What is i-Stent?

i-Stent is the smallest medical implants known to be implanted in the human body. i-Stent measures just 0.36 mm long and is made of titanium (C).

It is designed to reduce intraocular pressure safely and effectively in patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma or pigmentary glaucoma.Studies have shown the device to be safe and effective when implanted in combination with cataract surgery, or as a stand-alone procedure, in those patients who require intraocular pressure reduction and/or would benefit from glaucoma medication reduction.

The device may also be implanted in patients who continue to have elevated intraocular pressure despite prior treatment with glaucoma medications and conventional glaucoma surgery.

How does i-Stent work?

Implanted at the time of cataract surgery, or in a separate procedure, i-Stent is designed to create a bypass between the front part of the eye and its natural drainage pathway to increase the flow of fluid.

By creating a permanent bypass through the primary blockage site (trabecular meshwork), i-Stent is designed to –

• improve the eye’s natural fluid outflow to safely lower intraocular pressure, and
• work continuously to improve the natural flow of fluid in the eye.

What does the i-Stent procedure involve?

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, meaning that you are awake but your eye is numb so you will not feel anything.

The i-Stent Trabecular Micro-Bypass System is implanted through a small, self-sealing incision in the clear part of the eye (cornea) using a small inserter, and can be performed at the same time as a cataract surgery or by itself. Once implanted, the i-Stent Trabecular Micro-Bypass System can work immediately.

At the end of the procedure, your operated eye will be covered with a pad and / or protective shield, which you might also be instructed to wear at night for a few days as a precautionary safety measure to protect your eye.

i-Stent Trabecular Micro-Bypass System surgery and cataract surgery is usually completed as a day case, meaning that you should be able to go home the same day, but you will not be able to drive so you are advised to have someone collect you from the hospital / clinic.

What are the benefits of implanting an i-Stent?

The i-Stent Trabecular Micro-Bypass System is designed to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of vision loss from glaucoma. It may also reduce or remove the number of glaucoma eye drops you might be using now.

An international study has shown 72% of patients who were treated with i-Stent no longer needed to take glaucoma medication after 12 months.

How soon will I recover?

Immediately after the procedure your vision in the operated eye might be blurry for one to two weeks, and your eye might be slightly bloodshot for a few days.You will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, which you should take as prescribed.

Your eye doctor will inform you if or when you can stop taking any glaucoma eye drops.

Do not stop taking your drops in either eye, unless specifically instructed to do so by your eye doctor.

Please contact Kent Eye Centre to see if i-Stent is right for you.