Implantable parylene MEMS for glaucoma therapy

An implantable glaucoma management system is presented for the first time. Glaucoma is an incurable disease characterized by gradual visual field loss that eventually results in blindness. Studies indicate that reduction of intraocular pressure reduces the rate of disease progress. A passive parylene MEMS pressure sensor and drainage shunt comprise a complete system for the detection and alleviation of elevated intraocular pressure. Tissue anchors for securing the pressure sensor to the iris have been developed to facilitate direct and convenient optical monitoring of intraocular pressure.