Are you looking for long-term glaucoma treatment that could potentially reduce your need for prescription eye drops? You may be a good candidate for Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that helps lower intraocular pressure.

Keep reading to learn more about 4 things to ask your ophthalmologist about Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy for glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is an eye condition that causes progressive vision loss over time. It occurs when eye pressure rises and damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.

The two most common types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the more common form and often doesn’t present with symptoms until irreversible vision damage has already occurred. It tends to develop slowly over time, eventually affecting your peripheral vision.

It happens when blockages in the trabecular meshwork of the eye prevent fluid from properly draining through the drainage canal, which raises intraocular (eye) pressure.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma is a rarer form of the condition where the drainage angle of the eye is too narrow for fluid to drain properly. If this angle becomes completely closed off, it can result in an acute closed-angle glaucoma attack, where eye pressure rises suddenly.

During an attack, patients may experience symptoms like:

Sudden blurry vision
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headache or eye pain
Seeing rainbows and halos around lights
Red eyes

If you’ve been diagnosed with closed-angle glaucoma and begin experiencing these symptoms, you should seek immediate care. An acute closed-angle attack is considered a medical emergency and can result in rapid, irreversible vision loss.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

The most vital part of successful glaucoma treatment is early detection and intervention. This is because it cannot be reversed once damage to the optic nerve has occurred.

You can protect yourself against vision loss from glaucoma by attending regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist at Focal Point Vision. During these appointments, they will perform a comprehensive glaucoma screening consisting of various tests to detect signs of the condition.

Depending on the progression and type of your glaucoma, they may recommend one or more treatments, including prescription eye drops, implants, or surgeries like the Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy.

What is Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy?

Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy is a minimally invasive glaucoma procedure (MIGS) that can help lower intraocular pressure. It involves using the Kahook Dual Blade to make a small incision in the trabecular meshwork of the eye so fluid can flow more easily through the drainage canal.

If you’re considering Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy to treat your glaucoma, here are some important questions to ask your ophthalmologist about the procedure:

1. Am I a Good Candidate for Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy?

You may be a good candidate for Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy if you have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma and less invasive treatments have not worked to treat your glaucoma, or you want the opportunity to reduce your dependence on prescription eye drops. To determine if the procedure is right for you, you must schedule a consultation with your ophthalmologist at Focal Point Vision.

They will perform an eye exam, ask you about your symptoms, and review your medical history to determine if Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy is the best treatment for your glaucoma.

2. How Long Does Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy Take?

Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy is a quick procedure that only takes around 10-20 minutes. Some patients can elect to get this procedure alongside cataract surgery, in which case it will take longer.

You won’t need to worry about pain during the procedure, as your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops, and you will receive IV sedation.

3. What is Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy Recovery Like?

After Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy, you will need to have a friend or loved one drive you home. You’ll need to follow postoperative care instructions, including:

Prioritizing rest and not engaging in strenuous activity
Not rubbing your eye
Not sleeping on the side where your eye was treated
Using your prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops according to your ophthalmologist’s schedule
Attending follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist so they can monitor your recovery

You may experience mild side effects like blurry vision, but they are normal and should clear up as you gradually heal.

4. What Are the Benefits of Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy?

Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy is a safe and effective procedure that can help lower intraocular pressure, a critical component of glaucoma treatment. It is less invasive than traditional glaucoma procedures like trabeculectomy and has faster recovery times.

It can also reduce your need for prescription glaucoma medications like eye drops, which can be difficult to adhere to and sometimes warrant frustrating side effects. This advanced procedure has given many glaucoma patients excellent long-term results and can help preserve your vision.

Are you ready to learn more about the Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy procedure and discover whether it’s right for you? Schedule an appointment at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!

4 Things to Ask Your Ophthalmologist about Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy for Glaucoma