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Am I a Candidate for iStent?

After a glaucoma diagnosis, finding a suitable treatment is crucial for preserving visual acuity. Glaucoma causes pressure to rise in the eye, and when that occurs, damage to the optic nerve can harm a person’s ability to see, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. 

Fortunately, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), like iStent, has significant potential to assist glaucoma patients. However, the iStent isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for iStent, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is iStent? 

iStent is an implantable medical device that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by improving fluid drainage in the eye. By decreasing fluid levels, IOP also declines. In turn, the chance of ongoing damage to the optic nerve is reduced, lessening a patient’s chances of more vision loss. 

The iStent procedure won’t reverse any permanent vision loss that has already occurred. However, it can preserve a patient’s remaining vision, which is why it’s an attractive option for patients struggling to manage their IOP using alternative means like eye drops. 

Best Candidates for iStent 

Generally, the iStent is a potential treatment option for specific glaucoma patients. It’s best suited to treat mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma in patients who aren’t securing the necessary IOP reduction through the use of glaucoma eye drops. It’s also a viable treatment for pigmentary or pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma. 

However, the iStent procedure is done in conjunction with cataract surgery. As a result, patients need a cataract diagnosis, and the condition needs to justify cataract surgery. 

While those are the primary ways to determine if a patient is a candidate for iStent, other factors can influence whether it’s a viable treatment for their glaucoma. As a result, meeting the criteria above doesn’t guarantee candidate suitability. 

How to Find Out If You’re a Candidate for iStent 

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma and aren’t getting the desired results from eye drops or other treatment options, iStent could be a solid choice for reducing the odds of further damage to your vision. However, the only way to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for iStent is to consult with your eye care provider. 

When you meet with your eye care provider, they can evaluate a variety of factors to determine if iStent is a solid choice. Every patient is unique, so participating in a thorough exam is essential, as it allows your eye care provider to determine whether the iStent will provide the desired result with minimal risk. 

Additionally, your eye care provider can review essential information about the procedure that allows you to make an informed decision. They can outline the benefits and risks, aftercare requirements, and other vital details, making it easier for you to determine if iStent is the right treatment for you if you’re a good candidate. 

Glaucoma Treatment Options in Buffalo

If you have glaucoma and are interested in determining your eligibility for the iStent procedure, our team is here to help. Take the first step toward improved eye health by scheduling an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. 

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Glaucoma Treatment and Management

During January, we recognize Glaucoma Awareness month by taking a close look at the eye condition. While we addressed what the condition is in our Understanding Glaucoma article and outlined the various kinds in our piece about the Types of Glaucoma, we wanted to ensure that patients had more information.  

If you’re wondering what treatment and management options are available for glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

Glaucoma Treatment and Management  

Glaucoma has the ability to cause permanent vision loss, including blindness. Fortunately, several treatment options are available that can reduce fluid levels and the pressure created by the condition.  

Getting the right kind of treatment quickly prevents additional vision loss. The fluid and pressure reductions help preserve the optic nerve, making further damage less likely. As a result, your current visual capabilities may remain intact, or the rate of impairment might be significantly reduced, depending on the severity and nature of your condition.  

Usually, different management approaches work best in certain situations. Here is a look at standard glaucoma treatment options.  

Prescription Eye Drops  

Certain prescription eye drops can reduce the pressure in your eye by decreasing the amount of fluid present. Since vision loss relating to glaucoma is caused by rising fluid-related pressure, it’s a practical option for certain patients.  

One of the benefits of this glaucoma management strategy is that it’s non-invasive. However, you might need to use the eye drops every day for the rest of your life to ensure the fluid and pressure levels stay in the acceptable range.  

Laser Treatment  

If eye drops aren’t sufficient for addressing the pressure increases created by the condition, laser treatment is an option for glaucoma patients. It’s more invasive than drops but not as invasive as glaucoma surgery.   

The laser treatment allows fluid to drain from the eye more efficiently, reducing the pressure faster than can be achieved with eye drops. At times, laser treatment alone is enough for treating glaucoma for up to five years, though some patients may need to continue using eye drops during that period. The treatment may also be repeatable, giving you a way to extend the effectiveness of this management strategy, though that isn’t always the case.  

Surgery  

Another option for treatment is glaucoma surgery. This option is more invasive than the alternatives, but it also provides results more quickly, reducing eye pressure far faster than either of the options above.  

There are several techniques your eye care provider may consider if glaucoma surgery is deemed the best option. If you need this type of treatment, your eye doctor will discuss the reasoning behind the method they select, ensuring you’re fully aware of why they consider it the best choice.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of glaucoma, want to explore a different glaucoma treatment or management strategy, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can rob a person of their sight. It is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, and about 3 million Americans suffer from it.  

While African Americans are most at risk of developing glaucoma, with about six percent having it by age 69, anyone could have it. The occurrence rate increases dramatically with age, ultimately impacting every demographic.  

If you would like to learn more about glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is Glaucoma?  

There are several kinds of glaucoma. The most common version is open-angle glaucoma, where fluid doesn’t pass properly through various portions of the eye. This leads to a pressure increase, which, over time, damages the optic nerve.  

With open-angle glaucoma, the process can be slow, but there are no early warning signs. About 50 percent of those with the condition don’t realize they have it until they begin to lose their vision. However, it is possible to catch it early with regular screenings and proper eye care.  

With closed-angle glaucoma, the situation develops more quickly. The iris shifts, blocking the drain angle and leading to rapid fluid buildup. Vision gets blurry suddenly, and severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting can all occur. Additionally, halos or rainbow-colored rings may be visible around light sources.  

Closed-angle glaucoma requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, blindness can occur quickly.  

What Are Risk Factors for Glaucoma?  

Generally, those with the highest risk of developing glaucoma are African Americans over 40 years of age, anyone who is over 60 years of age, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals with diabetes. Overall, African Americans are up to eight times more likely to develop glaucoma, while people with diabetes are twice as likely as those without diabetes.  

Anyone suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure may also be at increased risk. Similarly, certain eye conditions, like retinal detachments or tumors, may lead to glaucoma. Severe trauma can cause alter eye structures, potentially causing glaucoma to develop, as well.  

Certain medications may also increase the chance of getting glaucoma. For example, prolonged corticosteroid use can cause someone to get secondary glaucoma as a side effect.  

Getting Screened for Glaucoma  

Open-angle glaucoma is a progressive condition. By getting your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, they can look for signs of the disease before significant damage occurs.  

Along with gathering a patient history, they can perform visual acuity tests, use tonometry and pachymetry to measure eye pressure and corneal thickness, respectively, and conduct scans or the optic nerve to look for damage. If they determine you have glaucoma, they can take action to preserve your vision, including prescribing medications or performing surgery, depending on how your condition presents.  

While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed. By catching it early, your chances of retaining your visual acuity go up dramatically. If you haven’t been screened for glaucoma recently or are experiencing any changes in visual acuity, it’s best to see your eye doctor as soon as possible.  

We’re Helping You See More Clearly 

Our team works diligently to care for our patients’ eyes, including screening for and treating glaucoma. If you want to ensure your eyes are as healthy as possible, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic.