Blake Williamson, MD, performed the first Xen Gel Stent procedure form Allergan Surgical in Louisiana at the Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, according to a Weekly Citizen report.
Here are five things to know:
1. The Xen Gel Stent is a micro-invasive glaucoma stent procedure form Allergan Surgical. The device is designed for outpatient implantation and the stent can then control the fluid flow to relieve pressure on the eye.
2. In the past, stents were used in more invasive procedures to treat glaucoma. After the stent is placed, there is reduced intraocular pressure that can bring glaucoma under control.
3. Dr. Williamson performed the first procedure on April 5 and conducted four other Xen Gel Stent procedures on the same day. Allergan representatives were on site for the first procedure.
4. Williamson Eye Center includes four offices in addition to the outpatient surgery center as well as 10 physicians and more than 100 employees.
5. Many patients currently undergo medication management for glaucoma, which affects around 2 million people in the U.S. and can cause blindness if left untreated.