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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Pseudophakic glaucoma patients who struggle with drops need more than medication adjustments — they need timely procedural intervention. From selective laser trabeculoplasty to sustained-release implants like iDose TR and Durysta, options are expanding. Primary care eye doctors play a key role in honest adherence assessment and smart surgical referrals.
Managing glaucoma in pseudophakic patients — those who've already had cataract surgery — is tricky. Without the option to combine glaucoma treatment with cataract surgery, clinicians must lean on other tools when drops fall short. The good news: procedural options are growing, and earlier referral is becoming the norm.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is now a first-line option and can be repeated as needed. For patients still struggling, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or sustained-release implants offer meaningful alternatives. The iDose TR travoprost implant delivers continuous IOP-lowering medication for up to 3 years, while Durysta (bimatoprost) provides 3–4 months of sustained release — both helping patients who can't reliably stick to a drop regimen.
One underappreciated role for primary care eye doctors: getting an honest read on patient adherence before referring. Studies show patients overreport compliance, so accurate information helps surgeons make better decisions.
Why it matters: As the pseudophakic glaucoma population grows, primary care eye doctors who understand procedural options and build strong surgical referral networks can meaningfully improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
