1. You Will Likely be Able to Reduce or Eliminate Your Current Glaucoma Drops
The iDose TR is an implant that slowly releases the medication travoprost throughout the day and night (24/7). This implant is usually placed into the drainage system of the eye (trabecular meshwork) as part of a short procedure that occurs in the operating room. The IMAGE below shows release of medication into the eye.
Most patients who are candidates for this medication are already taking travoprost or similar medications called prostaglandin analogs. Other examples include latanoprost, bimatoprost, and tafluprost to name a few. After placement of this implant, patients will likely be able to stop one or more glaucoma drops.
81% of patients taking iDose TR did not require any glaucoma drops after 1 year. Also, iDose TR patients had lower pressures on average compared to taking a similar medication in drop form according to Glaukos.
The iDose implants were removed at 2 years. On average, the implants still had 16% of the drug left in the reservoir. It is possible that these implants could deliver the medication for more than 2 years prior to needing removal.
2. You May Not Have to Remember to Take Your Medications
More than 90% of patients do not get their glaucoma drops in 100% of the time, according to the American Journal of Ophthalmology. This is due to getting busy and forgetting to apply them, difficulty administering the drop, or actively stopping the drop due to side effects.
The side effects of glaucoma drops can be a big deal. Patients can experience hyperemia, allergy, and dry eye to name a few. Ocular adverse reactions for the iDose TR were limited to between 2 and 6% according to information from Glaukos. This is an improvement when compared to topical medications as up to 50% of patients taking prostaglandin analogs can experience side effects (Clin Ophthalmology).
3. The Safety Data is Good
The implantation of iDose TR involves a surgical procedure. Many glaucoma related implants have been very successful with low risk of complications and side effects. Some, however, have caused damage to the cornea which is the clear window that you see through. Damage to the cornea could require additional procedures such as a corneal transplant.
In studies by Glaukos and Berdahl et al, ZERO patients showed significant damage to the cornea (endothelial cell loss). And ZERO patients needed a corneal transplant such as a DSAEK or DMEK. The IMAGE below shows the tiny size of the iDose TR.
Disclosure: This information is not medical advice nor is it a substitute for advice from your doctor. If you have glaucoma or any other eye condition you must consult your eye doctor for the right treatment recommendations or treatment plan. Not all patients are candidates for this medication/procedure.
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