Comparison of the iStent Inject? versus the iStent Inject? W-Both in Combination with Cataract Surgery-In Open-Angle Glaucoma

We compare the short- and mid-term postoperative outcomes of the iStent inject (R) with its successor, the iStent inject (R) W. A retrospective monocentric study was performed to compare the iStent inject (R) used for cataract surgery with the iStent inject (R) W, also used for cataract surgery. The primary study endpoint was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction six months after surgery. Six-month follow-up results were available for 35 eyes from 27 patients in the iStent inject (R) group and for 32 eyes from 25 patients in the iStent inject (R) W group. IOP reduction at six months post surgery was significantly greater in the iStent inject (R) W group (-2.2 mmHg [iStent inject (R) W] vs. -0.06 mmHg [iStent inject (R)], p = 0.037). There was a statistically greater decrease in glaucoma medication administration at six months in the iStent inject (R) group than in the iStent inject (R) W group (-1.28 agents vs. -0.62 agents, p = 0.007). These findings support the hypothesis that the superior positioning of the iStent inject (R) W (due to its larger base diameter) compared to the iStent Inject (R) leads to greater IOP reduction. Because of the short follow-up period, small study cohort, and differences in the number of glaucoma patients, the study results must be interpreted carefully.