Is it permissible to use a glaucoma treatment implant made from pig gelatin?

Summary

Using a glaucoma implant made from pig gelatin is permissible and falls under the category of necessity if it is proven more effective than alternatives made from pure materials, or if no pure alternative can be used to make the implant. Advice from a medical expert must be obtained first. An implant already in use must be removed if an implant made from gelatin or another pure material is available and does not harm the patient. A person using it out of necessity is considered to be in a state of valid excuse, so prayers performed while wearing it are valid and need not be repeated after removal.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.