IIT-H offers less invasive technique in ophthalmology

A group of scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) has developed a hydrogel from discarded corneas from human and bovine sources using a novel and simple method. Serendipitously, they discovered the most striking feature of this tissue-specific hydrogel to prevent the cells from scar tissue formation, which is attributed to the microenvironment that cannot be offered by any synthetic or other natural material. Capable of being injected owing to its two phases (liquid and gel) based on the incubation temperature, the scientists explored its potential to serve as a material for minimally invasive treatment to replace complicated surgeries. Until now, no strategy is available to prevent corneal scarring following an injury. The scientists demonstrated, for the first time, that this hydrogel can be applied immediately after injury which helps to regenerate the cornea without scarring. Furthermore, no treatment is available other than partial donor corneal graft or corneal transplantation for scarring, which is already present in the visual acuity.