Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for treating hypertension within the eye of a patient, comprising: delivering an effective amount of polynucleotide comprising an exogenous receptor genetic material which is expressed in a targeted tissue structure of the eye, wherein the targeted tissue structure has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein; waiting for a period of time to ensure that sufficient portions of the targeted tissue structure of the eye will express the desired light sensitive protein; and causing controlled mechanical changes to the permeability of the eye by directing light to the targeted tissue structure through a light deliver element optically intercoupled between a light source and the targeted tissue structure of the eye.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for treating hypertension within the eye of a patient, comprising a light delivery element optically intercoupled between a light source and a targeted tissue structure of the eye; wherein the targeted tissue structure has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein; and wherein exposure of the genetically modified targeted tissue structure to radiation delivered through the light delivery element modulates the contractility of the genetically modified targeted tissue structure to reduce an intraocular pressure within the eye.