What is the OMNI® Surgical System?

There are different surgical options that fall under the category of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Of these, only the OMNI® Surgical System enables your doctor to address all three points where blockages can occur with a single device.

The device itself is about the size of an electric toothbrush. At the tip is a microcatheter – a tiny tube that allows your ophthalmologist to perform procedures that help restore the natural outflow in the three areas where obstructions may occur.

The OMNI® Surgical System doesn’t use implants; it allows the eye’s natural drainage system to safely restore pressure.

Also, unlike other MIGS, procedures using the OMNI® Surgical System can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery or as a solo procedure with minimal recovery time, similar to cataract surgery.

In several clinical trials, OMNI® has proven consistent in lowering eye pressure in patients by greater than 20%.1 In some cases, OMNI® even eliminated the need for drops after surgery2. Individual results may vary.

How does the OMNI® Surgical System reduce eye pressure?

Glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve. This damage is usually due to an increase in eye pressure, which is caused by a blockage in the eye’s natural drainage canals. The blockage is similar to a clog in the kitchen sink. When fluid isn’t able to drain properly, pressure builds.

The OMNI® Surgical System helps an ophthalmologist “unclog the sink”, or relieve pressure buildup, by removing blockages. OMNI® helps restore the eye’s natural drainage system by removing blockages across several pressure points in the eye.

What should I expect during and after the procedure?

The OMNI® Surgical System is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It can be performed at the same time as cataract surgery. Unlike many other minimally invasive glaucoma procedures, your surgeon can perform this procedure using OMNI® on its own, even if cataract surgery has already been done.

This procedure can be completed in just minutes, using local anesthesia to numb the eye to ensure comfort. Although every patient is different, recovery time is usually quick. As an outpatient procedure, you’ll go home the same day. Your initial follow-up visit will usually occur the day after surgery, or possibly the same day as surgery.

What are the possible side effects of the OMNI® procedure?

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, better known as MIGS, is safer and less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery. “Minimally invasive” means that microscopic equipment is used with these procedures, generally making them safer compared to traditional invasive surgery. Some of the most common side effects of the OMNI® procedure may include temporary elevation in pressure as the eye begins to normalize and mild bleeding in the eye, which generally resolves on its own after surgery. For a full list of the most common side effects, click here.

What are alternative treatment options for glaucoma?

Treatment options depend on the type of glaucoma, severity, and personal preference. They range from oral and topical medications (like eye drops) to laser procedures, to minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) such as the OMNI® Surgical System, to more invasive surgeries, like trabeculectomies and implants.

Many patients struggle to take their drops every day and/or manage the costs associated with those medications. By naturally restoring the eye’s drainage system with OMNI®, your dependence on drops has the potential to be reduced or even ended. If you experience elevated eye pressure or struggle to use drops daily, a minimally invasive option like the OMNI® Surgical System may be right for you.

How quickly does the procedure start to work?

The OMNI® Surgical System helps restore the natural flow of fluid from the eye, allowing many patients to experience a reduction in eye pressure soon after the procedure. In some cases, pressures can take a little time to normalize after surgery. It’s not uncommon to remain on drops for a period of time after surgery. Your doctor will work with you to determine if medications can be reduced or potentially stopped long term.

Every patient is different, so your doctor will schedule routine check-ins following the surgery to test your eye pressure and evaluate your progress.

Am I a good candidate for the OMNI® procedure?

The OMNI® Surgical System is indicated to reduce ocular pressure in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Your doctor can provide more details about your options and what may be best for you. Print this questionnaire off to complete before your next eyecare visit to help start a dialogue on your treatment options and OMNI.

Working with your doctor to have a conversation about treatment options and the possibility of using the OMNI® Surgical System is a great place to start.

Still have questions?
Talk to an eye care professional to see if the OMNI® Surgical System is right for you or contact us and we'll do our best to help!

1. Brown RH, Tsegaw S, Dhamdhere K, Lynch MG. Viscodilation of Schlemm canal and trabeculotomy combined with cataract surgery for reducing intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2020 Apr;46:644-645.
2. Vold SD, Williamson BK, Hirsch L, Aminlari AE, Cho AS, Nelson C, Dickerson JE Jr. Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy with the OMNI System in Pseudophakic Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma: The ROMEO Study. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2021;4:173-181. doi:10.1016/j.ogla.2020.10.001.

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