There are already artificial corneal implants for patients with corneal degeneration, but because the surgeries are complicated, it is usually the last resort if transplants or corneal implants do not work. In contrast, the insertion of the CorNeat transplant is a relatively simple procedure that requires minimal stitches and cutting. In addition, it uses a biomimetic material that “stimulates cellular proliferation, leading to progressive tissue integration,” according to CorNeat.
A very cool animation (above) shows exactly how it works, with the end result being that the device is completely transplanted within the eye wall. “Fibers and collagen gradually colonize the integrating trunk and complete integration is achieved within a few weeks, and the device is permanently embedded in the patient’s eye,” according to CorNeat. It provides improved visual acuity and ‘extraordinarily fast healing times’, and it looks pretty natural.
The company said another ten patients had been approved for trials in Israel. It is planned to open two more in Canada this month, with six others in the approval process in France, the US and the Netherlands. Although the implant contains no electronics, it can help more people than any robot eye. “After years of hard work, when he saw a colleague easily implant the CorNeat KPro and saw a fellow human being regain sight the next day, it was electrifying and emotionally moving, there were many tears in the room,” said CorNeat Vision founder Dr. Gilad Litvin.