Thanks to the advancement of medicine and technology, there are more treatment options for glaucoma than ever before – which is fortunate considering how urgent glaucoma treatment can be. Medical scientists specializing in ophthalmology have created several reliable treatment interventions for glaucoma. At Witchita Vision Institute in Witchita, KS, Dr. Patel is an expert in many of these treatments, including Hydrus, a revolutionary treatment for glaucoma.
What Is Hydrus?
Hydrus is a minimally invasive eye surgery that is designed to relieve the build-up of fluid that causes pressure to be placed on the optic nerves of the eye, which can drastically distort vision and potentially cause permanent vision loss. This surgery is less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery, making it a preferable option for patients who want faster recovery times and less risk of complications. Overall, this treatment is ideal for patients who have open-angle glaucoma.
How Does This Surgery Work?
Hydrus is a micro-stent, which means it is an implant that is placed in the eye essentially as a spacer for your natural fluid drainage channels. The micro-stent is about the same size as an eyelash and made with nickel alloy. The theoretical basis behind this treatment is to give the natural shape of your eye more room to drain eye fluid, which will resolve the issue of fluid building up and causing pressure to be placed on the optic nerves and damaging the eye.
Why Should You Use Hydrus?
Although newer than traditional glaucoma surgery, there are plenty of reasons to use this micro-stent. For one thing, this is a minimally invasive treatment that does not have the same risks as traditional surgery, meaning it is safer for you overall.
For another, the micro-stent does not need to be replaced at any time after surgery, making it preferable to other glaucoma surgeries that may require follow-up. Finally, this micro-stent procedure is ideal for patients with open-eye glaucoma, which is sometimes more difficult to treat with other alternative treatments.
What Is Involved in Your Consultation?
Prior to the scheduling of your surgery appointment, you will need to attend a consultation with Dr. Patel. The consultation will give you a chance to discuss your symptoms, assess the severity of your glaucoma, and explore all treatment options available to you. Part of your consultation will include gathering certain information about you, such as your general medical history, any family history of glaucoma, and any medications or previous treatments you have used for glaucoma.
You will also complete several pre-operative exams. The pre-operative exams will test your intraocular pressure, any current damage to the optic nerve fibers, your visual field perception, and the shape and length of your eye. Each of these exams is personally performed by Dr. Patel.
What Are the Surgery Steps?
Step One: IV Sedative and Anesthetic Eye Drops
Before your surgery begins, we will administer both a mild IV sedative and anesthetic eye drops or an anesthetic eye solution to ensure your comfort during the surgery. Many patients sleep through the surgery or feel no sensation at all. Both of these medications will be allowed time to be absorbed before further treatment steps are taken.
Step Two: Incision and Microstent Placement
A small micro-incision will be made on the surface of your eye, generally near the iris, about 2mm in length. The incision is just large enough for the micro-stent to be placed and installed into the Schlemm’s canal, which will dilate the canal and allow for a better aqueous flow, or a faster flow of fluid in the eye.
Step Three: Closing
Once the micro-stent has been placed, the incision will be closed and your surgery will be over. You will be allowed to rest for a while before you are taken to see Dr. Patel for post-operative examinations and instructions.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
This micro-stent surgery generally takes about 30 minutes to complete for most patients. You will need to arrange for transportation after your surgery and for time off during your recovery period.
What Can You Expect From Recovery?
Just as with any other eye surgery, you can expect to spend at least 5 to 7 days in recovery. Your recovery from the surgery may take as many as 3 weeks to fully heal, although this time varies among patients based on a variety of factors, such as age and the severity of glaucoma.
Post-Treatment Instructions
Following your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Patel for a post-operative exam and to receive post-treatment instructions that are meant to guide you safely through the recovery period. Some post-treatment instructions will include:
- Use eye drops and prescriptions prescribed to you
- Do not rub or touch the eye
- Do not wear eye make-up
- Wear sunglasses and avoid direct sunlight
- Wear special eye shield at night
- No strenuous activity or heavy lifting
How Many Follow-Up Appointments Will You Need?
It is typical to have more than one follow-up appointment following any eye surgery. The follow-up appointments will assess how well you are healing from the surgery as well as how well you are responding to the treatment. Many of your follow-up appointment will test your intraocular pressure and other symptoms of glaucoma.
What Are Results Like?
Most patients find immediate relief from intraocular pressure in the days following this surgery. Along with clearer vision and less eye pressure, many patients find that their visual perception is restored and that they have fewer headaches or migraines.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results for this treatment are long-lasting, with many patients able to enjoy relief from intraocular pressure for 2 years or more. Your results may last longer if you have mild or moderate glaucoma, and if the microstent creates enough room to consistently drain fluid from the eye.
Hydrus Microstent Glaucoma Surgery FAQ
1. What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to several eye conditions that cause fluid to build-up in the eye and place pressure on the optic nerves, which ultimately causes damage to the optic nerve and may result in blindness if untreated. Glaucoma is like a pressure valve that is incapable of releasing and leads to permanent damage. Glaucoma can happen to anyone of any age, although it is more common in older adults who have preexisting eye conditions, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in America and has many symptoms associated with it, including:
- Blurred vision
- Halos or rainbows in vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea
- Limited field of vision
- Eye pressure
- Mismatched eye shape
2. What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve when normal eye fluid is not able to release itself, which builds pressure on the eye and interferes with normal vision, including visual perception. There are several risk factors associated with the disease, such as:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Preexisting eye conditions
- Eye injuries
Although glaucoma is more common in aging adults, it can develop at any time in people of any age, including toddlers. Glaucoma is generally thought of as a genetic disease but is also commonly found in those who are diagnosed with diabetes; please let Dr. Patel know if you have either of these risk factors during your consultation appointment.
3. Can You Stop Glaucoma From Developing?
No, there is no way to prevent the development of glaucoma. Lifestyle habits and regular eye care are not proven to prevent glaucoma formation, meaning there is very little you can do to avoid glaucoma. The best thing you can do for your health and your eyesight is to be aware of family history and comorbid diseases and to seek care as soon as symptoms are apparent.
4. Can You Have Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery Together?
Absolutely. In fact, it is very common to combine glaucoma and cataract surgery into one procedure especially if both conditions are happening at the same time. Because both surgeries require small incisions to be made on the surface of the eye, it is very easy to complete both surgeries at the same time – both a micro-stent for glaucoma and intraocular lenses for cataracts can be placed during the same surgery.
Intraocular Lenses
Cataract surgery involves the excision and extraction of cataracts from the eye and usually means that the natural lens needs to be replaced with an artificial lens. The artificial lens is called an intraocular lens and can be used as a corrective measure for common vision problems, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, depth perception, and inability to see in low lighting. Dr. Patel recommends PanOptix and Toric intraocular lenses for cataract surgery.
5. When Do You Need Glaucoma Surgery?
It is possible that you will need another surgery for glaucoma in the future. Although this surgery gives you the advantage of permanent relief from clogged fluids in the eye causing pressure, it is possible that your glaucoma will return due to age or medication later in life. Fortunately, this micro-stent greatly reduces the risk of complication or failure in future glaucoma surgeries as it does not require conjunctival tissues to be opened for treatment.
6. Are There Other Treatments for Glaucoma?
Yes. Aside from micro-stent surgery, you have several other options for the treatment of glaucoma, including traditional glaucoma surgery, OMNI surgery, medications, and eye drops. Depending on the severity of your glaucoma, it may be beneficial to try medication before surgery to see if a biologic intervention is enough to slow the progression of the disease.
7. Will You Need Another Microstent Surgery?
It is possible you will require another glaucoma surgery in the future, although this typically only happens when the disease progresses to such a degree that the micro-stent or other treatment is no longer effective. Dr. Patel will discuss your treatment outlook with you during your post-operative exam and let you know the likelihood of requiring additional surgery down the line.
8. Are You a Good Candidate for Hydrus Microstent?
The majority of patients who have open-angle glaucoma are potentially good candidates for this treatment. Ideally, patients with open-angle glaucoma have mild or moderate cases to qualify for this surgery. There are no medical restrictions associated with this surgery and patients of all ages qualify. If you are looking for a minimally invasive surgical treatment for open-angle glaucoma, then this surgery is likely right for you.
Relieve Eye Pressure With Hydrus Microstent Glaucoma Surgery
Treatment for glaucoma is an urgent matter to relieve eye pressure and save optic nerves from permanent damage. Hydrus microstent surgery may be a good option for your glaucoma treatment.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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