If you have glaucoma, you may be tired of constantly applying eye drops to manage it. Durysta® is a new glaucoma treatment giving many patients a break from inconvenient eye drop medications.

What is Durysta®?

Durysta® is a medication used to treat a common eye disease called glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve in the eye, which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Since glaucoma is often related to high pressure in the eyes, Durysta® helps to lower the pressure inside the eye and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Durysta® is different from other glaucoma medications because it is delivered through a small implant placed inside the eye. This means that patients do not have to worry about remembering to take eye drops multiple times a day. The implant slowly releases the medication over time, providing continuous pressure-lowering effects for several months. 

Durysta® Results

Durysta® quickly alleviates pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) and continues to do so for months, gradually releasing medication from the implant. This saves you from having to remember daily eye drops to manage glaucoma.

Durysta® typically lasts up to six months, though some patients’ effects have lasted two years. The FDA has only approved Durysta® for one treatment per eye, so it is not currently a long-term solution for glaucoma management. However, trials are ongoing in hopes of changing this. In the meantime, Durysta® is a beneficial break from constant eye drops for patients suffering from glaucoma, with fewer side effects than traditional medications.

What to Expect During Durysta® Treatment for Glaucoma

Durysta® treatment involves the insertion of a small implant into the eye. Before the procedure, your eye will be numbed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Dr. Alabata then places the implant in the eye’s front chamber using a specialized applicator. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes and is performed in the office at Alabata Eye Center.

You’ll need to stay upright for at least an hour after the procedure so the implant can settle. Patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated eye for a few days, and you may need to use prescribed eyedrops during this time. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Durysta®?

Glaucoma often has little to no symptoms in the early stages but can still be a burden because of the necessary treatment. Durysta® may be an ideal option to help you manage glaucoma without eye drops for six months or more. You may be an ideal candidate for Durysta® if you:

• Are allergic to topical prostaglandin glaucoma medications
• Have trouble remembering to take your glaucoma eye drops regularly
• Suffer unwanted side effects from traditional glaucoma treatments

Durysta® cannot reverse optic nerve damage but can help prevent future damage by lowering IOP. During a detailed consultation, Dr. Alabata will help you determine if Durysta® is right for you.

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Better Vision

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