Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
By Tony Gough
22 June, 2017
Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
By Tony Gough
22 June, 2017
Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
Dr Nathan Kerr Melbourne Photo Shoot
By Tony Gough
22 June, 2017
A 15-minute eye operation to insert a tiny tube — slightly thicker than a human hair — to relieve eye pressure, is being touted as a safer and more effective way of treating the most common cause of irreversible blindness.
The Australian-invented 6mm-long collagen device has undergone trials around the world, but now Victorian patients are among the first in the country to access the new technology.
Centre for Eye Research Australia glaucoma surgeon Nathan Kerr said about 300,000 Australians had glaucoma, but half were unaware they had it.
And, while daily eye drops were effective for relieving eye pressure, Dr Kerr said many patients suffered eye itchiness and pain similar to swimming in a highly chlorinated pool.
Further, patients often needed to use the drops multiple times a day, at specific times, which could be difficult for elderly patients or those with arthritis or Parkinson’s. “Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in the early stages, you can’t feel it and some patients experience side effects,” Dr Kerr said.
“There has been a push to not only prevent vision loss, but improve quality of life.”
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve at the back of the eyes, often caused by raised pressure when the drain that removes eye fluid becomes clogged.
The gel stent is one of three new devices for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery coming to Australia this year. 


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