The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent System or simply 'iStent' is a miniature device that is designed to minimize the harmful impact of glaucoma, an eye disease that is caused by a buildup of pressure behind the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blurry vision and even blindness. It affects more than 2.2 million people in the U.S.
The iStent is the smallest device ever approved by the FDA, and is used in conjunction with cataract surgery. It is inserted via a 1.5-millimeter corneal incision and works by opening up blockage to relieve pressure in the eye. It is designed to improve the flow of natural eye fluids in order to lower pressure in the eye, therefore reducing the negative impact of glaucoma.
Technological devices have been commonplace in the medical world for a long time now, but what's truly impressive about the iStent is its compactness and the fact that it's minimally invasive but so effective.
Glaucoma-Treating Devices
The iStent is a Tiny Device That Helps Minimize Glaucoma's Impact
Trend Themes
1. Miniature Medical Devices - The compactness and effectiveness of the iStent showcases the trend towards smaller, minimally invasive medical devices.
2. Ophthalmic Innovations - The iStent represents an innovative solution for treating glaucoma and highlights the ongoing trend of advancements in ophthalmic technology.
3. Collaborative Treatment Approaches - The combination of the iStent with cataract surgery demonstrates the trend of combining treatment methods to achieve better outcomes for patients.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The iStent's success in treating glaucoma presents opportunities for the medical device industry to develop similar compact devices for various medical procedures.
2. Ophthalmology - The iStent's effectiveness in addressing glaucoma highlights disruptive innovation opportunities within the ophthalmology industry to improve treatment options and outcomes.
3. Surgical Services - The integration of the iStent with cataract surgery opens up possibilities for the surgical services industry to explore collaborative treatment approaches for better patient care.