Over coffee and candid conversation, Doctors Christine Funke, Paul Singh, Manjool Shah, and Deborah G. Ristvedt sat down to share what interventional glaucoma (IG) really means in their practices today. Filmed by Media Mice, this dynamic roundtable dives deep into how leading glaucoma specialists are rethinking patient care through earlier intervention, evolving surgical strategies, and innovative treatments.
Why Interventional Glaucoma?
Glaucoma has long been managed with eye drops and medications. But as Dr. Funke and her peers shared, these traditional approaches often fall short—patients forget doses, struggle with side effects, or don’t feel engaged in their care. The team emphasized that the “wait and watch” method can lead to heartbreaking moments when a patient’s vision deteriorates despite the best intentions.
With interventional glaucoma, physicians are shifting from reactive to proactive care. This means offering laser treatments (like SLT), drug delivery devices, or minimally invasive surgeries earlier in the disease process. The goal? Lower eye pressure effectively, reduce dependence on daily medications, and preserve vision before damage occurs.
Key Takeaways from the Glaucoma Intervention Discussion
-
Earlier action = better outcomes. Waiting too long increases risk. IG allows doctors to protect vision before irreversible damage happens.
-
Consensus is growing. The group discussed how shared guidelines and protocols are helping practices confidently offer these interventions without feeling like “outliers.”
-
It’s about whole-patient care. The conversation highlighted that treating glaucoma today means seeing beyond the disease—addressing the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.
-
Shifting from reactive to proactive care: The doctors discussed how waiting for disease progression before taking action can lead to vision loss that could have been prevented. IG empowers specialists to act earlier and reduce this risk.
-
Procedures that build trust: Whether it’s laser therapy (like SLT) or drug delivery options such as iDose® TR (travoprost intracameral implant) 75 mcg, interventions can enhance follow-up and patient engagement. Many patients feel more cared for and supported when active treatment steps are taken. Patients who receive interventional treatments often feel more cared for—and are more likely to follow up regularly.
What is iDose® TR?
iDose® TR is a sustained-release travoprost intracameral implant designed to reduce intraocular pressure. It offers a new option for patients who may struggle with daily drop therapy and is part of the growing toolkit for interventional glaucoma care.
Note: iDose® TR may cause increases in intraocular pressure, iritis, and dry eye. For full Prescribing Information, visit: https://www.idosetrhcp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/iDose-TR-Prescribing-Information.pdf
Why Glaucoma Intervention Matters
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness but it doesn’t have to be. Early detection and timely treatment are key to protecting your vision. The Coffee Talk experts remind us that modern glaucoma care is about more than just lowering eye pressure—it’s about preserving quality of life through proactive, personalized care.
If you or a loved one has glaucoma or is at risk, don’t wait. Learn about your options and partner with a specialist who puts your long-term vision health first.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Christine Funke today and take the next step in protecting your sight.