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Big steps forward in glaucoma surgery

As an ophthalmic surgeon, Professor Henny Beckers is in her element dealing with challenging glaucoma operations. A few years ago, she was awarded two grants – each in the millions of euros – that allowed her to develop her own glaucoma implants, which she hopes will help her take a big step forward in glaucoma surgery.

Henny Beckers has worked at Maastricht UMC+ as an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist for 23 years. She runs the Glaucoomkliniek (glaucoma clinic) at Maastricht UMC+, which treats patients from all over the Netherlands. The clinic also has an excellent reputation nationally and internationally in glaucoma research.

Many new surgical methods emerged in recent years. Henny introduced some of these new techniques in the Netherlands, but they don’t always get eye pressure down to a safe level. “I was sure the situation could be improved. Well, a few years ago, I was given the amazing opportunity to develop my own treatment method!”

New implants

Chemelot InSciTe awarded a grant to her project called SEAMS: Smart, Easy and Accurate Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. Together with a number of partners, Henny is developing her own glaucoma implant under this name.

The implant is made of a new material that also has an application in heart surgery. A special tube is used to drain exactly the right amount of eye fluid from each patient. Together with the implant, a small globule of medication is inserted to prevent scarring. For patients who can’t be helped with this treatment method, Henny is working with the same partners on a second implant with a different design.

“It’s very challenging to work on a development that doesn’t yet exist worldwide. What we are developing is not comparable with the implants used today; this method is unique in the world. It could represent the big step forward that glaucoma surgery has been counting on for so long.” 

  Read the long article in the Brightlands newsletter

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