Glaucoma is a condition in which the eye’s drainage system does not work properly. Pressure in the eye builds, causing damage to the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss or blindness. Medication and laser therapy can reduce pressure in the eye for people with mild glaucoma. But those with advanced glaucoma may need an invasive treatment called filtration surgery.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is the newest group of surgical procedures for glaucoma, and it may be safer than more invasive surgeries. iStent is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in which a tiny device is implanted in the eye to drain fluid and reduce pressure.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective iStent is for adults with glaucoma. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding iStent. And it looked at the preferences and values of people with glaucoma.