Elmquist Eye Group is pleased to announce Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown has earned certification to perform the Kahook Dual Blade procedure, a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of glaucoma that is now being offered at Elmquist Eye Group.
Glaucoma, a common disease causing damage to the optic nerve, often develops without symptoms initially, and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It is commonly associated with high eye pressures, which may be due to a build-up of fluid in the eye, either as a result of fluid overproduction or a blockage inside the eye’s natural drainage system.
When a blockage occurs in the eye’s trabecular meshwork, a goniotomy procedure to partially remove the trabecular meshwork may be performed to enhance fluid outflow and relieve interocular pressure. The minimally invasive Kahook Dual Blade procedure uses a sharp, dual-edged goniotomy blade to create parallel incisions in the trabecular meshwork, allowing the surgeon to effectively excise a complete strip of tissue.
“A goniotomy performed with a Kahook Dual Blade allows for a more thorough removal of the trabecular meshwork, minimizing residual leaflets and causing less damage to surrounding tissues,” said Eccles-Brown. “This minimally invasive approach leads to a shorter recovery time and often helps decrease reliance on glaucoma medications and their associated costs and side effects.”
Eccles-Brown, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Elmquist Eye Group, is the practice’s lead surgeon responsible for premium cataract surgery, eyelid surgery and in-office procedures. She is also certified to perform the iStent Inject, another minimally invasive procedure for glaucoma patients. Eccles-Brown joined Elmquist Eye Group in 2016, and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. The Florida native earned two bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University and her doctorate from New York Medical College. She is one of three U.S. military veterans leading Elmquist Eye Group, previously serving in the U.S. Air Force as a major stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, where she treated active duty, retired and dependent patients as a comprehensive ophthalmologist. Prior to her time at Eglin AFB, she completed her Ophthalmology Residency Training in 2012 at Wilford Hall Medical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center.
The Kahook Dual Blade procedure is intended for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and can be completed as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with cataract surgery.
To learn if you are a candidate for the Kahook Dual Blade procedure, contact Elmquist Eye Group at 239-936-2020.
About Elmquist Eye Group
E. Trevor Elmquist, D.O. founded Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers in 1992. Elmquist and his skilled associates Dr. Kate Wagner, Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown and Dr. Nina Burt continue to provide a complete range of medical and surgical eye care to the residents of Lee County. Services include comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and many more eye conditions. A full-service optical boutique is located within the Fort Myers and Cape Coral offices, with a wide range of frames and lens options. For more information and appointments call 239-936-2020 or go to Elmquist.com.
