A WGECC Announcement for World Glaucoma Awareness Week!
Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on March 12, 2021
In time for World Glaucoma Awareness Week, West Georgia Eye Care Center is excited to announce a new weapon in the fight against glaucoma! Our ophthalmologists are pleased to be able to offer DURYSTA™, the only FDA approved sustained-release implant for the treatment of elevated eye pressures for appropriate patients. WGECC has been diagnosing and treating patients with glaucoma for 70 years, and we are committed to offering the most advanced and proven treatment options.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma (primary open angle glaucoma) is one of the major causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness in the USA and world-wide. An estimated 70 million people globally are living with this progressive eye disease. Often characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), uncontrolled glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in loss of vision. Reduction of IOP is the only proven way to slow the progression of vision loss associated with this potentially blinding disease.
Current Treatments –
Current treatments to lower IOP include medications in the form of eye drops or pills (though used infrequently), laser treatments, minimally invasive surgery, and traditional incisional surgery. Eyedrop medications and laser are standard first-line treatments for primary open-angle glaucoma, but low patient adherence to these medications can be difficult and problematic. Studies show that up to 80 percent of patients may not be using their eye drops as prescribed. Whether due to problems remembering to use the drops, or arthritis making placement of drops difficult, poor adherence to medication can result in vision loss, so methods to improve IOP management are important.
DURYSTA™ FDA approved –
DURYSTA™ is a new, sustained release implant which improves IOP management, particularly when placing drops consistently is problematic. The implant is placed by the ophthalmologist in a brief, in-office procedure. Once inserted, it slowly releases medication into the eye, avoiding or reducing the need for eye drops. The implant can control the IOP for at least 4 to 6 months; and some reports indicate up to 12 months control can be achieved.
Awareness Matters –
WGECC wants to make sure that our Columbus and the Valley neighbors are aware of glaucoma (often called the “silent blinder’) because patients commonly do not have symptoms until late in the course of the disease. If you have a family history of glaucoma or are over the age of 40 and have not been checked for glaucoma, please consider an eye exam.
