We conclude from our data that the XEN45 Gel Stent has an IOP-lowering potential and few side-effects. Pseudophakic eyes seem to have a better primary prognosis compared to combined surgery or surgery in phakic eyes.

Background To determine whether the outcome of the first eye may serve as a predictor for intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering effectiveness in the second eye following bilateral ab interno trabeculectomy. Methods This retrospective single‐centre study included 168 eyes from 84 participants, who underwent combined Trabectome surgery with phacoemulsification cataract surgery in a hospital setting. The clinical endpoint was defined as either ‘success’ or ‘failure’ based on four separate scores at the longest follow‐up time point: IOP at follow‐up <21 mm Hg (Score A) or IOP < 18 mm Hg (Score B), without re‐surgery and IOP reduction >20%; IOP ≤15 mm Hg without re‐surgery and IOP reduction ≥40% (Score C); and the sole absence of re‐surgery according to the discretion of the surgeon (Score D). Results No significant difference was observed between the outcomes of first and second eyes. The frequency of success in the second eye after effective surgery in the first eye significantly exceeded that after prior failure. Within our analysis, the probability calculations determined a 75% chance of success following prior success for Score A. If surgery in the first eye failed, the chance of success in the subsequent eye was 37%. The corresponding probabilities were 79% and 32% for Score B, 56% and 9% for Score C, and 99% and 50% for Score D. Conclusion The results of our study offer a useful tool to assess the success of subsequent eye surgeries based on the outcome in the initial eye, owing to the high predictive potential.

Introduction: We report a case of XEN45 Gel Stent removal 3 years after its implantation. The stent had degraded with a closed lumen, so a new stent was implanted. Case Report: A 63-year-old woman was scheduled for XEN45 Gel Stent implantation. Three years after the primary surgery and 2 years after a surgical revision, second revision surgery was required. The conjunctiva was opened, and the implanted XEN Gel Stent was stripped of the adhesive scar tissues. No aqueous humor flow was seen through the stent, and therefore, the stent was removed. The intrascleral and intracameral parts had degraded. The surface of the stent was irregular and cobbled. A part of the lumen in the middle of the stent had closed. Discussion: We detected changes in the stent after its removal during the surgical revision with conjunctival opening, which is our standard approach for failed XEN Gel Stents. Most surgeons advise needling of the stent in cases of failure. However, in cases of needling, changes in the stent might not have been detected. Thus, the number of patients with similar changes as this report might be higher than the publications suggest. No unique characteristics distinguished this patient from those who had a functional XEN Gel Stent. The stent, in this case, might have been of inferior quality as an exception, or all stents might degrade over time. Therefore, gonioscopy should be performed carefully to detect any changes in the stent. In cases of suspected stent degradation, we recommend a revision surgery with conjunctival opening and removal of the stent in cases of degradation.

The OPA measured with the Pascal(®) device seems to be dependent on IOP changes. Particular caution should be taken in the interpretation of OPA in estimating pulsatile ocular blood flow.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to test the effect of ethyl alcohol on the koniocellular and magnocellular pathway of visual function and to investigate the relationship between such visual field changes and retrobulbar blood flow in healthy subjects.MethodsIn 12 healthy subjects (mean age 32 ± 4 years), color Doppler imaging, short-wavelength automated perimetry, and frequency doubling perimetry was performed before and 60 minutes after oral intake of 80 mL of 40 vol% ethanol. Mean and pattern standard deviations for short-wavelength automated and frequency doubling perimetry were assessed. End diastolic velocity (EDV) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured in the central retinal and ophthalmic arteries using color Doppler imaging. Systemic blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure, and blood alcohol concentration were determined.ResultsMean PSV and EDV in the central retinal artery showed a significant increase after alcohol intake (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Similarly, we found a significant acceleration of blood flow velocity in the ophthalmic artery (P = 0.02 for PSV; P = 0.04 for EDV). Mean intraocular pressure decreased by 1.0 mmHg after alcohol ingestion (P = 0.01). Retinal sensitivity in short-wavelength automated perimetry did not alter, whereas in frequency doubling perimetry, the mean deviation decreased significantly. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly. Mean blood alcohol concentration was 0.38 ± 0.16 g/L.ConclusionAlthough ethanol is known to cause peripheral vasodilation, our subjects had no significant drop in systemic blood pressure. However, a significant increase of blood flow velocity was seen in the retrobulbar vessels. Regarding visual function, moderate alcohol consumption led to reduced performance in the magnocellular visual system tested by frequency doubling perimetry, but had no effect on short-wavelength automated perimetry.