Microstent Implantation Linked to Lower IOP, Fewer Additional Surgeries

In 5 years, eyes that received microstent implantation maintained lower intraocular pressures (IOP) and required fewer medications, as well as fewer further surgical interventions, compared with no additional treatment eyes, according to research presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 meeting in New Orleans.  

Investigator, Iqbal K. Ahmed MD, evaluated 5-year outcomes of Hydrus Microstent (HM) treatment in mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with cataract. The study consisted of 556 eyes that were randomly assigned after phacoemulsification 2:1 to microstent implantation or no additional treatment. 

A total of 443 eyes (80%) completed 5-year follow-up. Eyes that received microstent implantation were medication free more often (66% vs 46%, P <.001) and maintained a lower medication-free IOP vs baseline (8.3±3.8 vs 6.5±4.0 mm Hg, P <.001). Microstent eyes had a reduced risk of further incisional glaucoma surgeries (2.5% vs 6.4%, P =.022).

Central endothelial cell density (ECD) was 2086±519 cells/mm² at 3 months and 1967±522 at 5 years in microstent eyes (D=-119 cells/mm², P =.99), according to the report. 

“There was no significant postoperative ECD loss in the HS group from 3 to 60 months,” according to Dr Ahmed’s report. 

Reference 

Ahmed IK. Five-year results from a multicenter, randomized comparison of cataract surgery combined with schlemm microstent to cataract surgery alone. Paper presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 Annual Meeting; November 12-15, 2021; New Orleans. Abstract PA001.