Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, has introduces the CyPass Micro-Stent, a micro invasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) device, in EU markets for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery, or as a standalone procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who have failed previous medical treatments. The CyPass Micro-Stent is the latest addition to Alcon's surgical glaucoma portfolio providing an additional option to meet the needs of millions of glaucoma patients.

"For many glaucoma patients, medication adherence can be challenging due to side effects, difficulty administering drops and the number of medications required daily. Even with proper compliance, patients often have disease progression and require surgery," said Keith Barton, M.D., glaucoma specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. "The CyPass Micro-Stent is a much-needed new option that is less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery. More importantly, it is available to patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery, even if they have not yet failed previous medical treatments for their glaucoma."

The CyPass Micro-Stent, implanted just below the surface of the eye, is uniquely designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The CyPass Micro-Stent is the first MIGS device to leverage an entirely new outflow pathway for excess aqueous fluid in the eye - the supraciliary space, which is the space between the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball, and the ciliary body. Once implanted, it creates a permanent conduit between the anterior chamber of the eye and the suprachoroidal space to improve the eye's natural drainage pathway.

"The CyPass Micro-Stent is designed to address the greatest unmet need in glaucoma treatment, reducing patient burden by lowering dependence on topical glaucoma medicine," said Ian Bell, Region President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Alcon. "We're pleased to offer the CyPass Micro-Stent as a valuable new surgical treatment option for providers and patients in four EU countries, further expanding Alcon's leadership in glaucoma and surgical ophthalmology."

The CyPass Micro-Stent is now available in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Alcon launched the CyPass Micro-Stent in the US last October and plans to train and certify over 500 surgeons in 2017.

The CyPass Micro-Stent is a prescription medical device that is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma, or for use in cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure for the reduction of IOP in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma where previous medical treatments have failed.  Use of the CyPass Micro-Stent is contraindicated in eyes with angle closure glaucoma, in eyes with traumatic, malignant, uveitic or neovascular glaucoma or discernible congenital anomalies of the anterior chamber angle and in patients with known intolerance or hypersensitivity to topical anesthetics, miotics, mydriatics or polyimide. The surgeon should monitor the patient postoperatively for proper maintenance of IOP.  If IOP is not adequately maintained after implantation of a CyPass Micro-Stent, additional therapy may be needed for IOP control.