Manchester iStent study: early results from a prospective UK case series

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma management requires effective treatments to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
• The iStent microtrabecular bypass stent is a novel device for glaucoma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 6-month efficacy and safety of the iStent.
• To assess the impact of iStent implantation on intraocular pressure and medication use.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series involving 44 eyes with open-angle glaucoma.
• iStent implantation performed ab interno, with or without cataract surgery.
• Regular assessments of visual acuity, IOP, glaucoma medications, and complications over 6 months.

Main Results:

• Mean IOP decreased significantly from 21.1 mmHg to 16.7 mmHg (P < 0.01).
• Mean number of glaucoma medications reduced from 2.3 to 0.6 (P < 0.01), with 66% of patients becoming medication-free.
• Visual acuity improved from 0.53 logMAR to 0.23 logMAR at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The iStent is a safe and effective treatment for open-angle glaucoma.
• iStent implantation significantly reduces IOP and the need for topical antiglaucoma medications.
• The procedure showed a favorable safety profile with minimal complications.