Do you use eye drops daily to manage your glaucoma? If so, you might be wondering if there’s a better alternative.
For many patients, prescription eye drops are essential for controlling eye pressure and preventing vision loss from glaucoma. However, using them daily can feel tedious or inconvenient.
Thankfully, there’s an innovative option available called Durysta. This modern treatment offers many glaucoma patients a convenient alternative to daily eye drops.
Curious if Durysta is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about Durysta and whether you may be a good candidate for this glaucoma treatment.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve plays a critical role in vision by transmitting signals from your eyes to your brain.
When the optic nerve is damaged, it disrupts the flow of visual information, leading to vision loss. In most cases, this damage is caused by high pressure inside the eye.
In a healthy eye, fluid called aqueous humor consistently flows in and out through a drainage canal, maintaining pressure. When this fluid fails to drain properly in patients with glaucoma, pressure builds up, straining the optic nerve over time.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. With this form, the eye’s primary drainage canal remains open, but smaller drainage channels called the trabecular meshwork, become clogged.
This blockage causes a gradual increase in eye pressure, making it difficult to detect in the early stages. Open-angle glaucoma typically has no symptoms until vision loss begins.
The first noticeable sign is blurry peripheral vision, followed by progressive peripheral vision loss and vision tunneling. Unfortunately, once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.
For this reason, glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” While there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further vision loss.
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma before symptoms appear. If diagnosed, your ophthalmologist at Loden Vision Centers will develop a treatment plan tailored to the severity of your condition.
How Do Eye Drops Treat Glaucoma?
The first step in most glaucoma treatment plans involves medication, often in the form of eye drops. Glaucoma eye drops work by lowering eye pressure in one of two ways.
Some enhance fluid drainage, while others reduce fluid production in the eye. These medications must be taken consistently to remain effective.
For most patients, this means daily use for the foreseeable future. However, not everyone finds it easy to stick to a daily eye drop routine.
For these patients, Durysta offers a convenient alternative.
What is Durysta?
Durysta is an FDA-approved, sustained-release drug delivery system that can be used to treat open-angle glaucoma. It is a tiny implant that gradually releases medication to lower eye pressure over several months.
Unlike daily eye drops, Durysta is implanted once and works continuously. This makes it a convenient option for patients who struggle with daily medication routines.
Durysta can significantly reduce or even replace the need for traditional eye drops. It’s a non-surgical and minimally invasive solution for managing glaucoma.
How Does Durysta Work?
The Durysta implant releases bimatoprost, a medication that reduces eye pressure. The implant is placed into the eye during a simple, in-office procedure performed by your ophthalmologist.
Once implanted, Durysta releases a steady dose of medication, enhancing fluid flow through the trabecular meshwork. This helps keep eye pressure under control for several months.
The implant is biodegradable and dissolves completely after about four to five months. No removal procedure is needed.
Currently, Durysta is approved for a one-time use in each eye. Some patients may continue to experience reduced eye pressure even after the implant has dissolved.
However, additional glaucoma treatments may be needed once the implant has fully dissolved. Your eye doctor will monitor your eye pressure and recommend the next steps.
Why Are Patients Choosing Durysta?
Durysta offers a hassle-free alternative to daily glaucoma eye drops. Delivering continuous medication eliminates the need to remember daily applications.
Many patients find the simplicity of Durysta appealing, especially if they struggle with adherence to a daily routine. For those with busy lifestyles, Durysta can be a game-changer.
While Durysta may not completely replace all glaucoma treatments, it can significantly reduce the burden of managing the condition.
Who is a Good Candidate for Durysta?
Durysta is ideal for patients with mild open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure at risk of developing glaucoma. It provides an effective alternative for those seeking relief from daily eye drops.
However, Durysta is not suitable for everyone. Patients with allergies to its ingredients or conditions like corneal endothelial dystrophy or a damaged lens capsule should avoid this treatment.
If you’ve had a corneal transplant or currently have an eye infection, Durysta may not be safe. Your ophthalmologist will thoroughly evaluate your eye health before recommending the implant.
The best way to determine if Durysta is a good option for you is by consulting your ophthalmologist at Loden Vision Centers. They will assess your eye health, determine the severity of your glaucoma, and recommend a treatment plan.
Durysta is an exciting option for managing glaucoma, but attending an appointment with your eye doctor is essential to ensure it’s the right fit. A personalized approach to glaucoma care is key to preserving your vision.
Ready to explore a new way to manage glaucoma with Durysta? Schedule an appointment at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN, today!
