Singapore develops glaucoma implant that reduces eye pressure

A new glaucoma implant developed by a National University Health System team in Singapore reduces patients’ eye pressure (also known as intraocular pressure, IOP) for a longer period of time and enables less reliance on eye drops. The Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI) is a glaucoma drainage device which regulates IOP and prevents further progression of the disease that leads to blindness. With a higher efficacy and safety profile in reducing IOP, this medical technology innovation advances the treatment of glaucoma. In patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma, the PGI offers a viable option in the management of refractory glaucoma, a severe form of glaucoma that has a high risk of failure from conventional trabeculectomy surgery. The implant is licensed to a startup company Advanced Ophthalmic Innovations (AOI) and has been used for glaucoma treatments in Singapore, Europe, South Africa, Middle-east, and Asia Pacific.