Table of contents:
- Reasons for choosing implants, one of the methods of glaucoma treatment
- Treatment performed after glaucoma implant placement
- Abstinence after glaucoma implant surgery
- Side effects of using glaucoma implants
Glaucoma implants are an alternative treatment for glaucoma patients in the chronic phase or commonly referred to as refractory glaucoma / glaucoma difficult cases. When deciding to use implants, what are the treatments that need to be done so that the glaucoma implant remains good?
Reasons for choosing implants, one of the methods of glaucoma treatment
Before knowing how to care after implant placement, it's good to know the reasons for using implants compared to other glaucoma treatments.
Based on the Mayo Clinic page, the method of treating glaucoma patients actually consists of various types. These methods include drugs, lasers, trabeculectomy surgery, to implant placement.
Among them, implants should be chosen as the last resort when other methods fail to treat the condition of the glaucoma patient.
Dr. dr. Virna Dwi Oktariana, SpM (K), who was met in an exclusive interview at the launch of the Virna Glaucoma Implant product in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta (26/6) explained the purpose of installing glaucoma implants.
Primarily, implant placement is expected to reduce eye pressure in glaucoma sufferers.
This installation can also have an impact on other treatments performed by glaucoma patients. For example, a patient who previously used drugs, say as many as 5 types of drugs, can reduce their consumption of the drug or even completely drop it.
That is why implants are the right alternative to treat difficult cases of glaucoma.
Treatment performed after glaucoma implant placement
Glaucoma implants can indeed handle glaucoma cases very well. However, that doesn't mean you don't need to take care of it.
The glaucoma implant is permanent and stays in the patient's eyeball for life. Patients also do not need to replace with new implants or remove them at any time.
Therefore, glaucoma implant treatment must be carried out regularly to maintain the condition of the implant and the patient's eye health.
Doctor Virna explained that one of the glaucoma implant treatments that patients can do is to carry out routine controls to the doctor. Control it at least every three to four months.
You may not benefit immediately after insertion of the implants. It can take time for you to really feel the impact.
"Depending on the patient's eye condition, one month it has improved, some after six months will feel the changes," said dr. Virna.
He also added that there are no specific recommendations and restrictions that should be done as a glaucoma implant treatment. Patients can still carry out activities as usual.
Although there are no specific guidelines regarding glaucoma implant care, there are restrictions that should be avoided in the early stages of recovery after surgery.
Abstinence after glaucoma implant surgery
There are several precautions for patients who have recently had an implant inserted for glaucoma.
Generally, this taboo is similar to abstinence after cataract surgery. Things that should be avoided in the early stages of postoperative recovery, namely:
- Don't do strenuous activities for a while.
- It would be safer if the patient does not drive the vehicle after implant surgery.
- Take the medicine regularly as directed by your doctor, even if you have implanted.
- Avoid dusty areas.
- If you have to clean the house, clean the dust with vacuum cleaner.
- Don't rub your eyes. Even when the patient is not undergoing medication or surgery, rubbing his eyes is not a good idea as it can lead to infection.
- Do not swim, avoid contact with water in the early stages of postoperative recovery.
- Avoid using eye makeup.
Although there are some restrictions, glaucoma implant placement is relatively safe. You also don't need to do special glaucoma implant treatment, apart from checking regularly with your doctor.
Side effects of using glaucoma implants
Although it is relatively safe and does not require special treatment, it does not mean that glaucoma implants do not have side effects.
The term implant indicates that a foreign object has entered the body. This method may have mild side effects in some patients.
The risk of these side effects increases if the patient has an allergic reaction to the base material for the glaucoma implant.
However, there's no need to worry. According to dr. Virna, in practice, the number of patients who experience side effects is less than those who do not experience it at all.
Glaucoma implants can indeed improve vision very well. However, keep in mind that not everyone can perform this procedure.
The condition of the conjunctiva or the thin layer that will cover the implant needs to be checked whether it meets the criteria or not. Consult with your doctor to find out whether you can do this procedure or not.
