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Exploring Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive eye condition that’s also the leading cause of blindness in the world. Damage occurs as intraocular pressure (IOP) builds, which harms the optic nerve, causing irreversible vision loss. Traditional glaucoma treatments usually involve topical medications or laser treatments, the latter of which are associated with challenges like complications, long recovery times, and significant follow-up requirements.  

Fortunately, newer procedures are proving effective at addressing IOP in glaucoma patients, and they can involve less risk when compared to some traditional alternatives. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a cutting-edge approach that’s proving highly effective, and it’s potentially safer than some other forms of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about MIGS.  

What Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery?  

MIGS is a group of glaucoma surgeries that use minimally invasive approaches to reduce IOP. Typically, they involve a small incision and subsequent procedures to improve fluid drainage, leading to far less intraocular pressure.  

While MIGS can’t reverse any damage caused by glaucoma, the treatments can slow or prevent progression. The procedures typically decrease IOP substantially over periods of up to two years. Plus, they can reduce a patient’s need for glaucoma eye drops, making the condition easier to manage daily. 

Types of MIGS  

There are several MIGS procedures currently available. Here is a brief overview of them:  

  • Ab-Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC): A MIGS procedure that uses a microscopic incision and the insertion of a catheter into the drainage canal to inject a viscoelastic substance that breaks down blockages and adhesions to improve fluid drainage  
  • CyPASS: A MIGS procedure involving an implanted device that’s positioned in the suprachoroidal space to enhance fluid outflow  
  • Gonio-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy: A MIGS procedure similar to ABiC that’s particularly well-suited to younger patients with juvenile glaucoma  
  • iStent: A MIGS procedure using a small implant that’s placed in the drainage angle to improve fluid outflow  
  • Trabectome: A MIGS procedure for treating open-angle glaucoma that involves a small incision and a specialized tissue debris-removal tool to address fluid drainage blockages.  

The Benefits of MIGS  

MIGS procedures offer patients an array of benefits. Generally, MIGS is far safer than traditional glaucoma surgery, using smaller incisions and coming with a reduced risk of complications. Each of the MIGS procedures also minimally alters normal anatomy and instead focuses on augmenting physiological systems to improve outflow.  

With a MIGS procedure, IOP is typically reduced significantly, though the exact amount can vary. In many cases, patients can reduce their use of eye drop medications after a MIGS procedure. Recovery is also far quicker when compared to many traditional surgical alternatives, resulting in less downtime for patients.  

Is MIGS Right for You?  

Generally, MIGS are potential treatments for patients with mild or moderate glaucoma who either aren’t getting positive results with topical medications or who don’t tolerate those treatments well. The use of the implants reduces the need for topical medications, making them a strong choice in situations where medications prove ineffective or lead to undesirable or hard-to-manage side effects.  

However, only an eye care provider can determine if you’re a good candidate for MIGS. Additionally, there are several MIGS procedures available, and some may better suit your situation than others.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re considering MIGS as a treatment for glaucoma or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Beyond Eye Drops: The Advantages of Durysta Implant for Glaucoma Treatment

To put it simply, a glaucoma diagnosis is intimidating for many patients. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. While there’s no cure for glaucoma, there are treatment options designed to help preserve your vision, including Durysta.  

Durysta is a newer treatment option for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) that also works for ocular hypertension (OHT). It’s a bimatoprost intracameral implant that’s FDA-approved, and Durysta works by releasing bimatoprost – a medication that combats high eye pressure – slowly over time.  

When looking for a glaucoma treatment, Durysta offers several advantages over many alternatives, particularly eye drops. Here’s a look at what patients can gain by choosing the Durysta implant for glaucoma treatment.  

Durysta Offers Better Effectiveness 

While eye drops are an approved treatment for glaucoma, using that approach prevents all of the medication from reaching the impacted tissues. With glaucoma, intraocular pressure typically builds in the posterior or back of the eye, not the surface where eye drops are applied. As a result, not all of the medications reach the affected tissues.  

One of the most distinct benefits patients experience when using the Durysta implant instead of eye drops is better efficacy. With Durysta, the implant is positioned to ensure medications are able to reach impacted tissues more reliably than eye drops. That makes it highly effective at reducing intraocular pressure and leads to better overall results.  

Improved Stability with Durysta  

When eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, the presence of the medication declines over time until the eye drops are reapplied. As a result, patients may experience fluctuations in intraocular pressure. Additionally, if they forget to apply the eye drops according to the schedule, more significant fluctuations can occur.  

The Durysta implant ensures that medication is steadily released over time. This creates greater stability when it comes to eye pressure, even overnight. The implant provides stability for a minimum of four to six months, though patients may experience lower pressure up to 24 months after insertion.  

Durysta Is Simpler for Patients  

One of the challenges of using eye drops to treat glaucoma is the need for frequent applications. While the frequency of use does vary depending on a patient’s needs, some may need to apply the eye drops up to four times daily. That’s a potentially challenging schedule to maintain, particularly for people who are on the go or may struggle with remembering to use the medication.  

With the Durysta implant, patients don’t need to take action to ensure they’re getting the treatment. Once inserted, Durysta slowly releases the medication on its own. As a result, it’s far simpler for patients to use, as once it’s in place, no further effort is typically required.  

See The Best Doctors in Buffalo for Glaucoma Treatment

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma and want to see if the Durysta implant is right for you or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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What Are the First Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition involving damage to the optic nerve, at times also including increased intraocular pressure. Over time, glaucoma typically leads to permanent vision loss as the optic nerve deteriorates. 

Anyone is technically at risk of developing glaucoma, so understanding what the first signs of the condition are critical. That allows you to take swift action if symptoms develop, making it easier to preserve your vision through proper treatment. 

The First Signs of Glaucoma 

There are a few early warning signs that glaucoma is developing. Some patients may only have a single symptom, while others may experience several. Regardless of the number of symptoms, it’s critical to understand that they’re potentially indicative of a serious condition. 

Here’s a look at some of the first signs of glaucoma. 

Blurry or Hazy Vision 

Intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage both impact visual acuity. As a result, one of the first signs may people with early-stage glaucoma notice is blurriness or hazy vision. In some cases, patients may also experience other visual distortions. Regardless of its nature, any vision changes are worrisome, as they’re often indicative of an eye condition. 

Eye Redness 

Increased pressure in the eye can lead to redness. Its severity can vary, as well as its persistence. However, eye redness without a clear cause is a potential sign of glaucoma. 

Halos Around Lights 

Halos around lights are potentially a symptom of several eye conditions, including glaucoma. In some cases, the halos experienced by those developing glaucoma are described as both colorful and bright. However, any halos that aren’t attributed to a known condition are potentially concerning. 

Eye Pain 

Glaucoma can cause eye pain, even in the early stages. Additionally, headaches can also occur in the eye area. Often, the pain is severe, often so much so that it differentiates itself from other types of headaches. 

Nausea or Vomiting 

Typically, nausea or vomiting alone aren’t symptoms of glaucoma. However, if they’re accompanied by vision changes and eye pain, they’re potentially symptoms of the condition. 

What to Do If You Have Signs of Glaucoma 

If you’re experiencing any of the early signs of glaucoma above, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider right away. They can formally evaluate you for the condition, and if glaucoma is responsible for your symptoms, they’ll develop a plan to reduce damage and alleviate symptoms. 

Even if glaucoma isn’t responsible, some of the symptoms above are associated with other serious eye conditions. As a result, it’s always best to get evaluated right away if you’re experiencing vision changes, eye pain, unexplained redness, or halos, including if it is or isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above that could indicate glaucoma or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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What Are the Early Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition impacting the optic nerve. As intraocular pressure builds, damage to the optic nerve can occur, leading to permanent vision defects and loss, potentially leading to blindness.  

While glaucoma isn’t typically preventable, early detection is crucial if you want to avoid optic nerve damage and slow the progression of vision loss. By knowing the early signs of glaucoma, you can take action at a critical time, increasing your odds of maintaining as much of your vision as possible.  

Here’s what you need to know about the early signs of glaucoma, as well as when you should see an eye health provider.  

Early Signs of Glaucoma  

Generally, there are a few symptoms that can be early signs of glaucoma. One of the most common ones is the loss of peripheral – or side – vision. Over time, it can lead to a sort of tunnel vision, though the process is often slow and hard to identify right when it begins.  

Halos around light are another symptom of glaucoma. Sensitivity to light is similarly a classic sign. In both of these cases, the issues may be particularly apparent in specific situations, such as driving at night.  

Other forms of vision loss – including a sudden decline in acuity or the visual field – can indicate glaucoma, too. Eye redness and pain could be a symptom of acute glaucoma. Haziness of the cornea is a potential symptom, though it’s usually only present with childhood glaucoma.  

In some cases, unexplained nausea or vomiting may also be related to glaucoma, particularly the acute form. The same goes for headaches and blurry vision.  

When to See an Eye Health Provider  

Ultimately, it’s always wise to see an eye health provider whenever you notice any shifts in the visual field or acuity, as well as symptoms of physical changes in the eye. Glaucoma typically isn’t preventable. However, with proper management, vision loss can be minimized.  

Additionally, some of the early signs of glaucoma are also symptoms of other serious eye conditions. For example, redness and eye pain may indicate an infection and, depending on the type, permanent eye damage can occur with surprising speed. Halos may be a sign of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and many other potentially serious conditions, all of which should be assessed quickly to determine if treatment is necessary.  

However, even if you don’t have any of the early signs of glaucoma or symptoms of an eye condition, it’s still wise to see your eye health provider regularly. For most adults, an annual appointment is enough to monitor for vision changes and signs of eye health issues, though some may require more frequent visits if certain risks factors are present or they have an eye condition that requires ongoing treatment and tracking.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have early signs of glaucoma or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest 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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Early Glaucoma Detection

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition where fluid builds up in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If not treated promptly, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, if not total blindness. That’s why early detection is crucial.  

By learning about the symptoms of glaucoma, you can take action quickly, reducing the odds of permanent vision loss. Here’s a look at common signs of glaucoma, as well as when to see your eye care provider.  

The Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma  

Like many eye conditions, there are several symptoms that could indicate glaucoma. Here is an overview of the primary symptoms people experience.  

Halos  

Seeing halos around light sources could indicate glaucoma, as well as other eye conditions like cataracts. Additionally, they can be side effects from surgery, injury, or symptoms of several different eye diseases.  

With glaucoma, the halos occur due to fluid buildup in the eye. As the fluid increases, it distorts incoming light, creating the bright circles known as halos.  

Vision Loss  

Vision loss in one eye or the development of a blind spot in your visual field could be a symptom of glaucoma. Even if the vision changes are small, the situation is urgent. Glaucoma’s impact on the optic nerve is gradual. By getting it checked quickly, you reduce the odds of permanent or increasingly severe vision loss.  

Cloudiness  

A cloudy-looking eye is another symptom of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the eye. When fluid increases, the pressure in the eye rises. Once the pressure reaches a certain point, fluid can get pushed into the cornea, giving it a noticeably cloudy appearance.  

Light Sensitivity  

Since glaucoma can increase pressure in the eye, it can cause light sensitivity. As a result, sensitivity to light can be an early sign of glaucoma, potentially occurring before other vision changes or outward symptoms, like cloudiness.  

Eye Pain  

Sudden and severe eye pain is always worrisome. Not only can it be a symptom of acute glaucoma, but it may also be a sign of other eye conditions, many of which are serious.  

When You Should See Your Eye Care Provider  

Ideally, you should see your eye care provider annually as part of your standard healthcare routine. Often, your eye doctor can detect glaucoma during an exam far before outward symptoms develop, allowing them to intervene quickly and save your vision.  

However, if you experience any of the symptoms above or other kinds of vision changes or eye-related concerns, schedule an appointment with your eye care provider immediately. Vision changes, unexplained pain, and other symptoms can be indicative of numerous conditions, some of which are serious and require immediate care. By acting fast and scheduling an appointment, you’re doing your part to care for your eye health.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma or other eye-related concerns, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.