Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve (the carrier of image information on the retina to the brain for interpretation). Doctors believe that it occurs as a result of an imbalance of eye (intraocular) pressure. Intraocular pressure measures the amount of force exerted by the aqueous humor on the internal area of the front part of the eye. For a person with healthy eyes, intraocular pressure is usually between the range of 12mmHg – 21mmHg. In contrast, for a person who has glaucoma, this pressure varies, that is, may either be too low or too high.
Schematic of Glaucoma Lense. Credit: Nature Communications
Eye drops to help aid glaucoma treatment by regulating eye pressure have been available for a long time. The eye drops work to restore intraocular pressure to normal range. However, the challenge with this treatment is that patients are unable to detect pressure increases in their eyes, therefore, they do not know when to apply these eye drops. This greatly affects the treatment process, making it almost impossible to treat glaucoma using these eye drops. This prompted the need for further research to be done to find out more effective ways to treat glaucoma.
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Contact lense for glaucoma managment
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In an attempt to tackle the challenge faced with eye drop use, a group of researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in China recently developed a contact lens that can automatically detect changes in eye pressure, including administering eye drops when the need arises. The group carried out the study on pigs and rabbits.
The lens structure
The lens is designed to have two layers, with an air pocket between the layers. The air pockets act as an electrical cantilever system. The outer layer is composed of six copper plates arranged to form a ring around the pupil, with brimonidine – an eye drop used to treat glaucoma – along the rim. All of these components have been arranged in a way that makes the lens sit well in the eye, causing no discomfort to the user.
According to the team, the lens does not make use of a battery and is wireless. It can also be paired with a smartphone app to allow users to see and follow up on information regarding their eyes’ health.
How the lens works
When eye pressure increases, it presses on the air pocket of the lens. This event sends signals to the electronic components to release brimonidine. Small electric currents transfer the drug from the underside of the lens into the eye. Once brimonidine enters the eye, it induces pressure reduction causing the eye pressure to be restored to the normal range, thereby, preventing damage and providing relief.
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The team has tested the device on pigs and rabbits since its development. Further research is being done to ensure that the same effect is duplicated in humans and to ensure its safety.
Clinical significance
The development of this device is a huge feat these scientists have made towards fighting glaucoma and avoiding its detrimental consequences. The fact that the lens is wireless and requires no battery makes the device safer for use. With this discovery, patients who have glaucoma can now enjoy better vision.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is a condition known to be responsible for many blindness cases – partial or complete. However, thanks to this discovery, there is a promising future for people who suffer from glaucoma.
Read Also: Regular Check-Ups Are Necessary to Prevent the Worsening of Glaucoma.
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