Xen Gel Stent

This is a newer procedure for the treatment of mild to severe glaucoma.  A flexible polymer tube that fits inside an injector is carefully placed in your eye wall to create a new drainage system. Extra aqueous fluid from the eye is diverted to a reservoir (a “bleb”) on the top of your eyeball under your upper eyelid.  This is an excellent choice for those who need low pressures, the drawback being the slightly lower success rate than trabeculectomy or Express shunts.

Procedure

This procedure takes about 15 minutes and done under “conscious sedation” (you are awake but comfortable).  It is best that you stop any aspirin or anticoagulation if it is safe for you to do so (we will counsel you on the risks).  You will go home with a patch.  There are activity restrictions on lifting and bending for a week or more, depending on your eye pressures.  You are typically seen about once a week in the early post operative period.  Sometimes adjustments are made manually or with laser in the office by your surgeon.