- iDose TR is a travoprost intracameral implant (75 µg) that is placed directly inside the eye through a minimally invasive procedure.
- Once implanted, it continuously releases the prostaglandin analog (travoprost) 24/7 to help reduce IOP — eliminating or reducing the need for daily eye drops in many patients.
- The implant is very small — “barely visible to the human eye.”
- Clinical studies showed that approximately 8 out of 10 patients were free of prescription eye drops at 12 months after implantation.
- Improved adherence and consistency
Many patients struggle to apply drops correctly, forget doses, or discontinue therapy over time. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of glaucoma patients on drops aren’t fully compliant.
Because iDose TR delivers drug continuously, it removes that burden. - Stable, continuous delivery
Instead of the peaks and troughs associated with eye drops, the implant provides a steady dose to the eye’s anterior chamber. - Minimally invasive procedure
The implant is placed via a small incision in an outpatient setting, and many patients return home the same day. - Potential for earlier intervention
Rather than waiting for disease progression, a more interventional or proactive glaucoma approach may slow vision loss.
- Patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) who need reduced IOP.
- Ocular or periocular infection
- Corneal endothelial dystrophy (e.g. Fuchs) or prior corneal transplantation
- Narrow anterior chamber angles (iris too close to cornea)
- Hypersensitivity or allergy to its components
- Eyes that already have an iDose TR implant (cannot re-implant)
- The implant is placed under sterile conditions via a small incision, often under local anesthesia.
- The procedure is minimally invasive and done on an outpatient basis. Most people go home the same day.
- Medication takes effect almost immediately after implantation.
- Recovery is generally fast. Your ophthalmologist will monitor for side effects such as eye redness, inflammation, or pressure fluctuations.
- Regular check-ups are required to confirm the implant stays in place; dislocation is a possibility.
- Increase in intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Inflammation of the iris (iritis)
- Dry eye symptoms
- Visual field defects or reduced clarity of vision
- Pigmentation changes (iris darkening) — pigment changes may persist even after discontinuation.
- Device dislocation (requires surgical removal)
- Risk of infection (as with any intraocular device)
| Feature | Eye Drops (Topical Therapy) | iDose TR Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing frequency | Daily (or multiple times a day) | Once, continuous delivery |
| Adherence risk | High — patients may skip or mis-dose | Low risk of missed dose (device does it for you) |
| Side effects (surface irritation) | Frequent — burning, stinging, redness | Less on ocular surface, but risks inside eye |
| Need for follow-up | Routine, to check IOP, side effects | More intensive monitoring initially, implant checks |
| Invasiveness | Non-surgical | Minimally invasive surgical insertion and potential removal |
- They have difficulty instilling drops (tremor, arthritis, dexterity issues)
- They forget drops or skip doses frequently
- They experience local irritation or side effects from topical therapy
- Their glaucoma is not adequately controlled despite drops
- Am I a candidate for iDose TR given my eye anatomy and disease stage?
- What are the risks and benefits for my eyes specifically?
- How often will follow-up visits be after implantation?
- What happens if the implant needs removal or dislocation occurs?
- Will insurance cover it, or is there financial assistance available? (iDose TR has a patient savings program in certain cases)
- If I already use drops, how will the transition work?
