Source: Good News Network
For the first time ever, scientists have managed to 3D-print human corneas, which – once perfected – could restore vision to millions of people.
As the outermost layer of the human eye, the cornea plays an important role in focusing vision – but unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of corneas available for transplants, with 10 million people worldwide requiring surgery to prevent corneal blindness as a result of diseases such as trachoma, an infectious eye disorder.
In addition, almost 5 million people suffer total blindness due to corneal scarring caused by burns, lacerations, abrasion, or disease.
The proof-of-concept research, which was conducted in the UK by Newcastle University, was published in Experimental Eye Research. The study shows how stem cells (human corneal stromal cells) from a healthy donor cornea were mixed together with alginate and collagen to create a solution that could be printed – a ‘bio-ink’.
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