PRESERFLO MicroShunt is intended for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma where IOP remains uncontrollable while on maximum tolerated medical therapy and/or where glaucoma progression warrants surgery.
Glaucoma is the term given to a group of eye conditions characterised by damage to the optic nerve1 (responsible for sending visual messages to the brain). Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It often occurs when fluid from the eye cannot drain properly, leading to an increase in pressure that damages the optic nerve. As damage to the optic nerve can affect vision, the amount of fluid in the eye needs to be kept under control.
Treatment for glaucoma includes medication in the form of eye drops, as well as laser and surgical intervention. Your doctor has decided that you could benefit from an aqueous shunt called PRESERFLO MicroShunt. PRESERFLO MicroShunt is implanted into your eye via a small surgical procedure called filtering surgery.
An aqueous shunt is a small, tube-like drainage device, used to help control IOP. It creates an escape tunnel for any excess fluid from inside the eye to safely drain into a small blister, or filtering bleb, behind the eyelid. From there, the fluid is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. Aqueous shunts are designed to stay in your eye permanently, to help keep control of the fluid level.
Unfortunately, any damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma is likely to be permanent so the aqueous shunt will not help with any existing vision problems. But by decreasing IOP, it can help to prevent further vision loss.
By draining away excess fluid from inside the eye, an aqueous shunt will help to relieve pressure and prevent any further damage to the optic nerve. Compared to more traditional filtering surgeries, implantation of an aqueous shunt may result in fewer post-operative complications that require extra intervention.
Aqueous shunt implantation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic; your doctor will discuss which is the right option for you. The aqueous shunt will usually be implanted behind the upper eyelid.
Your doctor will advise you on what to do in the time before and on the day of your surgery, including instructions on taking your current glaucoma medication. You may also be advised to arrange for someone to accompany you home after surgery.