Durysta Bimatoprost Implant

Durysta (Bimatoprost Implant)

Durysta was recently approved by the FDA. Since March 5th, 2020 we are able to use Durysta as an additional method to reduce intraocular pressure. But what is it exactly? How does it work? Are you an ideal candidate for this procedure?

What is Durysta?

Durysta is also known as bimatoprost implant. It is a drug for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, and it should be administered through an outpatient therapeutic procedure.
The drug is administered with a sterile applicator after inserting the tip into the anterior chamber of the eye. The bimatoprost implant is released, the needle is removed, and the patient needs to sit for one hour to recover.
Within the eye, the implant releases the drug steadily for a 90-day period. It is a prostaglandin analog that stimulates the outflow of aqueous humor and reduces the intraocular pressure.
The FDA approved the bimatoprost implant because it is really effective. Compared to topical timolol eyedrops, Durysta reduced intraocular pressure by 30%, and is only administered once every 3 months instead of twice daily.
But would you prefer applying eyedrops twice a day over a 90-day implant? According to past experiences with patients, 83% of them said they were likely or very likely to undergo the procedure once again because it is not burdensome and makes their lives easier.