Contact lenses coated with stem cells restored sight for patients with corneal damage in a new Australian study. The study involved three people who were blind in one eye. The researchers took stem cells from the cornea of their healthy eyes and cultured the cells in extended wear contact lenses. Within 10 to 14 days of wearing the contacts, the stem cells began to re-colonize and repair the damaged cornea.
After the procedure, two of the participants who were legally blind could read the large letters on an eye chart. The third participant was able to pass the vision test for a driver’s license. All three participants have had improved vision for the last 18 months.
Dr. Nick Di Girolamo of the University of New South Wales said the procedure also works for patients with damage to both eyes. In those cases, stem cells can be taken from the conjunctiva instead of the cornea. He predicts that the technique could be used to repair the retina as well.
Unlike other techniques, this procedure is non-invasive, simple and inexpensive. This could be especially beneficial for poorer countries. The researchers have applied for additional funds to continue the study, recently reported in The Australian.
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