An alternative treatment for Glaucoma

Mr Imran Masood is a highly skilled consultant ophthalmic surgeon in Birmingham, specialising in complex cataract surgery and complex glaucoma surgery, and is a national leader in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious, progressive group of eye diseases, which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.  Despite affecting 10% of the population over the age of 75 years old in the UK, it is relatively unknown.

Glaucoma can be difficult to detect without an eye test as most people experience no symptoms in the early stages.  Most cases are caused by an increase in pressure within the eye when the fluid can’t drain adequately.  Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible so early diagnosis is crucial.  Lowering the eye pressure is the most effective way to control glaucoma and the only treatment.

Glaucoma Treatment

Once diagnosed, the most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops, which may need to be applied up to three times a day. Therefore compliance can become an issue, potentially limiting the efficacy of the treatment.

An alternative treatment is Trabecular micro-bypass surgery, which involves implanting micro stents into the eye such as iStent® inject W.  iStent inject® W comprises of microscopic 0.36mm stents which are implanted into the eye. The surgery is quick, safe and can be performed under needleless anaesthetic at the same time as cataract surgery or as a separate procedure. The stents work by helping to restore the eye’s natural fluid outflow which in turn reduces eye pressure.

An international study has shown that 72% of patients who were treated with iStent® inject no longer need to take glaucoma medication after 12 months.

Trabecular micro-bypass surgery case study

David & Diane Corbett

Mr David Corbett, 83 and his wife Diane 78 underwent cataract surgery along with insertion of iStent inject in 2019.  The procedure was performed by Mr Imran Masood.

In 2010 during routine eye tests both were found to have narrow eye drainage angles and were referred for further investigation.  Initially David and Diane had laser treatment to assist drainage and control pressures in the eyes. When they both developed cataracts, cataract surgery along with trabecular micro-bypass surgery was recommended.

Since the procedure their eyesight has remained very good. They find that colours are more vibrant and night vision when driving has improved. And coming up to 5 years since implantation, the stents appear to be having the desired effect. Their vision is stable and they have controlled eye pressures off medication.

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