A research team has developed a new deployable microstent designed to improve treatment for glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. In 2020, an estimated 7.7 million people were blind or visually impaired due to glaucoma, which can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve as a result of increased pressure inside the eye.
Current surgical treatments for glaucoma often involve creating openings in the eye or inserting tubes to drain fluid. These methods are invasive, carry risks of complications, and may not be effective over the long term.
Lead author Dr Yunlan Zhang (University of Oxford at the time of the study/University of Texas) said: "Our deployable microstent represents a significant advancement in glaucoma treatment. Current surgical implants for this type of glaucoma have been shown to have limited long-term effectiveness, being susceptible to failure due to fibrosis (scarring) in the eye."
The newly developed microstent is less than a quarter of a millimetre in diameter and can be inserted using a standard hypodermic syringe. Once deployed inside the eye, it expands and supports the space between the white of the eye and its covering membrane. This helps reduce fluid buildup and lower intraocular pressure, addressing primary open-angle glaucoma—the most common form of the disease.
Initial animal trials found that microstents lowered eye pressure within a month while causing minimal inflammation and scarring. The device also outperformed standard tubular implants in reducing intraocular pressure.
Senior co-author Dr Jared Ching (Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford) stated: "This development has the potential to transform the landscape of glaucoma therapy. By offering an enhanced solution in the minimally invasive glaucoma surgery field that combines mechanical innovation with biocompatibility, we hope to improve patient outcomes and quality of life."
Professor Zhong You (Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford), another senior co-author, added: "Our microstent is made from a durable and super-flexible nickel-titanium alloy called nitinol, renowned for its proven long-term safety for ocular use. Its unique material and structural properties help prevent subsequent movement, improve durability, and ensure long-term efficacy."
The research team used advanced modelling techniques during design to ensure compatibility with eye anatomy. The stent’s superelastic properties allow it to adjust as the eye changes shape over time without losing function.
Glaucoma affects more than half a million people in the UK—about 2% of those over age 40—and remains one of the most common causes of blindness globally. The introduction of this new microstent could play an important role in improving treatment options.
The study titled ‘A Novel Deployable Microstent for the Treatment of Glaucoma’ was published in The Innovation by Cell Press.