Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:30
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
[New aqueous humor drainage systems].
1Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHU de Liège, Domaine Universitaire du Sart-Tilman, B.35, B-4000 Liège, Belgique. nathalie.collignon@chu.ulg.ac.be
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|June 12, 2009
Summary
Glaucoma treatment increasingly uses drainage devices when other methods fail. New approaches aim to enhance aqueous humor outflow by bypassing resistance or using novel implants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Engineering
Context:
- Glaucoma treatment often requires surgical intervention after medical and laser therapies prove insufficient.
- Trabeculectomy, a traditional surgical approach, has limitations necessitating alternative drainage strategies.
- Increasing prevalence of glaucoma drives innovation in aqueous humor drainage systems.
Purpose:
- To review and discuss novel drainage systems for glaucoma management.
- To explore new concepts in improving aqueous humor outflow.
- To present innovative biomaterial implants and surgical techniques bypassing the trabecular meshwork.
Summary:
- Current glaucoma treatment trends show a rise in drainage system utilization, particularly for refractory cases.
- Emerging drainage concepts involve inert biomaterial implants and methods to facilitate direct aqueous humor outflow into Schlemm canal.
- These advancements aim to overcome resistance within the trabecular meshwork, a key factor in glaucoma progression.
Impact:
- These new approaches offer potential alternatives for patients with advanced glaucoma or those unresponsive to conventional treatments.
- Advancements in drainage systems could lead to improved intraocular pressure control and better visual field preservation.
- The development of novel biomaterials and surgical techniques may reduce the need for repeated interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...