New Glaucoma procedure - iStent Inject

The iStent Inject is expected to help glaucoma sufferers by reducing their dependence of eye drops and, in some cases, completely eliminate the need for them. This is the first, widely available MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) device in Australia and was formally approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) Australia, earlier this year, in 2016. 

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​At the invitation of Glaukos Australia, Dr Vincent Lee presented a lecture to Optometrists, GPs and other specialists, at Warrnambool's Lady Bay Resort, on the advent of MIGS and the iStent Inject.

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MIGS is a new subclass of glaucoma surgery that is quicker, technically simpler and involves lower risk than traditional glaucoma surgery, following which recovery is more rapid with less down-time for patients. Whilst patients are restricted for many weeks following traditional glaucoma surgery, following MIGS, patients can expect to return to normal activity within a day or two!

The iStent Inject is a tiny heparin-coated non-ferromagnetic, titanium stent measuring 360 microns by 230 microns. It is inserted into Schlemm’s canal through the trabecular meshwork, essentially bypassing it.

The operation decreases eye pressure by 20-30%, reduces (and in many cases completely eliminates) the need for glaucoma eye drops and is expected to benefit very many patients with glaucoma, in the region.