Researchers in Hyderabad have done a remarkable job in the field of eye transplantation. They have carried out a rare task where they first created a 3D-printed artificial cornea and then transplanted safely into a rabbit eye.
The team of researchers actually collaborated the above project from different institutes including the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), and L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI).
The final product is completely indigenous and is said to be completely natural having no synthetic particles. At the same time, the product is also free from animal residues and is totally safe.
This is what the team of researchers have to say on their remarkable success, “It is a made-in-India product by an Indian clinician-scientist team and the first 3-D printed human cornea that is optically and physically suitable for transplantation. The bio-ink used to make this 3D printed cornea can be sight-saving for army personnel at the site of injury to seal the corneal perforation and prevent infection during war-related injuries or in a remote area with no tertiary eye care facility, they said.
If you have not heard about cornea, it’s the clear front layer of your eye that specifically focusses the light and helps in clear vision.
Eye Transplantation or Artificial Cornea
You might be wondering what’s the need to develop artificial cornea. Well, the current demand and supply of donor corneal tissue worldwide is quite huge. Due to the shortages of donor, nearly 5% of cases are treated by corneal transplantations.
At this time, the printed corneas will certainly go in the trial phase before they are recommended for their use.
In the later stages, it would be quite interesting to check how this artificial cornea actually integrates and also contributes to the restore of vision.
Also Read: What Causes Red Veins On Eyelids & How Are They Treated?
Source: Medindia.net
