IDose – Sustained Glaucoma Treatment

Overview of Pros and Cons of iDose from Glaukos

iDose TR (travoprost intracameral implant) is an FDA-approved, sustained-release implant for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT)157. It represents a new approach to glaucoma management by delivering medication directly inside the eye over an extended period, eliminating the need for daily eye drops.

Pros of iDose TR

• Sustained, Long-Lasting Therapy
  Provides continuous medication release for up to three years, ensuring 24/7 IOP control and reducing the risk of disease progression due to missed doses256.

• Improved Patient Adherence
  Eliminates the need for daily eye drops, addressing the common problem of poor compliance with topical medications, especially in elderly or physically challenged patients368.

• Minimally Invasive Procedure
  The implant is placed via a quick, outpatient, micro-incisional procedure with minimal recovery time28.

• Reduced Side Effects Compared to Topical Drops
  Avoids ocular surface toxicity and irritation often seen with long-term topical therapy26.

• Proven Safety and Efficacy
  Clinical trials showed effective IOP reduction (up to 44% at 6 months in some studies) and a favorable safety profile, with no clinically significant corneal endothelial cell loss or serious corneal adverse events136.

• Decreased Dependence on Eye Drops
  In pivotal trials, 8 out of 10 patients were free of prescription eye drops 12 months after receiving iDose TR456.

Cons of iDose TR

• Potential Ocular Side Effects
  The most common adverse reactions (reported in 2–6% of patients) include:

  • Increased intraocular pressure

  • Iritis (inflammation of the iris)

  • Dry eye

  • Visual field defects

  • Eye pain

  • Ocular hyperemia (redness)

  • Reduced visual acuity1456

• Surgical Risks
  As a procedural implant, iDose TR carries inherent risks related to intraocular procedures, such as infection, inflammation, or device malposition, although these are generally low67.

• Not Suitable for All Patients
  The implant is specifically indicated for OAG or OHT; patients with other forms of glaucoma or certain ocular conditions may not be candidates15.

• Long-Term Data Still Emerging
  While early and mid-term results are promising, long-term safety and efficacy beyond three years are still being studied36.

Summary Table

Conclusion
iDose TR offers a significant advancement in glaucoma management by providing sustained, reliable IOP control and addressing the major challenge of patient non-adherence to topical medications. While it boasts a strong safety and efficacy profile, potential ocular side effects and procedural risks should be considered. The device is best suited for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who struggle with daily eye drop regimens or require more consistent IOP control12345678.