SEOUL: Experts from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Dong-A University Hospital have developed a vitreous body to treat blindness caused by retinal detachment.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Biomaterials, introduced a solution developed from a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in algae, as alternative to existing eye treatments.
Retinal detachment, is a condition where the retina detaches from the basic eye wall and could cause vision loss. The treatment currently available for the medical problem involve replacing the vitreous body with fillers, which has undesirable side effects.
To overcome this problem, the research team used a modified form of alginate, a substance naturally found in algae.
The scientists developed a gel formulation, to replace the vitreous body within the eye. The elasticity in the gel stabilizes the retina and preventing the formation of air bubbles.
To analyze efficacy of the gel, the team conducted trials on rabbits, whose eye anatomy closely resembles humans.
According to their findings the gel effectively prevented retinal detachment and shown prolonged efficacy without encountering any negative impacts.
Professor Hyung Joon Cha of POSTECH, who led the research said detachment of retina is increasing day by day especially in young people with acute nearsightedness.
He said that cases of such medical problem in Korea increased by 50% between 2017 and 2022. He added that the team is committed to improve the hydrogel technology for eye care.
Dong-A University Hospital’s Professor Woo Jin Jeong said the international market for intraocular fillers is increasing by 3% annually. He said hydrogel will be beneficial for future eye surgeries.
