The Durysta bimatoprost glaucoma implant costs from £1,200 per eye privately in the UK in 2026, including the consultant assessment, the implant itself, the in-clinic insertion, post-procedure drops and follow-up pressure checks. Durysta is a dissolvable implant placed inside the front chamber of the eye that releases the prostaglandin medicine bimatoprost steadily over roughly four to six months, lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) without the need for daily glaucoma drops. It is one option among several — your consultant will advise whether it suits your type of glaucoma, and how it compares with drops, laser and longer-acting implants such as iDose TR.
What is the Durysta implant?
Durysta, made by Allergan (AbbVie), is a biodegradable sustained-release implant about the size of a grain of rice. It is inserted into the anterior chamber (the fluid-filled space at the front of the eye) where it slowly dissolves, releasing a steady dose of bimatoprost — the same prostaglandin medicine found in common glaucoma eye drops. By improving the natural outflow of fluid from the eye, it lowers intraocular pressure, the main treatable risk factor in glaucoma.
The big advantage is that it removes the daily burden of remembering, and correctly instilling, eye drops. For patients who struggle with drops — through arthritis, forgetfulness, side effects or simply the inconvenience — a drop-free option can meaningfully improve how well their pressure is controlled.
Who might consider Durysta
- Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension needing pressure lowering.
- Difficulty using drops — poor dexterity, allergy, irritation or trouble remembering.
- Patients wanting a break from daily drops while keeping pressure controlled.
- Those not yet ready for surgery such as MIGS or trabeculectomy.
- Eyes with a healthy cornea, confirmed at assessment (important for implant safety).
Tired of glaucoma drops? A glaucoma consultation reviews your pressures and cornea to confirm whether Durysta is suitable and the exact cost for you.
Book a glaucoma consultationDurysta vs the alternatives
Durysta is one of several ways to lower eye pressure. The right choice — and the overall cost — depends on your type of glaucoma, your cornea and how you've responded to previous treatment.
Not sure which route suits you? Our guide to glaucoma treatment options — drops vs SLT vs MIGS explains how the choices compare, and many patients begin with SLT laser treatment as a drop-sparing first step.
How the Durysta implant is placed
Inserting Durysta is a quick, minimally invasive procedure carried out in the clinic under anaesthetic drops — there is no need for an operating theatre and it takes only a few minutes.
- Numbing drops are placed in the eye and the surface is cleaned.
- Using a fine pre-loaded applicator, the surgeon injects the tiny implant through a small self-sealing entry at the edge of the cornea.
- The implant settles into the anterior chamber, where it will gradually dissolve and release bimatoprost.
- The eye is checked and the pressure assessed before you leave.
- You go home the same appointment — there is no theatre stay.
Recovery
Recovery is usually very quick because the procedure is minimally invasive and there is no surgical wound to heal.
Day of procedure
Mild grittiness, watering or slight redness is normal. You can usually return to normal activities the same or next day.
First weeks
A review confirms the implant is well positioned and checks that your eye pressure is responding. Any temporary drops are tapered.
Months 1–6
The implant releases bimatoprost steadily and your pressure is monitored at routine glaucoma reviews.
As the effect fades
When pressure-lowering wears off, your consultant discusses next steps — returning to drops, laser, MIGS or another implant where appropriate.
Cost breakdown & what's included
Our Durysta pricing is all-inclusive — there are no separate charges for the implant, the insertion or routine follow-up.
- Per implant: from £1,200 per eye, including the consultant glaucoma assessment, the Durysta bimatoprost implant, in-clinic insertion, post-procedure drops and follow-up pressure checks.
- Both eyes: where both eyes need treatment, each is priced per eye.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA where the implant is clinically indicated. We handle pre-authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
Compare with the rest of our glaucoma pricing, the cost of glaucoma surgery, or read about the underlying condition on our glaucoma information page.