Apollo

Abstract

Myopia, or nearsightedness, represents a significant and escalating global issue, with projections indicating that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will be affected (Holden et al., 2016). Because myopia is a progressive condition, early onset significantly increases the risk of severe visual impairment and, in extreme cases, permanent vision loss. Immediate and effective interventions are essential to mitigate this risk. While treatments to slow myopia progression currently exist, they are often suboptimal. To address these limitations, a novel treatment [confidential information withheld] is being developed at Amsterdam UMC to more effectively arrest myopia progression.

Given the novelty of this procedure, only makeshift instruments have been produced and used to date. This thesis focuses on the design of a scalable, safe, and effective instrument to perform this novel treatment.

A prototype was developed to facilitate further development of the treatment by supporting ex-vivo testing. Considerations, including manufacturability, anatomical compatibility, sterilization, and compliance with medical device regulations, have been integrated into the design process. The final concept provides a feasible instrument design that minimizes the need for modifications during transition to series production, ensuring scalability as the treatment advances toward clinical application.