Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, is a chronic eye disease where there is progressive loss of the cells of the optic nerve (which carries vision from the eye to the brain). Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that can be managed successfully if detected early and monitored regularly every 4-6 months. There are multiple treatment options, involving the reduction of pressure inside the eye using eyedrops, lasers, drainage implants, filtration procedures, or medication implants.

Glaucoma damage occurs when the fluid in the front part of the eye builds up, creating pressure. There are two principal forms: Primary Open-Angle and Angle Closure or “Narrow-angle.”

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma occurs over time when pressure builds up within the eye and the fluid does not drain properly.

Angle Closure Glaucoma is more severe and develops over time as well. This happens when the iris blocks or partially blocks the drainage angle of the eye. This form eventually leads to an attack where symptoms develop rapidly. Symptoms include severe and sudden eye pain, headaches and nausea, sudden loss of vision, or sudden blurry vision. When this happens, it is important to seek a medical professional right away.

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What Treatments are Available?

Different kinds respond differently to different treatments, so your doctor will decide which form of treatment is best for you.

First-line care generally involves laser treatment or eyedrops. Most individuals undergoing laser treatment in the eye experience a significant reduction of eye pressure for 2-3 years. The effect can wear off, but the treatment can be repeated. PCVI is happy to be able to offer direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (D-SLT), which allows physicians to provide their patients with a streamlined and comfortable approach by increasing fluid outflow.

With just numbing eyedrops, an eyelid opener, and having the patient look at a fixation light, D-SLT laser is performed in less than a minute. There is no contact lens or eye gel involved, so patients can drive and resume normal activities immediately after the laser. D-SLT can be used for initial therapy for patients who have side effects from eyedrops or have difficulty putting them in or remembering them, or for patients who are having glaucoma progression despite other treatments.

The G6 laser is another laser option, which involves numbing the eye followed by a 3-minute laser treatment that reduces fluid production inside the eye, thereby lowering eye pressure. This potentially can reduce the need for eyedrops for glaucoma, and can be done at the time of cataract surgery or separately from cataract surgery. It does require mild sedation, so patients should not eat the morning of the laser and rest at home for at least 8 to 12 hours after treatment.

Medication implants for glaucoma include Durysta and iDose. Durysta is a biodegradable implant delivering medicine called bimatoprost after being placed inside the eye with a brief (<1 minute) procedure. It generally lasts for a year at a time. iDose is a surgically placed implant that delivers a medicine called travoprost, lasting for 3 years.

iDose for Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma affects millions worldwide. It’s a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. Fortunately, early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. iDose is emerging as a promising option for glaucoma patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment.

What is iDose?

iDose is a microdosing implant that delivers tiny, controlled doses of medication directly into the eye over 3 years and potentially longer. This targeted approach aims to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the main culprit behind glaucoma damage. Unlike traditional eye drops, which can be inconvenient and have limited efficacy, iDose offers a potentially more consistent and long-lasting treatment option.

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Benefits of iDose for Glaucoma

Reduced Medication Burden: iDose eliminates the need for frequent eye drop application, improving treatment adherence and reducing the risk of missed doses.
Improved Treatment Efficacy: By delivering medication directly into the eye, iDose bypasses the tear film, potentially leading to more effective medication absorption.
Long-lasting Effect: iDose provides sustained medication delivery for several months, minimizing the need for frequent doctor visits for refills.
Minimally Invasive Procedure: iDose insertion is a relatively painless outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.

Why Choose iDose?

Ophthalmologists at PCVI are experienced in cutting-edge glaucoma treatments. Here are some reasons to consider iDose:

Access to Qualified Ophthalmologists: PCVI has multiple doctors on site who stay updated on the latest treatment options, including iDose. They can assess your individual needs and determine if iDose is right for you.
Focus on Patient Care: Our healthcare providers prioritize patient comfort and education. They will thoroughly explain the iDose procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Potential Cost-Effectiveness: While iDose itself may have an upfront cost, it could reduce long-term healthcare expenses associated with frequent doctor visits and medication refills.

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Is iDose Right for You?

If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma and are looking for alternative treatment options beyond eye drops, iDose might be a suitable choice. Here’s how to determine if it’s right for you:

Consult With An Ophthalmologist: Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your unique management plan. Our doctors can assess the severity of your condition and determine if iDose is an appropriate option.
Consider Your Needs: Discuss the pros and cons of iDose with your doctor. iDose may not be suitable for everyone, and other factors like your lifestyle and medication adherence may influence the decision.
Explore All Your Options: Our ophthalmologists can explain various treatments during your consultation.

By taking a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Explore iDose as a potential treatment option and discuss it with your ophthalmologist to determine if it’s the right approach for your eye health journey. Remember, early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining healthy vision and preventing unnecessary complications.

If you’re interested in learning more about iDose for treatment, we would be happy to discuss this life-changing procedure with you. Give us a call today!

If a laser is ineffective or is not the right treatment, a glaucoma surgery called a “goniotomy” or “trabeculectomy” are potential next steps in lowering the eye pressure that involves increasing the filtration and fluid outflow from the eye.

Often done at the time of cataract surgery, the drainage system of the eye is mechanically opened up, thus reducing the pressure. This is successful in over 90% of cases and is often long-lasting. However, some individuals may need to continue eye drops to maintain an acceptable pressure. Alternatively, drainage implants like Hydrus, Xen, or iStent can be performed. Often done at the time of cataract surgery, the drainage system of the eye is mechanically opened up, thus reducing the pressure. This is successful in over 90% of cases and is often long-lasting. However, some individuals may need to continue eye drops to maintain an acceptable pressure.

Please contact us to find out what treatment is right for you!