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iStent

What Is iStent?

The iStent is one of the world’s smallest medical implants—about the size of a grain of rice—designed to help manage mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma. Placed inside the eye’s natural drainage pathway during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure, the iStent helps improve fluid outflow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP). By reducing IOP, it helps slow or prevent further optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Who It's For

Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma who want to reduce dependence on daily eye drops and preserve long-term vision. iStent is especially beneficial for those undergoing cataract surgery and seeking an additional solution for glaucoma control.

Stable Eye Health

Stable Eye Health

Candidates should have a stable prescription for glasses or contact lenses for at least one year. This helps ensure the best and most lasting results from the procedure.

Adults with Glaucoma

Adults with Glaucoma

Ideal for adults diagnosed with glaucoma when medications alone are not providing sufficient control of eye pressure.

Increased Eye Pressure

Increased Eye Pressure

If you continue to have elevated eye pressure despite medications—or want to reduce reliance on them—this treatment offers a proven alternative.

Desire to Reduce Medication Dependence

Desire to Reduce Medication Dependence

Perfect for those who experience side effects from glaucoma drops or prefer a more sustainable, low-maintenance approach to managing eye health.

Other Procedures

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Benefits & Recovery

At Visionary Eye Surgery, we focus on treatments that offer long-term vision protection with minimal disruption to your daily life. iStent offers several key advantages:

Minimally Invasive

Minimally Invasive

Tiny device, quick procedure, minimal tissue disruption.

Medication Reduction

Medication Reduction

Many patients reduce or eliminate glaucoma drops.

Lasting Results

Lasting Results

Can provide long-term IOP (intraocular pressure) control.

How the Procedure Works

Our process is designed to be simple, transparent, and effective. It begins with an initial consultation, where we understand your needs, answer your questions, and explain the available options.

Comprehensive Evaluation & Consultation

(15–20 minutes)

Comprehensive Evaluation & Consultation

We begin with a detailed glaucoma assessment, including IOP measurements, visual field testing, and optic nerve imaging, to determine if iStent is right for you.

Precise iStent Placement

(10 minutes)

Precise iStent Placement

During cataract surgery—or as a standalone procedure—a micro-sized stent is gently inserted into your eye’s drainage channel using specialized instruments, allowing fluid to flow more effectively.

Healing & Ongoing Care

(15–20 minutes)

Healing & Ongoing Care

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients experience little discomfort and can return to normal activities quickly. Follow-up visits ensure your IOP remains well controlled and your vision protected.
Mona R
19:51 31 Jul 25
Very satisfied! So happy to be able to see. Dr Shehz is awesome, very quick, painless!!
Lucas Rocha
18:24 24 Jul 25
I can't believe I am seeing this well. This place is remarkable. Dr Shehz is the best; highly recommend!!
Tonya Moore
21:22 23 Jul 25
This is a miracle!! I never thought I would be able to see like this again!! Dr Shehz is an amazing surgeon and human. Highly recommend!!!
Santos Navarro
21:05 03 Jul 25
I can't believe how much of a difference this made. Highly recommend Dr Shehz. I was nervous I didn't think it would be as good as it is.
Max Garcia
21:35 01 Jul 25
Dr Shehz hooked it up!! No glasses; he is the absolute best.
Fred Lindt
15:10 18 Jun 25
Did a good job. Would recommend to anybody
Robert Murray
00:07 06 Jun 25
I am very impressed with West Texas Eye Associates. My first appointment was with Dr. Bradley to determine that I was a candidate for cataract surgery and lenses. I was scheduled for surgery on both eyes with Dr. Shehz. One eye then 2 weeks the other eye. Both surgeries went as planned, were painless, quick and no recovery time. I had no issues seeing and had immediate results. Over the next week it got even better. The front desk staff was very efficient and friendly , the eye techs were all friendly and efficient, and the Doctors are well trained, explained the procedure in detail and provided excellent care. I could not be more pleased with the entire process and my new vision. I highly recommend West Texas Eye Associates to anyone with eye issues.
Terry Fowler
23:23 05 Jun 25
Dr. shah’s was wonderful. Very professional and answered all my questions. I had cataract surgery and lense replacement and it all went perfectly! A great experience for sure.
G D
21:38 03 Jun 25
Great results, great doctor!!
Jerry Smith
16:35 03 Jun 25
The entire staff was awesome !!!! The follow up was amazing and I’d not hesitate to use their services again !!!!

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got you covered with expert answers and helpful insights that simplify the process and give you complete peace of mind.

Yes. iStent has an excellent safety profile and is FDA-approved for treating mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.

Many patients reduce or eliminate their need for drops, but this depends on your specific condition.

Yes. While often performed during cataract surgery, iStent can also be a standalone procedure.

 iStent is designed to be permanent, continuing to work for years without needing replacement.

No. iStent is microscopic and not visible or felt after placement.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and normal activities can often resume within days.

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