Xen Study Finds Ab Interno and Externo Approaches Equally Effective

Researchers from the University of Illinois College of Medicine found that both approaches reduce IOP, lower medications, and improve visual acuity.

By: Evan Lagouros, MD, Cecilia Canizela, BS

Glaucoma Physician February 23, 2026

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Evan Lagouros

Affiliations: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Evan Lagouros, MD, is affiliated with the University of Illinois College of Medicine and works in glaucoma-related ophthalmic research. He directed research presented at the 2026 American Glaucoma Society meeting evaluating long-term outcomes of the Xen gel stent. His work highlighted retrospective data comparing ab interno and ab externo Xen gel stent approaches, with findings showing similar reductions in intraocular pressure and medication burden, as well as maintained visual acuity, through up to 3 years of follow-up.

Cecilia Canizela, BS

Medical Student

Affiliations: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Cecilia Canizela, BS, is a medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, Illinois. Her ophthalmology work focuses on glaucoma outcomes, including research presented at the 2026 American Glaucoma Society meeting on long-term outcomes of the Xen gel stent, comparing ab interno and ab externo approaches for intraocular pressure reduction, medication burden, and visual acuity.

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Glaucoma Physician

Xen Study Finds Ab Interno and Externo Approaches Equally Effective

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