An ocular tack for minimally invasive continuous wireless monitoring of intraocular pressure

This paper presents a novel minimally invasive implantable pressure sensing transponder for continuous wireless monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP). The transponder was designed to make the implantation and retrieval surgery simple while still measuring the true IOP through direct hydraulic contact with the intraocular space. Most parts of the sensor sit externally on the sclera and only a micro-needle penetrates inside the vitreous space through pars plana. In vitro tests showed a sensitivity of 15 kHz/mmHg with about 1 mmHg resolution. In vivo tests included one month implantation in rabbits, confirming the device biocompatibility and functionality.