This is an initial report from a study to determine the safety and efficacy of an implant placed within the sclera to relieve elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It describes the first eight patients to receive the implant. Intraocular pressure and pneumotonometry were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for one year. In five patients, IOP decreased. Three patients in which the implant was considered a failure because of wound leaks had patch grafts, removal of the implant, or both. The five successful cases have continued to show reduced IOP.