November 3, 2022
Dr. Logan Vincent – First surgeon in Iowa to use new SION™ technology in Glaucoma Surgery
Wolfe Eye Clinic glaucoma surgeon, Dr. Logan Vincent, was recently the first surgeon in Iowa to perform goniotomy glaucoma surgery using the advanced SION™ technology. Sight Sciences, a leader in canal- based minimally invasive glaucoma surgery technology, designed SION to be an innovated goniotomy surgical instrument. This new technology represents a new chapter in glaucoma surgery because of its bladeless design.
"Goniotomy is a surgical technique originally used to treat pediatric glaucoma, but this procedure is now one of the most commonly used, minimally-invasive glaucoma surgeries used in adults. SION is a new device used to perform a goniotomy either during cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure. What is unique about SION compared to other products used for a goniotomy, is that the tip of the device is more rounded. This makes it easier to navigate inside the eye more safely and decreases the risk of damaging other surrounding structures. The new SION device is less sharp compared to traditional goniotomy blades and allows for a smooth excision of the trabecular meshwork. I look forward to implementing SION into my surgical practice for patients who require this procedure," said Logan Vincent, MD, Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist at Wolfe Eye Clinic.
What is a goniotomy glaucoma surgery?
Goniotomy is an advanced surgery to lower eye pressure. It is created through the nasal angle of the eye with an inserted suture. Traction on the suture creates a trabeculotomy without the removal of any trabecular meshwork. It is important to maintain your eyes natural trabecular meshwork because it is the original tissue located in the anterior chamber portion at the angle of the eye that is the determinant of pressure values. Prior to SION, glaucoma surgeons utilized a surgical blade to remove a portion of the eye wall that blocks our eye’s natural drain. This would open a channel creating fluid to flow correctly leaving the eye.
SION technology is a signature bladeless design that offers surgeons greater control and an intuitive surgical experience for all patients with greater safety and efficiency. SION grasps diseased tissue and removes it as the glaucoma surgeon sweeps the instrument around the canal with a single smooth motion.
Benefits of a goniotomy experience unlike any other with SION:
- Bladeless design: a bladeless tip facilitating a smooth, gentle goniotomy.
- Versatile: SION can be used in combination with other procedures like cataract surgery.
- Established Reimbursement: Goniotomy is a proven surgical treatment with an established reimbursement code.
Dr. Logan Vincent is a fellowship-trained cataract and glaucoma surgeon who specializes in medically and surgically treating different forms of glaucoma including primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. Dr. Vincent is very excited to have the opportunity of offer his patients SION technology and continue with further advancements in the treatment and control of glaucoma.
As active participants in many ongoing national technologies, Wolfe Eye Clinic glaucoma specialists are known for offering patients the latest in glaucoma diagnostic and treatment options. Complete glaucoma services in Iowa are available at Wolfe Eye Clinic in Ames, Ankeny, Carroll, Cedar Falls, Hiawatha (Cedar Rapids), Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Pleasant Hill, Spencer and Waterloo. You can request more information on glaucoma conditions here or give us a call at (833) 474-5850.