The ExPRESS Shunt is a glaucoma drainage device designed to help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. It is a small implant that facilitates the drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to a subconjunctival reservoir. Here are key points about the ExPRESS Shunt and its use in glaucoma surgery:

Indications:

• The ExPRESS Shunt is often used in patients with open-angle glaucoma who have not responded well to other conservative treatments, such as medications and laser therapy.
• It provides an alternative to traditional filtering surgeries like trabeculectomy.

Surgical Technique:

• The ExPRESS Shunt is typically implanted during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
• The surgeon creates a small, partial-thickness scleral flap to access the anterior chamber of the eye.
• The ExPRESS Shunt is then inserted through the scleral flap into the anterior chamber.

Drainage Mechanism:

• The ExPRESS Shunt acts as a conduit for aqueous humor to flow from the anterior chamber to a subconjunctival reservoir.
• The reservoir allows for controlled drainage, helping to regulate intraocular pressure.

IPostoperative Care:

• After surgery, patients are prescribed medications to prevent infection, control inflammation, and regulate IOP.
• Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor the function of the ExPRESS Shunt and adjust medications as needed.

Advantages:

• The ExPRESS Shunt offers the advantage of being a less invasive option compared to traditional filtering surgeries.
• It can be particularly beneficial for patients who may be at higher risk for complications with more invasive procedures.

Complications:

• While the ExPRESS Shunt is generally well-tolerated, complications can include infection, bleeding, and issues related to the device itself.
• Close monitoring is crucial to detect and address complications early.

Visual Rehabilitation:

• Visual recovery varies among individuals, and improvements may take time.
• Regular follow-up examinations are essential to assess visual function and the health of the optic nerve.

The ExPRESS Shunt is one of several surgical options for managing glaucoma, and its use is determined based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the specific type of glaucoma. As with any surgical procedure, it's important for patients to have a thorough discussion with their ophthalmologist to understand the potential risks and benefits and to receive personalized recommendations based on their unique circumstances. If you have specific questions about the ExPRESS Shunt or glaucoma surgery in general, feel free to ask!