The DURYSTA^™ Implant

Do you have high eye pressure? Referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension, the pressure within the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve, over time, may lead to glaucoma and permanent vision loss.

If you are experiencing vision problems due to high eye pressure or have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may wonder what treatments are available. Perhaps you have heard about an eye implant for glaucoma or are looking for alternatives to medicated eye drops.

Southwest Eyecare is proud to offer the DURYSTA™ implant as a treatment option for qualified candidates.

What is DURYSTA™, and How Does it Work?

DURYSTA™ is the first and only FDA-approved implant that targets open-angle glaucoma and high eye pressure. DURYSTA™ is a tiny, dissolvable implant that consistently delivers medicine to reduce and maintain healthy eye pressure. Fluid build-up is a common cause of pressure in the eye, and this preservative-free medicine increases fluid flow through the eye. This helps compensate for any blockage. Another benefit of DURYSTA™ is that it is dissolvable, and the entire implant will eventually dissolve in the eye, so it does not have to be removed.

How is DURYSTA™ Implanted?

The DURYSTA™ procedure is reasonably straightforward. Southwest Eyecare doctors will place the tiny, biodegradable, rod-shaped cartridge directly into the anterior chamber of your eye. The implant is a one-time use sterile applicator. The in-office procedure is quick and safe, and no surgery is needed. Over several months, the implant will release the pre-loaded medicine to lower eye pressure and preserve your vision!

How Long Does DURYSTA™ Last?

The DURYSTA™ implant is designed to last up to six months. Patients can often expect eye pressure to be reduced for 15 weeks. Many patients experience reduced or controlled eye pressure after a fully dissolved implant. Because the implant dissolves naturally over time, removing it requires no further procedure. However, you may need to follow up with your doctor for assessment.

DURYSTA™ can be implanted once in each eye.

Are There Side Effects to the DURYSTA™ Implant?

The side effects of this glaucoma implant during studies have been minimal compared to traditional treatments such as eye drops for glaucoma. The most common side effect is eye redness. Other side effects include eye irritation or pain, the feeling of a foreign body within the eye, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and headache.

Are You a Candidate for the DURYSTA™ Implant?

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for DURYSTA™ is to schedule an appointment with Southwest Eyecare. The glaucoma implant is designed only for patients with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure.

As with any procedure or medication, there may be times when not everyone is an ideal candidate. Some circumstances may limit your ability to receive the implant, such as:

• you have been diagnosed with corneal endothelial cell dystrophy
• you have received a corneal transplant or an endothelial cell transplant
• you have an infection in or surrounding your eye
• if the posterior lens capsule is missing, torn, or ruptured
• you are allergic to Bimatoprost or any of the components of the DURYSTA™ implant

However, if you are a candidate, the procedure can be beneficial and is worth considering.

Southwest Eyecare in Albuquerque, NM has the most experience of any practice, in the state for the DURYSTA™ implant.  

Trust the team that continually stays at the forefront of new treatments and reach out to us today to discover if DURYSTA™ is right for you.