Development of a novel drainage device for glaucoma surgeries

Current implant devices used in the surgical treatment of glaucoma fail at an unacceptable rate. These devices suffer from a number of engineering shortcomings which must be addressed in order to create successful ocular implant devices. Device function is often impaired by the body´s wound healing processes. A major factor is protein adhesion, which leads to accumulation of collagen. This causes scar tissue formation, which can impede the flow of aqueous humor through the device. We will describe different methods to improve the function of drainage devices so that they last longer without the need for major surgical intervention or higher toxicity drugs to modulate the wound healing pathway. Instead, there are steps of device design and production that make the use of minimally invasive surgeries possible. These include surface chemistry modifications and mechanical innovations in the device itself. By modifying the surface, we aim to reduce the amount of scar tissue that adheres to the device. Also, by improving on the pressure control in drainage valves, we can maintain a consistent intraocular pressure that is beneficial for treating glaucoma.