Experience with XEN or GATT eye surgery to reduce pressure

Posted by Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor @dsh33782, Dec 14, 2020

I have had glaucoma for over 30 years and am now on the maximum drops but the pressure is starting to rise again. Two possible surgeries have been proposed by different glaucoma specialists. XEN involves a tiny flexible tube the size of an eye lash inserted inside the eye coming out very close to the surface of the eye under the upper eye lid to allow fluid to drain easier. GATT also involves a tube inserted inside the eye to redirect fluid bypassing clogged drain. I would like to hear from patients and doctors what they think of these. Both have lots of pros and cons. I've already lost central vision in one eye and would like to keep good vision in the other eye. I am 75 and hope to need my vision for another 15-20 years.

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Hi Don @dsh33782 - This info sounds very promising. I found a study on Google Scholar that mentions XEN is a little more promising than the GATT eye surgery. I'm hoping members who have had the procedure can provide some feedback for you.

XEN gel implant versus gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (PDF): https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10792-019-01271-w.pdf

XEN® Gel Stent: A Comprehensive Review on Its Use as a Treatment Option for Refractory Glaucoma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7335291/

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John, all
Thanks that article was helpful. I see GS doc next week to see how new drops and pressure are doing, and I will ask some more questions about XEN.

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