Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel miniature glaucoma implant, the Ex-PRESSTM (Optonol Ltd), in reducing intra-ocular pressure in combined surgery. Methods: The Ex-PRESSTM is a miniature stainless steel glaucoma implant with a 50µ internal lumen. A multi-center, open non-comparative case series was performed (3 medical centers in 3 countries). 22 eyes of Caucasian patients with open-angle glaucoma associated with cataract were included. The device was implanted at the limbus through a snip conjunctival incision. No antimetabolites were used. Results: The procedure lasted 3.7 1.8 minutes (Mean SD). No inflammation, infection or chronic hypotony was encountered. Needling or revision of the bleb was performed in 7 eyes. Mean follow- up was 37.1 weeks 16.9. IOP was significantly reduced from pre-operative 24.5 5.4 mmHg to 14.5 3.5 mmHg and to 15.2 2.6 at 26 and 52 weeks, respectively. Number of antiglaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2.14 1.36 to 0.40.7 at one year. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the follow up, the Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma drainage device seems to be a safe and effective alternative to trabeculectomy in combined surgery with cataract extraction.
Keywords: 317 anterior chamber