iStent Inject for Glaucoma

iStent Injects are a type of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). Following implantation, they lower the IOP by increasing drainage of the intraocular fluid (aqueous humour) through the implants hence reducing the eye pressure. They have shown promising results in the short-to-medium term, and have a higher safety profile and faster recovery time than conventional glaucoma surgeries, as there is minimal tissue disruption.

As there is less IOP reduction compared to conventional glaucoma surgeries, these procedures are targeted at patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. They can be performed together with cataract surgery, or as a stand-alone procedure. Hence, this is a good option to consider for patients with cataracts and early to moderate glaucoma, as it can potentially reduce the number of glaucoma medications after surgery. When performed at the same time as cataract surgery, there are no additional cuts or wounds, hence patients can expect the same recovery time as cataract surgery alone. 

The iStent was the first MIGS device to be FDA-approved, and the iStent Inject is a newer device with a modified injector that can be simultaneously loaded with 2 stents (Figure 1). Each titanium stent measures 0.36 by 0.23 millimetres and it is the smallest medical device known to be implanted in the human body (Figure 2). The stents are inserted into the drainage canals to allow increased outflow of fluid from the eye (Figure 3).