iStent. Tiny implant. Better fluid outflow.
iStent is one of the world's smallest medical implants, about the size of a grain of rice, designed to help manage mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Aftercare included
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing
- Grain-sizedMicro implant
- 10 minPlacement step
- Mild-moderateOpen-angle glaucoma
- PermanentDesigned to stay
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, DO, MGM · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
iStent in Plano, TX · Serving Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas & the North Dallas area
Who iStent is for.
You may be a great fit if any of these sound familiar.
- Adults diagnosed with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma
- Patients who want to reduce dependence on daily glaucoma drops
- Patients undergoing cataract surgery who also need glaucoma control
- Elevated eye pressure despite medications, or medication side effects
We may recommend something else if…
- Glaucoma types where angle-based drainage surgery is not appropriate
- Advanced disease requiring a more intensive glaucoma procedure
- Active eye infection or inflammation
- Eye anatomy that does not allow safe stent placement
None of these are deal-breakers, they're reasons to look at the alternatives. We'll tell you straight at consultation.
Free 60-minute consult · If you're not a fit, we'll tell you.
How iStent lowers eye pressure.
iStent works by reopening the eye's natural drainage pathway. Here's what actually happens, step by step.
- 01Step 01
Measure pressure and map the drainage angle
DiagnosticsA full glaucoma workup measures your eye pressure and images the drainage angle, optic nerve, and visual field. These diagnostics confirm whether iStent fits your anatomy and pressure goal - the decision is made here, not in the OR.
- 02Step 02
Access the eye through a micro-incision
Often with cataract surgeryiStent is placed through the same tiny, self-sealing incision used for cataract surgery, which is why the two are so often combined - adding only about 10 minutes. Numbing keeps you comfortable and no large external wound is created.
- 03Step 03
Place the stent in the drainage pathway
Trabecular meshwork bypassYour surgeon positions the grain-sized stent into the eye's natural drainage channel, creating a permanent opening that bypasses the blockage restricting fluid outflow. The device is microscopic - you'll never see or feel it.
- 04Step 04
Lower pressure - with fewer drops
PermanentAs outflow improves, intraocular pressure drops. Many patients reduce or eliminate their daily glaucoma drops, and because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery is fast and your future surgical options stay open if ever needed.
Questions about the procedure? We'll walk you through all of it.
What to expect, start to finish.
- 0115-20 minStep 01
Comprehensive evaluation
We begin with detailed glaucoma assessment, including IOP measurements, visual field testing, and optic nerve imaging, to determine if iStent is right for you.
- 0210 minStep 02
Precise iStent placement
During cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure, a micro-sized stent is inserted into the eye's drainage channel using specialized instruments.
- 0315-20 minStep 03
Healing and ongoing care
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients experience little discomfort and can return to normal activities quickly. Follow-up visits ensure IOP remains controlled.
Your map, your candidacy, your plan — in one visit.
Clear costs. Real options.
One honest, all-in number — no surprises. Most patients use FSA / HSA, insurance, or 0% APR financing. Our Affordability page walks through every option in plain English.
Why we don't discount iStent
iStent is almost always covered by insurance and Medicare when medically necessary. We verify your benefits before you commit and quote any out-of-pocket portion in writing - nothing gets added on surgery day.
What patients say
Is iStent safe?
Yes. iStent has an excellent safety profile and is FDA-approved for treating mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.Will I still need glaucoma medications after iStent?
Many patients reduce or eliminate their need for drops, but this depends on your specific condition.Can iStent be done without cataract surgery?
Yes. While often performed during cataract surgery, iStent can also be a standalone procedure.How long does the iStent device last?
iStent is designed to be permanent, continuing to work for years without needing replacement.Will I feel the iStent device in my eye?
No. iStent is microscopic and not visible or felt after placement.Is recovery from iStent painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and normal activities can often resume within days.
Still have questions?
Talk to our team, no pressure, no sales pitch. We answer the question, not the upsell.
Not the right fit? Here's what else we offer.
Picking the right procedure is a diagnosis question, not a marketing one. If your eyes are better served by a different path, we'll tell you.
See what better vision looks like. At any stage of life.
Glasses on the nightstand. Contacts fighting you at the gym. The menu blurring at dinner. You don't have to live with it. Come find out what's possible for your eyes.
- 7,000+
- Surgeries by Dr. Shehz
- 2×
- Board-certified
- 1
- Surgeon. Every case.
- 5★
- Patient-rated on Google
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Aftercare included
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing