WILLEMSTAD – Eleven patients with glaucoma have undergone a new type of eye surgery at Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), offering new hope for preserving their vision. All 11 patients showed a good reduction in eye pressure following surgery. The procedures, performed last week, used the EyePlate 300-S implant for the first time in the Caribbean.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can gradually lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, often without noticeable symptoms. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. For patients with glaucoma, surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure inside the eye and prevent further damage.
The surgeries were performed by CMC ophthalmologist Dr. Michael Siban together with Dr. Gyan Soerjoesing, who traveled from the Netherlands for this specialized surgical mission. The EyePlate 300-S implant helps drain excess fluid from the eye, reducing pressure and protecting the optic nerve from further damage. It provides an additional treatment option for patients whose glaucoma cannot be adequately controlled with medication or other procedures.
Bringing this treatment to Curaçao required several years of preparation. Dr. Siban has also completed specialized glaucoma training, with the goal of performing these procedures independently at CMC in the future. This will allow more patients to receive specialized treatment close to home, reducing the need to travel abroad for certain procedures.
Glaucoma is a particular concern in Curaçao. People of Afro-Caribbean descent and those with a family history of the disease have an increased risk. According to Dr. Siban, patients are often diagnosed when the disease is already advanced.
While new treatments offer hope to patients with (advanced) glaucoma, detecting the disease early remains the best way to protect eyesight. CMC encourages people, especially those aged 35 and older with a family history of glaucoma, to have their eyes checked regularly. An eye care professional can advise on the appropriate examinations.