DIAGNOSTIC IMPLANTS

The monitoring of eye pressure, along with the anatomical and functional condition of the optic nerve fibres, is of particular importance for the correct treatment of glaucoma.

We are currently developing a corneal implant with a highly miniaturised pressure sensor (ISD) for permanent monitoring of eye pressure.

Information from the nanoelectronics-equipped corneal implant is read out by means of a special, contactless high-end communication system.

Elevated eye pressure is the key risk factor and main cause of glaucoma-related blindness. At least 70 million people around the world suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in both industrial nations and developing countries. Unfortunately, the number of unrecorded glaucoma cases is very high and patient compliance with therapy is low due to a lack of symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The use of this technology could, in many cases, prevent glaucoma-related blindness, optimise therapy and thereby prevent the severe fate of so many affected individuals as well as the huge economic losses incurred.