Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye. This pressure can cause discomfort, optic nerve damage, and, if left untreated, irreversible vision loss. Thankfully, groundbreaking advancements in eye care like the glaucoma stent offer hope and relief.
Glaucoma has traditionally been managed through invasive surgeries and uncomfortable procedures. However, the glaucoma stent offers a promising alternative with minimal discomfort and downtime.
At Florida Eye Specialists, we’re at the forefront of innovation, providing state-of-the-art treatments like the XEN Gel Stent and the iTrack Advance. Explore how these cutting-edge solutions can revolutionize your eye health journey.
What Is a Glaucoma Stent?
A glaucoma stent is a tiny device that is implanted into the eye to help regulate intraocular pressure, working as a small drainage system that allows excess fluid to flow out of the eye.
According to board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist Dr. Omar Gayasaddin, a stent could be thought of as a small straw or tube, where eye fluid goes out from one end of the stent to the other.
“If you can get fluid out of the eye, the eye pressure lowers, and that’s the goal of glaucoma treatment,” he said. A stent stays permanently in the eye to significantly reduce eye pressure.
Benefits of a Glaucoma Stent
At Florida Eye Specialists, our team has seen firsthand how these innovations have transformed the lives of our patients. Here are some of the top benefits:
Limits Vision Loss and Discomfort
Stents slow the progression of glaucoma by maintaining proper fluid drainage. This helps prevent the buildup of pressure that often leads to pain and vision loss.
Quick and Minimally Invasive
With this treatment option, patients no longer have to wait for invasive surgeries with long recovery times. Stent placement is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure — meaning less recovery time and getting back to doing the things you love pain-free.
Reduces Eye Drop Dependence
Glaucoma stents may also reduce or even eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops, making treatment easier with less upkeep.
XEN Gel Stent
Our team of expert glaucoma specialists is dedicated to staying at the forefront of new eye treatments. That’s why we offer advanced solutions like the XEN Gel Stent, a cutting-edge device that offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
One of the top benefits of the XEN Gel Stent is efficiency. The procedure typically only takes 10-15 minutes, and because it is self-healing, there is no need for stitches. Patients can often resume normal activities the very next day with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
New: iTrack Advance for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Another new advancement in the field of glaucoma treatment is the iTrack Advance, a cutting-edge surgical device to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Florida Eye Specialists is the first private practice in North Florida to utilize this cutting-edge device.
The iTrack Advance Canaloplasty Device helps control a glaucoma patient’s eye pressure while lessening their medication burden. A benefit of the device is that it can be combined with cataract surgery, and it will not affect or alter visual outcome.
According to Dr. Gayasaddin, the iTrack Advance works differently from a glaucoma stent in that it helps clear existing structures in the eye rather than implanting a new one to lower eye pressure.
“The iTrack Advance is usually used during cataract surgery, and it’s typically for mild to moderate situations,” he said, explaining that it does not usually lower eye pressure as much as the glaucoma stent. “Think of it like plumbing. The iTrack Advance is like snaking the drain. It deposits a gel-like substance that keeps the space open and gets it functioning better,” he said. “The Xen Gel Stent bypasses that completely and creates a new pipe for drainage.”
Which Glaucoma Treatment Is Right for You?
“As a glaucoma specialist, now is an exciting time for me because we have so many newer or improved options when treating a glaucoma patient,” said Dr. Gayasaddin. “No two glaucoma patients are the same, and likewise neither of their diseases will respond to the same treatment.”
Dr. Gayasaddin says the many glaucoma treatment options available now allow for less risk, faster recovery, and in certain cases, more predictable outcomes.
“Of course, it’s important to consult with your glaucoma specialist to see which options, if any, are best for you,” he said. “All our glaucoma specialists at Florida Eye Specialists offer a wide array of options so we can personalize your treatment. With so many additional procedures on the horizon, the future is bright for glaucoma patients.”
To see if the iTrack Advance or XEN Gel Stent is right for your glaucoma, consult with the experts at Florida Eye Specialists. Leading glaucoma specialists like Dr. Omar Gayasaddin, Dr. Rajesh Shetty, Dr. Kathryn Freidl, and Dr. Kenzo Koike have the expertise to guide you toward the most effective treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment With Florida Eye Specialists
Don’t let glaucoma steal your vision – take proactive steps to protect your eyes and maintain your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with the glaucoma specialists at Florida Eye Specialists today to get started.