What if you could secure damaged eyes without firing a laser? Scientists have potentially discovered new ways to repair the cornea, similar to Lasik, which does not require lasers or other invasive surgical tools.
Researchers at Occidental College and the University of California, Irvine have created a technique aimed at temporarily making the cornea flexible. In experiments using rabbit eyeballs, the method appeared to work, leaving corneal cells alive. More research is needed to consider the procedure, but if everything goes well, researchers argue that it could be a preferred alternative to LASIK.
“There is a long way to go between what we did and the clinic, but once we get there, this technique is widely applicable, very inexpensive, and even potentially potentially. statement From the American Chemical Society.
Why some people avoid LASIK
LASIK It is used on a daily basis to deal with conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Using an accurate cutting laser, it remodels the cornea, the outer layer of the clear, clear eye that captures and concentrates light into the retina.
Although generally safe and effective, this surgery permanently weakens the structural integrity of the cornea. People also experience side effects like dry eyes and visual impairments like halo. A few do that too Develop In rare cases, complications such as chronic nerve pain. Ideally, the team’s method avoids these risks.
Potentially safe methods
This technique is called electromechanical reshaping. Some of the authors have previously used it to manipulate other parts of the body, including collagen and water. ear. This works by changing the pH of the tissue via a short burst of electricity, allowing it to be molded if necessary. Once the appropriate pH is restored, the tissue will return to its original rigid state.
The researchers used this technique on rabbit eyes in the lab, in part intended to represent human myopia. Special contact lenses made from platinum were placed on the extracted eyes. These lenses act as electrodes and provide a base for how to properly remodel the cornea.
When the researchers lightly zapped their eyes, the cornea became softer and the lens was outlined. Not only did the cornea fill out as the researchers wanted, but the procedure did not kill corneal cells or affect the stability of the cornea. A YouTube video explaining the team’s approach from the American Chemical Society is I saw it Below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rubjwbut0m0
Team results, Presentation This week is the American Chemical Society’s Fall Meeting, and it’s still preliminary. Researchers acknowledge that animals will be researched more before thinking about testing methods in humans. Their next planned step is to try out the steps with live rabbits.
But the potential for team work is certainly there, and it could extend beyond myopia treatment. Researchers also hope to explore whether electromechanical reshaping can help repair hyperopia, astigmatism, and perhaps some form of cloudy vision.
Unfortunately, that was the case For many scientists During the second Trump administration, researchers say their work was delayed over concerns about securing additional funding.
