FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 18, 2020) – Elmquist Eye Group is offering a new procedure using the FDA-approved sustained-release implant, Durysta, to help administer treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve – commonly associated with high eye pressures – that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Durysta delivers glaucoma treatment via intracameral injection to help lower eye pressure. Once the rod-shaped implant is injected into the anterior chamber of the eye, 10 micrograms of bimatoprost are slowly released over time, providing consistent drug delivery in place of topical eye drops.
“Medicated eye drops are a common form of treatment for glaucoma, however, many patients experience challenges with administering topical drops or require other treatment options,” said Dr. Trevor Elmquist, founder of Elmquist Eye Group. “The Durysta implant eliminates these obstacles by allowing us to inject the needed medicine for them. Elmquist Eye Group is proud to begin offering this service at our practice as part of our wide range of treatment options for patients with glaucoma.”
A common challenge for people taking glaucoma medication is that they are not applying their eye drops properly. Incorrect application such as missing the eye or blinking too quickly after putting in the drops results in wasted medication and costly refills. Patients also often have difficulty remembering doses or may skip them altogether, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. The sustained-release implant ensures medication is delivered consistently and accurately, providing a more effective and convenient treatment method for patients with glaucoma.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Durysta in March 2020, and the implant is considered the first biodegradable, intracameral implant indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension via a sustained-release drug delivery system. Studies have found Durysta to reduce intraocular pressure by 30% over 12 weeks, and approximately 28% of test subjects experienced intraocular pressure reduction for up to two years.
To learn if you are a candidate for the Durysta implant, contact Elmquist Eye Group at 239-936-2020.
About Elmquist Eye Group
E. Trevor Elmquist, D.O. founded Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers in 1992. This skilled team of optometrists and ophthalmologists continue to provide a complete range of medical and surgical eye care to the residents of Lee County. Services include comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and many more eye conditions. A full-service optical boutique is located within the Fort Myers and Cape Coral offices, with a wide range of frames and lens options. For more information and appointments call 239-936-2020.