Swedish scientists have announced that they have found an alternative treatment for “corneal sharpening”, a condition that causes vision loss.

Experimental treatment for corneal sharpening! Swedish scientists have announced that they have developed a revolutionary method for the treatment of corneal sharpening disease that causes vision loss. The disease, which is normally treated with corneal implants, can be treated with a protein obtained from animals. The research team announced that they treated corneal sharpening, medically known as keratoconus, with a substance produced from pig skin. With the new system, collagen taken from pig skin is turned into a special gel. The implant produced with 3D printers using this gel is placed in the eyes of patients. This prevents the thinning cornea from tearing. Scientists emphasize that the special substance developed does not trigger the immune system.

All Patients Started to See Again
Researchers says, “Normal treatment uses cornea from a donor, but there was always a risk that the body would reject it. Now we are making treatment possible by using a substance that the food industry normally throws away. In this way, all patients can see again thanks to the treatment.” During the application, not all patients who use the implant can regain their vision and recover at the same speed. While the treatment is more successful and gives faster results in some patients, the treatment may progress more slowly in others. However, all patients who receive treatment start to see much better than before over time. Corneal thinning, which is common, usually starts in adolescence. The disease, which is caused by the sharpening of the cornea, the transparent layer of the eye, can lead to vision loss. The treatment developed in Sweden is expected to be widely applied worldwide within 3-4 years.

July 2023