Hydrus Microstent: Surgical modality for management of glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effects of Hydrus microstent insertion on intraocular pressure and number of ocular hypotensive medications in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Method: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent combined Hydrus microstent insertion and phacoemulsification by two Ophthalmologists (BC, MG) in Queensland, Australia. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension and had consistent post‐operative follow‐up of greater than 24 months. Patient's pre‐operative and post‐operative data were collated retrospectively from medical records and analysed. Main outcomes assessed included intraocular pressures, number of ocular hypotensive drops required, associated complications, and need for secondary surgery. Complete surgical success was defined as IOP ≤18 without medications, in accordance with the World Glaucoma Association definition.

Results: A total 65 eyes of 42 patients with a mean age of 73 ± 7.1 were included in the study. There was a significant reduction (85%) in the mean number of ocular hypotensive drops used (pre‐op 0.3 ± 0.7 vs post‐op 1.7 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). There was also a significant reduction in the mean IOP (15%, pre‐treatment 15.0 mmHg ± 4.7 vs post‐op 17.5 mmHg ± 5.6, P < 0.05). Complete surgical success was achieved in 47 eyes (70%) post‐operatively.

Conclusion: Hydrus microstent insertion significantly reduced the mean number of ocular hypotensive drops and the mean intraocular pressure in this patient group. The results highlighted the efficacy of the Hydrus microstent as a surgical intervention option for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.