On July 31, 2024, Tarra Millender, M.D., a Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist at Carolina Eye Associates, became the second surgeon in North Carolina to implant a revolutionary Glaucoma device called iDose TR.
iDose TR is an FDA-approved ocular implant for individuals with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (also known as ocular hypertension). The iDose device works by continuously releasing medication directly into the eye to lower eye pressure.
“I am excited to offer the Glaukos iDose travoprost implant to my glaucoma patients. This tiny device releases eye pressure lowering medication inside the eye for nearly 3 years. The iDose addresses so many issues with which glaucoma patients struggle, such as the common side effects of redness/irritation from eyedrops, remembering to use eyedrops, issues with instillation of eyedrops, and monthly costs of glaucoma medications. Imagine – controlling a sight-threatening disease for years with a 2-minute procedure! This is such an exciting advancement in the treatment of glaucoma.” Dr. Tarra Millender stated after the implant procedures.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that often has no warning signs or symptoms. It occurs when fluid builds up in the front of your eye, causing high eye pressure and a damaged optic nerve. Glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated and is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. There is no known cure for Glaucoma, only prevention and management. Glaucoma tends to occur in people over the age of 50. High risk populations are people who smoke, African Americans, and people who have a family history of Glaucoma.
Dr. Tarra Millender is a Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist who serves patients at Carolina Eye Associates in Fayetteville, Southern Pines/Pinehurst, and Sanford. Founded in 1977, Carolina Eye Associates is a multi-subspecialty ophthalmology practice that serves North and South Carolina with 14 clinic locations. The practice boasts over 30 doctors along with a team of Physician Assistants and Ophthalmic Assistants.
