Objective: To qualitatively analyse the evolution of filtering blebs after XEN surgery, by using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Methods: A prospective study was performed on filtering blebs of 30 eyes with cataracts and glaucoma, surgically operated on using phacoemulsification and XEN45 implantation (PHACO-XEN). AS-OCT was used to analyse bleb morphology and reflectivity at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Functionality was studied considering an intraocular pressure (IOP)≤18mmHg without antihypertensive medication.

Results: The IOP enabled the blebs to be classified into non-functional: flat (6.67%) and encapsulated (3.33%); and functional (90%), which were then divide by their morphology into cystic (5/27), diffuse (2/27), and layered (20/27). Cystic types had a mean IOP of 12.8, 12.6, and 14.0mmHg at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the diffuse type, the mean IOP was 13.0, 11.5 and 13.0mmHg at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the layers pattern the mean IOP was 14.45, 14.55 and 14.8mmHg at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. The percentage of blebs with high reflectivity was 48.15%, 62.96%, and 77.78%, at 3, 6 and 12 months, with a mean IOP of 14.23, 14.59, and 15.14mmHg in each time period, respectively.

Conclusions: AS-OCT could be a good predictor of bleb functionality in PHACO-XEN surgery. Those with a cystic pattern or low reflectivity seem to have better post-operative success. Nevertheless, more long-term studies are required.