A poster presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in May touted demonstrated the potential effectiveness and biocompatibility of a novel microstent designed for use in Schlemm’s canal to improve aqueous humor outflow and reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients.

The study involved 18 New Zealand White rabbits, with 6 receiving the Wistend microstent, 3 undergoing a Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) surgery as surgical control, and the remaining serving as blank control. Over 6 months, the Wistend group exhibited a significant reduction in IOP, averaging a decrease of 4.67±0.82 mmHg from baseline, which equates to a 22.2% to 33.3% reduction. In contrast, the KDB group showed slightly less reduction in IOP, although this was still significant when compared to baseline levels.

No adverse reactions were observed in any of the groups, suggesting that the Wistend microstent is both safe and effective.