Drug-releasing cataract lens shows promise for glaucoma

Early clinical trial results indicate that an experimental cataract lens can also reduce eye pressure in people with glaucoma by releasing bimatoprost over time. After one year, patients with the drug-eluting lens had eye pressure comparable to those using standard lenses and twice-daily drops, and almost none needed additional glaucoma medication. The approach could allow cataract and glaucoma treatment during a single surgery.

EXPANDED:

The experimental lens contains small pads that slowly release bimatoprost into the eye. The trial included 106 patients with glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure who were already scheduled for cataract surgery. About three-quarters were randomly assigned to the medicated lens, at a lower or higher dose; the others received a standard lens and timolol eyedrops twice daily