Clear Answers on Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with the greatest risk factor being elevated eye pressure. Traditionally, doctors have managed glaucoma with eye drops or laser treatments first, and then if the disease worsened, they would move to surgery.

Interventional Glaucoma (IG) is a newer approach. Instead of waiting until the disease gets worse, doctors use minimally invasive procedures earlier in the disease course. These procedures may control the glaucoma better than drops and can often be done at the same time as cataract surgery or as standalone procedures. They’re designed to safely lower eye pressure with fewer risks and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgeries.

IG offers patients many procedural options, allowing for customized treatments for their needs, goals, and lifestyle. Below, we’ve outlined the different kinds of IG procedures available in an effort to help educate patients and help guide discussions with their doctor.

Procedural Pharmaceuticals

These drug implants are done through a simple and painless process. They release medication into the eye slowly and continuously exactly where it's needed. This way, patients get the benefits of medication while avoiding the side effects and daily burden of topical medications. These medication implants can last in the eye up to three years—but individual results may vary.

Laser Treatments

These straightforward treatments offer minimal to no downtime and use laser technology to target the eye’s drainage system, improving flow by stimulating and rejuvenating the tissue. Laser treatments are usually performed in-office but may occasionally be done in the operating room.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS)

These minor surgeries improve the drainage of the eye either through removal of drainage tissue or by inserting a stent. They can be done in conjunction with cataract surgery or on their own.

Drain Bypass Procedures

These procedures include both minimally invasive and larger surgeries that create a new drainage system independent of the natural drain. These are often tried after less-invasive treatments have failed.

Quick Questionnaire: Are Eye Drops Working For You? 

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, it may be time to explore interventional glaucoma solutions:

• Do you miss doses of your eye drops?
• Do you find it difficult to administer your drops consistently?
• Do you experience side effects such as fluctuating vision, burning, redness, or irritation?
• Do you feel frustrated with the daily burden of using drops?

If this sounds like you, interventional glaucoma may provide a better solution.

Stay Proactive

Treatments for glaucoma have come a long way, and we’re only at the beginning of what’s possible. With advanced technologies like interventional glaucoma providing a huge leap forward, patients can live their lives clearly and confidently.

Want to learn more about interventional glaucoma? Contact us at (605) 361-3937 to schedule an appointment today.