On the 15th June, a new glaucoma procedure was performed for the first time in Malta, as part of a surgeon training session organised by Allergan. The new XEN implant forms part of Allergan’s Eyecare portfolio distributed by Vivian Corporation.

glaucoma 2

 

XEN is a simple and effective way to treat glaucoma. The implant consists of a small tube 6mm long and the thickness of a human hair, which is inserted into the eye with a pre-packed injector. This reduces the size of the incision needed. XEN is indicated to reduce eye pressure in patients whose glaucoma is not well-managed with eye drops. It is designed to stay in the eye permanently creating a small pathway to drain fluid away to lower pressure inside the eye.

The surgeons and staff first received training on artificial eyes at St. James Eye Clinic by Allergan’s surgical partner, Dr. Evelina Kotseva. The following morning, a total of 5 patients had the new XEN implants inserted into their eyes. These surgeries were performed by Mr. Mario Vella and Mr. Francis Carbonaro, at Mater Dei Hospital. Katrine Agius, Allergan’s Country Lead, said: “It is a very safe and less time-consuming alternative to the more traditional glaucoma surgery. XEN is also more cost-effective than using more than one type of glaucoma eye drops per patient”.