New Help for those with damaged or diseased corneas

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new biomimetic hydrogel or polymer that may help restore vision to millions of people who have been blinded due to damaged or diseased corneas.

The Duoptix material, made of two interwoven hydrogels, is transparent and swells to a water content of 80%-similar to biological tissues. The hydrogel is nutrient permeable, allowing the cornea to receive glucose, it’s favorite food. The material is also strong and flexible, allowing it to survive suturing during surgery.

According to Christopher Ta, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University Medical Center, an 8 week trial for biocompatibility in animals was conducted and the results showed that the lenses remained clear.

Other future applications for the material could include use as more comfortable extended wear contacts, implanted contacts or even replacements for inner-eye lenses damaged by cataracts.

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Diabetic African Americans have increased risk of vision loss

New study findings show that African Americans with type one diabetes have a high risk of vision loss.

Dr. Monique S. Roy, lead investigator, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, stated that poor control over blood sugar levels is “a very powerful risk factor for losing vision.”

Dr. Roy and co-investigator, Dr. Joan Sunice, followed approximately 500 African Americans with tpe 1 diabetes over a period of 6 years to determine rate of vision loss and associated risk factors.

In addition to poor blood sugar control, older age, high protein levels in the urine, and diabetic retinopathy were all independent predictors of vision loss over 6 years.

Dr.Roy noted: “Since African Americans with diabetes as a whole have poor blood sugar control, a major effort to improve glucose control must be made by patients and physicians taking care of such patients..”

Information for this post was gathered form an article written by Joene Hendry for Reuters Health.

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