Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can gradually damage your vision without causing noticeable symptoms. By the time vision changes occur, the damage is often permanent. Fortunately, advances in glaucoma treatment are giving patients more options than ever before to control eye pressure and preserve their vision.
At Paragon Eye Associates, we stay at the forefront of ophthalmic technology by offering advanced glaucoma treatments, including iStent®, one of the leading minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices, and iDose® TR, an innovative sustained-release medication implant. Both treatments are designed to lower intraocular pressure while reducing the burden of daily glaucoma medications.
Why Lowering Eye Pressure Matters
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually because pressure inside the eye becomes too high. Since vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, the primary goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure before additional damage occurs.
Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:
- Prescription eye drops
- Laser procedures
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Sustained medication implants such as iDose TR
- Traditional glaucoma surgery for advanced disease
Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your eye pressure, optic nerve health, and overall lifestyle.
What Is iStent®?
The iStent is one of the world’s smallest implanted medical devices and has become one of the most widely performed MIGS procedures. It is designed to improve the eye’s natural drainage system, allowing fluid to leave the eye more efficiently and lowering intraocular pressure.
Many patients receive an iStent during cataract surgery, allowing two procedures to be completed during a single operation.
Benefits of iStent
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Tiny implant with no visible cosmetic changes
- Can reduce eye pressure
- May decrease dependence on glaucoma eye drops
- Fast recovery compared to traditional glaucoma surgery
- Proven safety profile
While iStent is highly effective for many patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, it is not the right choice for everyone. A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to determine candidacy.
What Is iDose® TR?
One of the biggest challenges in glaucoma management is remembering to use prescription eye drops every day. Missing doses can allow eye pressure to increase, potentially leading to additional optic nerve damage.
iDose TR is an FDA-approved implant that continuously releases glaucoma medication from inside the eye over an extended period of time. Instead of relying on daily eye drops, the implant delivers medication directly where it is needed.
Advantages of iDose TR
- Long-lasting medication delivery
- Consistent pressure control
- Reduces the burden of daily eye drops
- Improves treatment adherence
- Simple minimally invasive implantation
Many patients appreciate the convenience of fewer medications while maintaining effective glaucoma management.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- Your type of glaucoma
- Current eye pressure
- Severity of optic nerve damage
- Whether you’re already planning cataract surgery
- Your ability to use daily eye drops consistently
- Your overall eye health
Some patients benefit most from iStent, while others may be excellent candidates for iDose TR. In some situations, your ophthalmologist may recommend other treatments that better fit your condition.
The most important step is scheduling a comprehensive glaucoma evaluation before vision loss progresses.
Why Choose Paragon Eye Associates for Glaucoma Care?
Our experienced ophthalmologists provide comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment using the latest technologies available. We develop individualized treatment plans designed to preserve vision while minimizing the impact glaucoma has on your daily life.
Patients throughout Arlington, Mansfield, and surrounding North Texas communities trust Paragon Eye Associates for compassionate care and advanced treatment options, including MIGS with iStent and iDose TR.
Protect Your Vision Before Symptoms Develop
Because glaucoma often has no early warning signs, regular eye exams remain the best defense against permanent vision loss.
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, have elevated eye pressure, or have a family history of glaucoma, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your eyesight.
Schedule a comprehensive glaucoma evaluation with Paragon Eye Associates to learn whether iStent, iDose TR, or another glaucoma treatment is right for you. To get started, fill out and submit the form below. You can also reach out over the phone by dialing (817) 277-6433 for our Arlington office or (817) 477-0223 for our Mansfield office.
