In France, the glaucoma would affect 1 million people. This disease of the optic nerve occurs when the pressure in the eye becomes too high (greater than 20 mm Hg): it is the result of an obstruction of the filter for the evacuation of intraocular fluid – called the trabeculum.
When intraocular fluid – or “aqueous humor” – accumulates abnormally in the eye, the optic nerve is compressed, crushed: this causes a reduction in the visual field and then, later, reduced visual acuity. Glaucoma is thus the main cause of blindness in France: worldwide, experts estimate that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma.
Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed down, in particular by eye drops eye hypotonics – used to lower intraocular pressure. These drops should be placed in the eye at fixed times. A treatment that can be restrictive …
A drug-contact lens
The good news is that researchers at Harvard University (USA) may have just found a way to improve the well-being of people with glaucoma. It is a drug-contact lens, capable of diffusing the eye drops continuously. “The eye drops are encapsulated at the periphery of the lens, so as not to interfere with the patient’s field of vision: it is diffused very slowly throughout the day” explain the scientists, who have published their work in the specialist journal Ophthalmology.
“On the one hand, this lens will make life easier for patients, who will no longer have to watch the time to take their eye drops. On the other hand, our preliminary studies have shown that this device can deliver the drug with an accuracy increased by 50%: the reduction in intraocular pressure is therefore greater. The eye drops are more effective, ”they add.
Of course, for the moment, this contact lens is not marketed. However, it may herald an evolution in treatment for people who suffer from glaucoma …
To read: Yoga: the dangerous dog posture for patients with glaucoma.
