ViaLase and Moran Eye Center Partner to Advance Glaucoma Research and Innovation

ViaLase has announced a groundbreaking research partnership with the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, home to the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation. This collaboration aims to accelerate glaucoma research by utilizing Moran’s state-of-the-art iPerfusion technology to study the effects of ViaLase’s innovative femtosecond laser procedure.

Exploring the ViaLase Laser Procedure

The ViaLase laser procedure employs femtosecond laser pulses with micron-accurate image guidance to create precise apertures through the trabecular meshwork (TM) into Schlemm’s canal. This innovative approach targets the conventional outflow pathway to enhance the drainage of aqueous humor, a critical factor in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) for glaucoma management.

Research Objectives

The partnership focuses on investigating:

       • Aqueous outflow dynamics: How the procedure affects the drainage of aqueous humor.

       • Channel creation: The impact of multiple channels on IOP.

       • Optimal channel locations: Key to maximizing the procedure’s IOP-lowering effect.

World-Class Leadership in Research

The research will be led by a team of internationally renowned experts:

       • Dr. Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC: Director of the Crandall Center and a globally acclaimed glaucoma surgeon and innovator.

       • Dr. Fiona McDonnell, PhD: A research scientist with extensive expertise in iPerfusion techniques.

       • Dr. Ian Pitha, MD, PhD: Associate Director of the Crandall Center, bringing a wealth of knowledge in glaucoma research.

“Our collaboration with ViaLase perfectly aligns with the Crandall Center’s mission to transform glaucoma treatment through precision medicine and innovation,” said Dr. Ahmed. “The ViaLase procedure has the potential to provide a new paradigm in interventional glaucoma, and we are thrilled to explore its possibilities using Moran’s advanced research capabilities.”

A Milestone for Glaucoma Care

ViaLase CEO Tibor Juhasz, PhD, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:

“Partnering with the Moran Eye Center, Dr. Ahmed, Prof. McDonnell, and Dr. Pitha is a significant milestone for ViaLase. Their world-class expertise in iPerfusion research techniques offers unparalleled insights into aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure dynamics, making them an ideal collaborator in our mission to develop innovative solutions for patients with glaucoma. This capability, combined with ViaLase’s pioneering femtosecond laser platform, offers the potential for significant advancements in glaucoma care.”

Pioneering the Future of Glaucoma Treatment

This partnership between ViaLase and the Moran Eye Center underscores the potential for precision medicine to revolutionize glaucoma care. By leveraging advanced research technologies and expertise, the collaboration aims to set a new standard for interventional glaucoma treatment, offering hope for improved outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.