The cornea is a fundamental part of the eye as it allows light rays to pass through to the innermost structures, thus contributing to the focusing of images on the retina. In order to perform this function, the cornea is transparent, thus devoid of blood vessels, but highly innervated. The cornea is located on the outer side of the eyeball and for this reason injuries and microtraumas caused by external agents are quite frequent, resulting in pain, redness, increased tearing and blurred vision. In certain cases, More serious injuries or infections, especially if not treated properly, can lead to loss of corneal tissue and consequently to severe visual impairment.
The use of adhesive materials such as cyanoacrylate glue, tissue grafting or corneal transplantation is also currently proposed for the treatment of such lesions. However, the above-mentioned methods have considerable disadvantages, as cyanoacrylate glue, for example, is not very transparent and does not integrate well with corneal tissue, while tissue grafting can be associated with rejection by the immune system.
At present, the search has focused on naturally derived biopolymers to overcome the problem, also considering the shortage of cornea donors.
In a very recent study, a new bioadhesive compound, a gel for corneal regeneration, formed from a chemically modified form of gelatin. Following exposure to special light waves, the photo-crosslinking process occurs whereby the gel adheres firmly to the corneal tissue.
Various strength parameters were tested, such as shear, fracture and adhesion over time. In all cases, the gel demonstrated stability and better results than the controls, or other adhesives currently used in the clinic. Moreover, not only does this gel showed no toxicity in experimental tests, but it has been observed that it remains transparent throughout the period studied, enabling the very important physiological function of the cornea and allowing the cells of the injured tissue to migrate to the damaged site and repair it.
In conclusion, currently available conventional treatment adhesives for corneal defects have significant drawbacks, including poor biomechanical, optical or adhesive properties, as well as a lack of biocompatibility and regenerative capacity, whereas this new material seems to be a promising alternative and could meet the needs listed above, promoting faster recovery for patients.
Sources
-Sani E.S et al. Sutureless repair of corneal injuries using naturally derived bioadhesive hydrogels. Ski Adv 2019; DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav1281
-Ljubimov A.V., Saghizadeh M. Progress in corneal wound healing. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 49:17-45
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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