Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the medical term for the type of eye disorders that are caused by optic nerve damage. When left untreated, vision deterioration may accelerate and result in permanent and complete vision loss. Though glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder, vision decline can be slowed or halted altogether with timely diagnosis and treatment. However, some patients are asymptomatic, which may delay much needed medical attention. Optic nerve damage in the eye can have many possible causes, which may include injury or trauma to the eye, blocked blood vessels, inflammation, eye infections, and more.

Management of glaucoma symptoms and the preservation of the patient's vision can be effectively achieved by a variety of treatments, such as medicated eye drops, laser surgery, or micro surgery. Early detection through yearly eye exams are very important, especially for asymptomatic patients. If you would like to book an appointment and learn more about what we can do to treat your glaucoma, you may contact our medical office.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is performed as a treatment for open angle glaucoma. During the procedure, heat is applied to the drainage system of the eye where it temporarily stretches the tissue (this effect can last 2-5 years) thus improving the outflow of fluid from the eye. Improving the outflow of fluid will reduce the pressure in the eye. Since no tissue is destroyed, this procedure can be repeated.

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

This laser is performed when the eye’s drainage system is narrowed due to anatomy. A peripheral iridotomy makes a small opening in the iris that acts as an ancillary drain. This additional outlet reduces the risk of the drainage system closing suddenly (angle closure glaucoma), which could lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in intraocular pressure.

DURYSTA™ Implant for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can cause permanent vision damage and even blindness if left untreated. Many of those affected by glaucoma don’t always experience symptoms, which can delay timely medical attention and treatment. Another obstacle to the successful management of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) is the difficulty in getting patients to take their medicated eye drops as instructed. About 80% of glaucoma patients fail to use the medicated drops as prescribed, usually due to the following:

• Incorrect dosage due to improper eye drop application
• Neglecting to apply eye drops at the scheduled time for a variety of reasons
• Allergies to the medication or its preservatives
• Side effects such as dry eye
• Having other eye conditions that are unsuitable for treatment with medicated eye drops 

The DURYSTA™ Implant was created and designed to address these problems, so patients who are not responding well to the medicated eye drops for any reason can count on a safe and convenient alternative.

What is the DURYSTA™ Implant and how does it work?

DURYSTA™ is an innovative, sustained-release ocular implant that works to continuously deliver the medication Bimatoprost in the eye, in order to decrease and preserve healthy eye pressure. The nearly microscopic implant is pre-filled with 10 mcg of Bimatoprost medication, which is then injected into the eye. Once the implantation procedure—which takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes—is completed, the implant will continuously release the correct dosage of medication until it is all finished, usually within 4 to 6 months. There is no need for a separate procedure to remove the implant—since DURYSTA™ is biodegradable, it naturally breaks down and is safely removed by the body over time.

Am I a good candidate for DURYSTA™?

DURYSTA™ is a safe and very effective treatment option for people with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).

DURYSTA™ is not recommended for those who:

• have an eye infection or are susceptible to getting one
• have undergone a corneal transplant
• have a damaged or missing posterior lens capsule
• suffer from corneal endothelial cell dystrophy
• are allergic to Bimatoprost or the implant materials

To see if DURYSTA™ is the right treatment for you, please call us at (973) 366-1232 to schedule a consultation.