From the Guidelines
Eye stents, such as the iStent, are primarily used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG), particularly when combined with cataract extraction 1. The main purpose of eye stents is to create a drainage pathway for excess fluid in the eye, thereby reducing IOP that can damage the optic nerve.
- The iStent, a snorkel-shaped device made from heparin-coated titanium, is implanted into the Schlemm canal under gonioscopic guidance 1.
- Studies have shown that the iStent can provide a small reduction in IOP and glaucoma medical therapy when combined with phacoemulsification, compared to phacoemulsification alone 1.
- The use of multiple stents may provide better IOP lowering than a single stent, according to recent studies 1.
- The procedure is generally safe, with low rates of surgical complications, most commonly related to stent malposition or obstruction 1.
- Patients with secondary OAG may also benefit from iStent implantation, with reported decreases in IOP and topical ocular hypotensive agents 1. The effectiveness of eye stents in reducing IOP and preserving vision makes them a valuable treatment option for patients with glaucoma, particularly when other treatments have proven insufficient.
From the Research
Purposes of Eye Stents
The primary purpose of eye stents is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma, a major cause of vision loss worldwide 2, 3, 4. Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive loss of peripheral vision, often leading to difficulty with driving and increasing the risk of falls and subsequent fractures 4.
Types of Eye Stents
One type of eye stent that has been introduced as a safer and less traumatic means of lowering IOP is the XEN gel stent 5, 6. The XEN gel stent is designed to increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber, thereby reducing IOP.
Effectiveness and Safety of Eye Stents
Studies have shown that the XEN gel stent is effective in lowering IOP and reducing the need for IOP-lowering medications in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) 5, 6. The stent has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with a predictable and acceptable safety profile 6. The effectiveness and safety of the XEN gel stent have been evaluated in several studies, including a systematic review of the literature and a multicentre study 5, 6.
Key Benefits of Eye Stents
The key benefits of eye stents, such as the XEN gel stent, include:
- Reduced IOP and need for IOP-lowering medications 5, 6
- Minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications 6
- Effective in patients with OAG who have not responded to medical therapy or selective-laser-trabeculoplasty 5
- Can be used as a solo procedure or in combination with phacoemulsification 6