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New Eye Care Technology is Game-Changer for Glaucoma Patients

December 2, 2019

At OCLI, when it comes to helping patients suffering from glaucoma, there’s one solution we use that stands out from the rest: the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent.

The iStent was the first medical device approved by the FDA for treating glaucoma and cataracts simultaneously. Used during the early stages of glaucoma, iStent is designed to alleviate the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye as a result of this condition. 

For glaucoma sufferers, failure to keep eye pressure in-check can lead to permanent vision loss. Failing to regularly administer pressure-controlling eye drop doses due to expense or simply forgetting can have significant consequences. Today, thanks to the iStent device, the need for costly, prescription eye drops used to control eye pressure can often be reduced or even eliminated.

Produced by Glaukos Corporation, the iStent was certainly a game-changer when it was introduced in 2012. And now, we’re thrilled to say that the next generation of this remarkable innovation, the iStent inject® Trabecular Micro-Bypass System, is set to take things to a whole new level.

Delivering Greater IOP Reduction vs. iStent

In an independent case series published in the international, open-access, peer-reviewed and rapid publication journal, Ophthalmology and Therapy, it was shown that the iStent inject achieved a greater absolute IOP reduction and a higher medication-free rate at one year postoperative, compared to the first-generation iStent. Additionally, all subjects in the case series received stents in combination with cataract surgery.

The case series included 137 eyes with cataract and mild-to-moderate glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Over 73 percent of eyes in both groups were in the early states of glaucoma disease progression, and roughly 22 percent had prior glaucoma surgery. Based on availability, consecutive patients received either iStent inject (n=70) or iStent (n=67).

Mean IOP in eyes receiving iStent inject decreased 1.8 mmgHG more than iStent eyes at one year postoperative, based on the decrease in absolute IOP for each group. Additionally, 92.9 percent of iStent inject eyes were medication-free at one year postoperative, versus 76.1 percent for iStent eyes. The safety profile was also favorable in both groups, with little adverse events and no secondary glaucoma surgeries.

This case series underscores the ability of both iStent inject and iStent devices to effectively reduce IOP and medication burden in a procedure with an outstanding safety profile. And although the case series wasn’t designed for prospective comparison, it does highlight the added benefit and peace-of-mind that iStent inject can offer both surgeons and patients alike in terms of reliably managing IOP.

OCLI proudly upholds a long-standing reputation for keeping abreast of the latest eye care advancements and making game-changing technologies (like the recently released PanOptix IOL) available to our patients. With this in mind, we’ll be upgrading our eye care arsenal to include the new iStent inject and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of our patients.

From innovative treatments for glaucoma and the latest solutions for cataracts to routine comprehensive eye exams and state-of-the-art LASIK vision correction, OCLI is your one-stop-shop for the most advanced eye care across the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan area.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or a completely free, no-commitment LASIK consultation!

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