08.16.2018 NEWS UPDATE: Hydrus microstent wins FDA approval. The FDA has approved the use of the Hydrus microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery to reduce IOP in patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma. Source: https://bit.ly/2MX19sM

There may soon be another Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) available in the USA. The Hydrus™ Microstent (Ivantis, Irvine, CA), described in detail here, is a small tube that is inserted into Schlemm’s canal (the drainage duct within the eye). This allows excess fluid to exit the eye, lowering the pressure within the eye, thus treating glaucoma.

Results of implanting the Hydrus™ Microstent along with cataract surgery were announced during the 2017 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (New Orleans, LA). This study enrolled over 500 participants and followed them for two years after surgery.

There was a sustained lowering of IOP by at least 20% in just over three quarters of study participants who underwent implantation of the Hydrus™ Microstent with cataract surgery. This compared favorably with those who had only cataract surgery, in which just under 60% experienced such a sustained reduction in IOP.

Importantly, just over three quarters of those who had the Hydrus™ Microstent implanted were medication free two years out from surgery compared to just under half of those who had only cataract surgery.

The results of the HORIZON study suggest that the Hydrus™ Microstent may be the most effective MIGS implant to date. Currently, the only FDA approved MIGS implants are the iStent and CyPass. Based on the results of the HORIZON study, that may soon change. If so, not only will patients with mild to moderate glaucoma have more options, they might have a more effective option as well.

Don’t delay getting checked for glaucoma.

Make an appointment with an eye doctor in your area now.  If you live in the greater Los Angeles area and would like Dr. Richardson to evaluate your eyes for glaucoma call 626-289-7856 now. No referral required. Appointments are available, Tuesday through Saturday.

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