Another Ophthalmology Department success: use of the world’s smallest implant has begun

Several innovative glaucoma surgical procedures have been performed for the first time at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, to insert the smallest implant – measuring only 1mm – ever to have been used on people in Israel and worldwide. The implant, named the iStent, directly connects the eye’s anterior chamber (the space in the eye that is between the cornea at the front and the iris and pupil behind) and the nasolacrimal (tear) duct, to create a permanent opening that lowers intraocular pressure.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that includes use of an implant such as the iStent is a new means for reducing intraocular pressure more safely and less invasively than traditional glaucoma surgery. Today minimally invasive glaucoma surgery can be combined with surgery for cataract removal, enabling the reduction of intraocular pressure with combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, and reducing the number of drugs the patient must use concurrently.

Dr. Beatrice Tiosano, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, performs surgery using the tiny implant, aided by Dr. Eran Berkovich, a senior physician in the department.

Dr. Beatrice Tiosano, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hillel Yaffe, said, “In recent years we have seen the development of innovative devices such as the iStent implant that play an important part in advanced surgical solutions for people suffering from eye diseases. These devices give us better control, provide more effective treatment, and, of course, improve the quality of life for those suffering from this disease.” 

Glaucoma, as already noted, is one of the primary reasons for irreversible blindness in Israel and around the world. It is estimated that over 63 million people (3.54% of the global population) suffer from glaucoma. The only proven treatment for glaucoma is reduction of intraocular pressure, with the goal of preventing glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve. Most patients are treated with daily medication, and some require surgery to halt the progression of the disease.