New non-invasive glaucoma therapy makes U.S. debut at Glaucoma Center of San Francisco

In a pioneering move in the treatment of vision loss, the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco has administered the first U.S. treatment using the non-invasive Eyetronic nerve-stimulating therapy. Announced on July 21, 2025, by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the groundbreaking clinical trial offers new hope to glaucoma patients struggling with vision deterioration despite standard therapies.

The procedure represents a shift from traditional intraocular pressure (IOP)-based treatments to targeted neural stimulation, potentially reversing optic nerve damage. Over 4 million Americans and more than 80 million individuals globally suffer from glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness.

What Is Eyetronic Therapy and How Does It Work?

Unlike conventional glaucoma treatments that primarily aim to reduce intraocular pressure, Eyetronic therapy focuses on electrically stimulating the optic nerve through an external device. This stimulation is believed to trigger neural repair processes, offering a possible halt or even reversal of vision loss in glaucoma patients.

The device is used externally and is non-invasive, distinguishing it from more aggressive interventions such as surgeries or implants. The therapy regimen involves ten consecutive outpatient sessions. According to early European use cases—where more than 1,000 patients have been treated—no serious adverse events have been reported to date.

Dr. Andrew Iwach, Executive Director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, highlighted the potential paradigm shift, stating that if proven effective, Eyetronic therapy could “significantly improve glaucoma patients’ quality of life.” He emphasized that the innovation lies in addressing the root of the problem—the damaged optic nerve—rather than merely managing intraocular pressure.

Clinical Trial Details: Who’s Leading the Study?

This initial deployment in the U.S. is part of a formal clinical trial overseen by Dr. Sunita Radhakrishnan, who serves as the Principal Investigator. The trial is designed to assess whether Eyetronic therapy can help patients whose glaucoma is progressing even under seemingly adequate IOP control.

Dr. Radhakrishnan explained, “Electrical neurostimulation therapy for glaucoma is unique in its potential to stabilize and perhaps even improve visual function.” She further noted that preliminary results from the trial are expected in early 2026, which could provide crucial insights into the therapy’s effectiveness and long-term potential.

Why Is This Development Significant?

Traditional glaucoma treatments—eye drops, laser procedures, and surgical implants—are aimed at reducing intraocular pressure, the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma management. However, many patients still experience vision loss despite controlled IOP. This has long left a gap in therapeutic options, particularly for advanced cases or those unresponsive to standard care.

Eyetronic therapy addresses this therapeutic gap by directly targeting optic nerve regeneration, a biological process that until recently had limited practical avenues in ophthalmology. If validated through clinical trials, the therapy could join a new generation of neuroprotective and restorative interventions reshaping the glaucoma treatment landscape.

How Has the Treatment Performed in Europe?

The Eyetronic device, developed and utilized across European clinics, has been deployed on more than 1,000 glaucoma patients without reports of serious side effects. Patients underwent a 10-day treatment protocol, typically administered in outpatient settings, with promising outcomes that encouraged further trials in the U.S.

While formal efficacy results are pending, European ophthalmologists have reported anecdotal evidence of vision stabilization and even minor improvement in certain patients, sparking considerable interest within the global eye health community.

The technology’s European track record has been instrumental in securing U.S. approval for clinical trials, providing a safety benchmark for American regulators and practitioners.

Role of the Glaucoma Research Foundation in the U.S. Launch

The U.S. trial is backed in part by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization committed to curing glaucoma through research and innovation. The Foundation has supported the development and testing of novel therapies and serves as a key funder of the current Eyetronic study.

Founded in 1978, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is the country’s oldest organization devoted exclusively to glaucoma research. Its involvement lends further credibility to the trial, ensuring a rigorous scientific framework and robust patient monitoring.

What Makes the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco an Ideal Launch Site?

As one of the largest standalone glaucoma clinics on the U.S. West Coast, the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco is well-known for its contributions to clinical research. The center routinely participates in cutting-edge trials related to early diagnosis, surgical advancements, and pharmacological interventions.

Its longstanding commitment to innovation, coupled with a high patient volume and expert clinical staff, made it a strategic launch site for Eyetronic therapy in the U.S. This also allows researchers to recruit diverse patients, monitor varied responses, and ensure quality data collection.

Patient Implications: Who Might Benefit?

The trial specifically targets glaucoma patients experiencing progression despite standard IOP-lowering treatments. These individuals often face a grim prognosis due to a lack of alternative therapies. Eyetronic therapy could provide them with a much-needed option to slow or even recover lost visual function.

If trial results in 2026 confirm earlier European outcomes, the therapy may become a game-changer—especially for patients who have already exhausted conventional treatments or are at risk of complete vision loss.

Moreover, as a non-invasive outpatient procedure, the therapy presents a low-barrier option for elderly or medically complex patients who are poor candidates for invasive surgeries.

What’s Next for Eyetronic Therapy in the U.S.?

The results of the U.S.-based trial, expected in early 2026, will determine the regulatory and commercial trajectory of Eyetronic therapy. Should the findings mirror the success seen in Europe, the therapy may enter broader clinical practice by 2027, pending FDA review and approval.

Early indications are promising, especially given the therapy’s safety profile and non-invasive nature. However, regulatory bodies and ophthalmology specialists are awaiting robust clinical data before making broader recommendations.

There is also the potential for Eyetronic’s core technology—external nerve stimulation—to be adapted for other neurodegenerative eye diseases. If this class of treatments proves viable, it could open the door to a new frontier in ophthalmic therapeutics centered on nerve regeneration and restoration, rather than just symptom management.

 Could Eyetronic Redefine Glaucoma Care?

While still in its early stages in the U.S., Eyetronic therapy represents a potentially transformative step in glaucoma treatment. With its unique approach of stimulating the optic nerve externally, this method could evolve from an investigational protocol into a foundational element of long-term glaucoma management.

Researchers, clinicians, and patient advocacy groups alike are watching closely, aware that this may mark a shift away from the narrow IOP-reduction paradigm that has dominated the field for decades. Should it succeed, it will not only expand the treatment toolkit—but also bring hope to millions facing the threat of blindness.