Glaucoma care: Xen Gel Stent

• Posted on: Aug 11 2021
• By: Jim Wiegand

Glaucoma is a vision robbing disease that if left untreated can cause irreversible vision loss – it’s among the leading causes of blindness worldwide. In its most common form, increased pressure within the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. This pressure is often the result of faulty drainage at the front of the eye.

There are several treatments for glaucoma, but early detection is key to maintaining vision. Less invasive means of treatments include regular use of medicated eye drops. If eye drops prove ineffective, your surgeon may suggest alternative procedures, including surgery.

Among the surgeries performed to treat glaucoma is the use of the Xen Gel Stent, a cutting edge medical implant designed for use with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. The stent creates a small channel in the eye to help drain excess fluid to maintain a healthier eye pressure.

The stent is very small, about the length of an eyelash, and is placed under the conjunctiva to allow a freer flow out of the extra eye fluid. This tiny device is designed to stay in the eye permanently, so no further surgeries are required.

Patients appreciate that surgery with Xen Gel Stent is performed as a standalone procedure, or at the time of cataract surgery. It is also considered safer than traditional glaucoma surgeries, is less invasive, and has less recovery time (usually less than a week), which all contribute to fewer overall complications.

All Tower Clock Eye Center physicians treat glaucoma, but our fellowship trained surgeon Dr. Kurt Schwiesow, MD, has extensive training in the disease. If you’re looking for state-of-the-art glaucoma care, contact us at 920 499-3102 to schedule an appointment.

Tagged with: Best of the Bay, Dr. Kurt Schwiesow, Eye disease, glaucoma, glaucoma specialist

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