Page 84 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition May-Junel 2022
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HIGH-TECH EYE DROPS
HELP PREVENT
CORNEAL DAMAGE
CREDIT DOI 10.7150 THNO 65098
ew research has laid the groundwork for has enormous potential and also offers a chance
a long-lasting eye drop and shown the for scientists to try these drugs to treat other
Npotential of nanotechnology to deliver eye conditions. This research can be more
targeted treatments that could protect the helpful than the current therapies. The eye drops
cornea from sight-threatening damage. To treat invented would be less invasive than other types
corneal neovascularisation (CoNV), a condition of treatments, such as eye injections or surgery.
that globally affects more than a million people Also, these drops only need to be administered
each year, this pathbreaking research will lead once a day.
to new and effective treatments. This pre-clinical
study tests the use of nanomedicine to deliver The cornea allows light to enter the eye and
drugs to treat damaged corneas. does most of the focusing for the eye. This is
why the cornea must be clear to allow light to
Led by Associate Professor Rick Guei-Sheung pass into the eye and have a regular curve to
Liu and Dr Sloan Wang, the study has been help focus the light. Unfortunately, trauma, toxic
published in the Theranostics journal. Dr Liu chemical injuries, and infections like chronic
completed the current study when he was at the blepharoconjunctivitis or keratitis can cause new
University of Tasmania in collaboration with the blood vessels to form and extend deep into the
Taipei Medical University.
cornea. This can cloud the cornea and interfere
According to Dr Liu, the head of Genetic with one’s vision. This condition can even lead to
Engineering Research at CERA, the technique significant vision loss. In such advanced stages,
80 THE INDIAN OPTICIAN MAY-JUNE 2022 TECH UPDATE
