Glaucoma Treatment with Cataracts
With the newest advancements in optical technology, our eye surgeons can help slow the progression of glaucoma for cataract surgery patients. The iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is the smallest medical device ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The iStent® offers relief from pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma and can reduce the need for glaucoma medication. This technology treats mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma during cataract surgery by creating a path through which excess liquid can drain from the eye.
Although glaucoma cannot be reversed, the iStent® can slow the rate at which the condition advances. It works by relieving intraocular pressure that results from fluid that can no longer properly drain from the eye. This pressure can cause permanent vision loss if not controlled. Patients may be unaware of their glaucoma until it gets worse and starts to impair their vision, which is why routine eye examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment of this common eye condition.
Benefits of the iStent® Implant
The iStent® implant is one of the most significant developments in ophthalmology to date. Patients who are already being treated with ocular hypotensive eye drops can receive the IStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent during cataract surgery. The iStent® can provide a number of benefits for patients being treated for glaucoma, including:
- Lower intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Opened Schlemm canal (a canal inside the eye which could be responsible for blocking fluid from draining)
- Less risk compared to other surgical glaucoma procedures
- Reduction in, if not complete elimination of, the use of expensive medication
- Ability to undergo other eye surgeries in the future
To learn whether you are a good candidate for the iStent® device, please schedule a consultation with our practice.
The iStent® Procedure
The iStent® procedure is performed at the same time as your cataract surgery. Once your intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been inserted, one of our skilled eye surgeons will implant the iStent®. The L-shaped device is composed of titanium and is one millimeter long, allowing it to treat glaucoma without disturbing any surrounding tissue or irritating your eye. It has been proven effective to continuously relieve eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma patients.
Contact Eye Professionals of Washington
If you would like to learn more about the iStent® implant, or if you would like to make an appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors, please contact us today.
