An implantable microfluid system that can stabilize intraocular pressure efficiently and durably is under development by researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.
Increased or low pressure diminishes the ability to see and can even lead to blindness in some cases.
Current treatments slow progression, but are not effective for ling periods of time. Researchers have developed a new implantable device that can regulate pressure. The implant includes a sensor-based pump control, a micro-pump system, and battery for energy and a telemetry module for data transmission.
“Naturally, the patient should not sense it and his or her eye movements must not be restricted in any way,” Jenke clarifies.
Though development is still happening, the long term plan calls for combining the system with an implantable sensor. This will allow fluids to be regulated automatically.