Search Results (3)

We aimed to describe a variation of the surgical technique for the ab interno implantation of the XEN Gel Stent, which, in our experience, is yielding very successful results. The injection of 0.1 mL of air and then of 0.1 mL of a dispersive viscoelastic into the subconjunctival space at the beginning of the surgery allows one to perform a mechanical dissection between the conjunctiva and the Tenon’s capsule, creating a real space. In total, 20 eyes of 16 patients underwent the implantation of a stent gel through the “Air and Visco” technique. We retrospectively analyzed the results. We obtained a reduction in the IOP from an average of 18.3 ± 2.2 mmHg preoperatively to at 13.5 ± 3.5 mmHg at month 12. The needling rate was 20%. We did not register any cases of hypotony (IOP < 6 mmHg), hypotony maculopathy or choroidal detachment. The “Air and Visco” technique allows one to correctly place the device in the subconjunctival space, which the pneumo- and visco-dissection transforms into a real space. This enables an easier surgical performance and more predictable postoperative results, with a low needling rate and reintervention in the follow-up period. It also ensures a greater safety profile because the presence of the OVD on the bleb prevents a sudden lowering of the IOP, eliminating complications such as hypotony, hypotony maculopathy and choroidal detachment in our cohort. Full article

Although topical medical therapy and selective-laser-trabeculoplasty represent the treatments of choice to reduce intraocular pressure, many patients do not achieve adequate glaucoma control; therefore, they require further options and eventually surgery. Trabeculectomy is still considered the gold standard, but the surgical management of glaucoma has undergone continuous advances in recent years, XEN-gel-stent has been introduced as a safer and less traumatic means of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). This study aimed to review the effectiveness and safety of clinical data on XEN-stent in OAG patients with a Synthesis-Without-Meta-analysis (SWiM) methodology. A total of 339 studies were identified following a literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines and, after evaluation, 96 studies are discussed. XEN63 and XEN45 device data were collected both short and long term. In addition, this document has evaluated different aspects related to the XEN implant, including: its role compared to trabeculectomy; the impact of mitomycin-C dose on clinical outcomes; postoperative management of the device; and the identification of potential factors that might predict its clinical outcomes. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of XEN stent, such as its use in fragile or high myopia patients, were discussed. Full article

Patients with both macular edemas, of various etiologies such as diabetes and glaucoma, may suffer serious loss of vision if either disease goes untreated. Where no effective alternative therapies are available, dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) injections may be the only choice of treatment, despite the risk of a possible increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) when using steroids. Although many studies have reported on IOP evolution in eyes treated with DEX-I, little is known specifically about eyes with a history of filtering surgery. The aim of this observational series was to evaluate the IOP response following DEX-I injection in eyes presenting conventional filtering surgeries or microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). Twenty-five eyes were included in this study. A total of 64% of the eyes did not experience OHT during follow-up. Additional IOP-lowering therapy was needed for 32% of eyes, and 20% of eyes (all showing bleb fibrosis) required further filtering surgery: 50% of eyes in the MIGS group and 10.5% of eyes in the conventional filtering surgery group. A significant positive correlation was found between IOP at baseline and the maximum IOP throughout follow-ups after DEX-I (r = 0.45, p = 0.02). In conclusion, if DEX-I is used when there are no alternative therapies for treating macular edema, IOP in eyes with a history of filtering surgery is generally manageable. Those eyes which previously underwent conventional therapy with effective blebs obtained better IOP control after DEX-I injections and mostly did not require any additional IOP-lowering therapy or surgery. Full article