New Technique Shows Promise for Safer Vision Correction
LASIK surgery is a common method for correcting vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure uses a laser to reshape the cornea,the clear front part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina.While generally safe and effective, LASIK permanently weakens the corneaS structural integrity and can cause side effects such as dry eye and visual disturbances like halos. In rare cases,more serious complications like chronic nerve pain can occur. researchers are now exploring a potentially safer choice.
The new technique, called electromechanical reshaping, has been previously used to manipulate tissues containing collagen and water, such as ears. It involves briefly altering the tissue’s pH with short electrical pulses, making it temporarily moldable. Once the pH returns to normal, the tissue regains its original firmness.
Researchers tested the method on rabbit eyes in a laboratory setting, using some eyes to simulate human myopia. they placed platinum contact lenses over the extracted eyes, serving as electrodes and defining the desired corneal shape.
Applying a mild electrical current caused the cornea to become flexible and conform to the shape of the lens. Importantly, the procedure did not appear to harm corneal cells or compromise the cornea’s stability. A video explaining the approach is available on YouTube from the American chemical Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUbJWbUt0m0.
The research team presented their preliminary findings this week at the American Chemical Society’s fall conference.They acknowledge further animal studies are necessary before human trials can be considered, with their next step being to test the procedure on live rabbits.Beyond correcting myopia, the researchers hope to investigate whether electromechanical reshaping can address farsightedness, astigmatism, and even certain types of cloudy vision.Though, the researchers report that securing funding for their work has been challenging, leading to delays, a situation mirroring difficulties faced by many scientists during the latter part of the previous presidential governance.
