The Ex-PRESS™ Glaucoma Filtration Device is a small unit that is implanted between the inner region and the outer region of the eye.
The Ex-PRESS mini shunt is a straightforward procedure, in which you divert the fluid through an extremely small tube to the outside of the eye. Although the device is as small as a grain of rice, it acts just like a heart stent keeping a pathway open so blood (or fluid) can successfully go around the blockage. The Ex-PRESS provides precise control of the amount of fluid that is allowed to flow out helping the eye maintain a healthy level of internal pressure.
The technique for implantation is similar to that for trabeculectomy. The possible complications are also similar but generally are milder & less frequent. There are, however, some additional risks related to the shunt itself.
The Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt provides effective long term control of intraocular pressure, with a success rate of about 94% 2.
In most cases, patients virtually eliminate their need for glaucoma eye drops after Ex-PRESS surgery.
For more information, please visit www.minishunt.com or talk with Dr. Barbara Smythe.