A tiny shunt implanted into the eye improves the results of glaucoma surgery.
In glaucoma, pressure from the fluid in the eye builds up and damages the vision. Researchers at the University of Texas now report upon a new device they are using which can help to drain off this fluid and relieve the pressure.

The device, called the Ex-PRESS Mini Glaucoma Shunt, is a metal cylinder tinier than a grain of rice which is implanted into the eye, where it drains off fluid. Its small size means less damage to tissue when it's inserted and less chance of inflammation. It allows the pressure in the eye to be reduced by nearly half, which means many patients can stop glaucoma medication.

Conventional shunts for treating glaucoma are bigger than the Ex-PRESS which means the eye surgeon has to make a larger incision to insert them. With the new device, the incision need be only two to four millimeters. The patients do not need to stay in hospital and will just wear a patch over their eye for a day, with vision returning to normal in a week.