Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, is the buildup of pressure behind the eye due to decreased outflow of fluid. The result is damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma has very few symptoms; many people do not know they are living with it and it often progresses if undetected, causing irreversible damage. Luckily new treatments, like iStent, are making glaucoma more treatable.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
If you suffer from glaucoma, you probably know that historically, medication was the only treatment. While ophthalmologist often treat glaucoma with eye drops and other medication, severe glaucoma calls for a surgical solution. In the past, glaucoma surgery required long recovery times and came with a significant risk of complications. But with the introduction of iStent®, ophthalmologists now have a new tool for treating this disease.
The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass stent is the first minimally invasive glaucoma surgery device that improves your eye’s natural fluid outflow to safely lower intraocular pressure (IOP). On the cutting edge of drainage implants, this new option may also reduce the need for medication. Designed for patients with open-angle glaucoma who also need cataract surgery, iStent is the smallest medical device ever approved by the FDA. iStent is so small, you can’t see or feel it after the procedure.
What Makes iStent Special?
iStent, the smallest medical device ever, is placed in the eye during cataract surgery, saving people time and money; and most importantly, their sight. iStent can effectively lower eye pressure by improving the outflow of fluid from the eyes.
In the past, treatments for glaucoma consisted of several medications and drops administered twice a day. The treatments slowed the production of fluid but patients had to remember to take their medication and use their drops every day. Thanks to this amazing advancement for glaucoma patients, medications and drops may no longer be necessary.
Center For Sight – Your Trusted Glaucoma Expert
The only symptom of glaucoma is slow vision loss, so it is important to remain current on your eye exams. As of now, there is no cure for glaucoma, and any damage caused by untreated glaucoma is irreversible.
The iStent procedure is now available at Center For Sight for individuals who need cataract surgery and who also have glaucoma. The specialists at Center For Sight are world-class leaders in glaucoma diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in learning more about glaucoma treatment or would like to schedule an evaluation, give us a call today! Call (702) 724-2020 or click here.
