SIGHT Study: Cost-effectiveness of InnFocus Microshunt Implantation vs. Trabeculectomy.

During the last decade, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures have been introduced to the market. MIGS procedures or devices, often small stents or tubes that can be placed into the eye, are potentially safer than standard trabeculectomy (TE). The surgery is faster and easier to perform. Patient recovery is faster with fewer postoperative visits, suggesting less impact on vision and quality of life. However, MIGS devices are more expensive compared to standard surgery and it is unclear if the higher costs can be compensated with their better safety profile and faster patient recovery (reduced productivity losses). To establish guidelines for the use of MIGS, the Netherlands Glaucoma Group has recognized the need for a formal investigation of their cost-effectiveness as compared to TE, prior to their implementation on a large scale for regular care. Therefore, a societal cost-effectiveness analysis of MIGS procedures will be undertaken to further elucidate their position in the glaucoma treatment algorithm in the Netherlands. The objective of this study is to aid in deciding on the use of the IMS in glaucoma surgery by assessing its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in patients with primary open angle glaucoma compared to trabeculectomy.