The PreserFlo MicroShunt glaucoma implant costs from £5,200 per eye in the UK in 2026 as a day-case procedure, including the consultant surgeon, theatre, the implant, any antimetabolite used, post-op drops and follow-up. The PreserFlo is a subconjunctival drainage device for moderate-to-advanced open-angle glaucoma that is not controlled by drops or laser. It sits between minimally invasive stents and full trabeculectomy — offering strong pressure reduction through a more standardised operation. You can read the full clinical detail on our PreserFlo MicroShunt surgery page.
What is the PreserFlo MicroShunt?
The PreserFlo MicroShunt, made by Santen, is a flexible 8.5mm tube about the width of a human hair, made from a highly biocompatible material called SIBS. The surgeon implants it so that fluid (aqueous humour) drains from inside the eye to a reservoir (a "bleb") beneath the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye. This new drainage route lowers intraocular pressure (IOP), the main treatable risk factor in glaucoma.
It is one of several glaucoma treatment options. Compared with traditional trabeculectomy, the PreserFlo uses a smaller, more predictable opening and avoids some of the post-operative adjustment trabeculectomy needs — while still achieving the powerful, low target pressures that advanced glaucoma often requires. Learn more about the underlying condition on our glaucoma information page.
Who might consider it
- Moderate-to-advanced open-angle glaucoma not controlled on drops or laser.
- Patients needing a low target pressure to protect the optic nerve.
- Those who would otherwise need a trabeculectomy but want a more standardised operation.
- Difficulty tolerating multiple glaucoma drops — side effects or trouble instilling them.
Want to know if PreserFlo is right for you? A glaucoma consultation reviews your pressures, optic nerve and visual fields to confirm suitability and exact cost.
Book a glaucoma consultationHow PreserFlo compares — and the cost
Where the PreserFlo sits on the cost ladder depends on how powerful the pressure-lowering needs to be. Lighter cases may be managed with stents or laser; advanced cases may need a tube or trabeculectomy.
Not sure which route suits you? Our guide to glaucoma treatment options — drops vs SLT vs MIGS explains how the choices compare across severity.
How the PreserFlo is implanted
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case and takes around 30–45 minutes. An antimetabolite (mitomycin-C) is commonly applied to help the drainage bleb form well.
- Local anaesthetic is given and the eye is cleaned and prepared.
- A small area of conjunctiva is opened and an antimetabolite is applied to the tissue where used.
- A fine needle track is created and the PreserFlo tube is inserted into the front chamber of the eye.
- The tube channels fluid to a bleb reservoir beneath the conjunctiva, which is then closed.
- The eye is checked and shielded; you rest briefly before going home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery from filtration surgery is a little longer than from MIGS stents because the drainage bleb needs time to settle. Close follow-up in the early weeks helps achieve the best pressure.
Day of surgery
Mild grittiness, watering or blur is normal. An eye shield is worn the first night and anti-inflammatory drops begin.
First 1–2 weeks
Several reviews check the pressure and the forming bleb. Avoid heavy lifting, straining and rubbing the eye. Vision steadies gradually.
Weeks 3–8
The bleb matures and pressure stabilises. Drops are adjusted, and most glaucoma drops can usually be stopped in the operated eye.
Ongoing
Long-term glaucoma monitoring continues to confirm the pressure is controlled and the optic nerve protected.
Cost breakdown & what's included
Our PreserFlo pricing is all-inclusive — there are no separate charges for the implant, theatre or routine aftercare.
- Self-pay: from £5,200 per eye, including consultant surgeon, theatre and day-case fees, the PreserFlo MicroShunt, any antimetabolite used, post-op drops and follow-up reviews.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA where glaucoma surgery is clinically indicated. We handle pre-authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
- Milder glaucoma? A lower-cost stent or SLT laser may be more appropriate — your surgeon advises.
Compare with the rest of our glaucoma surgery pricing and the full glaucoma price list.