AIM:To study the effect of EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implantation on corneal endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure for primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).

METHODS:This was a prospective clinical study of 38 eyes in 32 POAG patients who underwent EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implantation in our hospital from May 2016 to December 2017. The central, nasal, temporal,superior, inferior endothelium cell density, intraocular pressure(IOP), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)were observed at 24mo after operation. Anterior chamber depth and the position of drainage nail with iris and cornea were also observed.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference of the corneal endothelium density in five sites and BCVA between preoperation and postoperation(P>0.05). There was significant difference in IOP between pre-operation and postoperation(P<0.05). The complete success rate was 66% and conditional success rate was 21%, the failure rate was 13%. The main cause of failure was filtering bleb scarring. There was no complete disappearance of anterior chamber during the operation and follow-up period. There were 1 eye of shallow anterior chamber, 5 eyes of EX-PRESS contact with iris surface. The position of drainage nail with iris and cornea endothelium was good in the other 32 eyes.

CONCLUSION: The EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implantation has no effect on corneal endothelial cells in five directions and can effectively control intraocular pressure. It is a safe and effective method for primary open-angle glaucoma.