EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device: efficacy, safety, and predictability

• Main Authors: Chan JE, Netl, PA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2015-09-01
• Series: Medical Devices : Evidence and Research
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/ex-press-glaucoma-filtration-device-efficacy-safety-and-predictability-peer-reviewed-article-MDER

Jessica E Chan, Peter A Netland Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA Abstract: Trabeculectomy has been the traditional primary surgical therapy for open-angle glaucoma. While trabeculectomy is effective in lowering intraocular pressure, complications associated with the procedure have motivated the development of alternative techniques and devices, including the EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device. This review describes the efficacy, safety, complication rates, and potential advantages and disadvantages of the EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device. EX-PRESS implantation is technically simpler compared with that of trabeculectomy, with fewer surgical steps. Vision recovery has been more rapid after EX-PRESS implantation compared with trabeculectomy. Intraocular pressure variation is lower during the early postoperative period, indicating a more predictable procedure. While efficacy of the EX-PRESS implant has been comparable to trabeculectomy, postoperative complications appear less common after EX-PRESS implantation compared with trabeculectomy. The EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device appears to be safe and effective in the surgical management of open-angle glaucoma. Keywords: surgery, trabeculectomy, mitomycin C, glaucoma drainage implant