The Ophthalmology Department at Quincy Medical Group now offers Dropless Cataract Surgery, a new treatment option for patients undergoing cataract surgery that reduces or eliminates the need for costly prescription eye drops. The time-released medication administered during surgery provides convenience and cost-savings for patients.
“The Dropless Cataract Surgery is the greatest advancement to cataract surgery in years,” said Quincy Medical Group Ophthalmologist Dr. Abram Geisendorfer. Dr. Geisendorfer is one of a team of ophthalmologists at Quincy Medical Group including Eric Sieck, MD; and Robert Weller, MD who perform the surgery.
Traditionally, patients who undergo cataract surgery must adhere to an eye drop schedule that includes several types of drops used for three to four weeks. These drops reduce the risk of inflammation and infection and are a critical part of ensuring successful outcomes. However, complications arise when cataract patients miss a scheduled dose, are physically unable to instill the drops, have to rely on the availability of a caregiver to administer the drops or when the high cost precludes the purchase of the prescribed drops. “The use of these drops after cataract surgery is one of the major inconveniences voiced by patients,” said Dr. Geisendorfer.
The Dropless Cataract Surgery removes this inconvenience. During the surgery, a sterile, compounded formulation of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication is deposited in the back of the eye (the vitreous). The time-released delivery of the drugs helps fight infection and inflammation during the recovery period. Administering the medication at the time of surgery eliminates concerns about patient compliance associated with the traditional eye drop regimen.
“The introduction of this important treatment option helps us reach the ultimate goal for our patients – better vision without complications and a positive patient experience,” said Dr. Geisendorfer.
Helen McFarland has experienced both options. She had the traditional cataract surgery in one of her eyes in January of 2016. When it came time to look at her other eye, she was given the dropless option. As pastor of United Methodist Church in Vandalia, Missouri, she leads a busy life and said the new treatment was the best decision for her. “With the first surgery, I had to take a series of drops. It wasn’t bad, but it can be time-consuming,” explained McFarland. “I’m out a lot, so I had to carry the drops with me at all times to make sure I didn’t miss a dose.”