What is a PreserFlo Microshunt?

PreserFlo is a drainage device used in minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). It is an 8 millimetre long tube which is placed into the eye to drain excess fluid and lower pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients.

The incision made for insertion is smaller than in other techniques, allowing a faster recovery for patients.

What is PreserFlo used to treat?

PreserFlo is used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition where elevated pressure within the eye damages the optic nerve. As a result, patients can experience some vision loss which can have a rapid onset.

Unfortunately, there is currently no way of reversing glaucoma’s impact on the eye but treatments such as PreserFlo aim to reduce pressure and can, as a consequence, slow and stop further damage to eye sight.

How does this type of surgery work?

In patients with glaucoma, the eye’s natural drainage system becomes blocked and as a consequence a build-up of fluid and pressure occurs. This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which is responsible passing images to the brain. Therefore, drainage of this excess fluid, known as aqueous humour, is essential in reducing pressure and limiting damage.

In treatment using the PreserFlo drainage device, the tube allows fluid to be removed from the inner eye to another part of the outer eye. The fluid flows into the conjunctiva, a thin covering over the white of the eye, where it forms a small pool known as a ‘bleb’. From there, the liquid can slowly drain safely into the bloodstream thus alleviating pressure in the eye.

In combination with the ongoing use of eye drops, this procedure should provide patients with sufficient relief from pressure that their glaucoma will not worsen.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

PreserFlo surgery is offered as an alternative to more traditional glaucoma procedures, such as trabeculectomy. The advantage of the newer technique is that it is minimally invasive and as such risks and recovery time are significantly lower.

Laser treatment or eye drops are also sometimes used to reduce excess fluid and pressure for sufferers of glaucoma but can be less effective, prompting surgical action.

How is the PreserFlo device implanted?

The implantation procedure may be done with local or general anaesthetic, according to the patient’s preference and suitability. During the procedure, the conjunctiva, a covering of the eye’s white layer is opened and the device is inserted.

To complete the procedure, the opening is typically closed with stitches which later dissolve. Some medication, including the anaesthesia, will take some time to wear off after the surgery and may briefly affect your vision.

What are the risks and possible complications of surgery?

Serious complications after this type of surgery are very rare but as with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of bleeding or inflammation within the eye.

The PreserFlo Microshunt tube will not be rejected by the body and is designed to be permanent, so no follow up procedures are usually necessary. In some cases, the implanted tube can become less effective after several years, in which case further surgery or increased medication may be required.

What type of doctor performs PreserFlo Microshunt surgery?

Specialist ophthalmologists perform glaucoma surgery, including procedures using PreserFlo Microshunt drainage devices.