While glaucoma itself is incurable, there are many options available for glaucoma treatment that can help manage the condition and prevent further vision loss from occurring. The team at Peña Eye Institute works closely with all patients who suffer from glaucoma in the RGV, providing expert care and guidance in the treatment process.
The iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent (iStent® for short) is a new minimally invasive option for treating glaucoma. Lets consider some of the basics of the iStent® and whether or not it’s a good option for you.
What Is iStent®?
iStent® is a minimally invasive implantable device that helps reduce intraocular pressure in patients who suffer from open-angle glaucoma. The tiny titanium device is placed in the eye during cataract surgery. Since titanium is biocompatible, the body will not reject the iStent® device following surgery.
The iStent® is the first minimally invasive device approved for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.
How Small Is the iStent®?
The iStent® is extremely small, measuring about 1mm in length. That’s right. Placing a 1mm iStent® may be all it takes to help address your issues with intraocular eye pressure and vision loss related to glaucoma.
How the iStent® Works
The iStent® reduces intraocular pressure by getting rid of blockages in the way. It functions much like stents placed to prevent strokes and heart attacks. These stents help promote better flow in clogged blood vessels.
The iStent® increases the outflow of aqueous humor within the eye. Draining this fluid takes the pressure out of the eye and helps prevent optic nerve damage that causes vision loss.
Good Candidates for iStent®
Good candidates for the iStent® are people who suffer from open-angle glaucoma. These candidates should also be undergoing cataract surgery to remove the clouded/clouding lens of the eye. Patients should be in good health otherwise and able to undergo an eye surgery without experiencing adverse effects to general wellness.
During your visit to our practice, we can determine if the iStent® is right for you. If you are not a good candidate for the iStent®, we can go over effective alternatives.
Follow-Up Care for iStent® Patients
After undergoing cataract surgery and have an iStent® placed, patients will return to the practice for regular monitoring of recovery and eye pressure. It’s important for patients to follow all pre-op and post-op instructions carefully in order to avoid complications and other risks to health and wellness.
It can take up to 12 weeks to fully health from iStent® surgery. During this period of recovery, a patient’s intraocular pressure may fluctuate.
The Results of iStent® Treatment
The iStent® has allowed many patients to avoid taking medication to regulate intraocular pressure. According to one clinical study, 68 percent of patients who received an iStent® during cataract surgery did not require glaucoma medication 12 months later; for patients who only underwent cataract surgery, the number was only 50 percent.
Learn More About Treating and Managing Glaucoma
For more information about glaucoma and how we can help prevent further vision loss, be sure to contact our advanced eye care and vision center today. The team at Peña Eye Institute is here to help you get the treatment you need.
