iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass in Tampa, Sebring & Gainesville
If you need cataract surgery and you also have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, the iStent can treat both in one operation — lowering eye pressure without a second procedure or a second recovery.
What is the iStent?
Our Newsom Eye glaucoma specialists offer a range of advanced treatment options including MIGS — minimally invasive glaucoma surgery — which includes the iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass.
The procedure is designed for cataract surgery patients who are also affected by mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. After an intraocular lens has been implanted during cataract surgery, the surgeon inserts the iStent to help reduce pressure and slow the progression of glaucoma by allowing better drainage of excess fluid from the eye.
The device is tiny — among the smallest implants placed in the human body — and once it is in, you cannot feel it and no one can see it.
- One operation. Cataract and glaucoma addressed through the same incision.
- No extra recovery. Healing follows your cataract surgery timeline.
- Fewer drops. Many patients reduce their dependence on glaucoma medication.
How the iStent procedure works
The iStent is placed during cataract surgery, so there is no separate operation and no separate recovery.
Evaluation
Your eye pressure, optic nerve, visual field and drainage angle are assessed alongside your cataract measurements to confirm the iStent is right for you.
Cataract surgery first
Your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and implants your intraocular lens through a small incision, exactly as in standard cataract surgery.
iStent placement
Through that same incision, the stent is placed into the trabecular meshwork — the eye’s natural drain — to restore outflow.
Same-day discharge
The combined procedure is performed at one of our three AAAHC-accredited surgery centers, and you go home the same day.
Follow-up
Your first check is usually the next morning. Pressure is monitored over the following weeks as your eye settles.
Adjusting your drops
If your pressure responds well, your doctor may reduce or stop some of your glaucoma medications. Never stop drops on your own.
Frequently asked questions about the iStent
What is the iStent?
The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass is a tiny device placed during cataract surgery to improve the eye’s natural fluid drainage. It is among the smallest medical implants placed in the human body.
Who is a candidate for the iStent?
Patients who need cataract surgery and also have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. If you do not need cataract surgery, or your glaucoma is advanced, your doctor will discuss other options.
Does the iStent replace my glaucoma drops?
It often reduces how many drops you need, and some patients come off them entirely. That depends on how your pressure responds. Never change your drops without your doctor telling you to.
Is it a separate surgery?
No. That is the main advantage. The stent goes in through the same incision used for your cataract surgery, so there is no second operation and no additional recovery period.
Will I feel or see the iStent?
No. It sits inside the eye’s drainage structure, is not visible to others, and cannot be felt.
Does it cure glaucoma?
No. Glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision already lost cannot be restored. The iStent lowers pressure to slow further optic nerve damage, which is the goal of all glaucoma treatment.
Where is the procedure performed?
At one of our three AAAHC-accredited surgery centers, as part of your cataract surgery. You go home the same day.
What is MIGS?
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery — a family of procedures, including the iStent, that lower eye pressure through very small incisions with faster recovery than traditional filtering surgery.
Five Convenient Florida Locations
Sebring
4211 US Highway 27 NSebring, FL 33870(863) 385-1544
Carrollwood
13904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 200Tampa, FL 33618(813) 908-2020
South Tampa
113 S Armenia AveTampa, FL 33609(813) 908-2020
Brooksville
14543 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34613(352) 596-4030
Gainesville
2521 NW 41 StGainesville, FL 32606(352) 377-7733
Cataract surgery and glaucoma, handled together
If you have both, one operation may be able to address both. Ask your Newsom Eye surgeon whether the iStent is right for you.