An estimated 3 million people have glaucoma, and many do not realize it, which can be dangerous because it can lead to blindness if untreated, but a device barely visible to the naked eye is helping many patients in the D.C. area keep their vision intact.
The iStent is the smallest implantable medical device in the world.
“It's smaller than the lettering on a penny,” Dr. Jonathan Solomon said.
Though hard to see, the tiny device can help save eyesight.
Glaucoma is characterized by pressure behind the eye, which can damage the optic nerve, resulting in possible loss of eyesight. It has been called the silent thief of vision because it is so hard to detect.
“One of the major problems as it relates to glaucoma is the symptoms are minimal,” Solomon said.
Doctors can diagnose it with a pressure test during an eye exam. There is no cure, so early detection is key.
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Glaucoma is typically treated with drops or lasers, but now the iStent is recommended for patients with moderate glaucoma.
“The stent is being placed in the drain, this is the space between the cornea which is the front window to the eye and the iris,” Solomon said.
The FDA approved the procedure to be done only along with cataract surgery.
“When I came to Dr. Solomon for the cataract surgery, he said he could put in stents and that would help with glaucoma, so that's what he did,” said Henry Clark, who was diagnosed with glaucoma about six years ago and the surgery in 2015.
“Since we knew we were going to proceed with the cataract surgery, we talked a little more about what it may be and how the benefits may play out for him,” Solomon said.
So far, the benefits seem to have played out well for Clark.
The device, which is permanent, was approved four years ago, and more people are learning more about it, Solomon said.
Recovery from the surgery takes a few days.
Not all insurance companies cover the cost.
