XEN Gel Stent: Advanced Glaucoma Control
Advantages of the XEN Gel Stent
The XEN Gel Stent delivers many benefits when compared with traditional glaucoma surgery, helping patients achieve reliable pressure control with less disruption to daily life.
The stent is placed through a tiny incision, so surgical trauma is limited and healing is faster.
Many people need fewer, or even no, glaucoma drops after the procedure, simplifying daily routines.
Studies show the device can lower eye pressure by up to 40 to 45 percent from baseline, offering sustained control over time.
The stent avoids several of the serious risks linked to more invasive procedures, making complications less common.
What Is the XEN Gel Stent?
This tiny, flexible tube creates a new drainage pathway that helps lower high eye pressure in glaucoma.
The device is made of soft, biocompatible, cross-linked hyaluronic acid.
- Available in three lumen sizes: 45 µm, 63 µm, and 140 µm
- Size selection allows a custom match for each patient’s needs
The stent is inserted through a very small incision, hydrates within minutes, and forms a micro-channel that diverts fluid from inside the eye to tissue beneath the conjunctiva.
The lumen dimensions regulate flow to a steady rate of about 6 to 8 mmHg, helping prevent pressure spikes or dangerous drops.
Could the XEN Gel Stent Help Your Glaucoma?
The stent is best suited for people whose pressure remains high despite drops or earlier surgeries, and for certain complex glaucoma types.
The procedure is recommended when medications alone cannot reach a safe pressure level.
Patients who have undergone trabeculectomy, tube shunts, or similar operations may benefit if pressure control is still insufficient.
Pseudoexfoliative and pigmentary glaucoma often respond well to the stent’s gentle approach.
The device can be placed during cataract removal, letting one surgery address two eye problems.
The minimally invasive technique aims to shorten healing time and lower the number of long-term medications.
What to Expect After Your XEN Gel Stent
Recovery is generally quick, but follow-up visits and precautions are essential for the best outcome.
Most activities resume within days, though heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and swimming should be avoided for several weeks.
Appointments allow your ophthalmologist to monitor stent function, bleb health, and signs of infection or scarring.
Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops are usually prescribed for a few weeks to control swelling and prevent infection.
Eye pressure often falls from around 20 to 30 mmHg to 10 to 12 mmHg right after surgery, offering quick relief for the optic nerve.
Many patients need fewer glaucoma drops after healing is complete.
Stable vision is common, although minor adjustments such as bleb needling may be required over time.
Clinical Studies of the XEN Gel Stent
Research consistently supports the stent’s ability to lower eye pressure safely while reducing reliance on medications.
A multicenter study reported a 40 percent drop in pressure, from 24 mmHg to 14 mmHg, at 12 months after implantation.
A systematic review found that patients decreased from about three glaucoma drops per day to fewer than one drop daily at one year.
The newer XEN 63 model showed a mean pressure reduction of nearly 15 mmHg at three months, with high success rates without extra medications.
A head-to-head study demonstrated similar pressure lowering between the XEN 45 and trabeculectomy, but with fewer postoperative interventions required.
- Peer-reviewed trials have verified performance and safety for both refractory and primary open-angle glaucoma cases.
- Data continue to evolve as longer-term results are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions patients have about the XEN Gel Stent.
Many people can reduce or even stop their drops after surgery, but the exact plan depends on how well your pressure responds and will be decided during follow-up visits.
Most patients notice clearer vision and less discomfort soon after surgery. Temporary swelling or low pressure can occur but is typically managed with short-term medications and close monitoring.
Possible issues include temporary low pressure, the need for bleb needling due to scarring, and rare bleeding inside the eye. Your ophthalmologist will discuss all risks and manage any concerns promptly.
The device is delivered with a preloaded injector through either an ab-interno or ab-externo approach. A small needle guides the stent into the subconjunctival space, creating a controlled drainage bleb.
Partner With Our Glaucoma Specialists
Protecting your vision is our priority. If you have glaucoma and want to explore advanced options like the XEN Gel Stent, our experienced ophthalmologists are ready to help. Together we can create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term eye health goals.
Dr. Chin is kind, professional, and provides thorough care. I recently had laser surgery for glaucoma and I’m very pleased with the results.
Michele Cucci
Dr. Chin is kind, professional, and provides thorough care. I recently had laser surgery for glaucoma and I’m very pleased with the results.
Michele Cucci
Doctor James Kirszrot is very professional and competent. I will now have both upper eyelids shortened to improve my vision. I have full confidence that the procedure will be successful.
Dennis M.
Staff is friendly and thorough. Dr. Fleischer is attentive, thorough, and personable.
Kenneth Diego
Dr. Bianchi is a breath of fresh air. Wonderful experience for our 1.5-year-old. He is kind, attentive, patient, and caring. Thank you for restoring my faith in healthcare, Dr. Bianchi!
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