Aims To assess the efficacy of Xen in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in varying glaucoma subtypes. To assess the effect of combined phacoemulsification. To determine the frequency of complications and explore further bleb management needed. Methods Retrospective case note review of all patients undergoing Xen implantation across four centres from August 2015 to May 2017. Results In total, 259 consecutive surgeries of 226 patients were reviewed. IOP reduced from 19.3 (SD ± 6.0) mmHg preoperatively to 14.2 (SD ± 4.4) at month 12 and 13.5 (SD ± 3.3) at month 18 (p < 0.0001). Medication usage reduced from 2.6 (±1.1) preoperatively to 0.8 (±1.0) at month 12 (p < 0.0001) and 1.1 (±1.3) medications at month 18 (p < 0.0001). Simultaneous phacoemulsification did not alter outcomes as Xen IOP was 14.3 (SD ± 4.7) mmHg and Phaco-Xen was 13.8 (SD ± 2.6) mmHg at month 12 (p = 0.5367). Xen appears to be effective in previous failed filtration surgery. Adverse events included: IOP spikes of ≥30 mmHg in 33 (12.7%) cases, secondary filtration surgery required in 24 (9.3%) cases; implant exposure in 6 (2.3%) cases; persistent hypotonous maculopathy in 5 (1.9%) cases; persistent choroidal effusions in 4 (1.5%) cases; a cyclodialysis cleft secondary to implant insertion in 1 (0.5%) case; and 1 (0.5%) case of endophthalmitis postimplant bleb resuturing. In all, 40.9% of cases required postoperative bleb needling or antimetabolite injection. Conclusions Xen reduces IOP and medications at 18 months. Adverse events are uncommon. Careful postoperative surveillance and low threshold for bleb management is needed. Xen is safe and effective in mild to moderate glaucoma.

The burden of retinal disease is ever growing with the increasing age of the world-wide population. Transplantation of retinal tissue derived from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is considered a promising treatment. However, derivation of retinal tissue from PSCs using defined media is a lengthy process and often variable between different cell lines. This study indicated that alginate hydrogels enhanced retinal tissue development from PSCs, whereas hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels did not. This is the first study to show that 3D culture with a biomaterial scaffold can improve retinal tissue derivation from PSCs. These findings indicate potential for the clinical application of alginate hydrogels for the derivation and subsequent transplantation retinal tissue. This work may also have implications for the derivation of other pigmented, neural or epithelial tissue.

Xen reduces IOP and number of medications in eyes with failed trabeculectomy. Detailed preoperative conjunctival assessment and targeted stent placement is required. Prospective data and follow-up beyond 12 months are required but Xen seems a viable, effective, and safe option after failed trabeculectomy.

Both stains were successfully used to peel the ILM with comparable outcomes. AV17-M resulted in less retinal debris than BBG-P, suggesting an altered and potentially beneficial ILM cleavage plane from the retina but with lowered staining contrast than BBG-PEG.

A 34-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute painless loss of vision of the left eye. Past medical history included painful lumps in the legs and frequent mouth ulcers, which were undiagnosed. The patient's visual acuity was 6/5 and counting fingers in the right and left eye, respectively. There were extensive intraretinal haemorrhages and venous sheathing in the superior quadrant of the left eye with associated disc oedema. The case was discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting in the presence of ophthalmology, dermatology and immunology and a diagnosis of Behçet's disease was reached. The patient was commenced on intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days followed by a switch to oral prednisolone. Due to recalcitrant uveitis, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant was administered. Eventually, systemic azathioprine and infliximab were commenced with frequent review by ophthalmology and immunology. The macular oedema improved but, unfortunately, the patient's visual acuity did not recover. Behçet's disease is a complex vasculitis involving multiple organ systems. Ocular manifestations can occur in 70% of patients, comprising retinal vasculitis, anterior uveitis, iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, scleritis, keratitis, vitreous haemorrhage, optic neuritis, conjunctivitis, retinal vein occlusion and retinal neovascularisation. A tailored multidisciplinary approach is required, with corticosteroids being the mainstay of treatment.