Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
What Is Glaucoma?
More than 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma, accounting for around 2 percent of the total population. In the past, treatment for this condition, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, often required an invasive procedure to reduce the pressure in the eye.
Today, though, more options are available, including minimally invasive surgical treatment of glaucoma. Two innovative treatment options within this field are available right here at Eye Centers of Tennessee:
Hydrus® Microstent
What Is the Hydrus Microstent?
The Hydrus Microstent was approved by the FDA in late 2018 as a minimally invasive option for the treatment of glaucoma. The stent, which is placed during cataract surgery, helps to reduce the high pressure associated with glaucoma.
The Hydrus Microstent is placed in Schlemm’s canal within the eye, which is a part of the eye’s natural drainage system. Fluid flows through the stent and out of the eye, reducing eye pressure. In addition, the microstent also naturally expands the width of the canal, allowing for more drainage.
Who’s a Candidate for the Hydrus Microstent?
If you’ve been diagnosed with both cataracts and glaucoma and are preparing for cataract surgery, this innovative new therapy might be an option for you. It’s specifically designed to be used in conjunction with cataract surgery to help reduce intraocular pressure (the pressure in the eyes) for adults with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma.
iStent inject®
What Is iStent inject?
It’s a groundbreaking new treatment option for patients who have glaucoma and are undergoing cataract surgery. During the cataract surgery, the iStent inject is placed in the eye in the form of two tiny stents.
These stents — the smallest known implants for use in the human body — help restore the body’s ability to naturally drain fluid, which in turn reduces the increased eye pressure caused by glaucoma. Essentially, that means both cataracts and glaucoma are effectively treated during the cataract surgical procedure.
Who’s a Candidate for iStent inject?
As with the Hydrus Microstent, this procedure is intended for adults with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma and cataracts. The stent is placed during cataract surgery, allowing for dual treatment of both medical conditions at one time.
These innovative new treatment options are available right here in the Upper Cumberland at Eye Centers of Tennessee. Contact us today to find out more or schedule an appointment!