A new glaucoma procedure was performed for the first time in Malta as part of a surgeon training session organised by Allergan. The new XEN implant forms part of Allergan’s eye care portfolio distributed by Vivian Corporation.

Five patients had the new XEN implants inserted into their eyes, which consists of a small tube six millimetres long and the thickness of a human hair, which is inserted into the eye with a pre-packed injector. XEN is indicated to reduce eye pressure in patients whose glaucoma is not well-managed with eye drops.

These surgeries were performed by ophthalmic surgeons Mario Vella and Francis Carbonaro at Mater Dei Hospital, who received training at St James Eye Clinic prior to the intervention.

Mr Carbonaro said: “It is a very safe alternative to the more traditional glaucoma surgery, and we are pleased that all five cases did very well and had a very significant reduction in eye pressure.”