Eyeworld

EW NEWS & OPINION 24 February 2016 by Adrianne Resek, MA V isual impairment is ubiquitous, affecting 826 million people, young and old, rich and poor, all over the world. 1 The combined cost of productivity losses, welfare, and care costs due to visual impair- ment is more than $707 billion each year. The cost to the individuals who suffer from visual impairment, including diminished quality of life and loss of earning potential, is in- estimable. However, in 80% of these cases the impairment could be cured or improved with proper treatment. Unfortunately, many of those who suffer from visual impairment and blindness do not have access to basic health services and essential surgeries that could restore their sight. An estimated 90% of the world's visually impaired live in low-income environments. Glauco- ma is the third most common cause of blindness, affecting 43 million people every year. Since its inception, Glaukos has consistently made charitable dona- tions to support pro bono eyecare in underprivileged countries, while at the same time working on innova- tive approaches to glaucoma care. Underprivileged areas pose unique challenges Glaukos created the first and only microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device to receive FDA approval: the iStent Trabecular MicroBypass. Like a shunt, the iStent facilitates aqueous outflow. However, the device is only 1 mm long and 0.33 mm wide, and can be implanted under topical anesthesia using an ab-interno approach. The surgery causes minimal trauma, poses few complications, and has a rapid recovery time. While the iStent has proven beneficial for patients of all walks of life, it is especially advantageous in underprivileged areas, including Third World countries. Traditional treatments for glaucoma are ineffec- tive in underdeveloped countries for a number of reasons. Glaucoma expert Reay Brown, MD, Atlanta, said, "The medicat- ed eye drops used in treating early Innovation meets philanthropy The iStent is an effective weapon against glaucoma in underdeveloped regions because it reduces the need for ongoing medication, which is an effective way to control IOP and avoid loss of the optic nerve in this population cannot be overstated." Glaukos' work in glaucoma technology and global charity stage glaucoma can be difficult for patients in poverty-stricken areas to acquire, due to inadequate supply, lack of funds, and the universal issue of poor compliance. The need for

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