Durysta

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often leading to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, new treatment options like Durysta are now available to help manage glaucoma and preserve vision. 

At Pacific Eye Associates, our glaucoma specialists offer this innovative treatment to help stop the progression of glaucoma and help lower eye pressure.

What is Durysta?

Durysta is a biodegradable implant used to lower eye pressure for patients with many types of glaucoma.  It contains a very potent eye pressure lowering medication called bimatoprost which is also found in Lumigan. 

The implant gradually releases the medication over time, lowering eye pressure. In a large clinical study, a single implantation of Durysta can lower eye pressure for 12 months about 74% of the time. 

This means you need fewer applications per year compared to daily glaucoma eye drops. The procedure to have Durysta implanted in the eyes is quick and easy.

The implant itself is only about 1 mm long—smaller than a grain of rice!

What Happens During the Durysta Procedure?

The Durysta administration is in office procedure that takes less than five minutes.  Dr. So has been placing Durysta in glaucoma patients since 2017 when he was involved in the FDA phase 3 clinical trials.  He has logged over 600 administrations since then.

In some cases, it may be performed in a surgery center, especially if it is being combined with another procedure like cataract surgery. During the in office procedure, you will be seated with your chin on a chin rest in front of the microscope.

This microscope allows your eye doctor to look closely at your eyes, similar to what happens during routine eye exams. After comfort numbing drops are applied, you will experience a pressure sensation while the implant is placed inside. 

With Durysta, there is no incision or stitch required. With a gentle click, the implant is released from the applicator into the appropriate place in your eye. You may hear a clicking sound at this step. 

Many patients report little to no pain with the procedure. We will expect you to experience a scratchy sensation for about one day.  After this, the process is complete, and you will get to benefit from a hands free glaucoma treatment.

How Does Durysta Work?

After placement, the Durysta implant softens inside your eye and begins to release small amounts of bimatoprost. This medication increases fluid drainage from inside the eye to lower eye pressure, which helps protect the optic nerve from further glaucoma damage.

The implant itself completely biodegrades as the medication is used up.  It can be replaced with another implant to continue treatment if desired. 

Is Durysta Right for Me?

Durysta may be a good option if you have open angle glaucoma and need to reduce your eye pressure. Many people are interested in this type of glaucoma treatment, as it can eliminate or reduce the need to apply medicated eye drops every day. Long term, this is often more comfortable for your eyes. 

Talk to your eye doctor at Pacific Eye Associates to see if Durysta implants may be appropriate to manage your glaucoma. They can explain the potential benefits and risks based on your medical history and specific vision needs. 

Like any medication, Durysta is not for everyone, but it could provide the convenience and consistency you’ve been looking for in a glaucoma treatment.

Do you want to learn more about Durysta or determine if this treatment method may be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Pacific Eye Associates in San Francisco, CA, today!