Revolutionary therapy: TES could save vision in glaucoma!

Revolutionary therapy: TES could save vision in glaucoma!

The Mainz University Medical Center has begun a promising study on the treatment of visual field defects in glaucoma. The monocentric study of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) began on March 9, 2025, which could potentially significantly improve the quality of life of glaucoma patients. Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that causes increased intraocular pressure and the death of retinal cells. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis is therefore crucial in order to preserve the mobility and vision of those affected.

Conventional treatment methods are primarily aimed at reducing intraocular pressure. Common therapies include eye drops and surgery. However, these strategies often bring with them problems such as intolerance, lack of adherence to therapy and insufficient effect of local therapies. Mainz's research therefore focuses on stabilizing existing visual field defects and preserving vision.

Transcorneal electrical stimulation as a new therapy option

The TES method uses weak current pulses that are passed through the cornea. These pulsations are intended to activate the protective mechanisms in the cells and improve microcirculation in the eye. The clinical trial includes 50 patients with open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of this disease. Treatment is weekly with electrodes applied to the area between the lower eyelid and the eye for 30 minutes.

The effectiveness of the treatment will be evaluated after 6, 12 and 18 months. The first test subjects began their participation in March 2025. The entire project, called “TES-GPS”, is sponsored by Okuvision GmbH and 50% funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The total costs are 1.1 million euros.

Research into TES in retinitis pigmentosa

Transcorneal electrical stimulation is being studied not only for glaucoma, but also for other eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A recently published study has shown that early TES treatments can slow vision loss in RP patients. This hereditary retinal disease leads to a progressive deterioration of the visual field and can result in blindness.

In a study published on February 28, 2023, patients who used the OkuStim® System for TES treatment experienced significantly less visual field decline compared to a placebo group. After one year, the decline in the TES-treated eyes was only 2.1%, while in the placebo group it reached 7.5%. The difference proved that TES can significantly delay vision loss, which, according to the experts, indicates a suspected neuroprotective effect.

Although the mechanism of action of TES is not yet fully understood, experts recommend using the therapy early while the center of the retina is intact. The prevalence of RP in Germany is around 1:4,000. Every year, around 50% of those affected become blind by the age of 55.

Some patients reported mild dry eye symptoms during the studies, which was documented as a side effect of treatment. In a multicenter study on TES in RP, which was carried out under the supervision of the Federal Joint Committee, extensive patient recruitment and examinations are planned to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of this innovative form of therapy.

The combination of studies on TES in various eye diseases shows the great potential of this therapeutic technique, both in the stabilizing treatment of glaucoma and in the delayed treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. The entire medical community eagerly awaits the results of these clinical trials and the potential improvements in patient care.

References: Mainz University Medical Center, Eyefox, NCBI.