PA doctor performs sight-saving treatment

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Luzerne County doctor is the first in Pennsylvania to perform a brand new surgery to treat glaucoma.

It’s a cutting-edge medical advancement called iDose TR designed to replace traditional eye drops for up to three years.

iDose TR is a new FDA-approved treatment.

It’s an alternative to prescription eye drops and a hands-free way to keep eye pressure under control.

Dr. Frank Bucci of Bucci Laser Vision in Wilkes-Barre Township Is the first surgeon in Pennsylvania to perform this surgery.

We do have to warn you some may find the images you’re about to see disturbing.

Medical history was made in Wilkes-Barre Township Wednesday by Doctor Frank Bucci of Bucci Laser Vision.

For the past ten years, researchers have been testing a microscopic device, implanted in the eye to treat glaucoma.

It’s a cutting-edge medical advancement called iDose TR manufactured by Glauko.

Dr. Bucci says it’s a painless three-minute procedure.

“It goes in, it fits right into the sclera of the eye and it’s in, it’s stable and you’re done,” says Dr.Bucci.

The tiny, titanium device delivers a constant flow of the concentrated glaucoma medication Travoprost.

Patients are awake for the procedure.

“It was surprising that I am the first one, but I can’t wait,” said Thomas.

Dave Thomas of Old Forge was diagnosed with glaucoma in the early 2000s.

When it comes to glaucoma traditional treatment includes eye drops but there are challenges.

“You forget to do it sometimes,” continued Thomas.

Glaucoma can be hereditary.

“My grandmother has glaucoma so we knew to watch and be tested on a regular basis,” added Debi Cox from Kingston.

Debi Cox of Kingston was diagnosed with glaucoma three years ago and has been administering eight drops a day.

“Three drops in each eye in the morning, and two drops in one eye in the evening,” stated Cox.

Her vision is extremely blurry.

“That I’ll be able to see better that’s what’s most important to me,” said Cox.

Dr. Bucci adds this huge advancement is also covered by insurance.

“Anybody who has medicare and a good supplement and they’re on one glaucoma drop or even a glaucoma suspect meaning they’re about to go on drops if they don’t have something else, they all qualify for this,” explained Dr. Bucci.

Keep in mind this is not a cure, but a treatment. glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness around the world.

The optic nerve disease affects three million Americans. One in five will go blind even with treatment.

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