Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma Treatment Options

All glaucoma treatment options are designed to accomplish one of two basic results: decrease the production of intraocular fluid or increase the outflow of this same fluid. There are a variety of treatment options available for glaucoma. Dr. Ben Mackey and the other providers at Mackey Vision Center can discuss what the best option may be for you during your next visit.

Durysta

A new and exciting treatment option is now available for glaucoma patients. Durysta is a slow-release, self-dissolving injectable medication that can help to reduce intraocular pressure for several months and may reduce or even eliminate your need for eye drops. Dr. Ben Mackey is able to complete this relatively painless procedure in office in around 5 minutes and it is now covered by most major insurance companies. If you are interested in reading more about Durysta, please click here. If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for Durysta, please call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ben Mackey. 

iStent

If you are a glaucoma patient that is also experiencing trouble with cataracts you may want to talk with your provider about the possibility of pursuing an iStent as one possible treatment option. iStent is placed during your cataract surgery and creates two small bypasses in the anterior chamber of the eye to help reduce your intraocular pressure. If you would like to learn more about iStent, please click here.

Hydrus Microstent

Glaucoma patients that also experience trouble with cataracts may be good candidates for the Hydrus Microstent. The Hydrus Microstent is a minimally invasive implantable device for the treatment of open angle glaucoma that is placed during your cataract surgery. The Hydrus Microstent is implanted through the trabecular meshwork of the eye and placed into Schlemm's canal to facilitate flow of aqueous humor and decrease intraocular pressure. If you would like to learn more about the Hydrus Microstent, please click here. 

Canaloplasty

Canaloplasty is a non-penetrating surgery that involves injection of an ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD) to help lower intraocular pressure. If you have glaucoma and hate using eye drops, call for an appointment to discuss this procedure. Dr. Ben Mackey was the first surgeon in the area to perform this revolutionary new procedure for glaucoma. Read more about canaloplasty here.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)

Laser surgery has become increasingly popular as an intermediate step between medicine and traditional glaucoma surgery. When patients have glaucoma and medicated drops are not working to lower eye pressure, a laser procedure may be needed. The most common type of laser surgery performed for open-angle glaucoma is called Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intraocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.

Mackey Vision Center North has a laser in house with the ability to perform this laser procedure and has performed hundreds for patients. Please contact Dr. Ben Mackey for more information regarding laser surgery for glaucoma.

"I've had glaucoma for years and have been on eyedrops. Dr. Mackey did canaloplasty on my left eye and now my pressure is low and I'm off my drops. I wish I'd had this done years ago!"
Dennis Crawford, June 2012