This weeks blog discusses glaucoma, an often overlooked condition that doesn’t get discussed as much as it probably should. It is also commonly misunderstood as to exactly what it is. We also talk about treatment options.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the US. It involves the pressure in the eye being too high for the optic nerve (the nerve that connects to the eye to the brain), which results in progressive optic nerve damage. Glaucoma is called the “silent thief” of sight as it slowly robs patients of peripheral vision, and by the time patients may notice that, much of the visual field has been lost, often irreversibly. We offer complete medical glaucoma care with optic nerve, intraocular pressure, visual field monitoring. In addition to eyedrops (which can have side effects and be difficult to consistently take), there are multiple treatment options for glaucoma.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
Family history, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and African-American race are major risk factors for glaucoma. Large cataract, high levels of farsightedness or nearsightedness, and trauma are other risk factors for glaucoma.
This week we talk about some of the treatments for glaucoma that are not as commonly know as well as some of the available treatment options.
WHAT ARE MEDICATION IMPLANT OPTIONS FOR GLAUCOMA?
Durysta
This is a medication implant that can be injected inside the eye in the doctor’s office and deliver medication to the eye for 6-18 months. The patient can drive themselves and the only activity restriction is to stay upright for an hour after the Durysta.
iDose
This is a surgically placed medication implant that can be placed inside the eye between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the cornea (clear window of the eye), and it generally delivers medication for 3 years, sometimes longer. It would need to be replaced afterward.
Drs. Ambati and Niespdozany offer Durysta and iDose.
WHAT ARE DRAINAGE SYSTEM OPTIONS FOR GLAUCOMA?
Hydrus
This is a device that’s placed inside Schlemm’s canal (the outflow channel for fluid leaving the eye). It can only be done at the time of cataract surgery. It is a permanent implant that provides long-term pressure control
iStent infinite
These are durable tiny stents that connect the anterior chamber (fluid space behind the cornea) to the Schlemm’s canal. They can be done during or after cataract surgery.
Canaloplasty (Omni)
A small tube is used to thread the Schlemm’s canal to open up obstructions. This can be done during, before, or after cataract surgery.
Dr. Niespodzany is happy to offer the Hydrus, iStent infinite, and canaloplasty procedures
