Glaucoma Implant Surgery
Dr Skalicky is a highly experienced glaucoma surgeon
If you have been recently diagnosed with glaucoma, there are multiple treatment options available to you. The Xen® Gel Stent is designed to stay in the eye permanently. The Xen Gel Stent is designed to treat many forms of glaucoma, including cases where previous treatments did not work.
The Xen Implant
The Xen implant is the newest minimally invasive procedure for glaucoma in Australia. The Xen Gel Stent is a small 6 mm natural tube derived from collagen and gelatine, which is inserted from inserted from inside the eye to the external surface to allow drainage of fluid. The Xen Gel Stent is designed to safely lower eye pressure to treat glaucoma and is less invasive than other surgical treatments allowing for a quicker recovery.
The Xen Implant difference
The Xen Implant is unlike conventional glaucoma surgery, because there is no cutting or suturing of the conjunctiva and sclera, resulting in less trauma, greater patient safety and lowered risk. Moreover, there is potentially less intense post-operative follow-up. The Xen Implant surgery is performed in a sterile operating theatre.
What are the risks?
Xen is performed in theatre under sterile conditions. Like all eye operations there is a small risk of infection or bleeding but generally this is minimal. The eye pressure might become too low temporarily, causing a temporary blurring of vision. Over time the Xen may scar or become blocked, and the scar tissue might need to be removed (an office-based procedure).
How does the Xen compare with the traditional trabeculectomy?
The Xen is an exciting technology, seen as an improved version of the traditional glaucoma operation (trabeculectomy). The Xen procedure is quicker, more gentle to the eye with less manipulation of the eye. It appears to have the same potential long-term problems as the trabeculectomy however it is unclear if it controls the eye pressure as effectively over the long term. Time will tell if it is as successful as the trabeculectomy (which has been around for 50 years) at controlling glaucoma.
Why choose Dr Skalicky for your Xen Implant
Glaucoma surgery is technically demanding, and precision work and care is required during and following the operation. Dr Skalicky is an impeccably trained glaucoma surgeon, able to deliver all forms of glaucoma surgery with excellence. His gentle and warm care combined with a meticulous surgical approach ensures optimal results. He diligently follows his patients following surgery and communicates well with them and their family throughout the process.
Accreditations & Credentials
Dr Skalicky is an active clinician, surgeon, researcher, teacher, academic and health advocate who has published over 60 articles in international Ophthalmology journals. Known as an Ophthalmologist ahead of the times, Dr Skalicky’s career highlights are exceptional atypical for his age.
