Hydrus® Microstent

Name: Hydrus Stent
Brand: Eye Surgeons of Indiana
Rating: 5 (4602 reviews)

Protect your vision with the Hydrus Microstent, a minimally invasive implant designed to improve your eye’s natural fluid drainage, lower intraocular pressure, and help manage glaucoma safely and effectively in the long term.

Advanced Glaucoma Care With Eye Surgeons of Indiana

At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in innovative glaucoma procedures, such as the Hydrus Microstent, helping patients maintain healthy eye pressure, preserve vision, and achieve outcomes tailored to their lifestyle.

What Is the Hydrus Microstent?

The Hydrus Microstent is a tiny, flexible implant placed in the eye’s drainage system, called Schlemm’s canal. Roughly the size of an eyelash, this device bypasses the trabecular meshwork (the spongy drainage tissue of the eye), gently scaffolding and opening the canal to improve fluid outflow. It is indicated for adults with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma and is often placed during cataract surgery to maximize eye pressure reduction.

Why Choose Eye Surgeons of Indiana?

Our specialists bring years of experience performing minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with excellent long-term outcomes. At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, we emphasize precision, safety, and comfort. We believe in educating our patients on every step of their treatment. When you understand your options, expected results, and recovery, we can ensure confidence and peace of mind throughout your care.

Hydrus Microstent Glaucoma Overview Animation

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How Is a Hydrus Microstent Inserted?

Micro-Incision Implantation

Inserted through a small incision in the eye, the Hydrus Microstent uses an intuitive delivery system that provides immediate visual confirmation of placement. Procedures are outpatient, allowing patients to go home the same day.

Trabecular Meshwork Bypass

Bypassing the trabecular meshwork, often the main site of resistance for fluid drainage, Hydrus allows aqueous humor to flow directly into Schlemm’s canal. This reduces intraocular pressure and helps prevent further optic nerve damage.

Open Scaffold Design

The Hydrus Microstent features a unique open-window scaffold that gently dilates and supports Schlemm’s canal without obstructing fluid access to collector channels. Its nitinol, titanium alloy construction is highly flexible and biocompatible, allowing for precise, safe placement.

90° Canal Coverage

Schlemm’s canal forms a circle around the iris in the eye. Unlike other MIGS implants, the Hydrus Microstent spans roughly 90° of this drainage canal, increasing access to multiple collector channels. This broad coverage enhances drainage and improves long-term intraocular pressure control.

Rest, Reset, and Recover

Most patients experience a quick, comfortable recovery after Hydrus Microstent implantation. Mild eye redness, irritation, or transient pressure fluctuations may occur but generally resolve rapidly.

Regular follow-up visits allow your Eye Surgeons of Indiana doctor to monitor eye pressure and ensure the device is functioning correctly. Many patients resume normal daily activities within a few days.

Results That Protect Your Vision

Clinical studies demonstrate that the Hydrus Microstent provides durable intraocular pressure reduction and long-term safety. Up to 59% of patients remain medication-free at five years, and the device maintains a safety profile comparable to cataract surgery alone. By restoring natural fluid outflow, the Hydrus Microstent helps slow glaucoma progression and supports lasting vision protection.

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Hydrus Microstent?

The Hydrus Microstent may be recommended for adults with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma, especially those:

Planning cataract surgery
Struggling to manage eye pressure with medications
Seeking a minimally invasive, implant-based solution
Hoping to reduce reliance on glaucoma eye drops

Your eye surgeon will evaluate your eyes and medical history to determine whether the Hydrus Microstent is suitable for your glaucoma management plan.

I am happy with my care. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and caring.

L.J.

Professional & friendly all the way from  check-in to surgeon. Best run office I’ve ever been to. Surgery & sight as promised.

Anne H.

Had a visit with Dr. Morrow today and he was very thorough and helpful. I’d recommend this establishment to anyone.

Aron J.

Very efficient. Wait time limited and they  got me in quickly. Went above and beyond to make sure I was attended to.

MJ K.

Very good experience. The best part was meeting the team everyone was so friendly. And I like the Dr I had. He was very thorough.

Delores B.

I am thrilled with the level of service that  I have received. All staff members have been excellent to work with.

Clay O.

How the Hydrus Microstent Works

The Hydrus Microstent is designed to restore the eye’s natural fluid outflow through three mechanisms:

Trabecular Meshwork Bypass: Reduces resistance by allowing fluid to bypass the meshwork directly into Schlemm’s canal.
Canal Scaffolding: Gently expands and supports Schlemm’s canal, increasing drainage efficiency without blocking collector channels.
Collector Channel Access: Spanning 90° of the canal, it provides access to multiple outflow pathways, improving long-term pressure control.

Hydrus vs. Traditional Glaucoma Surgery

Traditional glaucoma surgery can be more invasive and require longer recovery times. The Hydrus Microstent is a minimally invasive procedure performed through micro-incisions, preserving natural anatomy, reducing surgical trauma, and allowing for a faster return to daily activities. Its long-term safety and effectiveness make it an attractive option for many glaucoma patients.

Integrating Hydrus into a Long-Term Glaucoma Plan

Hydrus is part of a comprehensive approach to managing glaucoma. When combined with monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and, if needed, medications, the Hydrus Microstent can help patients maintain controlled eye pressure, minimize the progression of optic nerve damage, and preserve vision over time.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Outpatient Surgery: Most Hydrus procedures are performed in an outpatient setting with minimal discomfort.
Minimally Invasive: Small incision and precise delivery reduce trauma to delicate eye tissues.
Immediate Effect: Fluid outflow is restored during surgery, helping lower intraocular pressure effectively.
Rapid Recovery: Many patients resume normal activities, such as reading or computer work, within a few days.