A revolutionary system for the treatment of glaucoma has just been developed in Switzerland

On the occasion of world glaucoma week, Dr. André Mermoud of the Clinique de Montchoisi’s Glaucoma Centre, a world-renowned expert in the subject, and Prof. Nikos Stergiopulos of the EPFL’s laboratory of haemodynamics and cardiovascular technology, CEO of Rheon Medical, announce a revolutionary system to treat refractory glaucoma. Dr. Mermoud was recently awarded the CLIVE medal at the 8th International Congress on Glaucoma Surgery (ICGS) in Oman for the discovery.

There are several methods for treating glaucoma, ranging from drops and drug treatment to laser and surgery. Although these techniques work relatively well, some patients are affected by fibrosis of the drainage duct caused during the operation and known as refractory glaucoma.

To treat refractory glaucoma, Dr. Mermoud and Prof. Stergiopulos have developed a new system with a tube much smaller than those used previously, which does no damage to the cornea and fits the shape of the eye. It also incorporates an adjustable valve that can be opened and closed as necessary to regulate the flow, all without touching the eye. The principle is similar to that of a fountain pen and features a microscopic, asymmetrical wheel, 5 mm in diameter and 200 microns thick, that compresses the tube to regulate the flow.