iStent inject® W is one of the world’s smallest implantable devices and it can have remarkable benefits for glaucoma patients with cataracts
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can cause vision impairment and blindness.
Cataracts is a slowly developing clouding of the eye’s lens, which causes blurry vision. It is often treated through surgical replacement with an artificial lens — one of the most commonly performed surgeries on the planet.
Cataracts can impact people with and without glaucoma. In the U.S. approximately 1 in 5 cataract patients also have glaucoma.¹
Today, glaucoma patients who also have cataracts are eligible for iStent inject® W at the same time as cataract surgery, adding very little time or pain to the procedure.
The addition of iStent during cataract surgery can offer several benefits;
iStent helps to enhance the natural drainage of fluid from the eye, resulting in better IOP control. By reducing the pressure inside the eye, iStent can help manage glaucoma more effectively.
With better IOP control, the need for glaucoma medications may be decreased. Adding iStent during cataract surgery can potentially reduce the number of eye drops or oral medications required to manage glaucoma.
Combining iStent with cataract surgery allows for the treatment of both glaucoma and cataracts in a single procedure. This means patients can address both conditions at once, reducing the need for separate surgeries and minimizing overall recovery time.
By reducing the reliance on glaucoma medications, patients may experience cost savings over time. Fewer medications mean lower ongoing expenses for prescription eye drops or oral drugs.
iStent is a small device that is inserted during cataract surgery through a tiny incision. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and minimally invasive, resulting in a relatively short recovery period.
iStent has been designed to have a low risk profile. While all surgeries carry some risks, adding iStent during cataract surgery is generally considered safe, with the potential for lower risks compared to standalone glaucoma procedure
Although iStent inject® W is a remarkably advanced technology, its mechanism is elegantly straightforward;
iStent inject® W stents are placed in your eye during cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Implanting the stents does not significantly extend the length of time you will spend in surgery. Once they are implanted, the stents are so small that you will be unable to see or feel them.
The recovery period is no different than recovery from cataract surgery alone
Patients who have been diagnosed with glaucoma should ask their doctor whether they may be an appropriate candidate for the procedure.
Ask Your Doctor:
If you suffer from mild-to-moderate glaucoma and cataracts, ask your doctor if you are a candidate for iStent inject® W.
You should continue to use any prescribed eye drops until your procedure, unless directed otherwise by your eye care professional. Before surgery, your eye surgeon will go over all the medications you’re currently taking. Be sure to bring a list of your current medications to your pre-operative appointment and be prepared to answer a few questions regarding your medical history.
The cataract removal and iStent inject® W procedure are usually performed under local anesthesia. After your surgeon removes your cataracts, he or she will implant the iStent inject® W devices. Once implanted, you will not see or feel the devices.
iStent inject® W is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home the same day following your surgery. After the procedure, you will likely receive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use. Your ophthalmologist will likely schedule an appointment to see you the day following the surgery.
Recovery time is usually quick, but your doctor may recommend that you take a few days off work and refrain from strenuous activities.
The potential risks of undergoing cataract surgery with the iStent inject® W are comparable to those associated with undergoing cataract surgery alone. To obtain more detailed information about the specific risks related to your condition, it is advisable to consult with your eye care professional.
Find out if you are a candidate for iStent inject® W by speaking with an iStent inject® W physician in your area today.
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