Trabecular stent bypass microsurgery for open-angle glaucoma

The condition

Open-angle glaucoma is an eye condition in which the nerve connecting your eye to your brain (the optic nerve) becomes damaged. It usually occurs when the fluid in the eye can't drain properly. This increases the pressure inside the eye, which puts pressure on the optic nerve. At first there are no symptoms but it causes sight problems and may lead to blindness.

Treatment usually involves eye drops containing drugs that reduce the production, or increase the absorption, of fluid in the eye. Surgery aims to reduce pressure by increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye.

NICE has looked at using trabecular stent bypass microsurgery as another treatment option.

NHS Choices and NICE's information for the public about glaucoma may be a good place to find out more.