Filler treatment brings hope for people with rare eye condition

A low-cost surgical gel (HPMC) injected into eyes restored shape and improved vision for seven of eight patients with hypotony in a small study led by Moorfields Eye Hospital, and researchers are seeking funding for a larger trial.

Doctors at Moorfields Eye Hospital have used injections of a clear surgical gel to restore eye pressure and improve vision in patients with hypotony. The treatment repurposes hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a gel normally used during eye operations to maintain the eye's shape. A patient who lost vision from hypotony reported marked improvement and has returned to activities such as skiing and photography. Hypotony causes abnormally low pressure and changes the eye's shape, and it affects about 100 people in the UK each year. Key facts: - The initial research reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology included eight patients with hypotony who received HPMC injections every couple of weeks. - Seven patients had restored sight after 12 months, as measured with sight charts. - Researchers reported no serious side effects to date and required regular check-ups during and after treatment. - Moorfields has treated 35 hypotony patients using this method so far. - The current standard treatment often uses silicone oil, which specialists say can cause long-term problems. - Clinicians are applying for funding for a larger clinical trial to test different gels and to find products that reduce how often injections are needed. Summary: The injections restored eye shape and visual potential for most patients in this small study, though clinicians say the approach is not a cure for blindness. Researchers are seeking funding for a larger trial to compare gels and identify options that require fewer injections. Undetermined at this time.