The results of a pilot study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology are encouraging. Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have created and implanted an artificial cornea from proteins of collagen from the pigskin. A total of twenty people suffering from keratoconus, an eye disease that causes progressive deformation of the cornea and loss of sight, took part in the trial.
The surgeons made an incision in the patient’s cornea in order to slip the implant into it. “Intrastromal (laser) surgery is sans suture et leaves corneal nerves and cell layers intactpromoting rapid wound healing”, explain the researchers. It’s a method moins invasive than what has been done so far, namely replace the cornea.
Results ? Of the 20 patients, 14 recovered their sight at least partially and 3 regained visual acuity of 20/20.
“We went to great lengths to ensure that our invention would be widely available and affordable for all and not just for the rich. That’s why this technology could be used anywhere in the world.”, explains Mehrdad Rafat, one of the authors of the study. Before receiving marketing authorization, researchers will have to make new studies with a larger panel.