Rheon Medical is a Swiss startup originating from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), founded with a clear ambition: to revolutionize glaucoma treatment through cutting-edge technological advancements.
Behind this company lies years of research, technical challenges, and intensive development. This journey, initiated in EPFL’s laboratories, has enabled Rheon Medical to establish itself as a reference in the field of medical devices for ophthalmology.
The Birth of eyeWatch – An Innovation Inspired by a Personal Story
The story of Rheon Medical began in 2008 with the initiative of an EPFL professor specializing in fluid mechanics, Nikos Stergiopulos, whose father suffered from glaucoma. Confronted with the limitations of existing treatments, he took a keen interest in available solutions and supervised a Ph.D. student specializing in ophthalmology.
“My father lost vision in one eye due to glaucoma, and the other eye was also affected,” he explains. Through discussions with his Ph.D. student, he learned that the disease is initially treated with eye drops, but at an advanced stage, surgical intervention is required to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) using drainage devices called aqueous shunts.
The major problem with these traditional implants is the lack of precise control over fluid flow, leading to complications and surgical failures. Nikos Stergiopulos envisioned an innovative solution to better manage intraocular pressure. His idea was based on a simple concept: using a non-invasive adjustable magnetic disk to modify fluid resistance and thus better control IOP. He refined his concept and validated its clinical potential with ophthalmologists. To bring this idea to life, he then collaborated with two engineers. They contributed their expertise to transform this vision into a groundbreaking implant.
A patent was filed at EPFL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The first prototypes were then developed in his laboratory, paving the way for a major breakthrough in glaucoma treatment.
The first eyeWatch implant was successfully placed seven years later, in September 2015, as part of a clinical trial, marking a key step toward revolutionizing glaucoma surgery.
Key Milestones
First implantation of the eyeWatch device in a patient as part of a clinical trial in Switzerland.
Rheon Medical obtained regulatory approval (CE marking) in Europe for its eyeWatch implant. This European market approval was a decisive turning point for the company.
During Swiss Medtech Day in Bern, Rheon Medical received the prestigious Swiss Medtech Award. This event honors outstanding innovations. At that time, Rheon Medical’s eyeWatch system, which revolutionizes glaucoma treatment, had already been successfully used in over 150 patients.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States granted the eyeWatch the “Breakthrough Device” designation, highlighting its revolutionary potential.
Rheon Medical’s Core Values
At Rheon Medical, our actions and decisions are guided by a set of values that define our identity and commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient well-being.
Innovation
We continually invest in research and development to design cutting-edge medical solutions. Each device is the result of close collaboration between scientists, engineers, and clinicians, ensuring innovative technologies tailored to patient needs.
Excellence
Our products meet the highest quality and safety standards through rigorous control and validation processes. This commitment to excellence is based on actively listening to healthcare professionals and patients to continuously improve our devices.
Ethics
We ensure that our research and development adhere to the highest ethical standards. Our goal is to provide accessible and beneficial solutions for as many patients as possible, without compromise.
Collaboration
Rheon Medical fosters a culture of exchange and synergy among employees, as well as with research institutions, hospitals, and medical professionals. Together, we push the boundaries of innovation to deliver ever more effective solutions.
An Innovative Company at the Heart of Europe
Rheon Medical is one of the few European companies developing and offering innovative implants for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. In a field dominated by international players, we are proud to elevate Swiss innovation to the highest level and provide cutting-edge alternatives to surgeons and patients.
Since our inception, we have received crucial support from several major Swiss institutions that have believed in our potential and contributed to our development:
The Foundation for Technological Innovation (FIT): Supporting high-potential Swiss startups.
The Canton of Vaud: Encouraging innovation and economic development in the region.
Innosuisse: The Swiss innovation agency that has helped turn our research into concrete solutions for patients.
Thanks to this dynamic ecosystem and the hard work of our teams, we have reached significant milestones and made a name for ourselves in this highly competitive field.
Progress and Achievements
Rheon Medical has developed additional implants, both as complementary accessories to eyeWatch and as new implants inspired by existing devices on the market but incorporating significant improvements.
The eyeWatch device has been successfully implanted in over 1,250 patients worldwide. Also, the number of medical centers adopting this technology continues to grow. Recently, centers have opened in Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, with distribution agreements signed in several other countries.
Rheon Medical’s eyeWatch system represents a major advancement in surgical glaucoma treatment. This innovative medical device allows precise and straightforward adjustment of intraocular pressure—the main risk factor for glaucoma—during follow-up examinations.
Glaucoma, a progressive eye disease, can lead to irreversible vision loss by damaging the optic nerve. eyeWatch, the first and only non-invasively adjustable system, offers a revolutionary solution by enabling customized intraocular pressure control.
This Is Just the Beginning!
Rheon Medical is currently developing other innovative implants aimed at pushing the boundaries of glaucoma treatment even further and providing new therapeutic perspectives for patients worldwide.