According to scientists, this innovation might be accessible to as many people as possible.
A artificial cornea was created from pig cells. This innovation allowed 20 patients with eye degeneration to see once more, concludes a study from Linköping University in Sweden and published Thursday August 11 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
It was in India and Iran that these people were treated. They were suffering from keratoconus (deformation of the cornea which gradually thins), and 14 of them had already lost their sight.
Cornea: an inexpensive transplant
Of these 20 people who regained their sight, three had perfect vision. While this is not a first in terms of graft cornea is that the implants are made from pig skin cells.
Dual interest? The raw material is readily available. Mehrdad Rafat, co-author of the study results, summarizes:
We went to great lengths to ensure that our invention would be widely available and affordable to everyone, not just the wealthy. This is why this technology might be used anywhere in the world.
Minimally invasive operation
Neil Lagali, meanwhile professor of experimental ophthalmology at Linköping University, explains that the patient’s tissue does not need to be removed. The implant finds its place following a small incision and insertion.
Only, if the promise of an inexpensive and equally minimally invasive operation can make it possible to dream of changing the lives of millions of people suffering from it throughout the world, larger trials must be undertaken before any marketing.
