The successful implantation of biosynthetic corneas into human eyes is giving hope to millions of partially-sighted people worldwide.
A new study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine (August 25, 2010), by scientists in Sweden and Canada has shown that biosynthetic corneas can help regenerate and repair damaged eye tissue and improve vision in humans.
The breakthrough could spell the end to lengthy waiting lists for human corneas, with the UK currently experiencing a shortage each year of around 500 corneas.
Dr May Griffiths and Professor Per Fagerholm, from Linköping University in Sweden, replaced damaged corneal tissue in 10 patients and replaced it with the biosynthetic cornea.
Two years later the cells and nerves from the patients' own corneas had grown into the implant and the biosynthetic corneas became sensitive to touch, allowing normal tears to oxygenate the eye.
Vision improved in six of the patients and after contact lens fitting the patients' vision was comparable to conventional corneal transplantation with human donor tissue.
Dr Griffith said: 'This study is important because it is the first to show that an artificially fabricated cornea can integrate with the human eye and stimulate regeneration. With further research, this approach could help restore sight to millions of people who are waiting for a donated human cornea for transplantation.'
