iStent: A Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Treatment

• 16 Oct 2025

iStent: A Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Treatment

🤓 Don’t just eye the problem—iStent it!

The iStent is a tiny, medical device used to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Here’s a breakdown of what iStent is and how it works:
What is an iStent?
The iStent is a very small, non-magnetic titanium tube, often cited as the smallest medical device implanted in the human body.

It is designed to be a permanent implant that helps improve the drainage of fluid from the eye.

It is made from the same material used for replacing heart valves, so it is well-tolerated by the body and will not cause an allergic reaction.
The device will not set off airport scanners or cause problems if you need an MRI scan.

How Does it Work?
In a healthy eye, fluid (aqueous humor) continuously flows in and out to maintain a stable pressure. In people with glaucoma, the eye’s natural drainage system, specifically the trabecular meshwork, becomes blocked or less effective, causing fluid to build up and the pressure to rise.

The iStent works by creating a bypass or a permanent opening in this drainage channel. This increased outflow helps to lower the intraocular pressure.

The iStent Procedure
Minimally Invasive Surgery: The iStent procedure is considered a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
Combined with Cataract Surgery: This combined approach is beneficial for patients who have both a cataract and open-angle glaucoma.

Stand-alone Procedure: In some cases, the iStent can also be implanted as a stand-alone procedure.

Recovery: Recovery is generally rapid. Patients are typically able to go home the same day. There may be some temporary blurry vision or a small amount of bleeding in the eye, but these side effects usually resolve quickly. You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use after the operation.

Benefits and Limitations
Benefits: The main goal of an iStent is to lower eye pressure to prevent glaucoma from getting worse and to potentially reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops. Studies have shown significant reductions in eye pressure and medication use after the procedure.

Not a Cure: The iStent will not cure glaucoma, reverse any damage that has already occurred to the optic nerve, or restore lost vision. It is a treatment to help manage the disease.

Suitability: The iStent is primarily suitable for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. It is not recommended for all types of glaucoma or for those with very advanced disease. Your doctor will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure