Safer Glaucoma Treatment Alternative
Glaucoma Treatment (iStent®) in Melbourne, FL
Also serving Merritt Island & Suntree
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye disease that leads to vision loss and blindness. The condition causes damage to your optic nerve due to abnormally high eye pressure.
This occurs when the eye’s drainage system is not functioning properly. The eye’s fluid (aqueous humor) drains through an angle between the iris and cornea. When this angle is open but the eye’s fluid does not drain correctly, it’s called open-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle is blocked, which rapidly increases eye pressure and constitutes a medical emergency.
Open-angle glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, and many people have no idea they have the condition until their side vision is damaged. This form of glaucoma is typically caught early through comprehensive eye exams at TRES VISION Group. There are various treatments designed to slow glaucoma progression, but once vision is affected, no medication or surgery can restore your eyesight.
What is an iStent?
The iStent trabecular micro-bypass is FDA-approved to treat open-angle glaucoma. The minimally invasive device is implanted in the eye to increase aqueous humor outflow and lower eye pressure. The iStent is a tiny titanium device placed during cataract surgery through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal. The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue and one of the main structures involved in the drainage angle. This tissue is where the fluid faces the greatest resistance, increasing eye pressure if the outflow is slow or inadequate. Schlemm’s canal is a circular system that collects the eye’s fluid flowing from the trabecular meshwork and directs it into the veins of your eye.
The iStent improves fluid drainage and lowers your eye pressure to normal limits by restoring a functional angle. iStent can eliminate the need for standard treatments such as eye drops.
The iStent is placed during cataract surgery to relieve Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Essentially it is a small tube used to allow fluids to pass. If you’re the right candidate for the iStent you’ll experience a reduce dependency on glaucoma medication and corrective lenses.
iStent Benefits for Glaucoma
Smallest Medical Device Approved by FDA
You Won’t See or Feel It
Treat your open-angle glaucoma in a way that will make you forget it ever existed. With the iStent, patients will not see or feel the device once placed in their eye. You can have an iStent placed during your cataract surgery. It only makes sense to take care of your glaucoma and face one less eye concern.
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Cut Your Eye Drop Dependence
Reduced Need For Daily Eye Drops
You will spend the rest of your life putting one, two or even three different kinds of drops in every day. Unfortunately, all of these drops will not only be inconvenient but potentially very expensive. By having an iStent placed the pressure in your eyes will be controlled, eliminating the need for multiple eye drop applications.
Fewer Risk Than Traditional Glaucoma Management
Cut Back on Challenges and Problems
You won’t need to depend on glasses or glaucoma medication after placement of the iStent as it controls the IOP of the eye. Unlike other glaucoma management solutions, the iStent results in fewer problems for you following the procedure.
Avoid the Hassle of Wearing Glasses
Reduced Dependency on Glasses
iStent will allow you to see more clearly and escape the aggravation that comes with wearing glasses. The iStent controls your glaucoma by creating a drainage passway and reducing pressure in the eye. You will likely be able to see without glasses, or with a lowered dependency on glasses, following the placement of the iStent.
Is iStent® Glaucoma Treatment right for you?
TOP-OF-THE-LINE EQUIPMENT
Advanced Technology & Machinery
Our technology was selected for its superior performance and exceptional results. At TRES VISION Group, we pride ourselves in using the best equipment available to get you the results you're looking for.
Meet Dr. Tres
Dr. Trespalacios has earned a reputation for excellence and has been selected by respected peers in the field of cataract and LASIK surgery as one of the “Best Doctors” in the country.
dependency on glasses and glaucoma medications.” – Dr. Tres
iStent Recovery
The iStent device is placed during a short outpatient procedure. Soon after your procedure, you will be released into the care of a companion to go home. Do not drive yourself, as your vision may be impaired and you may feel tired or groggy from the sedative medication. We will give you a clear plastic shield and possibly a patch to place over the treated eye.
Common Aftereffects
Everyone recovers from their iStent procedure a little differently. It is common to experience blurry vision for approximately two weeks. Your eye may be swollen or irritated, too. If you experience sensitivity to the sun, wear wraparound sunglasses when going outdoors.
Though it is perfectly safe to read, watch television or use your smartphone after the iStent procedure, you may find that your eyes tire faster than they used to. This is temporary. Try to take care and rest and relax your eyes whenever possible.
Precautions to Take After Your iStent Glaucoma Procedure
You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to minimize the aftereffects and risks of complications. Use these drops as instructed, and let our team know if you have any questions or problems. We may ask you to wear a protective shield over your eye for a few weeks after surgery; this will prevent you from accidentally scratching your eye while you sleep.
After your procedure, you will be asked to refrain from certain activities that could cause a spike in your eye pressure. These activities include the following:
- High-impact, strenuous exercise or sports activities
- Heavy lifting (i.e., anything more than 10 or so pounds)
- Straining
Other activities to avoid include wearing contact lenses or eye makeup, which could irritate your healing eye even more than normal. You should also be careful not to rub or press on your eye. If you feel as though a speck of dirt or dust is stuck in your eye, try to flush it out with water or artificial tears instead of scratching at it.
Most people with desk jobs take a few days or a week off from work after the iStent procedure. If your job involves heavy lifting or lots of bending over or straining, plan to take some additional time off before returning.
Potential Signs of a Complication
Complications are very rare, but it is always helpful to know what signs to watch out for. If you experience any unusual discharge from your eye, excessive redness/swelling or a fever, you could have an infection. Contact our office promptly to schedule an evaluation.
Follow-up Care
Dr. Tres will want to see you during your recovery to check your healing progress and evaluate the outflow of fluid from your eye. When you see him for your follow-up appointments, he will advise when you can go back to work and the rest of your normal activities. You can ask him questions or bring up any concerns you have during these appointments. Our team is also available by phone or email in between appointments if you have a quick question.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
FAQ
Read some common questions about our iStent® Glaucoma Treatment.
Where is the iStent placed?
How long will my vision be blurry after an iStent procedure?
How does iStent work?
What are next steps?
Step 1: Call or message us
Call us at (321) 984-3200 or send us a message below for a no-obligation consultation.
Step 2: Evaluate your treatment options
Using our suite of first-in-class technology, we'll discover the treatment options that are best for you.
Step 3: Start seeing clearer (and living better)
Regain your vision and restore your independence with help from the most effective, modern treatment options available.
Take the first step. Contact Us
