DONATE NOWGonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy
Glaucoma Associates of Texas, based in Dallas, developed the GATT procedure. Since its inception, doctors at Glaucoma Associates of Texas have successfully performed thousands of GATT procedures. They have spoken about GATT nationally and internationally. In addition, doctors from around the world have visited Dallas to observe the procedure and learn from the team.
The Glaucoma Associates of Texas in Dallas, TX developed the GATT procedure. Since its inception, the doctors at Glaucoma Associates have performed thousands of this surgery successfully, more than all surgeons combined world-wide. The doctors have spoken extensively about GATT, nationally and internationally, and other doctors from around the world have come to Dallas, TX to observe and learn how to perform GATT by the doctors at Glaucoma Associates of Texas.
What Is GATT Glaucoma Surgery?
GATT (Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for open-angle glaucoma. It is a modification of trabeculotomy, a glaucoma procedure used for more than 50 years. Trabeculotomy has a proven history of being safe and effective for the treatment of open angle glaucoma.
How do surgeons perform GATT?
Surgeons perform the GATT procedure through micro-incisions in the cornea. They make a 1.0 mm incision at the cornea’s periphery to complete the surgery. After entering the eye, the surgical procedure involves cutting through the trabecular meshwork, cannulating Schlemm’s canal 360°, and unroofing Schlemm’s canal.
One major advantage of this procedure is that it can access the natural drainage system through 360°, rather than targeting only a small portion. Surgeons believe that opening the entire drainage system gives the best chance for the procedure to succeed and adequately lower intraocular pressure.
A second advantage of this procedure is that it does not involve opening up the conjunctival tissues to access Schlemm’s canal. Therefore, surgeons may encounter less scar tissue during subsequent procedures, potentially improving their success rates.
Who Is a Good Candidate for GATT Glaucoma Surgery?
Doctors use GATT to surgically treat open-angle glaucoma in both adults and children. However, in contrast to other “angle surgeries,” some forms of closed-angle glaucoma may also benefit.
How does it work?
GATT reduces IOP by restoring the trabeculo-canalicular outflow pathway. It increases the flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber into and around Schlemm’s canal and out through the collector channels. This procedure routes fluid through normal physiological pathways and does not create a bleb on the eye’s surface.
For more details, please read the GATT article in Ophthalmology Times.
What Steps Does the GATT Procedure Involve?
When you and your doctor decide to proceed with GATT, our preoperative scheduling nurse will provide detailed instructions on preparing for surgery and arriving at the operating room. See Preoperative instructions for more information.
This is an outpatient procedure performed in an ambulatory surgery center. The surgery itself takes less than one hour in most cases. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Sometimes, surgeons combine GATT with another procedure, often cataract surgery.
After surgery, the eye generally is covered by an eye patch and protected by a plastic shield overnight. The following morning, your ophthalmologist removes the patch and shield and examines your eye. Eye drops are then prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. For more details, please see postoperative instructions.
For several weeks following the surgery, your ophthalmologist will observe your eye closely and examine you frequently. It may take up to 12 weeks after your surgery for the healing to be complete. During this time, your intraocular pressure and vision may fluctuate. You will be ready to change your glasses prescription at around 6-8 weeks after surgery.
Please contact the Glaucoma Associates of Texas if you have questions about this treatment for glaucoma.