1 . Researchers have developed a material made of collagen protein (胶原蛋白) from pig’s skin, which resembles the human cornea (眼角膜) and restored vision to 20 people. The promising result of the trial brings hope to people suffering from corneal blindness.

An estimated 12.7 million people around the world are blind due to their corneas being damaged or diseased. Their only way of regaining vision is to receive a transplanted cornea from a human donor. But just one in 70 patients receives a cornea transplant. Furthermore, most of them live in low and middle-income countries in which access to treatments is very limited.

To avoid the above disadvantages of traditional cornea treatment, the researchers used collagen protein from pig’s skin. “It is possible to develop a biomaterial that meets all the criteria for being used as human implants (移植物), which can be mass-produced and reach more people with vision problems,” said Professor Neil Lagali. While donated corneas must be used within two weeks, the bioengineered corneas can be stored for up to two years before use. The pig skin used is a byproduct of the food industry, making it easy to access.

The researchers have also developed a new surgical method for treating the disease. No stitches (缝针) are needed with this new method. In a pilot study, 14 of the 20 participants were blind before the operation. After two years, all of the patients regained their sight. Three of the Indian participants who had been blind had perfect vision after the operation.

The researchers also want to study whether the technology can be used to treat more eye diseases, and whether the implant can be adapted to the individual for even greater effectiveness.