Utilizing cutting-edge devices like the Sight Sciences OMNI, Alcon HYDRUS, Glaukos iStent, and Glaukos iDOSE, Dr. Katzman offers innovative solutions to manage glaucoma effectively and preserve vision.
Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated. Be aware of the following symptoms:
Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. While medications and laser treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can control IOP, they may not be sufficient for all patients. In such cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary to protect vision.
Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) offers a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS procedures involve minimal disruption to eye tissues and provide effective IOP reduction with a faster recovery time. Devices like the OMNI, HYDRUS, iStent, and iDOSE have revolutionized glaucoma management, making surgery a viable option for more patients.
The glaucoma surgery process at Alvarado Eye Associates involves several steps to ensure optimal outcomes. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Dr. Lee Katzman will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, including measuring intraocular pressure and assessing optic nerve health.
Customized Treatment Plan
Dr. Katzman will recommend the most appropriate MIGS device for your condition based on your examination results.
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Detailed instructions, including any necessary pre-operative medications and guidelines, will be provided to prepare for surgery.
Surgical Procedure
This is a noninvasive laser treatment that is highly successful in lowering pressure in patients with certain types of glaucoma. It’s a great alternative to adding an additional eye drop to your regimen, and often times allows for the discontinuation of one glaucoma drop. It can last many years and can be repeated. It’s important to note that this laser procedure does NOT alter the anatomy of the eye; no holes are created. It’s simply inciting very localized and microscopic inflammation by the drain of the eye, to open the meshwork and allow the eye pressure to lower naturally.
Combines canaloplasty and trabeculotomy to enhance natural drainage pathways. Essentially, it’s a root-rooter device that is flushing out the drainage canals of the eye, and unroofing some of the “clogs” of the drain. No implant is left behind with this procedure.
A microstent that creates a larger opening for fluid outflow, reducing IOP. This is a stent that is connecting the inside of the eye with the microscopic external canals of the eye. It is a highly effective treatment, but the device is larger than the iStent.
A tiny microstent implanted in the eye to improve fluid drainage.This is the world’s smallest implanted device, roughly the size of the printed year on a U.S. penny! This is acting much like the HYDRUS above, but its smaller and you can place more than one in the eye, sometimes increasing the chance of identifying a hidden drainage canal.
A sustained-release drug delivery implant that continuously administers medication to lower IOP. This was newly FDA approved and is slowly being adopted by insurance companies.
Post-Surgical Care
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor recovery and ensure the treatment’s effectiveness. Dr. Katzman will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to support your healing process.
We provide access to the latest innovative glaucoma treatment devices designed to reduce intraocular pressure with minimal disruption to daily life. These cutting-edge options offer safer, more effective management of glaucoma, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients.
The Sight Sciences OMNI system is a versatile device that combines two proven glaucoma procedures: canaloplasty and trabeculotomy. Canaloplasty involves dilating and flushing the eye’s natural drainage canal, known as Schlemm’s canal, to enhance fluid outflow. Trabeculotomy involves creating a small opening in the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s drainage system, to facilitate better fluid drainage. By combining these two procedures, the OMNI device effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) and improves the natural drainage pathways of the eye.
The Alcon HYDRUS microstent is a revolutionary device that reduces IOP by enhancing the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye. The HYDRUS stent is implanted into Schlemm’s canal, creating a larger opening for fluid to exit the eye. This increased outflow capacity helps lower IOP and provides a long-term solution for managing glaucoma. The minimally invasive nature of the HYDRUS implant allows for a quicker recovery and less trauma to the eye compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
The Glaukos iStent is one of the smallest medical devices ever approved for use inside the human body. This tiny stent is implanted into the trabecular meshwork during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure. By creating a bypass for the natural drainage pathway, the iStent improves fluid outflow and effectively lowers IOP. Its small size and precise implantation result in a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications, making it an excellent option for many glaucoma patients.
The Glaukos iDOSE is an innovative sustained-release drug delivery implant designed to continuously administer medication directly to the eye. Implanted during a minimally invasive procedure, the iDOSE releases a steady dose of glaucoma medication over an extended period, reducing or eliminating the need for daily eye drops. This continuous delivery system ensures consistent therapeutic levels of medication, providing effective IOP control and improving patient adherence to treatment. The iDOSE implant significantly advances glaucoma management, offering a long-term solution with minimal maintenance.
Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) involves minimally invasive procedures to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and manage glaucoma using advanced devices like OMNI, HYDRUS, iStent, and iDOSE.
MIGS devices are highly effective in lowering intraocular pressure and have shown excellent results in preserving vision while offering a quicker recovery than traditional glaucoma surgeries.
While MIGS is generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, or implant displacement. However, when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist surgeon like Dr. Katzman, these risks are minimized.
Some patients may still need medications after MIGS, but many find they can reduce or eliminate their reliance on daily eye drops.
At Alvarado Eye Associates, we are dedicated to providing advanced glaucoma treatments tailored to your needs. Under the expert care of Dr. Lee Katzman, our team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and the highest quality treatment available. If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma or need better management of the condition, MIGS might be the ideal solution.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Katzman today to learn more about how our advanced glaucoma treatments, including the Sight Sciences OMNI, Alcon HYDRUS, and Glaukos iStent and iDOSE, can help you achieve better vision and improve your quality of life. Contact Alvarado Eye Associates in San Diego to take the first step toward effective glaucoma management.
