XEN Gel Stent

The XEN Gel Stent is new, minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering with glaucoma. XEN Gel Stent is an implant which is placed into the eye. It is a tiny tube made of gelatin material. It is incredibly thin (as thin as a human hair). The stent is placed in to the eye to create a new pathway for the fluid to leave the eye. This helps to keep the eye pressure at a normal level. XEN Gel Stent is not only safe and effective but it is also less invasive than standard glaucoma treatments.

Glaucoma is a serious life changing disease that can threaten your vision and impact your daily life. It is the leading cause of blindness and if it goes undetected, it can cause permanent damage to your eyes. It is a disease that affects the optic nerve (the nerve which transmits signals to your brain to interpret the images you see). If left untreated, glaucoma causes loss of vision. 

In healthy eyes there is a constant flow of fluid in to and out of the eye which maintains a normal pressure in the eye. When there is glaucoma in the eye a build up of this fluid causes a rise in pressure. This is likely due to a blockage or clog in the pathway for the fluid to leave the eye. The resulting rise in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve.

During the XEN procedure step one is to put numbing drops in the eye so you wont feel a thing. They the surgeon gently inserts the XEN Gel Stent into the eye. It is much less invasive and more straightforward than standard glaucoma treatment. The Gel Stent should reduce the pressure in the eye immediately.

Following the procedure, you will be given eye drops that will help the healing process. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to use them.

Your surgeon will help you and discuss with you the best glaucoma treatment option for you.

What are the advantages of XEN Gel Stent?

  • It is designed to safely and significantly reduce eye pressure
  • Less invasive
  • Designed to reduce complications of traditional glaucoma surgery
  • Continuously reduces eye pressure long term
  • Uses the same outflow pathway as standard glaucoma treatment but with less trauma to the eye

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.