Ophthalmic Patient Education
Patient Education Videos
Welcome to EyeAware.org. The purpose of this website is to help educate patients on glaucoma and cataracts. The videos on this website are meant to aid in, but not replace, conversations with a doctor. There are many emerging surgeries and procedures that are available for some but not all patients. I personally feel like the best way to learn is through video, where drawings and explanations can go hand-in-hand to explain difficult concepts. I hope you find these videos helpful.
- Erin Boese, M.D.
The University of Iowa
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
A YAG Laser Capsulotomy is an in-clinic procedure that is done to help clear up vision that can become cloudy following cataract surgery. This can be very helpful for patients who had very clear vision right after cataract surgery, but then started to feel like they were developing a cataract again ("secondary cataract").
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
A selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-clinic procedure that is done to lower your eye pressure by a small amount. It is sometimes a good alternative to adding a glaucoma eye drop.
Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT)
A GATT is a surgical procedure that opens up the natural drain of your eye. It will not fix a broken drain, but it will help get the most out of your current natural drain without adding any hardware.
Trabeculectomy
(AKA Trab or Filtering Surgery)
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A trabeculectomy is sometimes called a trab or filtering surgery. This surgery uses the tissues of your own eye to drain the fluid to a small fluid pocket on the top of your eye. This is generally the most effective surgery at lowering the eye pressure, but it is also requires a lot of post-operative management.
Non-Valved Tube Shunt Surgery
(AKA Seton, Baerveldt, Tube)
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A non-valved tube shunt is sometimes called a seton implant or called by the specific tube type (like a Baerveldt or Ahmed ClearPath). This surgery places an implant into your eye to help drain the fluid to a reservoir to the top of your eye. This is an effective way to lower the eye pressure.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
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An LPI is a laser procedure done in clinic to help reduce the risk of angle closure glaucoma in patients who are at high risk.
Valved Tube Shunt Surgery
(AKA Ahmed tube)​
A valved tube shunt is sometimes called an Ahmed seton or an Ahmed tube. This surgery places an implant into your eye to help drain the fluid to a reservoir to the top of your eye. This is an effective way to lower the eye pressure quickly.
All Videos
All Videos
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A link to all videos.
This website could not be possible without the graphic design work by Sarah Alward (sarah.alward@gmail.com).