HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

As A Follow Up To K. Goodman's Question About Restoring

Posted on Sun, 28 Apr 2019

Question: As a follow up to K. Goodman's question about restoring vision from glaucoma damage, I have done research regarding the work done in Germany. Apparently, the only research that I can find about rtACS is that of the same group of physicians in Germany. My 83 year old cousin has lost vision in one eye and losing vision in the other eye due to glaucoma. She is desperate. She is considering incurring the expense to travel, stay and undergo the treatment in Germany in hope of regaining as much vision as possible. Do any of the ophthalmologists online know personally anyone who has undergone this treatment been been helped? If this treatment is so successful, why are there no facilities in the U.S. or elsewhere where this treatment is available? Thank you. Vicki Hall

Answered by Dr. Harshita (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am sorry but i dont know anyone personally

Detailed Answer:
hello thanks for the question. The standard treatment of glaucoma even now in my country is with medications and if they dont work we do a trabeculectomy surgery . I am sure you must have availed these options dear . Using electrical stimulation aka the RCS therapy is very new and so it has not been spread to other continents . But they have proven in their articles that it does work but effect is primarily on the visual fields and it remains for few months and further studies are also being conducted to substantiate the same and maybe that is another reason the technology hasnt spread . In my opinion it is worth a try if no other surgery or option is available and you have the requisite funds . you may call up the centres and ask to be a part of the study also , they may not charge you for the same . hope my answer helps you. get well soon and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Harshita (17 hours later)

Thank you very much your reply. Have you spoken with other ophthalmologists who have patients who had the rtACS? If so, what have been their outcomes/comments? What is the reputation of the physicians and the clinic in Germany among ophthalmologists? What are the statistics of the trabeculectomy surgery? What has been the success rate for improved vision? What kind of improvement is provided? What is the rate for no improvement with the surgery? What is the rate worsening the vision with the surgery? Did I understand you to say that she should try the surgery before the rtACS? I'm just curious about why you might make that recommendation? My cousin is adamant she does not want to have the surgery. What encouragement can you provide that the surgery is a viable treatment regardless of the rtACS? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Harshita (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery is being done since many years

Detailed Answer:
hello thanks for your follow up question .

Surgery is done only when the pressure is not controlled despite medication and is considered the last option in my country for glaucoma patients till now . Trabeculectomy is being done since many years and is an established and proven surgery to stop the progression of nerve damage . It cannot restore the already damaged nerve . It can control the Intraocular pressure and thus prevent rhe further nerve damage . It has minimal risk if done in a good hospital .

And i am sorry no till now i dont know any Doctor who is doing rtACS . As i mentioned previously its not that widespread and atleast in my country we know as much as we have read in the journals .

If you have any follow up query i would be happy to answer the same . Get well soon and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj