XEN® Gel Stents in Boca Raton, FL

When a patient's glaucoma does not respond well to medication or previous surgical invention, and intraocular pressure continues to remain uncontrolled with evidence of optic nerve damage, it is called refractory glaucoma. Our experienced ophthalmologists at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center are exceptionally skilled at utilizing innovative technologies and procedures to treat all stages of glaucoma. If a patient has refractory glaucoma or is otherwise not a good candidate for traditional glaucoma surgery, then the XEN Gel Stent may be an option. The XEN Gel Stent is a tube-shaped surgical implant about the size of a human eyelash made with soft, durable gelatin. The implant creates a small channel in the eye for fluid to drain out, which can help lower intraocular pressure. If you have refractory glaucoma, contact our office to connect with an ophthalmologist who offers XEN gel stents in Boca Raton, FL.

There are a variety of advantages to the XEN Gel Stents over more traditional treatments, such as trabeculectomy. Some benefits include:

• Minimally invasive
• Faster treatment and quicker recovery
• Fewer side effects than other methods
• Soft and flexible device
• Long-lasting results

Patients who have undergone previous glaucoma surgeries but experience continual issues may be good candidates for XEN Gel Stents. In general, XEN is indicated for those who:

• Unable to find relief with medication
• Have undergone previous surgical intervention with no solution
• Are experiencing uncontrollable intraocular pressure
• Have noticeable optic nerve damage
• Not responsive to maximum medical therapy

This minimally invasive procedure can be an ideal option for glaucoma patients searching for a solution. Learn more about XEN eye stent surgery and get in contact with our team today.

When you schedule lens implant surgery, the placement is straightforward. We take you back into our operating room and numb your eye with drops and numbing ointment. After thoroughly numbing the eye, we'll clean the area to clear any unnecessary dirt or particles. Once prepped, we use an instrument to open your eyelid. A small incision will be made in your cornea for implant placement, and the implant will be inserted using a special surgical injection device. When the implant is in place, it creates a channel for fluid to escape and drain, lowering your intraocular pressure. If you want to know more about the placement process for XEN Gel Stents, please schedule a consultation in our Boca Raton, FL office.

If you have been determined to be a good candidate for XEN surgery, it will be performed on an outpatient basis and will take approximately 1 – 2 hours. Prior to your procedure, our team will administer anesthetic eye drops to minimize your discomfort. After the placement of your implant, our team of ophthalmologists at our Boca Raton, FL, location will monitor your healing progress and intraocular pressure through several follow-up appointments. The implant is designed to remain in your eye permanently. If you have further questions about the procedure, please address them with your glaucoma specialist.

How long is the recovery process after XEN Gel Stent placement?

Following the placements of your XEN stent in Boca Raton, FL, you should be able to return to your regular routine within about 2 – 3 weeks, provided you continue to refrain from strenuous physical activity for several months. You may feel a foreign body sensation in your eye, and your eye may tear often. These symptoms usually improve within two days. If you have more severe pain following surgery, contact your Clewner & Kelly surgical team right away.

Will I still need my glaucoma drops after surgery?

Some patients are able to reduce the number of glaucoma drops they have to administer following their XEN surgery, but your ophthalmologist will be the one to advise you whether or not you can reduce or stop your glaucoma drops. The surgery might still be considered a success, even if you have to continue with your glaucoma medications.

What happens if the XEN Gel Stent implant does not lower eye pressure?

Should the XEN surgery fail to lower your eye pressure, your ophthalmologist will discuss all your options with you, including other surgeries and medications. For many patients, the risks of surgery are lower than the possible risk of vision loss from glaucoma if the disease is left untreated. Speak to your Boca Raton, FL ophthalmologist about all your options and the potential risks of surgery prior to undergoing an operation.

At Clewner & Kelly Eye Center, we strive to offer glaucoma patients the most cutting-edge and minimally invasive solutions for the management of intraocular pressure. Our accomplished eye surgeons are dedicated to providing you with innovative care, even when your glaucoma has been resistant to other methods of treatment in the past. If you have refractory glaucoma, contact our center in Boca Raton, FL, to consult with a board-certified ophthalmologist about the XEN Gel Stent and see how a small implant can make a big impact.