A new medicated ring could replace drops for open-angle glaucoma patients. Impregnated with the glaucoma drug Bimatoprost, the flexible ring is inserted under the eyelids. The Bimatoprost Ring works for six months, delivering pressure-reducing medication directly to the eye. Glaucoma patients currently depend on medicated drops, multiple times per day, to control their condition. Up to half of glaucoma patients do not use their drops correctly. Therefore, a long-acting medicated glaucoma ring could improve their prognosis.
High Pressure
Glaucoma is an eye disease marked by high intraocular pressure. Most glaucoma patients have too much pressure build up in the eye. High intra-ocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve, stealing sight. Glaucoma is especially prevalent in seniors.
Drops are the standard treatment for glaucoma. While the disease has no cure, regular application of pressure-reducing eye drops slows down glaucoma’s progression. The drops can cause blurred vision and sting for a short time. Patients sometimes forget to use them at the right times. They may skip doses to save money, wait on refills, or forget to take them. A lack of symptoms in early glaucoma cases may demotivate patients.
Avoiding activities that increase intraocular pressure, such as headstands and improper weight training, also helps. Additionally, nutrition, exercise, herbs, homeopathics, and vitamins have shown promise in reducing glaucoma symptoms.
Hidden Bimatoprost Ring
The Bimatoprost ring is made from silicone and measures approximately one inch in diameter. An ophthalmologist uses a small tool to insert the Bimatoprost ring under the eyelids, into the ocular fornix around each affected eye. This takes moments and causes little discomfort. Patients report that they cannot feel the ring after a few days. Once installed, a tiny part of the ring is barely visible in the corner of the eye.
The ring has sustained-release delivery, which is superior to drops. Placing a ring set atop the eyeball is non-invasive. Research showed that the Bimatoprost ring lowered eye pressure by approximately 20% while it was in place.
The Bimatoprost ring should be on the market soon, assuming it passes all tests. Rings for other eye medications may follow in the future.
