A 60-Second, Painless, Revolutionary Procedure: Some Experts Claim It Could Bury Laser Eye Surgery Forever

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By : Maria Popova

Breakthrough in vision correction technology

American scientists have developed a groundbreaking technique that could revolutionize vision correction. This new method, developed at Occidental College in Los Angeles and UC Irvine, uses electricity instead of lasers to reshape the cornea in under one minute.

The innovative approach, called “Electromechanical Reshaping” (EMR), promises to be non-invasive, potentially reversible, and more affordable than traditional LASIK surgery.

How the new technology works

The procedure uses a specially designed platinum contact lens that carries a controlled electrical current through a saline solution. This creates a localized pH change that temporarily makes the cornea malleable, allowing it to be reshaped without any incisions.

Initial tests on rabbit eyes have shown remarkable success, with corneas conforming to the desired shape in approximately 60 seconds – comparable to traditional LASIK timing.

Advantages over traditional LASIK

Unlike LASIK, which has been the standard since 1999, EMR doesn’t remove any corneal tissue. This makes the procedure potentially reversible and eliminates risks associated with heat transfer and tissue damage.

The equipment costs are expected to be significantly lower than current laser systems, potentially making vision correction more accessible to millions of Americans who cannot afford LASIK.

Future medical applications

Beyond vision correction, researchers see potential applications for treating corneal opacity, a condition currently only treatable through organ transplantation. This could significantly impact the field of ophthalmology in the United States.

The technology might also open new possibilities for treating various other eye conditions that currently have limited treatment options.

The path to FDA approval

Dr. Maria Walker from the University of Houston emphasizes that while results are promising, extensive testing is still needed. The technology must undergo rigorous clinical trials and meet strict FDA requirements before becoming available to American patients.

Researchers are currently preparing for live animal trials, followed by human clinical studies that will evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness for different vision problems.

Conclusion

This American-developed technology represents a potential paradigm shift in vision correction. While still in development, it offers hope for more affordable, less invasive eye treatment options in the future. Healthcare providers and potential patients are advised to monitor developments as clinical trials progress.

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