Therapeutic ultrasound. A precise noninvasive therapy for glaucoma.

The use of therapeutic ultrasound represents a new approach in the treatment of all types of glaucoma. The technique is performed as an outpatient procedure, requires minimal patient preparation, and has a high degree of patient acceptance. Considering the patients to whom ultrasound has been applied, the levels of success and complications compare favorably with other treatments. This type of procedure, when performed in earlier stages of glaucoma, has a better chance of preserving vision. Increased potential for success lies in repeating the procedure without undue risk. Although results in children are disappointing, it may be applicable in cases in which other therapies have failed. Future applications for therapeutic ultrasound are being explored. Currently, its use in unsuccessful surgical filtering procedures is under study, as are applications in areas other than ophthalmology. The effectiveness of this procedure ultimately will be determined by results obtained from ongoing clinical trials.