Implant in glaucoma treatment
We will shortly be introducing a new surgical procedure to our private practice in the form of the Preserflo Microshunt™. The Preserflo Microshunt™ is a type of MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) which reduces the pressure inside the eye of people with open angle glaucoma.
The Preserflo Microshunt™ is a ‘tube like’ device, an aqueous shunt, that is less than 1mm thick. The tube is designed so that the correct amount of fluid flows out of the eye. The Preserflo Microshunt™ is made of a soft, flexible biomaterial (SIBS) that conforms the curve of your eye. The same material is used in cardiology therapy.
The device is put into the eye with an operation that allows excess aqueous humour (fluid inside the eye) to drain. It creates an escape tunnel for any excess fluid from inside the eye to safely drain into a small filtering bleb on the surface of the eye, usually underneath the upper eyelid. It follows the similar principle as trabeculectomy surgery, the ‘gold standard’ in glaucoma surgery, however it is faster to perform, less invasive and has a shorter recovery time.
Results of studies are very encouraging. They show that the Preserflo Microshunt™ implant can achieve a reduction of eye pressure of 20% post operatively and without glaucoma medications in 95% – 3 years after the surgery and 87% – 5 years after the surgery.
In suitable patients, this procedure can replace more invasive types of glaucoma surgery.