Effective glaucoma treatment is critical for preserving a patient’s vision. Glaucoma is chronic and progressive, and without proper treatment, it robs patients of their vision. Globally, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, but it is possible to slow its progression significantly.
One minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that’s revolutionizing glaucoma treatment is the iStent. Here’s a look at the iStent, how it treats glaucoma, and how to determine if it’s right for you.
What Is the iStent?
The iStent is a tiny, implantable device designed to alleviate the intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by glaucoma. Shaped like a microscopic stent, it’s made of biocompatible material and is so small that it qualifies as the tiniest medical device currently in use. The primary purpose of the iStent is to facilitate the drainage of fluid from the eye, addressing the root cause of the IOP that can damage the optic nerve and rob glaucoma patients of their vision.
How Does the iStent Treat Glaucoma?
To understand how the iStent treats glaucoma, it’s critical to know how glaucoma impacts the eyes and a patient’s vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a rise in IOP due to poor drainage of the aqueous humor (the fluid that nourishes the eye).
When IOP increases, the pressure can damage the optic nerve. As the optic nerve is damaged, vision impairment occurs. Without treatment, vision loss expands, potentially leading to blindness.
The iStent treats glaucoma by creating a pathway for fluid. During a MIGS procedure, the iStent is positioned in the trabecular meshwork in a drainage channel in the eye. Once in place, the iStent allows the natural drainage system in the eye to work more effectively. In turn, IOP is reduced, and that prevents or reduces further optic nerve damage.
The iStent is positioned during cataract removal surgery, allowing for fewer total incisions. Only local anesthesia is required, and the procedure itself is painless.
Additionally, the iStent is considered a long-term solution for glaucoma patients. It also reduces the need for further treatments, allowing patients to rely less on eye drops to keep IOP at an appropriate level.
Is iStent Right for You?
Generally, the iStent is a viable treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma currently using eye drops but who aren’t achieving the desired IOP reductions. Additionally, it’s only positioned in conjunction with cataract surgery.
However, whether you’re a good candidate for the iStent may depend on other factors. As a result, it’s critical to speak with your eye care provider about your glaucoma, the effectiveness of your current treatment, and whether the iStent is potentially the right choice.
At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you have glaucoma and want to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the iStent MIGS procedure or haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
