The Stent inject refers to a second generation MIGS device that has recently been approved for use in Glaucoma patients in Singapore. It is the SMALLEST KNOWN IMPLANT IN THE HUMAN BODY.

It consists of 3 micro -Titanium Stents ( less than 0.5 mm size) that are surgically injected into the trabecular drainage meshwork within the front chamber of the eye that works by increasing fluid drainage ( called aqueous). The Stent creates tiny channels that aqueous drains through, thereby reducing the eye pressure ( Intraocular Pressure, IOP ) within the eye-ball.

This can be usually be performed as an additional procedure combined with Bladeless Laser Cataract surgery, or as a standalone procedure.

MIGS refers to minimally invasive Glaucoma surgery. MIGS works by using microscopic equipment and tiny incisions. The MIGS group of operations have been developed in recent years have been developed to reduce some of the complications associated with Traditional large incision Glaucoma surgeries.

MIGS procedures are generally reserved for stable mild or moderate Glaucoma who are using medications to lower their IOP. It is not suitable for patients with advanced Glaucoma surgery or in patients who have had multiple failed Glaucoma surgeries in the past.

There is published data supporting the use of MIGS and Stent Inject over the past 5 years showing that it is effective at lowering eye pressure. However as a recent innovation, we do not have data as to the Stent injects’ effectiveness after 10 or even 15 years.

Glaucoma is a irreversible disease which damages the optic nerve and cannot be cured. The main risk factor in Glaucoma is usually raised intraocular pressure ( IOP). The only way to control and stabilize Glaucoma is to reduce the IOP to a safe level for the patient. There are different ways to achieve this: Eyedrops & Medication, Laser surgery, MIGS including iStent inject and conventional large-incision Glaucoma surgery.

Yes, when combined with Bladeless Laser Cataract surgery, the Stent inject can be inserted through the same incision without the need for any blades or surgical knives involved.

Being minimally invasive surgery, the complication rate of Stent inject is lower than that of conventional Glaucoma surgery. However the usual complications which are associated with cataract surgery will still apply if a combined procedure is performed. The time involved for Stent inject surgery is 15 minutes under topical or local anaesthesia. For a combined Bladeless Laser cataract surgery + Stent is approx. 30 minutes.

The cost of the Stent inject is quite expensive as it is made of titanium. Stent injection is only indicated for mild to moderate cases of Glaucoma. It is also not indicated for advanced Glaucoma cases, which require the conventional surgery method.