New glaucoma research: World-first drainage device and innovative key hole surgical technique

A recently published study led by Mr Faisal Ahmed, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon from The London Clinic, demonstrated a 92% success rate for his pioneering keyhole surgical technique using an eye drainage device, for high risk glaucoma patients.

The study, available in the Journal of Clinical Medicine is the first scientific research to be published regarding the use of the eyePlate as a standalone device, demonstrating its potential to enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of refractory glaucoma.

In addition, Mr Ahmed has developed a new surgical keyhole technique to implant the eyePlate and similar glaucoma drainage devices, which reduces surgical time and patient recovery time.

The study said, “The flexibility of the eyePlate-300 allows for folding and insertion through a smaller conjunctival incision. The procedure is termed minimally invasive tube surgery (MITS)”

The eyePlate was found to be highly effective at reducing eye pressure among patients with advanced glaucoma and those who had previously undergone glaucoma procedures that failed or had other complicated eye surgeries. Nearly half of those treated with the eyePlate were able to discontinue glaucoma eye drops and remain eye drop-free.

Mr Ahmed said, “The eyePlate offers hope for patients who previously had limited options. Advanced glaucoma is notoriously difficult to manage, and high eye pressure can lead to irreversible optic nerve damage and vision loss. For patients whose glaucoma progresses despite standard treatments, the eyePlate’s ability to effectively manage intraocular pressure is vital.

The average eye pressures reduced significantly from 35.69mmHg to 11.08 mmHg. All patients had reduced the number of glaucoma drops after surgery from an average of nearly 3.5 drops to an average of 0.85 drops after surgery, with over 40 per cent of patients becoming  eye drop-free (for at least 1 year). It is clear that this innovation has the potential to transform how glaucoma is treated, offering a more sustainable, long-term solution for those most at risk of vision loss.”

Rheon Medical, who developed the eyePlate said, “Mr Faisal Ahmed is the first clinician to utilise the eyePlate device in a standalone setting. He has played a pivotal role in evaluating its clinical effectiveness and providing critical insights that have contributed to its ongoing development.”

Read the full study here.

Case Study: Geoffrey

How was your glaucoma condition before use of the drainage device?

For several years prior to the drainage device being fitted at The London Clinic, I had been relying on an increasing regime of eye drops to regulate the pressures in both my eyes, but over time this approach became less and less effective in controlling the onset of glaucoma.

What has your experience been like of the eyePlate device?

The procedure involving fitting the drainage device was very straightforward: I was mildly sedated to ensure that I kept still, and there was no discomfort. The team at the London Clinic were excellent, and I felt in good hands at all times. In the immediate aftermath, I was aware of the drainage device, but very soon got used to it, and my eye recovered from the procedure very quickly.

How is your glaucoma condition now?

The pressure in my eye quickly started to go down, and is now at half the previous level, several months later. I was not at all conscious of the drainage device, and I have been able to reduce the need for eye drops.

Mr Ahmed continues to check my eye pressures from time to time, but my condition is much more stable, and I feel that fitting the drainage device has been a critical factor in dealing with my glaucoma and the associated dangers for my eyesight.