Which ambulatory surgery centers performed the most glaucoma surgeries?

What are the top ASCs in the U.S. for glaucoma surgeries?

Tower Clock Eye Center, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, holds the top position on our list. The ASC conducted 1.1% of all glaucoma surgeries in the U.S. in 2022.

Following closely behind are two other prominent ambulatory surgery centers: Roanoke Valley Center for Sight, representing 1.0% of total glaucoma surgeries, and The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas, with a share of 0.9% of glaucoma procedures performed at ASCs in 2022.

For a deeper understanding of ambulatory surgery centers, consider checking out the top 10 procedures performed at ASCs in 2022 and which states have the highest number of active ASCs.

Types of glaucoma surgery

There are several types of glaucoma surgeries available, and the choice of procedure depends on various factors such as the type and severity of glaucoma, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference. Here are some common types of glaucoma surgery:

• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). This category of procedures uses microsurgical instruments and smaller incisions to lower IOP. While MIGS is a relatively new approach to treatment, studies have shown that it leads to a quicker recovery time and fewer complications when compared to more invasive glaucoma surgeries.
• Trabeculectomy. One of the most common glaucoma procedures, a trabeculectomy reduces IOP by creating a small opening in the eye to allow fluid to drain out.
• Cyclophotocoagulation. This procedure uses a laser to lower eye pressure by targeting the parts of the eye that produce fluid.
• Glaucoma implants. Also known as tube shunt surgery, this procedure involves the insertion of a small tube into the eye to help regulate pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Recent trends in glaucoma surgeries

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery is a relatively novel approach to treatment that is changing how eyecare providers treat glaucoma, when surgeons intervene, and how patients manage their condition. MIGS is part of a wave of new procedures and technologies that empower practitioners to intervene much earlier in the patient’s journey. This is particularly valuable, as glaucoma is also known as the “silent blinder” because there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the condition.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have also shown great potential in the field of ophthalmology and our understanding of how glaucoma develops. For example, AI systems can analyze clinical and genomic data, lifestyle behaviors, risk factors, and medical history to predict the likelihood of a patient developing glaucoma. AI can also help eyecare practitioners more accurately interpret clinical imaging, scans, and tests, leading to earlier and more confident diagnoses.

For more industry perspectives on eyecare, check out episode 28 of the Definitively Speaking podcast: “Would you get your eyes checked where you buy your shampoo?”

Learn more

Healthcare Insights are developed with healthcare commercial intelligence from the Definitive Healthcare platform. Want even more insights? Start a free trial now and get access to the latest healthcare commercial intelligence on hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers.