Development of a laser controlled device to modulate intraocular pressure.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Trabeculectomy is the standard glaucoma surgery.
• Glaucoma drainage devices offer an alternative but lack flow control.
• Current surgical methods present difficulties in managing intraocular pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel implantable glaucoma drainage device regulator (GDDR).
• To address the limitations of current glaucoma drainage devices regarding flow rate control.
• To present a device for precise, non-invasive adjustment of fluid flow post-glaucoma surgery.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and references (2000-2015).
• The study describes a prototyped implantable device with a semipermeable membrane.
• The device is designed to be adjusted non-invasively using thermal or photodisruptive laser.

Main Results:

• The developed glaucoma drainage device regulator (GDDR) has undergone initial testing.
• The device allows for precise, non-invasive adjustment of flow rate post-operatively.
• The GDDR has the potential to decrease surgical risk in glaucoma patients.

Conclusions:

• The GDDR offers a promising solution for managing fluid dynamics in glaucoma surgery.
• Non-invasive, post-operative adjustment of flow rate is achievable with the GDDR.
• Further research is planned to confirm the device's biocompatibility, efficacy, and tunability.