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AquaFlow™ Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device

AquaFlow is a new advancement in the treatment of glaucoma and its symptoms that reduces intraocular pressure with a tiny collagen implant. Your doctor will prepare your eye to receive the glaucoma implant, which is carefully inserted under the white of the eye. AquaFlow works by increasing fluid outflow to reduce intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. The AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device minimizes the complications often associated with other penetrating treatments and reduces the need for eye drops and other glaucoma medications.

How It Works

The AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device is a small collagen implant which helps maintain a channel for excess fluid to drain, keeping intraocular pressure low. Over the course of many months following implantation, the collagen dissolves, leaving a porous structure that can dissipate excess eye fluid, helping to maintain low pressure. AquaFlow implantation is quickly becoming a preferred procedure for glaucoma treatment because it is a non-penetrating treatment, meaning it does not penetrate the chamber of the eye which stores fluid. Penetrating treatments often have more complications due to the risk of intraocular eye pressure becoming too low. The AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device represents a revolutionary approach to treating glaucoma. The collagen implant eliminates many complications typically associated with glaucoma treatment, providing patients with a more comfortable, convenient, and effective option than traditional eye drops and penetrating surgery.

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Inserting the AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device

Inserting the AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The procedure will be made as comfortable as possible with a mild sedative and anesthetics to numb the eye. After surgery, your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drop medications to facilitate the healing process. Your eyes will look normal following implantation.

Usually, the doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment with you for the day after surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours. Vision will return to pre-surgical levels in just one week. This is a significantly shorter recovery time than with penetrating glaucoma surgery. Once the AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device has established itself in your eye and you have healed, the need for eye drops will be reduced or eliminated. Intraocular pressure will be maintained at a healthy level, halting the progression of glaucoma with a simple implant rather than daily medication.

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AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device Resources

For additional information on the AquaFlow Collagen Drainage Device, please review the answers to frequently asked AquaFlow surgical eye correction questions. If you have additional concerns, speak to a qualified AquaFlow eye surgeon or contact STAAR Surgical Company.

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