Uncomfortable, intimidating and regular injections into your eye could be a thing of the past if a tiny metal coil succeeds as the new drug dispenser for retinal problems.
The spiral-shaped coil (see below) - which looks just like the children's toy "slinky" - can be injected into the eye using a needle in a minimally invasive procedure that takes just 15 minutes.
After that ONE injection, no more is needed for two years. This is because the drugs are mixed into a material which coats the slinky. As the coating slowly dissolves, the drugs are released over a period of up to two years.
Now, the most effective drugs for macular degeneration patients, such as Lucentis, Avastin and Macugen, are all directly injected into the eyes. The injections often have to be repeated every month, something which patients find uncomfortable.
The new device, which is called I-Vation, is meant to stop this hassle and pain. It is made from a metal alloy. The Slinky is coated with a synthetic material that incorporates the drugs. As the coating breaks down, it releases drug particles into the eye.
The spiral-shaped coil (see below) - which looks just like the children's toy "slinky" - can be injected into the eye using a needle in a minimally invasive procedure that takes just 15 minutes.
After that ONE injection, no more is needed for two years. This is because the drugs are mixed into a material which coats the slinky. As the coating slowly dissolves, the drugs are released over a period of up to two years.
Now, the most effective drugs for macular degeneration patients, such as Lucentis, Avastin and Macugen, are all directly injected into the eyes. The injections often have to be repeated every month, something which patients find uncomfortable.
The new device, which is called I-Vation, is meant to stop this hassle and pain. It is made from a metal alloy. The Slinky is coated with a synthetic material that incorporates the drugs. As the coating breaks down, it releases drug particles into the eye.
The design and thickness of this material can be adjusted so it degrades at the required rate. The spiral shape means there is a large surface area available for the drug coating, allowing the release of drugs for up to two years.
The coiled shape also makes it possible to lodge the device against the white of the eye, without the need for stitches. It will be out of the line of sight of the patient, so it cannot be seen. It can also be easily removed and replaced.
Soon, you may be able to tell your children or grandchildren that you have something like Toy Story's Slinky Dog in your eye!
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