“Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography for Cases of High Intraocular Pressure Following XEN Implant for Glaucoma”

Abstract

Precis: This study showed that the XEN patency should be verified by OCT imaging in cases of encapsulated blebs. Although fibrosis plays the principal role, humour aqueous flow reduction could affect the “spacer” effect that inhibits the fibroblast attachments. Purpose: To evaluate the application of the AS-OCT imaging in studying the relationship between a low flow rate through the XEN63 and the development of a cystic bleb. Methods: Retrospective case series of three eyes presenting a cystic bleb after a XEN63 implantation for uncontrolled IOP. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. The imaging findings, complications and managements following the surgery were evaluated. Results: Three patients, with an average age of 67.3 years, initially showed a patent stent lumen and a functional bleb after surgery. The IOP of all eyes increased on average at 28.3 days from the surgery, with a mean value of 39.66 mmHg. The slit lamp examination showed a cystic bleb. The AS-OCT imaging confirmed the previous finding and revealed either a partial or total occlusion of the stent internal ostium. A Nd:YAG laser, in proximity of the ostium, was performed in order to resolve the obstruction. Although the AS-OCT imaging showed the device patency and the IOP immediately decreased, the latter became elevated again. Consequently, in all the cases a further needling procedure was needed to achieve an adequate IOP reduction. Six months after the two-step procedure, the IOP averaged 13.33 mmHg, the XEN63 lumens appeared cleared and the blebs showed a functional morphology. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The development of a cystic bleb may result from an altered balance between the flow-rate through the XEN63 and the fibrosis development in the postoperative healing process. A proper follow up based on slit lamp biomicroscopy, IOP measurement and AS-OCT imaging is advisable to estimate and manage a cystic bleb following XEN63 implantation.