iStent Inject for Glaucoma
IStent Inject
iStent Injects are a type of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). Following implantation, they lower the IOP by increasing drainage of the intraocular fluid (aqueous humour) through the implants hence reducing the eye pressure. They have shown promising results in the short-to-medium term, and have a higher safety profile and faster recovery time than conventional glaucoma surgeries, as there is minimal tissue disruption.
As there is less IOP reduction compared to conventional glaucoma surgeries, these procedures are targeted at patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. They can be performed together with cataract surgery, or as a stand-alone procedure. Hence, this is a good option to consider for patients with cataracts and early to moderate glaucoma, as it can potentially reduce the number of glaucoma medications after surgery. When performed at the same time as cataract surgery, there are no additional cuts or wounds, hence patients can expect the same recovery time as cataract surgery alone.
The iStent was the first MIGS device to be FDA-approved, and the iStent Inject is a newer device with a modified injector that can be simultaneously loaded with 2 stents (Figure 1). Each titanium stent measures 0.36 by 0.23 millimetres and it is the smallest medical device known to be implanted in the human body (Figure 2). The stents are inserted into the drainage canals to allow increased outflow of fluid from the eye (Figure 3).
Restores Natural Outflow Pathway
When implanted, the iStent inject® creates two patent bypass pathways through the trabecular meshwork — the main source of resistance for aqueous outflow—resulting in multi-directional flow through Schlemm’s canal.
FAQ
A prospective multicentre study has found that following implantation of 2 iStent Injects, majority of the patients (86.9%) achieved a reduction in the number of glaucoma medications. There were few to no adverse events reported following implantation of the iStent Inject. In fact, a combined cataract surgery with iStent Injects has a safety profile similar to cataract surgery alone.
Glaucoma Screening & Testing
Glaucoma Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve)
- Optic Disc Photography
- Doctor’s Report
*Does not include consultation with Doctor.
Cataract/Glaucoma/Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve & Macular Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve & Macular)
- Optic Nerve & Retinal Photography
- Doctor’s Consult
Our Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Tan Yar Li
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth)
MRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Senior Consultant | Eye Surgeon
Sub-specialties: Glaucoma, Cataract, Refractive Surgery (LASIK)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew
Fellowship Trained Specialist
Former Consultant at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Former Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Changi General Hospital
- Dr Tan Yar Li was awarded 3 gold medals for Best Candidate in Glaucoma,
- Vitreoretinal as well as Neuro-ophthalmology in the Eye Specialists’ Exit exam
- Dr Tan was one of the first few surgeons in Singapore to perform
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
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