A nanopore membrane regulator device for laser modulated flow after glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma, the second most common cause of blindness in the world, is a multifactorial disease with several risk factors, of which intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary contributing factor. Filtration surgery is one of the most effective means to significantly lower IOP compared to medical or laser treatments, and it is typically reserved for advanced disease. However, there are high rates of postoperative complications associated with the procedure, often from over- or under-filtration. To address these problems, the glaucoma drainage device regulator (GDDR) implant was developed to allow post-operative control of aqueous flow and IOP. The device, a tube with a nanopore membrane, is placed beneath the scleral flap. Postoperatively, the membrane surface can be ruptured with a laser to augment flow through the system. This feature allows adjustable control of aqueous flow and diminishes the risk of hypotony in the early postoperative period.