New treatments for glaucoma

This review highlights new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved glaucoma treatments to familiarize providers with immediately available options.

New FDA-approved treatments include the bimatoprost implant, travoprost implant, direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT), and ocular pressure adjusting pump. The bimatoprost implant is approved for a single administration with effects lasting for about 1 year, as opposed to the nearly 3-year effect for the travoprost implant. Meanwhile, the DSLT lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by applying a laser through the limbus within 2 s. Lastly, the ocular pressure adjusting pump is a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical device that lowers IOP with negative pressure within a pair of goggles. Not only do these modalities lower IOP, but they also improve the patient experience by reducing drop burden, decreasing laser duration, or lowering side effects. Although the list of therapies still in development is extensive, another two promising devices under review include a supraciliary stent and an adjustable aqueous tube shunt.

Glaucoma treatment has considerably evolved over the last decade with the introduction of novel topical medications, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, sustained-release drug delivery systems, and wearable devices. This expansion in glaucoma has enabled more patient-centric decision-making regarding treatment.