Neue Konzepte für druckgesteuerte Glaukomimplantate

Abstract

In industrialized countries glaucoma is one of the most common causes that leads to blindness. It is also the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In addition to local treatment of intraocular pressure and filtering glaucoma surgery, alloplastic implants are increasingly being used in glaucoma therapy. As long-term results published in the literature of commonly used implants are unsatisfactory, it seems useful to search for new concepts. In order to avoid the well-known short-term and long-term postoperative complications a pressure-controlled microstent with antiproliferative surface modifications was developed. Additionally, the functionality of such a microstent should be investigated using an animal glaucoma model. This paper describes the concept of a microstent which drains aquous humour from the anterior chamber into the suprachoroidal space. In addition, the glaucoma models described in the literature are discussed. Unfortunately, none of the methods could be reproduced permanently. First results show a correct implantation of a coated microstent with valve where the anti-proliferative effect could be demonstrated histologically. The promising results should lead to further investigations and the final goal will be the testing of the stent in the human eye.

Comparison of two prototypes of a magnetically adjustable glaucoma implant in rabbits

“…In the present study, New Zealand White rabbits, considered as an established animal model for ophthalmic studies [23, 28–30], were chosen. Since the anatomy of rabbit eyes [31, 32] and conjunctiva [33] are similar to those in humans, the practicable and rapid positioning of the present implant, enabling the opening of the anterior eye chamber, are probably feasible in humans. The general functionality of the implant, undisturbed basic health and the rapid decline in clinical irritation in the present study might be expected in humans.…”

Hydrophilic silicone elastomer with excellent cell adhesion capability - A promising material for ophthalmic micro-implants

“…Silicones have a wide range of applications in medical devices, due to their versatile physical properties [1][2][3][4][5]. Especially in glaucoma therapy silicones are the most common materials utilised for the fabrication of drainage implants [6]. Although these implants are able to reduce intraocular pressure in the early postoperative stage, relatively high failure rate of 50% within the first 5 years were observed [7].…”