Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy
Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy
Precision Glaucoma Treatment Without Implants | Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, Kyle, Killeen & New Braunfels
If you’re living with glaucoma and seeking an effective, implant-free alternative to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy (KDB) offers a modern, minimally invasive option. This procedure helps restore natural outflow in the eye using a specially designed dual blade to remove diseased tissue without the need for stents or shunts.
At Westlake Eye Specialists, our team—led by Harvard-trained glaucoma specialist Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, MD—provides advanced surgical care like KDB for patients throughout Austin, Kyle, Killeen, and New Braunfels, TX.
What Is the Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy?
The Kahook Dual Blade is a precision microsurgical tool engineered to perform goniotomy, a procedure that removes a portion of the trabecular meshwork—the eye’s primary drainage pathway. By carefully excising this tissue, KDB creates a more direct path for aqueous fluid to exit the eye, resulting in lower intraocular pressure.
Unlike traditional goniotomy performed with a scalpel or needle, KDB’s dual-blade design improves accuracy and minimizes trauma, offering a safer and more effective solution for today’s glaucoma patients.
Benefits of KDB Goniotomy
- No implants or stents required
- Ideal for patients with open-angle glaucoma
- Can be performed during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure
- Typically results in faster healing than traditional surgeries
- May reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma drops
- Covered by Medicare and most insurance when medically indicated
This makes KDB an excellent choice for patients who prefer a non-implant-based approach to glaucoma control.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy may be right for you if:
- You have mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma
- Your eye pressure is not adequately controlled with drops alone
- You’re planning cataract surgery and want to address glaucoma at the same time
- You want to avoid the risks of traditional filtering surgery or implants
- You’ve experienced side effects or poor adherence with eye drop regimens
Dr. Zarmeena Vendal will evaluate your optic nerve, visual field results, eye pressure, and angle anatomy to determine if KDB is the right fit.
What to Expect During Surgery
KDB is a quick outpatient procedure, typically performed in combination with cataract surgery or on its own under local anesthesia.
- A microscopic incision is made in the cornea
- Using a gonio lens, Dr. Vendal visualizes the drainage angle
- The Kahook Dual Blade is inserted into the trabecular meshwork
- Diseased tissue is cleanly removed without cutting adjacent structures
- The incision is self-sealing—no stitches are required
The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
Recovery and Outcomes
- Most patients resume normal activity within 24–48 hours
- Some mild redness or irritation is normal and temporary
- Eye pressure may begin to lower within days to weeks
- Some patients can reduce or stop using glaucoma drops
- KDB can be repeated or combined with future MIGS if needed
Clinical results show that KDB offers significant pressure reduction and long-term benefits for properly selected patients.
Why Choose Dr. Zarmeena Vendal for MIGS?
With her Harvard fellowship training in glaucoma, Dr. Zarmeena Vendal brings unmatched expertise to every surgical decision. Her experience with both implant-based and non-implant MIGS procedures ensures that you’ll receive a customized plan built around your condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Patients in Austin, Kyle, Killeen, and New Braunfels choose Westlake Eye Specialists because we:
- Offer every major MIGS technique
- Are committed to early intervention and prevention
- Provide personalized care with advanced diagnostic tools
- Have a proven track record of excellence in surgical glaucoma care
Take Control of Your Glaucoma
If you’re tired of eye drops, worried about pressure progression, or considering cataract surgery, talk to us about Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy. This innovative technique may help preserve your vision and reduce long-term treatment burden.
Call today or schedule your consultation online with Dr. Zarmeena Vendal—the trusted name in glaucoma care across Central Texas.
