Russian Scientists Develop New Eye Cornea Treatment Method

Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) and Siberian State Medical University have created a new treatment method for corneal disease, TPU announced in a press release.

The method has been portrayed as much safer and more effective than other analogues, as it employs biodegradable material and stem cells.

Bullous keratopathy is a dangerous eye disease leading to vision loss. It can be caused by defects in the cornea’s internal layer resulting in aqueous misdirection and corneal edema.

A surgery approach — barrier keratoplasty — allows for the recovery of the cornea. The method is the following: the cornea’s affected area is fixed by an implant made of polymer film, which recovers the eye’s fluid exchange.

The scientists are developing new biodegradable implants, “loaded” with blood stem cells, which can be possibly used in keratoplasty and the recovery of the cornea.

The scientists believe that this method spark’s an organism reaction to xenophthalmia. Tests have shown that it took three months for a cornea to recover, and that the implant was reabsorbed completely within half a year.

As of now, the scientists are in the final stage of developing a more effective prototype of implants – a so-called “track-etched membrane made of polylactic acid”.

Sourse: sputniknews.com