Effects of Glaukos® Trabecular Stent in the Treatment of Glaucoma

Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is gaining interest in very recent years, due to a better safety profile and good tensional results, often associated to cataract surgery. Glaukos iStent® is the only FDA-approved device for micro-invasive glaucoma surgery. It connects the anterior chamber to Schlemm ́s canal by bypassing the trabecular meshwork, increasing the outflow facility. The Glaukos iStent is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma currently treated with ocular hypotensive medication. This article summarises the results of all the clinical and experimental studies published regarding iStent effectiveness and safety. Glaukos iStent, in conjunction with cataract surgery, is a safe and effective option in the treatment of open angle glaucoma, with a significant but modest IOP drop and a significant and more clinically relevant decrease in glaucoma medications, with no serious adverse events. Some aspects concerning the number of iStent used or other indications like ocular hypertension or secondary glaucoma remain under study, although good results in both clinical situations have been published. A new model of iStent has just been developed and its first clinical results are near to be published.