Thinning of the cornea can be triggered by autoimmune problems, damage from surgery, chemical burns, etc. In any case, until recently it was considered irreversible and lead to blindness. However, the latest developments of scientists from the University of new Hampshire offers hope for creating funds to fight this disease.
The mechanism of thinning or softening of the cornea is triggered when its cells begin to produce special enzymes: matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Their activity depends on the presence of zinc ions, so all the past treatments were based on the binding of these ions and remove them from the cornea. Alas, the impact has extended to other parts of the body that had dangerous side effects.
Scientists from new Hampshire managed to create lenses from hydrogel which comprises a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and an organic compound dipicolylamine. The last substance is just able to bind zinc ions, but its impact is limited to the area of contact lenses and cornea. In experiments, scientists were able to successfully neutralize the three types of MMP, while all processes do not go beyond the lens.
Currently the technology is being tested on the patent application. The emergence of commercial versions of the lens against the corneal thinning is expected in the next few years.
Source — University of New Hampshire