A local ophthalmology practice is the first in North Florida to offer a new, minimally invasive glaucoma treatment recently approved by the FDA.
Florida Eye Specialists is now offering the CyPass Micro-Stent, a treatment believed to be effective in treating glaucoma patients while reducing the complications associated with more invasive procedures. The stent, which is inserted in conjunction with a cataract procedure, is designed for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases in which a buildup of fluid in the eye damages the optic nerve and leads to progressive vision loss. Current glaucoma surgeries aim to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Such procedures can be invasive, however, and may produce variable outcomes.
In contrast, the CyPass Micro-Stent device is implanted just below the surface of the eye to create a new drainage pathway that prevents fluid buildup. The procedure has minimal tissue disruption, reducing complications like scarring or bleeding that may occur in more invasive glaucoma surgeries.
In a clinical study involving more than 500 participants, more than 72 percent of those treated with the CyPass Micro-Stent had significantly lower IOP, with reductions maintained over a two-year period.
“The CyPass Micro-Stent is a revolutionary step in minimally invasive glaucoma treatment,” said Dr. Rajesh Shetty, an ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists. “Our patients who have received the procedure are having incredible results, and we can’t wait to help more North Florida residents suffering from glaucoma.”
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and affects more than 3 million Americans. Symptoms can take years to develop, but may include blurred vision, eye pain and vision loss.
