Glaukos iAccess Glaucoma Surgery
Glaukos iAccess® Trabecular Trephination
Advanced Tissue-Access MIGS for Glaucoma Relief | Westlake Eye Specialists in Central Texas
If you’ve been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma and are exploring safe and effective surgical options, Glaukos iAccess® offers a refined approach to improving fluid outflow by enhancing access to the eye’s natural drainage system. This micro-invasive procedure removes a portion of the trabecular meshwork and improves flow through Schlemm’s canal—helping to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
At Westlake Eye Specialists, Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD, a Harvard-trained glaucoma specialist, uses Glaukos iAccess in combination with other MIGS treatments to help preserve vision and reduce dependence on eye drops for patients across Austin, Kyle, Killeen, and New Braunfels.
What Is Glaukos iAccess?
The Glaukos iAccess® Trabecular Trephine is a precision micro-instrument that removes small portions of the trabecular meshwork using a manual excision technique. This process helps open up the natural drainage pathways in the front of the eye, reducing fluid buildup and pressure inside the eye.
It’s often used in combination with other MIGS devices like the OMNI Surgical System or iStent, but can also be used as a standalone technique in certain patients.
Benefits of Glaukos iAccess
- Implant-free glaucoma treatment
- Improves access to Schlemm’s canal
- May be combined with other MIGS for greater effectiveness
- Can be performed during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure
- May reduce or eliminate reliance on glaucoma medications
- Quick recovery time and low risk of complications
- FDA-cleared and covered by Medicare and most major insurers
Ideal Candidates for iAccess Glaucoma Surgery
Glaukos iAccess may be right for you if:
- You have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma
- Your IOP is elevated despite taking medications
- You’re undergoing cataract surgery and want combined glaucoma treatment
- You want a minimally invasive solution without implants or filtration surgery
- You’re considering other MIGS like OMNI, iStent, or Hydrus
Dr. Zarmeena Vendal will review your visual field tests, optic nerve status, and angle anatomy to determine if this approach—or a combination of treatments—is best suited to your case.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The iAccess procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting, either during cataract surgery or as a separate intervention:
- A micro-incision is created in the cornea
- Dr. Vendal uses a surgical lens to visualize the angle
- The iAccess trephine is inserted and removes precise portions of trabecular meshwork
- The incision self-seals, and no sutures are needed
- Most procedures are completed in under 15 minutes
The result is improved fluid outflow and a sustained drop in eye pressure.
Post-Op Recovery and Outcomes
- Most patients resume normal activities in 1–2 days
- Some mild irritation, light sensitivity, or blurry vision may occur temporarily
- Follow-up visits help monitor IOP and healing progress
- Many patients experience a significant reduction in IOP and may stop one or more eye drops
- The benefits are long-lasting, especially when iAccess is combined with other MIGS procedures
Clinical trials have shown that iStent Infinite can achieve sustained IOP reduction over time, making it a valuable tool for long-term glaucoma management.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Zarmeena Vendal
Dr. Vendal is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Harvard fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon known for her gentle touch and forward-thinking care. With her guidance, patients at Westlake Eye Specialists receive:
- Access to the full spectrum of MIGS technologies
- Customized surgical plans tailored to glaucoma severity and lifestyle
- Convenient care across Austin, Kyle, Killeen, and New Braunfels, TX
- A commitment to long-term vision preservation and patient education
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring surgical alternatives after medications have failed, Dr. Vendal delivers high-level, compassionate glaucoma care at every step.
Is iAccess Right for You?
If your eye pressure is rising and medications or laser treatments aren’t enough, Glaukos iAccess may be the solution. We invite you to meet with Dr. Zarmeena Vendal to explore your MIGS options and create a treatment plan that works best for your eyes—and your life.
Call today or book online for a glaucoma evaluation at Westlake Eye Specialists.
