Dr. Marlies Gijs researcher Chemelot InSciTe Putting drops in your eyes four times a day for 30 days – a familiar routine for people who have had a cataract operation. This is because such post-operative treatment reduces the likelihood of complications. But we need to consider that the majority of people who are treated for cataracts are elderly, and that it is not so easy for them to stick to the eye drop regime. As a result, ophthalmologists often find patients coming back to them because of problems following surgery. By cooperating with various partners at Chemelot InSciTe (Institute for Science and Technology), we can develop new innovations. Here, we are working on unique medicine containers in the form of tiny rods only a few millimetres thick, which can be placed in the eye. The rods are filled with minuscule globules containing the medication that is normally in the eye drops. As soon as the medicine container is placed under the eyelid (this is done during the cataract operation), it gradually releases the medication for 30 days. Patients hardly notice the rods and they no longer have to administer any eye drops. You can imagine that quite a bit of basic knowledge is required to arrive at such a development. What material should you use? How do you make sure that the medication is released gradually? How do we ensure that the patient notices the containers as little as possible? The knowledge of multiple partners is combined within Chemelot InSciTe. For example, Eindhoven Technical University is specialised in researching the material for the rods and the University of Liège is studying how to make the tiny globules. At Maastricht UMC+ we have the knowledge and skills to translate our research into a practically applicable innovation for patients and to pool the available knowledge. In this way, we are working on improving the totality of care relating to cataracts. From treatment to aftercare. For more information: www.chemelot-inscite.com On the job
Circles_of_innovations_ENG
To see the actual publication please follow the link above