Glaucoma Care
Eye Care Specialists Serving Bend, OR
and Surrounding Areas
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called "the silent thief of sight" because it can gradually affect your vision without early warning signs. This group of eye conditions typically involves increased pressure within your eye, which can damage the delicate optic nerve that carries visual information to your brain. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing
At Infocus Eye Care, we use state-of-the-art technology to detect and monitor glaucoma with incredible precision. Your examination includes:
Detailed optic nerve imaging
Visual field testing to map your complete field of vision
Precise eye pressure measurements
Assessment of your eye's drainage system
Corneal thickness evaluation
Every test is designed to create a complete picture of your eye health, allowing us to detect changes early and protect your vision effectively.
Personalized Treatment Approach
We believe in creating individualized treatment plans that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Our comprehensive care options include:
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Modern glaucoma eye drops are more effective and comfortable than ever. These medications can:
Lower eye pressure effectively
Reduce fluid production
Improve drainage
Protect the optic nerve
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This gentle laser treatment offers an alternative or complement to daily eye drops:
Quick, comfortable procedure
Performed in our office
Improves your eye's natural drainage
Can reduce or eliminate the need for drops
May be repeated if needed
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This revolutionary approach to glaucoma surgery represents one of the most significant advances in glaucoma treatment. MIGS procedures work by creating new pathways for fluid to leave your eye, effectively lowering eye pressure with minimal tissue disruption.
During MIGS, your surgeon creates a tiny opening—smaller than a grain of sand—using microscopic instruments and advanced visualization techniques. This microsurgical approach allows us to enhance your eye's natural drainage system in one of several ways:
Through the Eye's Natural Drainage Channel
Some MIGS procedures target your eye's natural drainage pathway, called the trabecular meshwork. By creating a small opening or placing a microscopic stent in this area, we can help fluid flow more easily out of your eye. Think of it as clearing a clogged drain, allowing fluid to resume its natural outflow path.
Creating New Drainage Pathways
Other MIGS techniques create an alternative route for fluid to leave the eye. Using tiny implants or precise surgical techniques, we can establish new channels that bypass any blocked areas, like creating a detour around a traffic jam.
Benefits of MIGS
Extremely small incisions that heal quickly.
Performed through a tiny corneal incision.
Very low risk of complications.
Rapid visual recovery.
Can be combined with cataract surgery.
Often reduces dependence on glaucoma medications.
Preserves other surgical options if needed in the future.
The MIGS Advantage During Cataract Surgery
If you have both cataracts and glaucoma, we can often perform MIGS at the same time as your cataract surgery. This combination approach allows you to address both conditions with a single procedure, potentially reducing your need for glaucoma medications while also improving your vision.
Is MIGS Right for You?
MIGS may be an excellent option if you:
Have mild to moderate glaucoma
Are using multiple eye drops to control your eye pressure
Are planning to have cataract surgery
Want a safer alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery
Prefer a less invasive surgical approach
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iDose TR: A Breakthrough Treatment for High Eye Pressure
Infocus Eye Care is proud to be the first in the region to offer this exciting FDA approved option for patients with glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular hypertension). This page will help you understand what iDose TR is, how it works, and what you can expect during treatment.
What is iDose TR?
iDose TR is a tiny, implantable device designed to deliver medication directly to your eye over an extended period. It provides a sustained release of medication to help lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial for managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss.
How Does iDose TR Work?
Implantation: The iDose TR device is implanted during a minimally invasive procedure performed by one of our surgeons.
Medication Delivery: Once in place, the device continuously releases medication into your eye for a period of three years reducing the need for daily eye drops.
Long-Term Effectiveness: iDose minimizes fluctuations in eye pressure over the duration of medication delivery.
Benefits of iDose TR
Convenience: Eliminates the need for daily eye drops, simplifying your treatment routine.
Consistency: Provides steady medication delivery, ensuring better control of IOP.
Improved Adherence: Reduces the risk of missed doses compared to traditional treatments.
Fewer side effects: Limits dry eye symptoms related to medicated eye drop usage.
Who Can Benefit from iDose TR?
iDose is ideal for patients diagnosed with glaucoma or high eye pressure who struggle with regular use of eye drops or experience side effects from topical medications.
What to Expect During Treatment
Consultation: Your doctor will discuss your medical history and perform tests to assess your suitability for iDose.
Procedure: The implantation process is quick, performed at the outpatient surgery center.
Follow-Up Care: Patients are typically seen in the clinic the day after surgery, then at 1 week and at 1 month before returning to regular monitoring. You will briefly use an anti-inflammatory eye drop after surgery and your doctor may adjust your glaucoma medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during implantation. Local anesthesia ensures your comfort.
2. How long does the device last?
The current implant is approved for three years although it may be effective for a longer period. A five year implant is currently in trials.
3. Are there any risks?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks such as inflammation, increased eye pressure, infection or device displacement.
Understanding Your Options
During your consultation, we will discuss whether MIGS could be appropriate for your specific situation. We will explain which MIGS procedure might work best for you, based on your type of glaucoma, eye pressure, and other factors unique to your eyes.
Our Commitment to Your Eye Health
Glaucoma care at Infocus Eye Care means:
Regular monitoring with advanced technology
Adjusting treatments as needed
Clear communication about your eye health
Support in managing your medications
Long-term partnership in protecting your vision
Taking the First Step
Early detection is crucial for protecting your vision from glaucoma. If you have noticed changes in your vision, have a family history of glaucoma, or are due for an eye examination, we are here to help.
Risk Factors to Consider
Family history of glaucoma
Age over 60
Previous eye injuries
Certain medical conditions
High nearsightedness or farsightedness
Glaucoma often develops without symptoms, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment.
Message us today to schedule an examination, or call us at (541) 318-8388 to speak with our team.
Location: Bend, Oregon
Serving Central Oregon with expert eye care.
Protect your precious gift of sight with proactive glaucoma care.
Why Choose Infocus Eye Care?
• Expertise: Our experienced doctors and staff are leaders in comprehensive eye care
• Technology: We utilize the most advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment
• Comprehensive Care: From routine exams to treatment of complex conditions
• Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities