Double implantation of Xen 45 gel stent in primary open-angle glaucoma: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To describe the outcomes of double implantation of Xen 45 Gel Stent (Xen) using an ab externo approach with closed conjunctiva. METHODS: Retrospective single-centre case series of primary open-angle glaucoma patients with at least six months of follow-up after implantation of a second Xen in the same eye via ab externo technique without conjunctival opening. RESULTS: Eight pseudophakic eyes of 8 patients were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP) dropped from 30 ± 2.6 mmHg pre-operatively to 22.4 ± 2.3 mmHg one month after the first Xen implant (mean difference: -7.6 mmHg [95% confidence interval: -9.4, -5.9 mmHg], p = 0.0092). A second Xen was then implanted to achieve the target IOP. The procedure showed no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. The IOP dropped to 16.1 ± 2.7 mmHg six months following this second implant (mean difference: -6.3 mmHg [95% confidence interval: -7.2, -5.3 mmHg], p = 0.0183); however, 3 patients needed medical therapy to further reduce the IOP towards the target value. CONCLUSION: Sequential implantation of two Xen 45 Gel Stents using an ab externo approach with closed conjunctiva appears a promising procedure that showed a favorable safety and efficacy profile in this small case series. This pilot data might pave the way for further studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Comparing Outcomes of 45 µm Gelatin Stent Placed ab Externo with Open Conjunctiva to ab Externo with Closed Conjunctiva.

PURPOSE: Compare outcomes of a gelatin stent (XEN45 Gel Stent [XGS]) placed either ab externo with open conjunctiva (AEO) or ab externo with closed conjunctiva (AEC) with or without cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective nonrandomized comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 86 eyes from 86 glaucoma patients who received XGS placed either AEO (N = 49) or AEC (N = 37) with or without cataract surgery between May 2019 and April 2022 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. METHODS: Reviewed and analyzed 809 visits from patient charts from a level 3 triage center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, Kaplan-Meier (KM) success rates, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) impact, and complications. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar between both groups, except for baseline IOP and glaucoma type. Both AEO and AEC procedures resulted in significant patterns of IOP and medication reduction from baseline up to 1 year. The AEO procedure had significantly higher KM qualified success (QS) rates than the AEC procedure, but similar complete success (CS) rates. Under QS, the cumulative probability of survival was 73% in the AEO group and 51% in the AEC group at month 6 and 62% in the AEO group and 20% in the AEC group at year 1. Under CS, the cumulative probability of survival was 41% in the AEO group and 37% in the AEC group at month 6 and 29% in the AEO group and 14% in the AEC group at year 1. The AEO procedure had significantly more IOP reduction than the AEC procedure at all postoperative time points beyond week 2, but similar medication burden reduction. At postoperative year 1 (POY1), the mean IOP was reduced to 10.72 ± 5.71 mmHg on 1.16 ± 1.68 medications after AEO and 17.03 ± 2.37 mmHg on 1.59 ± 1.21 medications after AEC. Phacoemulsification (phaco) was not a significant factor while 5-FU usage trended toward significance. Procedure time was longer for standalone XGS AEO. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that both placements reduce medication and IOP from baseline, with AEO placement having more favorable XGS success rates and IOP control at the expense of longer procedure time and greater 5-FU usage. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Comparing Outcomes of Trabeculotomy with Mitomycin C to 45-µm Gelatin Stent Placed Ab Externo with Open Conjunctiva.

PURPOSE: To compare trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (trab-MMC) and XEN45 Gel Stent placed ab externo with open conjunctiva (XGS AEO) with or without cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, retrospective, comparative study. SUBJECTS: A total of 204 eyes from 204 glaucoma patients who received XGS AEO or underwent trab-MMC with or without cataract surgery between July 2018 and August 2021 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. METHODS: Visits from 204 patient charts were reviewed after either trab-MMC or XGS AEO from 2018 to 2021 from a level 3 triage center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure (IOP), medication burden, Kaplan-Meier success rates, 5-fluorouracil impact, and complications. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients underwent trab-MMC and 47 underwent XGS AEO. Groups had similar baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and medications (meds). Intraocular pressure and meds decreased similarly at 1.5 years (11.2 mmHg vs. 7.4 mmHg, P = 0.62; 2.9 vs. 2.8 meds, P = 0.92, respectively for trab-MMC and XGS AEO). Success was defined as IOP reduction ≥ 20% with 5 mmHg ≤ IOP ≤ 18 mmHg for 2 consecutive visits. Complete success (CS) did not allow meds; qualified success (QS) allowed for ≤ baseline meds. When IOP fluctuations in the first 60 days were not counted as failures, CS was 43% for trab-MMC, about 8.5% higher than for XGS AEO (P < 0.01). Qualified success was similar between the groups (65%-67%). Procedure time was shorter for XGS AEO than trab-MMC (44 vs. 63 minutes, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: XEN45 Gel Stent AEO may provide similar benefits to trab-MMC, especially for patients who tolerate some meds, with shorter procedure times. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Resultados de una técnica quirúrgica de trabeculectomía ab-externo modificada en pacientes con glaucoma de ángulo abierto / Results of a modified ab-external trabeculectomy surgical technique in patients with open angle glaucoma

Objetivo Evaluar la seguridad y la eficacia de una técnica quirúrgica de trabeculectomía ab-externo modificada en el control de la presión intraocular (PIO) en los pacientes con glaucoma de ángulo abierto. Método y análisis Estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal en el que se incluyeron pacientes con glaucoma de ángulo abierto sometidos a trabeculectomía ab-externo modificada como primer tratamiento quirúrgico filtrante entre enero de 2008 a marzo de 2015. En el postoperatorio se evaluó la PIO, los medicamentos hipotensores, los tratamientos adicionales y las complicaciones tempranas y tardías. Resultados Se analizaron datos de 48 ojos de 38 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 63,1 años (25 a 85 años) y el tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 35,3 meses (rango: 1-147 meses). La PIO preoperatoria media fue de 25,21±3,48mmHg y de 15,83±4,4mmHg al final del seguimiento. Catorce ojos (29%) requirieron goniopunción con láser y 4 ojos needling (8,4%). El análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier mostró una tasa de éxito del 81,7% a los 2 años y del 54,9% del año 4 al año 12. Dos ojos presentaron desprendimiento coroideo, 3 ojos cataratas que requirieron cirugía y 5 ojos tuvieron fugas tempranas de la ampolla. Conclusiones La trabeculectomía ab-externo modificada es eficaz para el tratamiento del glaucoma de ángulo abierto con un buen control de la PIO a largo plazo y una baja incidencia de complicaciones quirúrgicas, y podría utilizarse en casos complejos seleccionados de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos (AU)

Objective Assess the safety and efficacy of a modified ab-external trabeculectomy surgical technique in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods and analysis Patients diagnosed with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma underwent this modified technique as the first filtering surgical treatment were included. The preoperative and final follow-up assessed IOP, hypotensive medications, the need for additional treatments, and early and late complications. Results Forty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included. The mean age was 63.1 years (25-85 years), and the follow-up time was 35.3 months (range of 1-147 months). The mean preoperative IOP was 25.21±3.48mmHg and 15.83±4.4mmHg by the follow-up end. Subsequent laser goniopuncture was performed on 14 eyes (29%) and needling in 4 eyes (8.4%). Complete success was achieved in 18 eyes (37.5%), qualified success in 17 (35.4%), and failed in 13 eyes (27.1%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a success rate of 81.7% at two years and 54.9% from year 4 to year 12. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equations (GEE) shows younger age as the main predictor for failure. Two eyes had choroidal detachment, three eyes progressed to cataracts that needed surgery, and five eyes had early bleb leaks. Conclusions This proposed technique is an effective surgical procedure for treating open-angle glaucoma with effective long-term IOP control and a low incidence of surgical complications and could be used in selected complex cases based on these results (AU)

Results of a modified ab-external trabeculectomy surgical technique in patients with open angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the safety and efficacy of a Modified Ab-externo Trabeculectomy surgical technique in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients diagnosed with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma underwent this modified technique as the first filtering surgical treatment were included. The preoperative and final follow-up assessed IOP, hypotensive medications, the need for additional treatments, and early and late complications. RESULTS: Forty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included. The mean age was 63.1 years (25-85 years), and the mean follow-up time was 35.3 months (range of 1147 months). The mean preoperative IOP was 25.21±3.48mmHg and 15.83±4.4mmHg by the follow-up end. Subsequent laser goniopuncture was performed on 14 eyes (29%) and needling in 4 eyes (8.4%). Complete success was achieved in 18 eyes (37.5%), qualified success in 17 (35.4%), and failed in 13 eyes (27.1%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a success rate of 81.7% at two years and 54.9% from year 4 to year 12. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equations (GEE) shows younger age as the main predictor for failure. Two eyes had choroidal detachment, three eyes progressed to cataracts that needed surgery, and five eyes had early bleb leaks. CONCLUSIONS: This proposed technique is an effective surgical procedure for treating open-angle glaucoma with effective long-term IOP control and a low incidence of surgical complications and could be used in selected complex cases based on these results.

Clinical Outcomes of Ab Interno Placement versus Ab Externo Placement of XEN45 Gel Stents.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of ab interno versus ab externo placement of XEN45 gel stents in patients with open-angle glaucoma. DESIGN: Single-center, noncontrolled, retrospective, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine eyes of 89 patients with open-angle glaucoma who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation. METHODS: Patients underwent either ab interno (group 1) or ab externo (group 2) placement of a XEN45 stent between 2017 and 2020 by a single surgeon. Outcomes were recorded at each follow-up visit from postoperative day 1 up to 24 months, with median follow-up lengths of 12 months and 8 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the surgical success rate at 8 months. Secondary measures were postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication usage, complication rates, and bleb revision rates. RESULTS: Success rates at 8 months were 72% in group 1 (n = 29) and 74% in group 2 (n = 60). There was no difference in the median time to failure between groups (P = 0.98). The mean baseline IOPs were 22.8 ± 7.5 on 3.8 ± 0.9 medications in group 1 and 25.3 ± 10.7 on 3.7 ± 1 medications in group 2. At the last follow-up among eyes with surgical success, the mean IOPs were 12.5 ± 3.8 on 2.2 ± 1.4 medications in group 1 and 12.2 ± 2.1 on 1.8 ± 1.3 medications in group 2. The adjusted mean IOPs and numbers of medications used were significantly lower after XEN45 stent implantation at all postoperative time points compared with baseline in both groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative adjusted mean IOPs or medications used between the groups at any of the follow-up time points. Complication rates and bleb revision rates were comparable between both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ab externo approach of XEN45 stent placement demonstrates comparable effectiveness to the ab interno approach in patients with open-angle glaucoma, although this study was underpowered to detect a difference in success rates between groups.

Efficacy of the PRESERFLO MicroShunt and a Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

Background: Recent studies on the PRESERFLO MicroShunt suggest that it may be effective in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP); however, the number of studies on this device remains limited. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of the PRESERFLO MicroShunt in patients with glaucoma and performed a meta-analysis of published results. Methods: Prospective study including all patients that underwent PRESERFLO MicroShunt surgery from 2018 onwards. Sub-analyses were performed for cataract-combined procedures. To compare our results, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. IOP, IOP-lowering medication and surgical complications reported in the retrieved studies were assessed. Results: A total of 72 eyes underwent PRESERFLO-implant surgery (59 as standalone procedure and 13 as cataract-combined procedure). No significant differences were found in IOP and IOP-lowering medication between both groups. The mean ± standard deviation IOP and IOP-lowering medications of both groups taken together declined from 21.72 ± 8.35 to 15.92 ± 8.54 mmHg (p < 0.001, 26.7% reduction) and 3.40 to 0.93 (p < 0.001, 72.6% reduction) at 1 year follow-up, respectively. Secondary surgeries were required in 19.4% of eyes, the majority (71.4%) within 6 months. The meta-analysis including 14 studies (totaling 1213 PRESERFLO MicroShunt surgeries) from the systematic review showed a mean preoperative IOP and IOP-lowering medication of 22.28 ± 5.38 and 2.97 ± 1.07, respectively. The three-years postoperative pooled mean was (weighted mean difference, 95% CI) 11.07 (10.27 [8.23−12.32], p < 0.001) mmHg and 0.91 (1.77 [1.26−2.28], p < 0.001) for IOP and IOP-lowering medication, respectively. The most common reported complication was hypotony (2−39%). Conclusion: The PRESERFLO MicroShunt is effective and safe in lowering IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications.

Posture-induced changes in intraocular pressure after ab externo XEN45 gel-stent implantation in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To investigate posture-induced changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after ab externo XEN45 Gel-Stent implantation in patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This prospective study included thirty-two eyes with POAG that underwent XEN45 Gel-Stent implantation as a standalone procedure using an ab externo approach at Chonnam National University Hospital. IOP was measured sequentially in the sitting position, supine position, and lateral decubitus position (LDP) before and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after surgery using an iCare IC200 rebound tonometer. In the LDP, the eye with XEN45 Gel-Stent implantation was in the dependent position. RESULTS: IOP at each position was significantly reduced after XEN45 Gel-Stent implantation. Posture-induced changes in IOP were maintained during the follow-up. The range of postural IOP changes was reduced at 1 month; however, no significant change was observed after that point compared with baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: A XEN45 Gel-Stent inserted using the ab externo approach can reduce IOP in various body positions, but seems to have limited effects on posture-induced changes in IOP in patients with POAG.

Canaloplasty in the spotlight: surgical alternatives and future perspectives.

The modern glaucoma surgeon is faced with many surgical alternatives for the management of glaucoma. In recent years, numerous techniques that make Schlemm's canal (SC) more accessible for surgery by being less invasive and surgically less challenging were introduced. Since its first introduction, canaloplasty has become a well-established method of glaucoma surgery. The aim of this paper was to present an overview of canaloplasty and its modifications, and to highlight their strong points and potential drawbacks based on available data on the effectiveness of each technique. Furthermore, it offered an overview of the development of canaloplasty over time and the clinical aspects that should be considered in patient selection. Abbreviations: ABiC = Canaloplasty ab interno, AH = aqueous humour, CSD = Canaloplasty with suprachoroidal drainage, IOP = intraocular pressure, MIGS = minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, OAG = open angle glaucoma, PEXG = pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, SC = Schlemm's canal, TDM = trabeculo-Descemet's membrane.

Post-Cataract Surgery Iridodialysis Repair: A Simple Modified Ab Externo Technique.

Iridodialysis occurs less commonly due to ocular surgeries as compared to trauma. Several approaches to iridodialysis repair have been described in the literature. In this report, we describe a novel technique to treat iridodialysis that occurred due to complicated extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). This technique utilizes pre-existing ECCE wounds by making use of common materials found in the usual operation theaters and is relatively easy to master. Improved cosmetic appearance and visual acuity was the final outcome as demonstrated in our patient.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Following Gel Stent Implantation via Ab-Externo and Ab-Interno Approaches in Patients with Refractory Glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes following gel stent implantation via ab externo and ab interno approaches in patients with refractory glaucoma. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 203 eyes of 185 patients aged ≥45 years who underwent Xen gel stent implantation as a standalone procedure for medically uncontrolled glaucoma (intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥18 mmHg) despite maximum tolerable IOP-lowering medications. One hundred and five eyes underwent gel stent implantation via ab interno approach and 98 via ab externo. Patients with prior conjunctival-incisional glaucoma or cataract surgery were also included. Study parameters were reduction in IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications from baseline to 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, preoperative IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications or cup-disc ratio between the ab interno and ab externo groups at baseline (p > 0.05). At all postoperative time points, mean IOP and percentage reduction from baseline were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05) except at postoperative 6 months when the outcomes were significantly better (p < 0.05) in the ab externo group. The rate of postoperative procedures (5-Fluorouracil injections and bleb needling), the incidence of numerical or clinical hypotony and adverse events were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications was comparable in both groups at all time points. Conclusion: The Xen gel stent, whether implanted ab interno or ab externo, is effective in reducing IOP and dependence on topical medications in eyes with refractory glaucoma. The stent may be used in both phakic and pseudophakic patients and is a reasonable option for patients with prior failed trabeculectomy.

Preliminary results of Preserflo Microshunt versus Preserflo Microshunt and Ologen implantation.

PURPOSE: To report preliminary 6-month results on the use of the Preserflo Microshunt implant with and without Ologen in 50 pseudophakic eyes with moderate to advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Fifty pseudophakic eyes underwent ab externo Preserflo Microshunt implantation. Data was gathered retrospectively and two groups were then created, group A with application of MMC 0.2 mg/ml and group B with MMC 0.2 mg/ml and Ologen collagen matrix (OCM) implantation. Absolute success was regarded as the percentage of eyes achieving: a) 5 ≤ intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 13 mmHg, b) 5 ≤ IOP ≤ 16 mmHg, and c) 5 ≤ IOP ≤ 21 mmHg without additional medication or surgery and qualified success was regarded as the percentage of eyes achieving a) IOP ≤ 13 mmHg, b) IOP ≤ 16 mmHg, and c) IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with or without medication. Evaluation was performed using a log-rank Kaplan-Meier test. A scatterplot analysis presented the treatment effect data of all eyes with a minimum of 20% IOP reduction per case. Failure was defined as requiring additional surgery, IOP greater than 21 mmHg with or without medication and failure to reach 20% IOP reduction. RESULTS: Mean postoperative IOP was significantly lower in both groups. IOP decreased by 49.06% in group A and by 53.01% in group B at 6 months (P < 0.88), respectively. Medication use was lower in both groups (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.001). The absolute and qualified success rates were not statistically significant between the groups (all P > 0.05). Cumulative IOP results per case were not statistically different in group A compared with group B. One revision surgery in group A (4% failure rate) and three in group B (12% failure rate) were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups showed equal results in terms of cumulative and mean IOP reduction, medication reduction as well as in absolute and qualified success rates. No significant difference was found in any parameters tested between Preserflo Microshunt with MMC 0.2 mg/ml and with or without OCM implantation at 6 months. Long-term follow-up is required to further evaluate this data.

Ab-Externo Implantation of XEN Gel Stent for Refractory Steroid-Induced Glaucoma After Lamellar Keratoplasty.

The hazy corneal donor-recipient interface after corneal transplant may cause difficulties when implanting the XEN gel stent via ab-interno approach. We aim to describe XEN gel stent implantation via ab-externo approach in refractory steroid-induced glaucoma after corneal lamellar keratoplasty. Under local anaesthesia, the XEN injector needle was inserted 7 mm behind the limbus with the bevel facing up, directly beneath the conjunctiva and advanced to the marked 2.5 mm scleral entry wound. The needle then pierced the sclera until the needle tip was just visible in the anterior chamber (AC). The slider was pushed until the tip of the XEN stent was seen in the AC. The needle was slowly withdrawn while still pushing the slider to complete stent deployment. Subconjunctival Mitomycin C 0.01% (30 µg/0.3 mL) was then injected posterior to the bleb. Three eyes of three patients with steroid-induced glaucoma after lamellar keratoplasty underwent XEN gel stent implantation via ab-externo approach placed at the superotemporal quadrant. Pre-operatively, all patients had uncontrolled IOP between 30-45 mmHg despite maximum medications and selective laser trabeculoplasty. After XEN gel stent implantation, IOP ranged between 10-17 mmHg with one or two topical antiglaucoma at 12 months. Complications include hypotony maculopathy, stent migration and hyphaema, all of which were successfully managed. Corneal graft remained clear at 12 months. XEN gel stent implantation via ab-externo approach is able to achieve good intraocular pressure (IOP) control without compromising cornea graft in patients with steroid-induced glaucoma after lamellar keratoplasty at 12 months.

Ab interno vs ab externo microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy for primary congenital glaucoma with clear cornea.

IMPORTANCE: This is the first comprehensive comparison between ab interno approach and ab externo approach for microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma with clear cornea. BACKGROUND: Ab externo microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy is considered to be the gold standard for primary congenital glaucoma. The novel ab interno approach would intuitively be similar to ab externo approach for microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy in eyes with clear cornea; however, there is no evidence yet. DESIGN: Non-contemporary comparison of retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-eight and fifty-seven consecutive primary congenital glaucoma eyes with clear corneas underwent ab interno and ab externo microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy, respectively. METHODS: Retrospective comparison of clinical outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical success was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of ≤21 mmHg with at least a 30% reduction from preoperative IOP with or without the use of anti-glaucoma medication (qualified and complete success, respectively). RESULTS: The qualified success rate (87.9% vs 82.2%, P = .40) and complete success rates (81.0% vs 73.3%, P = .32) were comparable between groups. Complications were minimal and comparable. Less than 360° trabeculotomy (P = .009) and a higher number of previous surgeries (P = .03) were both associated with worse surgical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Ab interno approach provide good and comparable outcomes as ab externo approach for microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma eyes with clear cornea. It should be considered as the initial choice in these patients with the benefit of sparing conjunctiva. Successful trabeculotomy with either technique during the first attempt is critical to overall success and underscores the need for proficiency before independent practice.

Intermediate outcomes of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy and canaloplasty in POAG patients with prior incisional glaucoma surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of ab externo circumferential trabeculotomy (ECT) and canaloplasty on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with failed filtering surgery and intact schlemm's canal (SC). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of POAG patients with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, who further received ECT and canaloplasty. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications at each follow-up point. The secondary outcome compared the quantified success rate at1-year follow-up between the groups. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes were recruited in the ECT group and 19 eyes in canaloplasty group. The postoperative IOP and the number of topical medications decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). The IOP at 3-month and 6-monthwas significantly lower in the ECT group (p = 0.039, p = 0.001) than in the canaloplasty group. Although the IOP at 12-mon was similar between the two groups, the number of topical medications was less in the ECT group (p = 0.040). Hyphema (72.4%) and ciliary body detachment (27.6%), which mainly resolve spontaneously, were two leading complications in the ECT group. The prevalence of hyphema was higher in ECT than in canaloplasty group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For POAG with failed filtering surgery and intact SC, canaloplasty may be safer, whereas ECT presented better IOP control. Translational Relevance: Suggestions for surgical choice for POAG with failed filtering surgery.

The Long-term Visual Outcomes of Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term visual outcomes of ab externo trabeculotomy for primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) at a single pediatric ophthalmology center. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center case series, data from 63 eyes of 40 patients who underwent ab externo trabeculotomy between September 2006 and June 2018 were included. The data were analyzed for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), stereopsis, and surgical success. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed using the surgical success criteria defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 20% below baseline without the need for additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: BCVA at the time of diagnosis was 0.37 ± 0.48 logMAR, which changed to 0.51 ± 0.56 logMAR at the final follow-up (P = 0.08). Twenty-five percent of patients had BCVA equal to or better than 20/40 at the final visit. The mean refraction at baseline was -4.78 ± 5.87 diopters, which changed to less myopic refraction of -2.90 ± 3.83 diopters at the final visit. Optical correction was prescribed in 66% of eyes at the final visit. The average final stereopsis was 395.33 sec of arc. The linear regression model showed a significant association between the surgery success rate and final BCVA as well as stereoacuity (P-values: 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased significantly from 29.79 ± 7.67 mmHg at baseline to 16.13 ± 3.41 mmHg at the final follow-up (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with PCG can achieve an acceptable visual acuity and stereoacuity, particularly in cases of timely intervention and close follow-up.

Surgical Approaches for Implanting Xen Gel Stent without Conjunctival Dissection.

The XEN Gel Stent (Allergan Inc., an Abbvie company) is an implant that lowers intraocular pressure by creating a filtration pathway from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space, using the same pathway as trabeculectomy. While the primary method for implantation is via ab interno approach, it is also possible to implant the device ab externo. This technique paper details the surgical steps for closed conjunctival implantation of the Gel Stent and provides surgical pearls for enhancing outcomes.

Subconjunctival Ab Externo Gel Stent Implantation for Refractory Glaucoma After High-Risk Penetrating Keratoplasty.

This case study reports the successful deployment of the XEN45 gel stent (AbbVie Inc, Chicago, IL) through an ab externo approach in a 73-year-old woman with refractory glaucoma following high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (PK) 10 years prior. The PK was for corneal perforation secondary to peripheral ulcerative keratitis, which required systemic immunosuppression comprising intravenous cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and corticosteroids to stabilise the disease and prevent corneal graft rejection. The patient's intraocular pressure was reduced from 40 mmHg preoperatively to 12 mmHg six months after surgery, off medication. The patient's visual acuity and visual fields remained stable. The XEN45 gel stent utilising the ab externo approach can be considered as a potential tool to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma after corneal keratoplasty.

Xen implantation in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: comparison of two different techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare retrospectively two different techniques of Xen implantation, which are transconjunctival (ab-externo) and standard (ab-interno) techniques. METHODS: Forty-three eyes of 43 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who had Xen implantation operation via transconjunctival (ab-externo) technique comprised Group 1. Of the 43 patients, 20 (46.5%) were males and 23 (53.5%) were females. Their mean age was 61.76 ± 8.81 (41-74) years. Forty-four eyes of 44 patients with POAG who had Xen implantation operation via standard (ab-interno) technique comprised Group 2. Of the 44 patients, 21 (47.7%) were males and 23 (52.3%) were females. The mean age of this group was 63.80 ± 9.78 (38-75) years. RESULTS: Regarding age and sex, there were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean postoperative 1st day, 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, and 12th month IOPs were significantly lower than the mean preoperative IOP in both groups (p < 0.05). The mean number of anti-glaucomatous agents used postoperatively was significantly lower than the mean preoperative number for both groups (p < 0.05). There was a significantly smaller need for needling in the transconjunctival group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Xen implantation is a safe and effective method of reducing IOP and anti-glaucomatous dependence. Potential postoperative complications can be resolved easily. There were no significant differences between the standard method and the transconjunctival method in respect of IOP and re-use of anti-glaucomatous agents. However, there was a significantly smaller need for needling in the transconjunctival group. We recommend further studies to investigate long-term results.