MT. VERNON, WA--(Marketwired - Oct 6, 2016) - Similar in purpose to the type of stents used to prevent heart attacks, Skagit Valley eye doctors at Cascadia Eye say that the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass, or iStent® for short, can be used to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. They explain that the minuscule device, which is about the size of Abraham Lincoln's eyebrow on a penny, can be placed during cataract surgery. The Washington eye doctors indicate that this innovative apparatus can slow or halt the progression of this common eye disease, providing an excellent treatment option for many people.
If fluid builds up in the eye, usually as a result of a blocked drainage canal, eye pressure can increase and damage the blood vessels and optic nerve. This condition is known as glaucoma, and it is one of the leading causes of blindness. According to the Washington eye doctors, opening the drainage canal and allowing the fluid, medically referred to as aqueous humor, to flow freely can reduce pressure and minimize damage. The iStent® is designed to do just that.
The FDA-approved iStent® is akin to a very small tube or straw, explain eye doctors at Cascadia Eye, which can be placed in the drainage canal to create an opening. The device can be installed during routine cataract surgery -- a procedure the Washington doctors offer -- and they say this should allow the aqueous humor to flow freely, relieving pressure on the affected tissues -- although the degree to which it helps will vary from patient to patient. The eye surgeons note that while the iStent® may not completely eliminate excess pressure, the benefits achieved with this procedure should be permanent.
This innovative device can help many people improve or maintain their eyesight, and the Cascadia eye doctors advise patients diagnosed with glaucoma to talk about this option with an experienced eye surgeon who utilizes this new technology in their surgeries.
About Cascadia Eye
Cascadia Eye is a comprehensive vision care practice with locations in Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, and Anacortes. Operating for over 30 years, the office is comprised of an experienced and extensively trained team of eye doctors, eye surgeons, opticians, technicians, and administrative staff dedicated to the compassionate care of patients of all ages. They offer a broad range of procedures, including LASIK laser vision correction, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. Additionally, the full-service practice provides pediatric eye care, optical services, and routine eye exams.
For more information about Cascadia Eye, please visit ncascade.com and facebook.com/2020forever.
To view the original source of this press release, click here:
http://www.ncascade.com/practice-news/istent-technology-can-reduce-eye-pressure-in-glaucoma-patients-say-mt-vernon-area-eye-doctors
Contact Information:
Cascadia Eye
Mount Vernon Office:
2100 Little Mountain Ln.
Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
Phone: 360-416-6735
Sedro-Woolley Office:
2131 Hospital Dr.
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: 360-416-6735
Stanwood Office:
26910 92nd Ave., NW #C6
Stanwood, WA 98292
Phone: 360-629-4180
Anacortes Office:
1110 12th St.
Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone: 360-293-9312
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