The Hydrus Microstent is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) implant that lowers eye pressure in mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma. In the UK in 2026, private Hydrus surgery costs around £3,200–£6,800, either as a standalone procedure or combined with cataract surgery. The 8mm scaffold is placed through a tiny clear-corneal incision into Schlemm's canal, where it props the drainage channel open and improves natural outflow — often reducing or removing the need for daily glaucoma drops.
What is the Hydrus Microstent?
The Hydrus Microstent (Alcon) is a curved, flexible scaffold about the length of an eyelash, made from a biocompatible metal alloy called nitinol. In open-angle glaucoma, fluid (aqueous humour) drains too slowly through the eye's natural channel, raising the internal pressure that damages the optic nerve. The Hydrus is threaded into Schlemm's canal where it does two things: it dilates a segment of the canal and it bypasses the trabecular meshwork, the main point of resistance — letting fluid drain more freely and lowering eye pressure.
It is one of the best-studied MIGS devices, supported by five-year data from the HORIZON randomised trial showing sustained pressure reduction and a lower medication burden compared with cataract surgery alone. To understand the condition it treats, see our guides to glaucoma and glaucoma treatment.
Hydrus vs other MIGS options
MIGS covers several small implants and techniques. Your consultant recommends the most appropriate based on your glaucoma type and severity, whether you also have a cataract, and your target pressure.
If you are still weighing up treatment, our explainer on glaucoma treatment options: drops vs SLT vs MIGS sets out the full pathway. Patients in the capital can also read about Hydrus Microstent surgery in London.
Tired of glaucoma drops? MIGS like the Hydrus can lower eye pressure and reduce — sometimes eliminate — your daily drop routine.
Book a glaucoma assessmentWhat happens during Hydrus surgery
Hydrus implantation is a quick, minimally invasive day-case procedure performed under local anaesthetic — most often at the same time as cataract surgery, but it can be done on its own.
- Anaesthetic is given as drops or a local injection; you stay awake but feel no pain.
- The surgeon makes a tiny clear-corneal incision — the same one used for cataract surgery if combined.
- Using a special applicator and a microscope-mounted lens, the Hydrus Microstent is threaded into Schlemm's canal (an ab-interno approach — from inside the eye, with no external wound).
- The scaffold is released, the incision self-seals, and the eye is shielded. The whole step adds only a few minutes to a cataract operation.
Recovery
Day of surgery
Home the same day. Mild grittiness and blurring are normal. Eye shield for the first night; anti-inflammatory drops begin.
Days 1–7
Vision settles, especially if combined with cataract surgery. Avoid rubbing the eye and heavy lifting. First review around one week.
Weeks 2–6
Drops are tapered. Your consultant checks eye pressure and may reduce or stop glaucoma medication.
Ongoing
Regular pressure and optic-nerve monitoring continues, as with any glaucoma care.
Hydrus Microstent cost in the UK
Private Hydrus pricing depends on whether it is standalone or combined with cataract surgery, and on the clinic. As a 2026 guide:
- Self-pay: approximately £3,200–£6,800, all-inclusive of surgeon, theatre, the implant and aftercare.
- Combined with cataract surgery: often the most cost-effective option, treating both conditions in one visit.
- Insurance: recognised by major insurers — we handle authorisation.
For the full range of glaucoma procedures and prices, see our glaucoma surgery cost guide.