What’s New in Glaucoma?

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

One of the most common eye conditions that we treat at Cascade Vision Center is a group of diseases called glaucoma. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, and without appropriate treatment, the end result of glaucoma is significant vision loss and even irreversible blindness. The good news is that when diagnosed and treated early, patients have good chance of preventing any further vision loss. Early detection is the key!

NEW TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA

Recently, there have been numerous advances in the treatment of glaucoma. In 2017, two new drug therapies were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are the first new classes of glaucoma drops to hit the market in two decades.

Vyzulta: Developed by Bauch + Lomb is a dual action, once per day eye drop.

Rhopressa: once-daily from Aerie Pharmaceuticals.

Researchers have also made new developments in minimally-invasive surgical procedures to lower the high eye pressure that can cause glaucoma. These treatment methods work by improving the drainage pathways of the eye while minimizing any damage to the delicate tissue that forms the eye.

The latest development is referred to as micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS for short. Some of these include Trabectome by NeoMedix, iStent by the Glaukos Corporation and Cypass Micro-Stent by Alcon. Another potentially beneficial MIGS procedure that has yet to be finally approved is The Hydrus Microstent by Invantis.

The good news is that the treatment of glaucoma is improving rapidly. You can be confident that our residency-trained doctors stay current on the latest advancements to provide quality care to our patients.