Durysta: A Guide to the Eye Pressure Implant
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What Are the Benefits?
Durysta offers advantages for suitable candidates compared to traditional treatment approaches with daily eye drops.
The implant provides a steady, continuous flow of medicine for several months, so you don't have to remember to use drops every day.
By delivering medicine around the clock, Durysta helps avoid the daily ups and downs in eye pressure that can happen between drop administrations.
It's a good option for people who have trouble using eye drops or experience irritation from the preservatives in many drop medications.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The Durysta implant is placed in your eye by an ophthalmologist during a straightforward, in-office procedure.
Your eye will be completely numbed with drops so you won't feel any pain.
The doctor uses a special, pre-loaded applicator to gently place the tiny implant in the front part of your eye.
The procedure is very quick, and no stitches or hospital stay are needed.
Key Takeaways
Durysta may be an appropriate solution for people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who have difficulty with daily therapy.
Durysta is a single-use, dissolvable implant that helps lower eye pressure for several months.
Durysta is an option for people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who have trouble with daily eye drops.
The procedure is quick and performed in our doctor's office.
It is critical to discuss your full eye health history with our doctor to see if you are a good candidate.
Durysta should only be implanted once per eye due to the risk of permanent damage to the cornea.
Always follow our doctor’s advice for care after the procedure and report any concerns immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, clinical studies on Durysta did not include patients who received the implant in both eyes during the same visit. Our doctor will usually treat one eye at a time and monitor your response before considering the second eye.
Durysta provides a continuous, controlled release of medication directly into the eye for several months, unlike daily drops that can be forgotten or administered inaccurately. Laser therapies are single procedures and may not always provide lasting pressure control. Durysta may be preferred for patients struggling with drop adherence.
Durysta is limited to a single use per eye due to the risk of permanent corneal endothelial cell loss if more than one implant is inserted. This risk increases significantly with additional implants, so retreatment is not currently recommended or approved.
Our doctor will monitor your eye pressure regularly. If pressure rises again, other treatment options, such as different medications, laser therapy, or surgery, will be discussed, since a repeat Durysta implant is not allowed for the same eye.
It depends on your individual case and the type and timing of previous surgeries. Durysta may not be suitable if you have had recent eye surgeries, especially if the lens capsule is damaged or if you anticipate more eye surgery soon. Your ophthalmologist will decide based on your surgical history.
The safety of Durysta during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn’t been established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform our doctor. They will help weigh the benefits and risks to decide the safest treatment approach for you.
After placement, our eye doctor may ask you to protect your eye and might prescribe eye drops or ointment to prevent infection and support healing. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor eye pressure and ensure the implant is working as intended.
Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Additionally, Durysta may cause increased brown pigmentation of the iris, which may be permanent. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as breathing problems, rash, or eye color changes to our doctor promptly.
There are no widely reported drug interactions with Durysta, but always provide our doctor a complete list of all medications and supplements you use, including other eye drops, to avoid any potential issues specific to your health and medications.
In rare cases, tiny remnants of the implant may remain in the eye for years. This doesn't usually cause problems, but any concerns can be monitored during eye exams. Report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision so our doctor can take appropriate action.
Taking the Next Step Toward Healthy Vision
If you or a loved one has glaucoma or ocular hypertension, effective eye pressure control is the key to long-term sight. Since 1987, Alden Leifer, MD and Associates have proudly served Paterson, Hawthorne, Teaneck, and communities across New Jersey, including Passaic, Clifton, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Passaic county, Bergen county, and Essex county, helping patients preserve vision and improve quality of life. Let our dedicated team guide you toward the best glaucoma care with expertise and genuine compassion. Schedule your visit today and discover how treatments like DURYSTA may help you 'See great till 98,' and beyond!