iStent: the world’s smallest medical implant delivers eye pressure reduction in mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma is very common and many people are unaware of their condition, especially in the early stages, when their vision may be unaffected. In many people, open-angle glaucoma is characterized by an increase in the intraocular pressure (IOP) of your eye. This pressure is caused by the buildup of fluid within the eye. Too much fluid raises pressure, which can cause the gradual loss of vision. And while glaucoma moves slowly, its damage is irreparable.
The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is designed to reduce your eye pressure and the procedure can be performed at the time of your cataract surgery.
The world’s tiniest medical device—iStent—is 20,000 times smaller than the intraocular lenses (IOL) used in your cataract surgery. By increasing the eye’s ability to drain fluid, this technology is designed to reduce the pressure in your eye.
iStent works like the stents used to prevent heart attacks. When blood vessels get clogged, a stent creates access to the vessel flow. While a highly innovative technology, how iStent works is elegantly simple:
· If you have glaucoma, over time the eye’s natural drainage system becomes clogged
· iStent creates a permanent opening through the blockage to improve the eye’s
natural outflow
· Restoring this mechanism lowers and controls pressure within the eye
In a U.S. clinical study, 68% of glaucoma patients who received iStent remained medication free at 12 months while sustaining a target IOP of ≤ 21 mm Hg vs. only 50% of patients who underwent cataract surgery alone.
iStent: managing glaucoma while treating your cataracts
iStent is implanted during your cataract surgery procedure. Once implanted, iStent will begin working to safely and effectively manage pressure. What’s more, patients who receive iStent may experience a reduction in glaucoma medications; but this will be at the discretion of your ophthalmologist.
Dr. Joshua M. Gould, a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained glaucoma specialist, performs the iStent procedure in conjunction with cataract surgery in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. A detailed discussion of risks and benefits will be conducted at the time of your office visit.