Technologies

UCSD researchers have developedan optical-base, passive, wireless intraocular pressure sensor that detects small changes in pressure fluctuation. The device may be (1) integrated with intraocular lens, (2) integrated with glaucoma drainage device, (3) independently implanted at the surface of the iris, or (4) free standing in the anterior chamber, such as capsule bag.

Glaucoma is a condition in which intraocular pressure (IOP) causes damage to the optic nerve and progressively leads to permanent loss of vision. The diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma requires regular measurements of patients’ IOP. The standard ocular tonometry techniques currently used in a clinical practice provide only a snapshot of the IOP profile and usually with readings taken weeks or months apart. More recently, there have been implantable sensors under development that enable long term and continuous IOP monitoring. However, each has drawbacks in one or more of the following concerns: signal readout, size, sensitivity, power consumption, special instrumentation requirement, and/or complex fabrication processes.