XEN gel stent implantation, a novel minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), constructs a novel subconjunctival external filtration pathway for aqueous humor outflow through a microfilter tube made of an innovative cross-linked material.The implant can be inserted via ab interno and ab externo approaches, each with its advantages and disadvantages.At present, XEN gel stent has demonstrated satisfactory efficacy and safety in both the short and long term in various types of glaucoma and combined phacoemulsification.Comparative studies with other filtering glaucoma surgeries have been conducted.Postoperative bleb-related complications are the most common ones, which are often treated by needling and open bleb revision.This procedure is a typical representative of MIGS, which offers the advantages of easy operation, less invasive, shorter operation time, valid intraocular pressure reduction, fewer complications and high safety, therefore significantly expanding the range of indications for MIGS and offering a favorable application prospect for clinical treatment of glaucoma.This article reviews the research progress of the material and characteristics, surgical techniques, indications and contraindications, clinical applications and complications of XEN gel stent.

Glaucoma; Glaucoma drainage implants; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Clinical progress