New glaucoma sponge implant treatment could eliminate need for surgery

A new glaucoma treatment is being introduced in the UK, which promises to control the debilitating eye condition for years without the need for surgery.

There are currently around 700,000 people in the UK who have glaucoma, which is caused when the optic nerve is damaged by pressure built up by trapped fluid.  It is not yet possible to restore any vision that is lost through the condition.

Patients with primary open angle glaucoma, the most common form of the condition, are usually given eye drop medication to begin with, followed by laser surgery used to widen the natural channels that drain fluid from the eye, followed by traditional surgery if the laser treatment benefits wane over time.

However, recovery can take longer than a month with some patient suffering debilitating side-effects which include dry, gritty eyes.

The new method, known as MINIject, involves implanting a 5mm strip of high-density sponge, which collects and then drains the excess fluid into a natural chamber from where it is absorbed by the body.

Chrys Dimitriou, a consultant eye surgeon at the Colchester Eye Centre, recently implanted the devices into eight NHS patients, and said “It’s working with the natural structure of the eye.  With some patients they can even go swimming a week after having it implanted.”

Mr Dimitriou added that MINIject could be used for patients whose glaucoma had not been controlled by traditional surgery, holding out hope of retaining good vision for longer.

The pioneering method involves implanting a tiny strip of sponge into the corner of the eye to absorb excess fluid that causes the condition.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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