Bioengineered Cornea Implants
Source : Indian Express
GS III : Science and Technology

What is discussed under Bioengineered Cornea Implants?

1. Key Facts
2. Cornea

Why in News ?

Damage to the cornea the clear, outermost layer of the eye is one of the leading causes of blindness across the world, leaving approximately 12.7 million people blind, and particularly affecting those in poorer countries where there is a scarcity of donated human corneas.

Key Facts

• The first time, researchers in Sweden have been able to create a successful alternative bioengineered cornea implants made of collagen derived from pig skin.

  

• The implant was used to successfully restore the vision of 20 people in India and Iran, most of whom were blind due to keratoconus, a disease that leads to thinning of the cornea.
• Researchers claim that there is a severe shortage of corneas, with only one available for 70 patients.
• Logistical and storage difficulties, along with expensive surgical equipment, further burden those living in low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• As a substitute for human corneas, the researchers utilised medical-grade collagen derived from pig skin, a byproduct of the food industry that is already used in medical devices for glaucoma surgery.
• This is not only cheaper and easier to access than donated corneas, but requires a less invasive procedure and can be stored for a significantly longer period.
• The researchers developed a minimally invasive method without the use of stitches, where a small incision is made in the patient’s eye, and the implant is inserted over the existing cornea.
• This can be done with high-precision lasers or by using readily available surgical instruments.
• This new method was used by surgeons in India and Iran, where there is a lack of donated corneas.

Cornea

• The transparent avascular tissue part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside is called Cornea.
  • It helps to shield the rest of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful matter.
  • The cornea shares this protective task with the eyelids, the eye socket, tears, and the sclera, or white part of the eye.
• It acts as the eye’s outermost lens.
• The cornea contributes between 65-75 percent of the eye’s total focusing power.
• The curvature of this outer layer helps determine how well your eye can focus on objects close up and far away.
• If the cornea becomes damaged through disease, infection or injury, the resulting scars or discoloration can interfere with vision by blocking or distorting light as it enters the eye.

Daily Current Affairs : Click Here

Contact US