iStent
iStent Glaucoma Treatment in Union, NJ
iStent is a small implant designed to improve fluid drainage inside the eye and lower eye pressure in selected patients with open-angle glaucoma. Lowering pressure is an important part of protecting the optic nerve from further damage.
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center offers iStent glaucoma treatment in Union, NJ. An evaluation can help determine whether this approach may fit your glaucoma care needs and cataract surgery plans.
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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Glaucoma Care | iStent
What Is iStent, and What Does It Treat?
iStent is a glaucoma implant that helps fluid pass through part of the eye’s drainage system. It belongs to a group of procedures called minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS.
It is intended to help lower pressure inside the eye. It does not remove a cataract or restore vision already lost from glaucoma.
Why Glaucoma May Need Treatment
Open-angle glaucoma can damage the optic nerve without causing obvious symptoms at first. As damage progresses, patients may develop blind spots or lose side vision.
Because changes can occur without discomfort, treatment decisions depend on examination findings rather than symptoms alone. Your ophthalmologist considers eye pressure, optic-nerve health and vision testing when recommending care.
Who May Be a Candidate for iStent?
iStent may be considered for selected adults with open-angle glaucoma. The original iStent is indicated for use with cataract surgery in adults with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma who are using pressure-lowering medication.
Eligibility depends on your glaucoma type, eye anatomy and treatment needs. A diagnosis of glaucoma alone does not establish candidacy.
Your ophthalmologist may assess:
The type and severity
of your glaucoma
Your eye pressure
and treatment response
Current glaucoma medications
The condition
of your eye’s drainage angle
Previous eye surgery
and other eye conditions
Whether cataract surgery
is appropriate
When Should You Discuss iStent?
Ask about your options when discussing cataract surgery, particularly if you also receive glaucoma care. Explain any difficulties using prescribed drops or side effects you experience.
iStent is not appropriate for every form of glaucoma. Another medication, laser procedure or surgery may better suit your needs.
How Does iStent Help Lower Eye Pressure?
iStent provides a small passage through a part of the drainage system that can resist fluid flow. This allows fluid to reach the eye’s natural drainage canal more directly.
How Fluid Normally Leaves the Eye
Your eye continuously produces a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid nourishes structures inside the eye and normally drains through tissue near the junction of the iris and cornea.
What Changes With Open-Angle Glaucoma?
In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage area remains open, but fluid may not pass through efficiently. When fluid accumulates, pressure can rise and contribute to optic-nerve damage.
What the Implant Can and Cannot Do
Improving drainage can help lower pressure. However, the response varies between patients. iStent does not cure glaucoma, and ongoing examinations remain necessary to assess whether pressure control is sufficient.
What Happens Before and After an iStent Procedure?
An examination helps your ophthalmologist determine whether an implant-based procedure is suitable and explain its potential benefits, limitations and risks.
Your Evaluation
Assessment may include:
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Measuring eye pressure
Examining the drainage angle
Evaluating the optic nerve
Testing peripheral vision
Reviewing medications and cataract findings
Treatment and Follow-Up
If iStent is recommended, your care plan may include:
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Surgical planning: Discussing the implant procedure and its relationship to cataract surgery.
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Implant placement: Positioning the implant within the eye’s drainage system.
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Aftercare: Following prescribed eye-drop and eye-protection instructions.
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Pressure monitoring: Checking healing and deciding whether glaucoma medication remains necessary.
Your surgeon will explain activity restrictions and follow-up timing. Continue medication unless your ophthalmologist instructs you to change it.
Important to Know
Possible complications include bleeding inside the eye, implant blockage or incorrect positioning, and insufficient pressure reduction. Further treatment may be needed. Combined cataract surgery also carries its own risks, which should be discussed before proceeding.
iStent Glaucoma Treatment in Union, NJ
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides glaucoma care and offers iStent in Union, New Jersey. Dr. Haberman is a board-certified ophthalmologist and graduate of New York Medical College.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your glaucoma findings, current treatment and whether iStent may be an appropriate option. Recommendations depend on your individual eye health and care needs.
Visit Excel Eye Care in Union
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center
2333 Morris Avenue, Suite C-103
Union, NJ 07083
908-688-4000
Serving Union, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities.