The burden of irreversible vision loss from glaucoma continues to rise. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor identified to prevent glaucomatous vision loss.
Medical management remains the mainstay of treatment in most adult glaucomas and the evolution of medical therapy for glaucoma has been on exponential rise.
Below are some updates-new medications and drug delivery systems in the recent years.
Bimatoporst intracameral implant 10 mcg (Durysta) has been widely available option for patients. Its is a bio-degradable tiny implant that can be placed in the anterior chamber in the office in patients with OAG open angle glaucoma and OHT Ocular hypertension. It slowly releases medication that lasts for months.
There are many more in the pipeline to be awaited, to name a few : Travoprost punctual plug, Bimatoprost ocular ring, Nanotechnology for drug delivery.
Recently, Travoprost intracameral implant 75 mcg (iDoseTR) has been approved to lower IOP in patients with OAG open angle glaucoma and ocular Hypertension OHT- this is a anchored intracameral delivery system, that requires patients to be taken to operating room in a sterile environment and delivers medication slowly over months to years.
To conclude, with the scale new research is ongoing, we have reason to be optimistic of newer medications, delivery systems and novel treatments being available in near future.
Sarah Anis, M.D.
Glaucoma Clinical Fellowship: New York Eye and Ear
Glaucoma Research Fellowship: Wilmer Eye Institute
(401) 496-8652 www.rieyeinstitute.com
Providence, RI | South Kingstown, RI | Fall River, MA | East Providence, RI
