Stent Placement

Small Device, Big Impact: Glaucoma Stent Placement at Columbus Regional

Managing glaucoma is all about controlling eye pressure—and for many patients, that means finding a solution that’s effective, low-risk, and long-lasting. At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, our Ophthalmology team offers advanced minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), including stent placement procedures designed to help your eyes drain fluid more naturally and protect your vision over time.

Whether you’re undergoing cataract surgery or need a standalone treatment, glaucoma stents are a powerful option with a gentle approach.

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What Is Glaucoma Stent Placement?

Glaucoma stent placement involves implanting a tiny device—often smaller than a grain of rice—inside the eye to improve the natural flow of aqueous humor (eye fluid). This helps reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the main cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma.

These stents are designed for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, especially those who want to reduce or eliminate their need for daily eye drops.

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Types of Glaucoma Stents

At Columbus Regional, we offer several FDA-approved stent technologies:

🔹 iStent or iStent inject®

One of the first MIGS devices, implanted during cataract surgery. It improves outflow through the trabecular meshwork—the eye’s natural drainage pathway.

🔹 Hydrus® Microstent

A flexible, curved stent that dilates part of the drainage canal, increasing fluid outflow and reducing pressure more broadly.

Your ophthalmologist will help determine which device is right for your eye structure, severity of glaucoma, and other health considerations.

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When Is Stent Placement Recommended?

You may be a candidate for glaucoma stent placement if:

• You have open-angle glaucoma
• Medications alone aren’t adequately controlling your IOP
• You’re undergoing cataract surgery and want to address glaucoma at the same time
• You’re looking to reduce your reliance on glaucoma drops
• You’ve had laser treatment with limited results

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What to Expect

Stent placement is usually done during cataract surgery or as a quick outpatient procedure. Here’s what most patients experience:

• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
• A small incision that heals quickly
• Return to normal activities within a few days
• Continued improvement in IOP over the following weeks
• A reduced need for daily glaucoma medications

Your care team will provide personalized aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your pressure and healing.

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Benefits of Glaucoma Stents

✅ Minimally invasive – no major incisions or stitches
✅ Can be combined with cataract surgery
✅ Preserves healthy tissue and future treatment options
✅ Quick recovery time
✅ May significantly reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops

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Why Choose Columbus Regional?

• Expert glaucoma surgeons trained in MIGS and stent technologies
• On-site access to diagnostic imaging and pressure testing
• Personalized treatment plans based on your lifestyle and vision goals
• Seamless coordination between glaucoma and cataract care
• A commitment to helping you protect your sight for the long haul

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A Tiny Device That Makes a Big Difference

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your glaucoma with less dependence on medications, stent placement could be the solution. At Columbus Regional, we’re proud to offer cutting-edge care that puts your comfort, safety, and long-term vision first.

Contact the Ophthalmology Program at Columbus Regional Healthcare System today to see if you’re a candidate for glaucoma stent placement.

Your vision matters—let’s work together to protect it.