Hydrus Microstent for Glaucoma
An advanced MIGS Implant for Glaucoma using a tiny canal-based microstent designed to enhance natural fluid outflow, reduce intraocular pressure, and support long-term glaucoma control.
FDA Approved
Advanced Technology
At a Glance
The Hydrus Microstent is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) implant that helps lower intraocular pressure by improving fluid drainage through Schlemm’s canal, the eye’s natural outflow pathway.
- Treatment Offered
Hydrus Microstent implantation
- Finance
Transparent pricing with full aftercare support
- Why Choose
Specialist glaucoma and cataract surgeons with advanced diagnostics
- Locations
London, Surrey, Sussex
Key Benefits
- Enhances natural drainage of aqueous fluid
- Reduces eye pressure with a favourable safety profile
- May reduce or eliminate the need for daily glaucoma drops
- Often performed alongside cataract surgery
- Minimally invasive with faster recovery than traditional surgery
- Consultant-led care and structured aftercare
What is the Hydrus™ Microstent?
The Hydrus Microstent is a tiny, flexible implant, roughly the size of an eyelash, designed to improve the eye’s natural fluid outflow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP), a key factor in glaucoma management.
The device is made from nitinol, a biocompatible metal alloy also used in other medical implants. It is inserted into Schlemm’s canal, where it acts as both a bypass across the trabecular meshwork (the usual site of fluid resistance) and a scaffold that gently widens the drainage channel.
Hydrus is usually implanted at the time of cataract surgery but can also be used as a stand-alone procedure, helping increase fluid outflow and reduce pressure without creating large incisions or altering conjunctival tissue.
Types of MIGS Performed at Centre for Sight
1
A microscopic implant placed into the eye’s natural drainage channel (Schlemm’s canal) to improve fluid outflow and lower eye pressure. Commonly performed alongside cataract surgery in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
2
A flexible, scaffold-like implant inserted into Schlemm’s canal that both bypasses resistance and gently dilates the natural drainage pathway. Hydrus is designed to provide more extensive coverage of the canal than a single stent and is often chosen for patients who require greater pressure reduction at the time of cataract surgery.
3
A laser-based MIGS procedure that creates precise micro-channels in the trabecular meshwork to enhance aqueous outflow. ELIOS requires no implants and preserves the eye’s natural anatomy, making it an attractive option for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
4
While not implant-based MIGS, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and direct SLT (DSLT) are often used alongside or prior to MIGS to reduce eye pressure non-invasively by improving trabecular meshwork function.
Comparing MIGS and Glaucoma Treatment Options
Please note that your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment option tailored to your eye health, vision goals and lifestyle.
Procedure Type
How it works
Best For
Pros
Cons
Procedure Type
iStent/iStent Inject
How it works
Micro-bypass stent improves trabecular outflow via Schlemm’s canal
Best For
Mild–moderate open-angle glaucoma with cataract
Pros
Proven safety profile; reduces drop burden; quick recovery
Cons
Pressure reduction may be modest in some patients
Procedure Type
Hydrus Microstent
How it works
Scaffold dilates and supports Schlemm’s canal while bypassing resistance
Best For
Mild–moderate glaucoma needing greater pressure reduction
Pros
Broader canal coverage; effective IOP lowering
Cons
Implant-based; usually combined with cataract surgery
Procedure Type
SLT
How it works
Laser stimulates trabecular meshwork to improve drainage
Best For
Early glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Pros
Non-invasive; repeatable; no implants
Cons
Effect may diminish over time
Procedure Type
DSLT
How it works
Automated, non-contact laser treatment
Best For
Early or first-line glaucoma treatment
Pros
Comfortable; quick; no contact lens
Cons
Not suitable for all eye anatomies
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Hydrus?
Your surgeon will speak with you about the benefits and risks involved before your procedure.
Benefits of Hydrus Microstent:
Improved eye pressure control
helping reduce glaucoma progression risk
Reduced reliance on eye drops
for many patients, long-term studies show a significant proportion
Minimally invasive
small incisions and shorter recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery
Established safety profile
with long-term clinical follow-up
Risks/side effects (not exhaustive):
Mild bleeding or transient irritation after surgery
Temporary blurry vision or eye redness as the eye heals
Rarely, stent blockage or displacement may require adjustment
Some patients may still require glaucoma drops or further treatment
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
Book a comprehensive eye examination to better understand your vision and available treatment options.
Who Is Suitable for Hydrus?
Your surgeon will speak with you about your suitability prior to carrying out the procedure
Hydrus is typically offered to patients who:
Have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma
Are taking pressure-lowering eye drops but seek greater control
Are undergoing or have significant cataract-related vision impairment
Are looking to reduce medication burden
Suitability is confirmed after a thorough glaucoma assessment, including pressure measurement, optic nerve evaluation, and imaging of the drainage angle.
Hydrus is not usually recommended for angle closure, neovascular, or secondary glaucomas where the drainage anatomy is significantly altered.
Costs and Finance Options
Centre for Sight offers transparent pricing for Hydrus including consultant-led surgery, laser-assisted precision, anaesthetic care, and comprehensive aftercare.
Consultation: from £445
(This covers specialist assessment and advanced diagnostics and is required before treatment.)
SLT and DSLT
Bespoke Price
Per Eye
Consultant-led glaucoma laser treatment
Clinically proven pressure-lowering laser
Outpatient, non-invasive procedure
May reduce or replace glaucoma eye drops
24-hour emergency support
Post-treatment monitoring and follow-up included
Hydrus
Bespoke Price
Per Eye
Consultant-led glaucoma treatment
Hydrus Microstent implantation
Often performed with cataract surgery
Advanced diagnostics and surgical planning
24-hour support and structured aftercare
iStent
Bespoke Price
Per Eye
Consultant-led glaucoma surgery
iStent / iStent inject implant
Advanced diagnostics and surgical planning
Often performed with cataract surgery
24-hour emergency support
Structured one-year follow-up
Flexible Financing Options
Private Medical Insurance
Many of our Consultants work with all the major insurance providers*
Self Pay
Pay in full for patients who prefer a straightforward approach
0% APR Financing
6-24 month payment plans with approved credit
Military Discount
5% discount for active military and veterans
*Private Medical Insurance is unlikely to cover Laser Eye Surgery Procedures, Implantable Contact Lenses, or Laser Lens Replacement
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Hydrus Microstent, to help you understand whether it may be right for you.
What is a Hydrus Microstent?
It’s a tiny implant placed in the eye to improve natural fluid outflow and lower pressure in glaucoma.
Is Hydrus safe?
Hydrus has a well-studied safety profile, with long-term clinical data showing positive outcomes with low serious complication rates.
What are the outcomes like?
Over 2000 procedures have been performed as part of clinical studies or global registries.
In addition to the HYDRUS II and HYDRUS IV trials, the Hydrus technology is also being studied internationally in both cataract and stand-alone glaucoma surgery settings in various types and severities of glaucoma.
According to the study presented at the XXIX Congress of the ESCRS, it is effective at lowering intraocular pressure and reduces the need for medications in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
Will I still need eye drops?
Many patients reduce or stop glaucoma medications, though some may still need them depending on pressure targets.
Does Hydrus cure glaucoma?
No — Hydrus helps control pressure and slow progression but does not reverse existing optic nerve damage.
Is the Hydrus procedure painful?
It’s performed under anaesthesia; most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Enhancing outcomes
An option to enhance aqueous outflow and reduce pressure further can be achieved by opening the 3 windows on the Hydrus by using a Nd: YAG laser.
Early European studies (on file with Ivantis, Inc.) have shown a dramatic reduction of eye pressure.
Have Questions?
Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.
Patient Success Stories
Absolutely exceptional
From my initial consultation on 30th September to my follow up appointment on 28th October having had cataract surgery and multi focal lenses inserted in both eyes I have received exceptional care, kindness and professionalism. The entire procedure has far exceeded my expectations and absolutely everyone in the team have been incredible. I was made to feel special every step of the way which was painless and totally comfortable. I can wholeheartedly recommend Centre For Sight at East Grinstead.
Cataract
Jan McKinnell
A friend recommended Centre for Sight.
I had two cataracts removed and am delighted with the outcome. All the staff were highly professional, took meticulous care and their work was exemplary. Particular thanks to Adora who was so kind and reassuring throughout. I highly recommend Centre for Sight for anyone considering treatment.
Eventually I went to Specsavers in Egham for some mild driving glasses and the optician looked into my eyes and said that he had never seen such a good job on lens replacements. Best he had ever seen.
Cataract
Florence Angell
As I write this – five days after the first eye was done, I can see clearly! I’m hoping for further improvement as the coming weeks pass.
Overall, the team are extremely professional, all led under the leadership and expertise of Mr Daya. He only has one objective – to make your vision better. And that he has achieved.
Thank you so much.
Best wishes,
Nick
Cataract
MCALEER /NICHOLAS MR
Cataract Surgery Performed Expertly.
Cataract surgery performed expertly by Mr Sheraz M Daya on both eyes. Trifocal lense implants in one procedure and I am now glasses free with better than perfect vision. From start to finish the attention to detail, friendly professionalism and expertise of everyone at Centre For Sight was outstanding.
I cannot praise Mr Daya and his team too highly, and would recommend the procedure to anyone. It truly can be life changing.
Many thanks to everyone at Centre For Sight and in particular Mr Daya.
Cataract
Des Farrell
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About Centre for Sight
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