New advances in glaucoma treatments
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Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can cause irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated in time. For years, treatment has focused mainly on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), the principal risk factor. However, medical research has led to new, more effective, personalised and less invasive therapies. Below, we explain the main innovations transforming the approach to glaucoma.
Why is innovation in glaucoma treatment important?
Glaucoma does not always cause symptoms
Many people are unaware they have glaucoma until visual damage has already occurred. In addition to improving the effectiveness of intraocular pressure reduction, the aim is therefore to find treatments that are neuroprotective and less aggressive and better suited to each patient.
Current challenges
- Side effects of conventional eye drops.
- Poor adherence to daily treatment.
- Cases that do not respond well to conventional therapies.
Innovative eye drops: improved effectiveness with fewer side effects
Roclanda®: a dual mechanism of action
One of the most notable treatments is Roclanda (netarsudil + latanoprost), an eye drop combining two active substances to reduce intraocular pressure more effectively than conventional treatments used separately.
- Netarsudil improves drainage through the trabecular pathway.
- Latanoprost acts on the uveoscleral pathway.
This combined action achieves more stable, sustained control of eye pressure with a single daily application.
Ocular neuroprotection: beyond lowering pressure
Citicoline: protecting the optic nerve
Although intraocular pressure is key, glaucoma also involves progressive damage to the optic nerve. In this context, substances such as citicoline are gaining prominence as complementary treatments.
- Improves neuronal communication.
- Supports cell regeneration.
- May help preserve the visual field in patients with glaucoma.
It can be administered orally or as eye drops, and its use is becoming increasingly common in early stages or in patients whose disease progresses despite controlled IOP.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): lower risk, greater effectiveness
What is MIGS?
The minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures are surgical techniques that allow intraocular pressure to be reduced with fewer complications than traditional operations.
Examples of devices and techniques include:
- iStent
- XEN Gel Stent
- Laser- or microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomies
These techniques are ideal for patients with mild or moderate glaucoma who do not respond well to drug treatment.
Sustained-release therapies: goodbye to daily drops
One of the biggest barriers in glaucoma treatment is poor adherence to daily eye drops. Implants and systems with sustained release are therefore being developed to release medicine over weeks or months.
Example: Durysta® (intracameral bimatoprost)
- Implanted inside the eye in a single session.
- Releases medicine over several months.
- Improves adherence and reduces side effects.
Conclusion: the future of glaucoma is more personalised
The approach to glaucoma is evolving towards a model that is more individualised, effective and convenient for the patient. Combining innovative eye drops such as Roclanda, neuroprotective agents such as citicoline and minimally invasive techniques makes it possible to preserve vision with less impact on quality of life.
Contact us at Clínica Castellote for an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn much more about your vision. You can also read our latest articles on the blog, where we discuss different eye conditions, symptoms and treatments.