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A double breakthrough in minimally invasive glaucoma care: RF ablation and suprachoroidal drainage

Glaucoma is the leading irreversible blinding eye disease, and stable long-term IOP control is almost the only path.

Published:2026-04-15Updated:2026-04-15

Updated
Illustration of two minimally invasive glaucoma approaches: RF ablation and suprachoroidal drainage
Minimally invasive glaucoma care: ① ciliary-body RF ablation reduces aqueous production and improves circulation; ② a suprachoroidal drainage implant adds an outflow path. Illustrative.
In short: Domestically developed ophthalmic devices completed world-first and China-first clinical validations: first, a ciliary-body radiofrequency ablation device that, via precise electrodes and minimally invasive access, builds a multi-mechanism IOP-lowering approach ('reduce aqueous production + improve circulation'), unlike traditional ciliary photocoagulation's 'just burn it'; second, a self-developed suprachoroidal drainage implant that opens a new aqueous outflow path. Both landing together marks China's minimally invasive glaucoma care reaching the global frontier.

The pain of glaucoma: IOP control is the only path

Glaucoma is the leading irreversible blinding eye disease, and stable long-term IOP control is the only path; but traditional surgery's trauma, complications and uncertain long-term efficacy deter many. More minimally invasive and precise is the global pursuit.

RF ablation: gently 'closing the valve'

Unlike traditional ciliary photocoagulation, RF ablation uses precise electrodes and minimally invasive access to gently modulate the ciliary body to reduce aqueous production while improving circulation via thermal effects — a multi-mechanism approach.

Suprachoroidal drainage: a new 'outlet'

The self-developed suprachoroidal drainage implant opens a new aqueous outflow path, pairing with reduced production for a 'less in + more out' approach. Two first-in-human/China cases mark original technology moving from lab to operating table.

The BIO angle

Ophthalmic implants (like drainage implants) demand high biocompatibility, long-term stability and minimally invasive implantability. Advanced materials such as medical silicone are widely used in ophthalmic drainage and implants — a direction where BIO provides selection and supply support.

FAQ

Why control IOP in glaucoma?

It's the leading irreversible blinding eye disease; stable long-term IOP control is the only effective path to slow optic-nerve damage and preserve vision.

How does RF ablation differ from photocoagulation?

Photocoagulation 'just burns'; RF ablation uses precise electrodes to gently reduce aqueous production and improve circulation, pursuing a multi-mechanism, more controllable IOP drop.

What does a suprachoroidal drainage implant do?

It opens a new aqueous outflow path, increasing outflow, paired with production-reducing procedures to lower IOP.

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Note: an original analysis compiled from public industry information; figures and conclusions per official/original sources. Not investment advice.

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