iStent® glaucoma surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat open-angle glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye. The surgery involves the implantation of a tiny device called an iStent® into the eye’s drainage system to improve the outflow of fluid and lower the intraocular pressure (IOP).
Here’s how the iStent® glaucoma surgery typically works:
Preparation: Before the surgery, your ophthalmologist will administer local anesthesia to numb the eye and may give you additional medication to help you relax.
Incision: Your surgeon will create a small incision in the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye.
iStent® Placement: Using specialized instruments and a microscope, the surgeon will carefully insert one or more iStent® devices into the trabecular meshwork, which is a drainage structure located in the angle between the iris and the cornea.
Restoration of Flow: The iStent® creates a permanent bypass channel within the trabecular meshwork, allowing aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye) to flow more freely and improve drainage. This helps to lower the IOP.
The iStent® is the smallest device approved by FDA It works by providing a new pathway for the fluid to bypass the natural drainage system of the eye, which can become blocked in glaucoma. By improving the outflow of fluid, the iStent® helps to reduce the pressure within the eye, potentially reducing the need for glaucoma medications.
iStent® glaucoma surgery is often performed in conjunction with cataract surgery, as it can be done through the same incision. This combination procedure can be beneficial for patients with both cataracts and glaucoma.
As with any surgery, although rare are potential risks and complications associated with iStent® surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to the eye structures. It’s essential to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and benefits with your ophthalmologist to determine if iStent® glaucoma surgery is the right option for you.
