In France, near 1.5 million people Live with glaucoma, a silent eye disease that destroys the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. In 90 % of cases, these are the open angle glaucomaan insidious form against which current treatments – eye drops, lasers or surgery – struggle to offer a lasting solution. But a tiny implant developed by researchers from the University of Oxford could change the situation …
A tiny implant, but a great technicality
The new implant, baptized microstentonly measures 200 micrometersless than a quarter of a millimeter. His finesse allows him to be inserted into the eye by a simple hypodermic needle, during a mini-invasive gesture. Once in place, it is deploys and expands To support the space between the sclère (the white of the eye) and the membrane which covers it. This structural support makes it possible to evacuate the excess of intraocular fluid, the main cause of the increase in pressure in open angle glaucoma. Unlike traditional devices, often limited by scar fibrosis, the microstent seems to have permanently preserving the permeability of this evacuation route.
Professor Zhong You of the University of Oxford explains: “Our microstent is made from a sustainable and extremely flexible nickel-titane alloy called Nitinol, renowned for its long-term safety in the eye. Its unique material and structural properties make it possible to avoid any subsequent movement, to improve its durability and to guarantee long -term efficiency “.
© Yunlan Zhang, Zhong You, Jared Ching.
Diagram of the anterior segment of the eye, illustrating the anatomical positioning of the microstent. The stent diverts the aqueous mood from the anterior chamber towards the suprachoroid space via the flexible tube
The researchers also used advanced modeling techniques to optimize the design of the device and ensure its perfect compatibility with the anatomy of the eye. Thanks to its superelastic properties, the stent is capable of adapting to the natural variations of the eye structure without permanently deforming, strengthening its reliability over time.
Tests on very encouraging rabbits
The first tests carried out in rabbits showed a rapid and durable reduction in intraocular pressure : −43 % from 3ᵉ day, then stabilized around −25 % after a month. The researchers observed neither leak or migration of the system, nor significant inflammatory reaction.
Even more, the microstent has been revealed more efficient than a reference implantthe Xen Gel Sttent, with higher efficiency and better stability of the results.
In their study, the authors conclude:
“These promising results provide confidence for future clinical studies, although additional research is necessary in order to assess long -term efficiency in humans”
Towards a revolution in the management of glaucoma
With these results, the device could open a new era in the treatment of this silent but formidable eye disease. Dr. Jared Ching of Oxford University underlines: “This development has the potential to transform the landscape of glaucoma therapy. By offering an improved solution in the field of mini-invasive surgery which combines mechanical innovation and biocompatibility, we hope to improve the results for patients and their quality of life “.
If clinical trials in humans confirm these observations, this tiny implant could become a safe and effective alternative to current treatments, and represent real hope for 1.5 million French concerned by glaucoma. There are nearly 80 million people affected worldwide.