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iDose® TR: Continuous Glaucoma Treatment with 24/7 Pressure Control

Home / Diagnosed With Glaucoma / iDose TR for Glaucoma

Last Updated:

Salwa Aziz, M.D., M.P.H.

Medically Reviewed by Salwa Aziz, M.D., M.P.H.

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Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are serious eye conditions that can gradually lead to vision loss—or even blindness—if left untreated. Glaucoma occurs when elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), damages the optic nerve.

Often, glaucoma progresses without noticeable symptoms or pain in its early stages, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. Fortunately, when diagnosed early, effective treatments can help manage the condition, protecting vision and preventing permanent damage.

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What is iDose® TR?

iDose® TR is a new glaucoma treatment from Glaukos for managing glaucoma and ocular hypertension, recently approved by the FDA for use in patients with open-angle glaucoma and high eye pressure. iDose® TR is a tiny, biocompatible glaucoma implant designed to provide continuous, 24/7 medication delivery directly to the eye, offering a convenient and effective alternative to daily glaucoma treatment eye drops.

Traditional treatments for glaucoma typically involve daily use of prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure. Many patients find it challenging to adhere to this routine, facing issues like forgetfulness, difficulty administering drops, and uncomfortable side effects such as eye redness, irritation, and stinging. These challenges can lead to inconsistent treatment for glaucoma, which may result in uncontrolled eye pressure and a higher risk of optic nerve damage.

iDose TR Receives FDA Approval

With clinical trials demonstrating its safety and effectiveness, iDose® TR is now an FDA-approved glaucoma treatment, giving patients a reliable, hands-free solution to protect their vision. Currently covered by Medicare, it’s expected to be available through commercial insurance in early 2025.

The FDA approval followed extensive clinical trials involving over 1,100 participants, where iDose® TR demonstrated its safety and efficacy in maintaining target eye pressure levels. In these trials, around 80% of patients achieved sustained IOP reduction without needing additional glaucoma treatment eye drops for at least 12 months post-implantation. The study also showed a low rate of mild side effects, with only 2-6% of patients experiencing symptoms such as eye redness, mild irritation, or increased eye pressure.

How Does iDose® TR Work?

Unlike traditional eye drops that require daily application, iDose® TR is a micro-sized implant for glaucoma that releases a steady dose of travoprost directly into the eye over an extended period. This new glaucoma treatment contains travoprost, a powerful medication known for effectively lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye. By continuously delivering this medication, iDose® TR helps maintain stable eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from damage that can lead to vision loss.

The implant itself is placed inside the eye during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It is carefully positioned within the eye’s anterior chamber via a tiny incision, where it remains secure and stable, providing a hands-free solution to IOP management. Made from biocompatible materials like medical-grade titanium and an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) membrane, iDose® TR is designed to remain safely in place without being felt or noticed by the patient.

What Makes iDose® TR Different?

iDose® TR is a paradigm-shifting treatment in the world of glaucoma treatment options and ocular hypertension management, offering unique advantages over traditional glaucoma eye drops. By addressing common challenges like compliance, fluctuating medication levels, and inconvenient daily dosing, iDose® TR is designed to offer patients a more consistent, reliable way to manage their eye pressure and protect their vision.

Traditional Glaucoma Treatments iDose TR Implant
AdministrationDaily application by patientOne-time implant procedure by a glaucoma specialist
AdherenceRequires daily patient compliance24/7 medication release
EffectivenessVaries with correct dosage and adherenceContinuous, controlled release for stable effect
Side EffectsPossible redness or irritationPossible redness or irritation
ConvenienceDaily routine needed, can be inconvenientHands-free solution; no daily intervention
Medication ConsistencyCan fluctuate due to missed doses or variabilitySteady, consistent medication levels maintained
Cost/InsuranceCovered by most insurance plansCurrently covered by Medicare, commercial coverage expected by early 2025
ProcedureNon-invasive (self-administered)Minimally-invasive outpatient procedure
Who May BenefitSuitable for most glaucoma patientsIdeal for patients needing a consistent, hands-free option

24/7 Adherence with iDose® TR

One of the most remarkable benefits of iDose® TR is its ability to provide continuous, around-the-clock medication adherence. This 24/7 adherence eliminates the need to remember daily doses or worry about missed applications, making it easier to maintain stable eye pressure at all times. For patients, this can mean fewer fluctuations in eye pressure, reducing the risk of optic nerve damage associated with inconsistent treatment.

By ensuring that medication is delivered consistently and directly where it’s needed, iDose® TR provides stable and sustained intraocular pressure control. In clinical trials, iDose® TR demonstrated long-term effectiveness, with 80% of patients able to forgo additional eye drops for at least a year following implantation. This adherence benefit represents a major shift in glaucoma treatment, empowering patients to manage their condition passively, without the daily interruptions, reminders, or side effects associated with traditional glaucoma eye drops.

With iDose® TR, patients are free from the stress of missed doses or fluctuations in medication levels. This hands-free approach offers patients greater peace of mind and convenience, along with a higher likelihood of achieving consistent eye pressure control.

You deserve clear vision. We can help.

The board-certified surgeons at NVISION have performed over 2.5 million procedures. Your journey to better vision starts here.

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Who Should Consider iDose® TR?

iDose® TR is an excellent treatment option for adults diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are seeking an alternative to the daily routine of glaucoma eye drops. iDose® TR offers a hands-free solution that helps maintain consistent eye pressure without the need for daily intervention, making it ideal for patients who want a more convenient way to manage their glaucoma.

This treatment is particularly suitable for those who have experienced side effects from traditional glaucoma medications, such as eye redness, irritation, or changes in the eye’s appearance. Since iDose® TR delivers medication directly to the eye over time, it significantly reduces the risk of these side effects, allowing patients to manage their glaucoma more comfortably.

Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are covered by Medicare may be especially interested in iDose® TR, as Medicare currently covers this treatment. For patients with commercial insurance plans, coverage is expected by early 2025, making iDose® TR a viable treatment for glaucoma in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does iDose® TR last?

iDose TR is designed to provide continuous, long-lasting control of intraocular pressure. Clinical trials have shown that approximately 80% of patients did not need additional eye drops for at least 12 months after receiving the implant. Your eye care provider will monitor your eye pressure and determine if or when a replacement implant may be needed.

Is the iDose® TR implant visible or noticeable?

No, iDose TR is a micro-sized implant, much smaller than a grain of rice, and is placed within the eye where it is neither visible nor felt by the patient. Once implanted, it remains secure and stable without interfering with daily activities.

What is the procedure like for getting iDose® TR?

The iDose® TR implantation is a minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure. The implant is inserted through a tiny incision in the eye, and most patients experience little to no discomfort. Recovery time is generally short, allowing most individuals to resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.

Are there any side effects associated with iDose® TR?

Most patients experience only mild side effects, if any. In clinical trials, common side effects included eye redness, dry eye, and mild eye pain, occurring in just 2-6% of patients. These effects were typically mild and temporary. As with any medical procedure, it’s important to discuss potential risks and side effects with your doctor.

Who is eligible for iDose® TR?

iDose® TR is approved for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Currently, it is available for Medicare patients, and it is expected to be covered by commercial insurance in early 2025. Your eye care provider can assess your eye health and determine if iDose® TR is a suitable treatment option for you.

How does iDose® TR compare to using daily eye drops?

Unlike daily eye drops, which rely on patient adherence and can be challenging to remember or administer, iDose TR continuously delivers medication to the eye, ensuring consistent eye pressure management. This “set it and forget it” approach removes the hassle of daily application and reduces common side effects associated with eye drops.

Will I need follow-up appointments after the procedure?

Yes, your eye care provider will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your intraocular pressure and ensure that iDose® TR is effectively managing your condition. They’ll also assess whether the implant continues to release the medication at optimal levels over time.

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References

  1. iDose® TR. (November 2024). Glaukos.
  2. Interventional Glaucoma Reimbursement Guide. (November 2024). Glaukos.
  3. Glaukos Announces FDA Approval of iDose® TR. (December 2023). Glaukos.

Salwa Aziz, M.D., M.P.H.
Medically Reviewed by Salwa Aziz, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Salwa Aziz is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained Glaucoma Specialist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of simple and complex Cataracts and Glaucoma. Dr. Aziz treats Ocular Hypertension, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Narrow Angles, Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma. Dr. Aziz utilizes medical and laser treatments, minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), complex glaucoma surgeries, including Trabeculectomies, Trabeculotomies and Glaucoma Shunt Implants. Dr. Aziz also specializes in vision correction with premium intraocular lens implants and advanced technology cataract surgery.

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