Method and device to improve aqueous humor drainage in an eye

摘要

Method for improving aqueous humor drainage in an eye with a Schlemm's canal in which eye the aqueous humor secreted by the ciliary body is drained through the subsequent outflow pathways and to a device to maintain aqueous humor drainage. A medium injected in the form of a hydrophilic liquid or a biocompatible gaseous medium or a mixture of the hydrophilic liquid and the gaseous medium into Schlemm's canal, which is microsurgically exposed at one or more locations, locally expands Schlemm's canal by the increased pressure. With a support element subsequently implanted in the lumen of Schlemm's canal, the inner walls of the canal are supported and permanently held in an expanded position, whereby unimpeded drainage of the aqueous humor from Schlemm's canal through the subsequent outflow pathways is ensured.