New Glaucoma Device Implanted in First Human

HOT TOPIC

Ultra-miniaturized IOP Sensor Implanted in First Human

Injectsense has successfully completed the first-ever human implantation and subsequent wireless IOP measurements of its ultra-miniaturized IOP sensor, known as the IOP-Connect system. The sensor, which is the size of a grain of rice, is implanted in the pars plana using a minimally invasive, sutureless technique that significantly reduces the risk of complications and enhances patient comfort.

Injectsense

The IOP-Connect system study is being conducted under the leadership of Juan Mura, MD, MHA. The implant allows the collection of IOP data via an external reader. This successful first implant has paved the way for the ongoing trial, which aims to enroll 20 participants.

The IOP-Connect system allows continuous, real-time measurement of IOP without patient intervention, providing a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of IOP fluctuations over time. This is particularly important for patients with glaucoma, as their pressure likely fluctuates throughout the day. The ability to monitor IOP continuously would undoubtedly lead to a more effective and personalized treatment plan, thereby improving patient outcomes.

My Two Cents

With the recent approval of the travoprost intracameral implant 75 mcg (iDose TR, Glaukos), and the bimatoprost intracameral implant 10 mcg (Durysta, Allergan) already on the market, we have good intraocular treatment options for our patients—along with the tried-and-true option of selective laser trabeculoplasty. To me, the Injectsense looks very similar to the iDose TR, with both being small medical grade devices. The Injectsense, if widely adopted, could change the paradigm of glaucoma monitoring and treatment, giving practitioners the never before opportunity to truly monitor patients at all times. Not only could this be directly beneficial for patient care, but also for research on the efficacy of various treatment modalities for this disease process.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Know What’s Going Around

The Pan American Health Organization, a regional arm of the World Health Organization, has issued a health advisory regarding the increased activity of the Oropouche virus in the Americas, particularly in the Amazon basin and new areas in South America and the Caribbean. The virus is also known as “sloth fever.” Between January 1 and August 1, 2024, more than 8,000 cases were reported, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission resulting in fetal death or congenital abnormalities.

Countries affected thus far include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, and Cuba. Travel-associated cases have been identified in the United States and in Europe, particularly from travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil.

The Oropouche virus, part of the Simbu serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus genus, was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected midges and is believed to travel through certain mosquitos. The effects of the virus are similar to other arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, and the Zika virus, which include fever, severe headache, chills, myalgia, and arthralgia. Unfortunately, no vaccine or treatment regimen for the Oropouche virus exists.

The CDC has issued two travel advisories that encourage anyone traveling to South America to take the “usual precautions,” while those traveling to Cuba should take “enhanced precautions” in protecting themselves from bug bites. Also, the CDC recommends that pregnant people reconsider nonessential travel to Cuba. (Read more here.)

My Two Cents

As members of the health care community, it’s vital for us to be aware of current threats to the public, as most of us interact with numerous strangers each day—oftentimes just inches from our faces from behind the slit lamp. This is yet another virus that needs to be monitored!

CAN YOU RELATE

Immediately after graduation (or completion of a residency), most optometrists are thrown into the working world. Many are far away from their schools, friends, and comfort zones. They are basically told to “figure it out,” and dealing with the “real world” can hit some of them hard.

In today’s world, “mentorship” is a buzzword used with and by those just starting their careers, as many are advised to “seek a mentor.” How does one go about doing that, though? What if you don’t connect with any of the doctors in your immediate area? How does a young OD find a mentor or a friendly ear who is willing to listen to their dreams and desires and offer insights into how those things could be accomplished? Enter YoungOD Connect. This community “provides its members with education, information, and guidance through small group discussions and interactions with leading optometrists who were in your shoes not so long ago.” It strives to be an educational platform to “help new and soon-to-be optometrists practice full scope to advance optometry as a profession and practitioners as individuals.”

On September 10th, I’ll be hosting an online mentoring session at 8:00 pm ET. If you or someone you know wants to learn some tips and tricks about work-life balance; how to get involved in writing, lecturing, or creating companies in the eye care space; or chat eyeballs, sign up—registration is free!