Evidence on the safety and efficacy of microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma is limited in quantity and quality. Therefore, this procedure should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent, and audit or research. Find out what special arrangements mean on the NICE interventional procedures guidance page.
Clinicians wishing to do microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma should:
Inform the clinical governance leads in their NHS trusts.
Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's safety and efficacy and provide them with clear information to support shared decision-making. In addition, the use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.
Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma. NICE has identified relevant audit criteria and has developed NICE's interventional procedure outcomes audit tool.
NICE encourages further research into microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma, including randomised studies. Further research should include details of patient selection and long-term outcomes.