PNeumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) is a non-invasive
treatment under development for the treatment of open
angle (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OH). While
Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) is approved in
several countries outside of the US, the product is
under development in the United States and therefore is
still considered an investigational device under current
FDA regulations. In order to complete the registration
process an additional clinical trial will be conducted
under an approved investigational device exemption
(IDE).
Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) is intended to be
performed in the eye care specialist office. Several
studies (1-4) support that Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty
(PNT) may reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in
patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular
hypertension (OH). A reduction in IOP is generally
accepted as having a beneficial effect in preserving
vision in patients with glaucoma.
Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty (PNT) utilizes a
vacuum fixation ring connected to a
computerized vacuum controller. The ring is
placed on the surface of the eye and a vacuum
is applied for 1 minute. The procedure is
normally repeated 1 week later. The duration of
the IOP lowering effect is, on average, 3-4
months at which time the procedure can be
repeated.
(1) G. Avalos-Urzua, L.D. Bores, J.T. LiVecchi, Pneumatic
Trabeculoplasty: A New Method To Treat Primary Open-Angle
Glaucoma and Reduce the Number of Concomitant
Medications, Ann Ophthalmol, 2005; 37 (1) pg. 37-46
(2) M.G. Bucci, M. Centofanti, F. Oddone, M. Parravano, C.
Balacco Gabrieli, J. Pecori-Giraldi, A. Librando, E. Paone, I.D.
Bores, Pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
pneumatic trabeculoplasty in glaucoma and ocular
hypertension, Eur. J. Ophthal. 2005; 15 (3)
(3) Ceruti, P., Marraffa, M., Morbio, R., Bertoldo, G., Marchini,
G., Efficacy of Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty in Primary Open
Angle Glaucoma, Invest. Ophthal. Vis. Sci. 2006; (47)
(4) Prigione G., Hesse, A. Lester, M., Rolando, M., Calabria,
G., Safety and Efficacy of Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty in
African Population, Invest. Ophthal. Vis. Sci.; 2006 (47)