Navigating hypotony challenges with XEN gel implantation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The XEN Gel, a hydrophilic tube meticulously crafted to adhere to the principles of the Hagen – Poiseuille law, is designed to facilitate efficient aqueous shunting without inducing hypotony. Implantable ab interno or ab externo, with or without conjunctival opening, the device shows no significant outcome differences. Despite numerical hypotony signaling failure, patients may fare well below 6 mmHg. Areas Covered This review provides insights into device variability, challenges related to hypotony, associated risk factors, and hypotony management. Expert opinion The progressive evolution of the XEN Gel constitutes a significant advancement in the field of glaucoma management. Comparative studies investigating diverse implantation methodologies, particularly the ab interno and closed conjunctival approaches, highlight the device versatility in addressing individual patient needs. Exploring hypotony from both statistical and clinical perspectives challenges the traditional view of intraocular pressure as a straightforward success or failure indicator. The incidence of hypotony-related issues varies between device models, emphasizes the need for an individualized approach during device selection. Overall, understanding the dynamics of hypotony is crucial for optimizing the outcomes of XEN Gel implantation.