A novel glaucoma drainage valve

grantor: University of TorontoThe development of a glaucoma drainage valve was continued from an earlier study. The valve featured an osmotically generated opening/closing pressure, which was expected to provide a level of intraocular pressure control superior to that of currently used valves. A large scale prototype was designed, constructed, mathematically modelled, and tested. Tests using a constant supply pressure revealed an unacceptably long response time. In order to reduce the response time, a second large scale prototype was designed, constructed, mathematically modelled, and tested. Testing with a constant supply pressure confirmed an adequate reduction in response time. The dynamic response of the valve was then tested by replacing the constant supply pressure with constant supply flows. The valve did not completely close at low flow levels, a flaw which must be corrected before development may continue.M.A.Sc