Alcon has launched the Hydrus Microstent in India, offering a minimally invasive solution for long-term glaucoma management. 

 

Designed for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, the device lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduces reliance on medications—especially when combined with cataract surgery.

 

The Hydrus Microstent stands out as the first and only MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) device backed by five-year clinical outcomes. 

 

The HORIZON trial tracked 442 patients over five years, showing sustained IOP reduction and long-term safety comparable to cataract surgery alone. Recognized for its high-quality data by the European Glaucoma Society (EGS), Cochrane, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the device has now been implanted over 200,000 times globally.

 

“Hydrus represents an important milestone for surgeons and their patients. With its availability, surgeons can incorporate Hydrus into their glaucoma treatment paradigm. As a lead investigator, I have observed firsthand that glaucoma patients who implanted Hydrus during cataract surgery have benefitted over those who had cataract surgery alone. 

 

"Hydrus empowers surgeons to effectively manage their patients’ glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery, offering sustained IOP with a potential to reduce the number of medications,” said Dr Ike Ahmed, Research Director at Kensington Eye Institute, Director of the Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery (GAASS) Fellowship Program at the University of Toronto, and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center.

 

Glaucoma affects approximately 12 million people in India, with nearly 90% undiagnosed, highlighting a pressing need for early detection and effective treatment.

 

“In India, approximately 12 million people are affected by glaucoma, and the proportion of undiagnosed glaucoma is estimated at around 90%, underscoring the need for earlier detection and effective interventional treatment options. At Alcon, we’re committed to bringing Hydrus to India to help glaucoma patients continue to see brilliantly. 

 

"Hydrus’ unique Tri-Modal mechanism of action enables its clinical effectiveness, and our high-quality, long-term data give surgeons the confidence to manage glaucoma both safely and effectively. This launch marks a significant milestone for the ophthalmic community and the many patients it serves,” said Amar Vyas, Country Head at Alcon India.

 

With its minimally invasive approach, Hydrus allows for rapid visual recovery while maintaining robust IOP control—setting a new standard for glaucoma care in India.