Aquaflow ™
The AquaFlow is a tiny piece of collagen that is implanted in a space carefully
prepared by your doctor under the white of the eye. It maintains the space created
by your doctor to increase fluid outflow in order to reduce pressure within the
eye. The AquaFlow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device when used with a non-penetrating
deep sclerectomy procedure has been proven to significantly lower intraocular pressure
while minimizing both the complications often associated with penetrating procedures
and reducing the need for medications.
The procedure to implant the AquaFlow device requires approximately 30 – 45 minutes
from start to finish. In most cases, the patient is made comfortable with a mild
sedative while anesthetics are used to numb the eye.
Occasionally, patients require additional sedation. Postoperatively, medications
(anti-inflammatories and antibiotic eyedrops) are prescribed. A protective shield
may also be worn for a short period of time. Your
doctor will probably caution you
not to rub your eye following surgery.
A follow-up appointment is usually made for the day after surgery. Patients are
most often able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours. Additional
visits will be scheduled as recommended by your
doctor.
Within 6 to 9 months, the AquaFlow is slowly resorbed; leaving a porous matrix
of tissue in the space created by the doctor, allowing fluid to continue to drain
from the eye to keep intraocular pressure low.
