experimental

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.