New implant as remedy for glaucoma

Maastricht University, Brightlands and MUMC+
5 October 2023

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects three to five percent of the population over the age of 50, and is a condition that not infrequently results in blindness. The condition usually indicates that the eye pressure is (significantly) elevated. Eye drops and laser treatments usually work well, but surgical treatment is often indicated to get eye pressure permanently under control.

In severe cases, the insertion of a plastic implant is necessary. Although these implants often work well, a great deal of knowledge and skill is required for correct placement and intensive patient follow-up is a must; the risk of possible complications is fairly high and it can be difficult to predict the eye-pressure-lowering effect. This unpredictability and fear of complications means there is a great need for safe and standardized minimally invasive surgery, making it a more acceptable alternative for both surgeons and patients. In order to meet this need, a new and promising glaucoma implant has been developed under the leadership of the Maastricht UMC+ University Clinic for Ophthalmology and researchers at the Technical University of Eindhoven. The challenge for startup PEYEONEER MedTech, based at the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus, is to get the glaucoma implant to patients.

Read the full article on the Brightlands website.

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