The iStent is a small, FDA-approved medical device that is used in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to treat open-angle glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The iStent is designed to improve the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid that circulates inside the eye, and lower intraocular pressure.
The iStent is a tiny, L-shaped device made of biocompatible titanium. It is inserted into the drainage canal (Schlemm's canal) during cataract surgery, a common procedure to remove the natural lens of the eye. The iStent is designed to create a permanent opening in the trabecular meshwork, the area of the eye responsible for draining aqueous humor, allowing for improved outflow and lower intraocular pressure.
The iStent is typically inserted through a small incision in the cornea and placed in Schlemm's canal using a special inserter device. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes to complete.
The iStent has been shown to be effective at lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, and it may reduce the need for eye drops or other forms of glaucoma treatment. However, the iStent may not be appropriate for all patients or all types of glaucoma, and your ophthalmologist can help determine if the iStent is an appropriate treatment option for your specific case.
LCCarmody
commented
4 months ago
137760 GLAUCOMA, PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE; POAG
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404878/
The iStent is a small, FDA-approved medical device that is used in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to treat open-angle glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The iStent is designed to improve the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid that circulates inside the eye, and lower intraocular pressure.
The iStent is a tiny, L-shaped device made of biocompatible titanium. It is inserted into the drainage canal (Schlemm's canal) during cataract surgery, a common procedure to remove the natural lens of the eye. The iStent is designed to create a permanent opening in the trabecular meshwork, the area of the eye responsible for draining aqueous humor, allowing for improved outflow and lower intraocular pressure.
The iStent is typically inserted through a small incision in the cornea and placed in Schlemm's canal using a special inserter device. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes to complete.
The iStent has been shown to be effective at lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, and it may reduce the need for eye drops or other forms of glaucoma treatment. However, the iStent may not be appropriate for all patients or all types of glaucoma, and your ophthalmologist can help determine if the iStent is an appropriate treatment option for your specific case.