatments.

The Ex-PRESS implant - 3mm long, 400 microns in diameter - consists of a microscopic conduit that drains excess fluid out of the eye and harmlessly deposits it into the surrounding tissues. The resultant pressure reduction brings down the pain level. The implantation procedure is described as safe, minimally invasive, and very brief by Optonol developers. It is performed under local or topical anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

As reported by Israel21c.org, “[L]ast year, American optical giant Ciba Vision acquired the rights to market it in the United States and Canada. Since its introduction on the American market last year, there have been hundreds of cases implanted, and almost 800 doctors are now certified to use the device, according to Andrea Argenbright of Ciba.” Ex-PRESS has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as by the CE authorities for marketing in Europe.

Located in Neve Ilan, a high-tech industrial park just off the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Optonol Ltd. is an advanced technology company founded in 1996 by a group of experienced medical practitioners, engineers and entrepreneurs.

[yonif]

Even in the face of constant terror and economic difficulties, Israeli technological development and advancement continues.

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[billbears]

Thank you for this post. Interesting and timely. Have family members that are afflicted with glaucoma and I don't know if they know about this

[Redcloak]

This brings up an interesting ethical dilemma for the average liberal: If stricken with glaucoma, does one get the implant, even though that means supporting the "Zionist entity"? Or does one go blind on the principle of supporting the Palestinian People against "Nazi" oppression?

Decisions, decisions...

[cinFLA]

Marijuana is frequently beneficial in the treatment of the following conditions:

Glaucoma. Marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure, thereby alleviating the pain and slowing -- and sometimes stopping -- the progress of the condition. (Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It damages vision by increasing eye pressure over time.)

http://www.mpp.org

[bigfootbob]

cinFLA, are you schizophrenic? You spend many hours dismissing medical cannabis as a George Soros funded pipe dream, and today you are posting information about the beneficial properties of cannabis. You sir, are a dangerous kook.

Yonif, thank you for this post, I've got 7 relatives including my wife stricken with this disease. We've heard about this treatment and hopefully it will become standard proceedure soon.

[aimhigh]

Bump