Drainage Tube Surgery

[GCPizza]

Hi. I had primary open angle glaucoma in both eyes diagnosed in 2017. Had right eye trabeculectomy in 2019 and that eye has been fairly stable since. The left eye had a XEN implant In 2019, cataract surgery in 2022, retinal detachment in 2023, and selective laser trabeculectomy in July 2024. Despite continuing with various drops, currently Brinzolomide and Latanoprost, pressure today is 34 and Drainage Tube Surgery is proposed. I would welcome any comments or experiences of having this surgery please. Was it successful and did it take long to recover from? Thank you. Geoff (aged 75)

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi Geoff. Drainage tube surgery can be very successful at lowering pressure and controlling glaucoma. It's a bit different to a trabeculectomy as there is an implant involved in this surgery. I have provided a link to the booklet that we have on this surgery below. I would recommend having a read as there is some good information in there and is very informative.

glaucoma.uk/wp-content/uplo.....

Hope that helps.

[GCPizza in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thank you Kieran.

[ODTAA]

You don't say whether the pressure of 34 is in the eye which had the Xen implant or the other one. The Xen implant is a drainage tube. I had these in both eyes a few years ago, and the one in my left eye became blocked by scar tissue. I had further surgery to clear it, but it was not succesfil. I then had cataract surgery in both eyes (a few months apart), and whilst doing this, the surgeoon cleared the blockag in my left eye. I think the one in my right eye has since become partially blocked, as I now have to use Trusopt twice daily in my left eye only. Recent checks showed pressures of 9 mmHg in both eyes, so things seem to be OK now. Recovery was similar to the original Xen implant surgery, i.e. about 7 days with eye shield at night and drops, but you have already experienced this, so know how it went for you.

[GCPizza in reply to ODTAA]

Thank you ODTAA. The 34 pressure is the left eye - the right eye has been fine since the trabeculectomy.

[ODTAA in reply to GCPizza]

I noticed a mistake in my previous reply: the eye drops are in my right eye, not the left. your pressures seem to suggest that your Xen implant may be blocked, as mine was. I suggest you ask your consultant about this, and whether he thinks an operation to clear it would be a good idea. Mine was successful at the second attempt.

[Rainyday2024]

Hello Geoff, I have just been reading through some older posts regarding tube implants and was wondering whether you did have one done? If so, what sort did you have and how are you getting on? I had a Paul Tube implant almost six months ago. Regards, Gill

[GCPizza in reply to Rainyday2024]

Hi Gill, no I'm still waiting! Supposedly on the list! Was yours successful?

[Rainyday2024 in reply to GCPizza]

Hi Geoff, Hopefully, mine was successful but am seeing consultant this afternoon, so will know more then. Fingers crossed! I last saw him about two months ago and he changed my drops, now using Cosopt twice daily and Monopost once, in the evening. I hope these are keeping my pressures at an acceptable level. It is such a worry, isn’t it? I was fortunate to be able to have mine done privately (cost a small fortune) but at least I got it done very quickly with the consultant/surgeon I wanted. God knows how long I’d have had to wait on the NHS! Whereabouts are you situated? Gill

[GCPizza in reply to Rainyday2024]

Hi Gill

I’m in Didsbury so use Manchester Royal Eye Hospital which are generally pretty good but do seem to suffer some delays recently. I’m currently on Brinzolomide twice a day, brimonidine twice a day, latanoprost once and Acetazolamide tablets . Unfortunately I seem to be allergic to Cosopt.

[Rainyday2024 in reply to GCPizza]

Hello again, Well my eye consultant seemed very pleased with my operated eye, and the pressures were acceptable. Such a relief. I find the Cosopt stings my eyes but this may because they are rather dry. The Monopost seems fine - another name for Latanoprost I believe. All being well, I haven’t got to see him for about four months, when he will do a checkup and visual fields test. Take care and please let me know if and when you have your operation. Regards, Gill