ViaLase, John A. Moran Eye Center unveil research partnership to spark glaucoma research, innovation

(Image credit: Adobe Stock/JHVEPhoto)

ViaLase Inc. announced a research partnership with the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, home to the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation. The collaboration will investigate the aqueous outflow dynamics of ViaLase’s novel laser procedure, using Moran's advanced iPerfusion technology.

The ViaLase laser procedure delivers precise femtosecond laser pulses, guided by micron-accurate imaging, to create apertures through the trabecular meshwork (TM) and into Schlemm’s canal. By leveraging perfusion technology to study aqueous humor drainage through the conventional outflow pathway, researchers will explore the effects of multiple channels and identify optimal channel locations. This research is crucial for understanding the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of the ViaLase procedure.

This partnership highlights ViaLase’s commitment to advancing incision-free solutions for glaucoma management, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The research will be led by Ike Ahmed, FRCSC, an internationally recognized glaucoma surgeon and thought leader, and director of the Crandall Center. He will be joined by Fiona McDonnell, PhD, an expert in iPerfusion techniques, and Ian Pitha, MD, PhD, associate director of the Crandall Center.

The Crandall Center, named in honor of the late Dr. Alan S. Crandall, is dedicated to transforming glaucoma care through high-impact initiatives, including personalized medicine, neuroprotective therapies, and translational research. The center’s advanced capabilities will be integral to evaluating various aspects of the ViaLase procedure.

“Our collaboration with ViaLase perfectly aligns with the Crandall Center’s mission to transform glaucoma treatment through precision medicine and innovation,” said 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.”

ViaLase CEO Tibor Juhasz, PhD, added that partnering with the Moran Eye Center, Ahmed, McDonnell and Pitha is a key 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,” he said. “This capability, combined with ViaLase’s pioneering femtosecond laser platform, offers the potential for significant advancements in glaucoma care.”