Alcon Introduces Hydrus Microstent: A New Era in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Care in India
Published: 09 Apr 2026
Author: Deepa Pandey
Alcon has launched the Hydrus Microstent in India, providing a minimally invasive surgical solution for patients with mild to moderate Open-Angle Glaucoma. This device aims to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and decrease reliance on medication when implanted during cataract surgery. The Hydrus Microstent is classified as a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device, enabling ophthalmologists to manage glaucoma with reduced surgical risks and quicker visual recovery compared to conventional incisional filtration techniques.
According to Precedence Research, the ocular hypertension market was valued at USD 4.30 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 4.65 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 9.37 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 8.10% from 2026 to 2035, driven by increasing ophthalmic disorders such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Long-Term Success with Hydrus Microstent in Glaucoma Management
Clinical evidence supporting the Hydrus Microstent is derived from the HORIZON Trial, which stands as the first and only minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) study to report five-year outcomes, successfully retaining 80% of its participants (442 out of 556). The trial demonstrated a sustained reduction in intraocular pressure and a decreased need for glaucoma medications when the Hydrus device was implanted during cataract surgery.
Furthermore, it is the only MIGS device to present a five-year safety profile from a pivotal study, with rates of serious adverse events comparable to those of cataract surgery alone. This robust evidence has garnered recognition from prominent organizations, including the European Glaucoma Society, Cochrane, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ike Ahmed, Research Director at the Kensington Eye Institute and Director of the Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Toronto, remarked that the Hydrus device allows surgeons to incorporate it into glaucoma treatment during cataract surgery, enhancing patient outcomes and potentially lowering medication usage.
Executive’s Statement
Speaking about the launch, Amar Vyas, Country Head of Alcon India, highlighted that the introduction of Hydrus aims to empower ophthalmologists in managing glaucoma more effectively. The device utilizes a Tri-Modal mechanism designed to provide sustained intraocular pressure control, coupled with long-term clinical safety data to support informed treatment decisions.
Globally, the Hydrus Microstent has already been implanted in over 200,000 patients. Currently available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and various countries across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the device is set to expand its reach to additional markets worldwide.