Glaucoma is a disease that increases intraocular pressure in the eyeball, caused by a blockage or reduced drainage of aqueous fluid in the eye. The fluid buildup leads to irreversible optic nerve damage and gradual vision loss. Many patients do not realize they have glaucoma until their vision is permanently altered from optic nerve damage. 

In recent years, ophthalmologists and optometrists have found safer, quicker, and more convenient treatments to reduce IOP and prevent further vision loss. Durysta™ is one of several surgical and non-surgical glaucoma treatments for patients at the Alabata Eye Center. 

What is Durysta™?

Durysta™ is a sustained-release medication to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The treatment reduces the number of daily glaucoma drops or ceases the need to apply them for several months. 

How Does Durysta™ Work?

Durysta™ slowly releases bimatoprost, which increases aqueous fluid flow through the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle into the eye. Each implant holds ten mcg of medication. The medications compensate for blockages that slow or stop the release of aqueous fluid. 

Your provider applies a topical numbing to the eye and injects the implant into the anterior chamber. The injection only takes a few seconds. Dr. Alabata may ask you to use an antibiotic drop for a few days and to stay upright for at least an hour after the procedure. He will schedule follow-up appointments for a few weeks after your treatment to check your progress and results from the Durysta™ implant.

The Durysta™ implant releases bimatoprost for several months, with some patients enjoying the decreased eye pressure for up to two years. The implant eventually dissolves in the eye and biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water. 

How Long Do the Effects of Durysta™ Last?

The implant dissolves in the eye within several months, but patients report enjoying alleviated eye pressure for years after treatment. Durysta™ is currently a one-time treatment, but researchers are conducting ongoing trials for FDA approval of additional treatments to maintain results. 

Why Get Durysta™ Implants?

Studies have shown that 30%-80% of glaucoma patients do not take their medication effectively, which leads to worsening symptoms. There are many reasons that they may struggle with consistent treatment, including:

• Forgetting to take the medication
• Difficulty with drop instillation
• Need for more frequent administration
• Medication costs
• Medication side effects

Durysta™ alleviates not only the patient’s glaucoma symptoms but also the burden and inconvenience of their treatment. 

What are the Benefits of Durysta™?

Durysta™ reduces patients’ reliance on glaucoma medication by continuously releasing it directly into the eye over several months. Some of the benefits of receiving Durysta™ glaucoma treatment include:

• Up to 32% reduction in intraocular pressure
• Safe for those with topical allergies
• Lasts for six months to two years
• Fewer side effects than topical drops
• FDA-approved for a single treatment

Durysta™ cannot reverse damaged optic nerves, but it can prevent the future progression of glaucoma. To learn if Durysta™ is the best treatment for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alabata at the Alabata Eye Center. 

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Clearer Uncorrected Vision

To schedule your in-person Durysta™ consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.