On February 12, 2019, Allen Zieker, M.D. of Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region, implanted the Hydrus® Microstent in four glaucoma patients during cataract surgery. The Hydrus Microstent was approved by the FDA in August 2018 and is an implantable, flexible, metal tube designed to reduce eye pressure in patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is known as “the silent thief of sight,” as there are no warning signs or symptoms. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. More than three million Americans are living with glaucoma. Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. However, with diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to stop any additional vision loss. “We recommend everyone over the age of 40 to get annual comprehensive eye exams to test eye intraocular pressure and carefully examine the optic nerve,” explained Dr. Allen Zieker. “If we can find glaucoma early we can preserve vision.”

About the Hydrus Microstent

About the size of an eyelash, this new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device is one of the most studied to date. With more than 6,000 patients treated, the Hydrus Microstent helps reduce eye pressure by restoring the patient’s natural outflow pathway (known as Schlemm’s canal) through which fluid (called aqueous humor) exits the eye. The FDA approved the Hydrus Microstent for use in combination with cataract surgery.

“As an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, I’m always researching new technology and medications to deliver the best possible treatments for our patients at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region,” Dr. Allen Zieker stated. “The Hydrus Microstent provides us with a powerful, new tool in our arsenal to help us manage glaucoma.”

About Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region

At Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region, we offer a comprehensive model of eye care with experienced specialists, ophthalmologists & optometrists.  We have 5 convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, Schenectady, Schodack, and Troy.

About Allen Zieker, M.D.

Dr. Allen Zieker has been in practice as an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon for more than 33 years. Working with cataract patients is his passion; in fact, Dr. Zieker performs more than 1,500 cataract surgeries annually. During his career, he has completed well over 7,000 laser procedures and several thousand astigmatic surgeries.

Dr. Allen Zieker was the founder of Troy Eye Associates and a founding member of Albany-Troy Cataract and Laser Associates. Expansion into communities surrounding Albany and Troy led to the renaming of the practice to Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region. The goal of the expansion is to better serve patients from all the areas of the Capital District. Dr. Allen Zieker is the president of the practice and director of cataract surgery.