Learn about Types of Glaucoma Therapies with Dr. Cecelia Koetting

It’s time for our Woo’s Wisdom!

Dr. Cecelia Koetting presented on the various types of glaucoma therapies that are available now, as well as what is in the pipeline, in her presentation titled, “Earlier Co-Management of Today’s Glaucoma Patient with the Latest Medical Therapies and Drug-Delivery Methods”.

First, she reviewed some of the challenges practitioners face in managing glaucoma, most notably drop compliance. In addition to compliance concerns with drops, other potential issues may include irritation on instillation, ocular surface toxicity, and difficulty applying drops properly. Potential side effects of other various intervention therapies were reviewed, such as potential decreased durability of laser treatments, risks associated with invasive surgeries, and cost burdens to the patient. 

She then shifted the discussion to dropless treatment options, the mechanism of action, and efficacy. One exciting glaucoma treatment innovation discussed was the bimatoprost intracameral implant, which is a solid, biodegradable, rod shaped implant. It is placed in the anterior chamber angle and slowly releases prostaglandin analog as the copolymer matrix degrades. It can deliver medication for up to 6 months!

Some future options in the pipeline are:

∙       External ocular inserts, such as the bimatoprost ocular ring

∙       Drug delivery via punctal plugs

Dr. Koetting delivered such a great comprehensive review on all the glaucoma treatment options available to us now and in the future.

Be sure to check it out at WooU.org under past events!

Watch how Dr. Cerenzie explained the key takeaways here.