Sympathetic ophthalmia, which is a rare but potentially devastating eye condition, can be prevented with a new surgical implant. In addition to that, the new device can also eliminate dependence on systemic immunosuppression for this rare complication.

Retisert, a surgical implant, is under the testing stage by University of Iowa ophthalmologists and colleagues, for preventing complete vision loss and eliminate dependence on systemic, or whole-body, immunosuppression.

From Sciencedaily.com:

The device previously was studied in approximately 300 individuals who had a different immune system inflammation of the eye. The UI-led sympathetic ophthalmia study found that with Retisert, the eight patients reduced or eliminated use of systemic medications to control inflammation. While two patients needed to resume using an oral immunosuppressive, vision improved or remained stable in all eight patients.

“Using Retisert, we are stabilizing vision in patients with sympathetic ophthalmia and getting them off the heavy-duty immunosuppressive medications,” Mahajan said. “Patients had been willing to put up with the serious side effects of systemic immunosuppression because if they lost vision in their remaining good eye, it would be totally life-altering. With Retisert, we can save the eye, and the side effects are limited to treatable risks of high pressure or cataracts in the eye.”

Vinit Mahajan, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine and a retinal surgeon with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said that non-surgical methods and high doses of oral steroids followed by oral immunosuppressive medications were the available options till now but this treatment option is effective.