A team of researchers have been awarded half a million pounds to research the use of magnetic implants in the eye to treat visual instability.
The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) grant is to explore treatment of intractable nystagmus, a condition of involuntary eye movement often called 'dancing eyes' that can result in reduced or limited vision.
Researchers have developed an orbital implant that exploits magnetism to exert remote force on the eye, damping down its oscillation without restricting its voluntary movement. The study will begin in summer 2014, led by Professor Geoff Rose from Moorfields Eye Hospital.
BRC-supported Dr Parashkev Nachev, one of the researchers, said: “Nystagmus is a manifestation of a number of different conditions that affect the neural control of the eyes. We need a solution that stops or reduces this oscillation of the eyes without immobilising them completely. A neural treatment is unlikely to work well, so we need to introduce a mechanical solution – something that dampens down the oscillation physically”.
A pilot study, also funded by NIHR, has already proved successful with visual acuity improving significantly in the first patient by an additional line on the standard visual acuity chart.
Dr Nachev said: “Having established a proof-of-concept in one patient, we now wish to carry out further testing so as to develop a clinical product to be used in the NHS and elsewhere, we hope to do this within a three year period. We have benefited from the support of the Nystagmus Network UK who have contributed to shaping the project so that it may best reflect the priorities and experiences of patients”.
Orbital implantation of biocompatible magnets is the first of a new class of therapeutic devices, called oculomotor prosthetics, where movement of the eyes is dynamically modified rather than statically modified.
