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New Corneal Research

cornea transplantThe cornea is in front of the lens. It is a clear layer, seeming to lack substance.  However, it is comprised of multiple layers and groups of cells and proteins which are highly organized.

Unlike other parts of the body, the cornea does not contain any blood vessels to nourish or protect the tissue against infection. Instead, the cornea receives its nourishment from tears and aqueous humor, a fluid in the front portion of the eye that fills the chamber between the cornea and the lens. The cornea must remain transparent to refract light properly and enable clear vision. The presence of even the tiniest blood vessels can interfere with this process. To see well, all layers of the cornea must be free of any cloudy or opaque areas.

The cornea plays several essential roles: it protects the delicate surface of the eye and acts as the first instance of focusing.

Types of Corneal Issues

  • Fuch’s dystrophy is the most common cause of corneal swelling (edema), occurring most frequently in people ages 30-40. This disease rarely affects vision until people reach the ages of 50-60. This can result is foggy or distorted vision. This condition is 2-4 times more common and severe in women. Prevalence in the U.S. is about 4% of people over forty.1
  • A corneal scratch can occur from an eye accident such as from a tree branch hitting the eye. This can be painful, but should clear up fairly quickly with proper medical treatment. This can also occur in cases of more severe dry eye.
  • Keratoconus is bulging of the cornea.  It is a degenerative condition and is the most common form of corneal dystrophy. It is characterized by a thinning and protrusion of the cornea, resulting in an irregular conical corneal shape. In the US it occurs in about 1 in 2000 people.2 It occurs in all races and typically develops in both eyes. It is more prevalent in those who wear contacts and in people who are nearsighted (myopic).
  • Keratitis is inflammation, with redness and swelling, of the cornea. Infections related to contact lenses are the most common cause of keratitis. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and single-celled pathogens.3
  • Corneal dystrophies cause cloudy vision when material builds up on the cornea. These diseases usually run in families.

You should be evaluated by an eye doctor if you have any sudden changes in vision. If a diagnosis is related to the cornea, see an ophthalmologist who specializes in the cornea.

Corneal Treatments Research

Keratoconus. Implants made from pig skin have restored sight in the blind in a pilot study.4 The implant used in the study replicates the human cornea, and is made from collagen protein found in pigs.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, the implants were able to restore sight in 20 people with damaged or diseased corneas. Fourteen participants were completely blind prior to the procedure.

Fuch’s Dystrophy.  A novel treatment promisingly combines minimally invasive surgery and Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitors to trigger regeneration of endothelial cells within the cornea.5 6 Such a therapy would replace corneal transplants which carry the risk of tissue rejection and blindness.  This is a therapy that would allow the body to heal itself.

Natural Ways to Support the Cornea

The recommendation can help support and nourish the cornea, and are not meant to replace your eye doctor’s recommendations.

Ortho K Thin (Daytime) Homeopathic Eye Drops 10ml per bottle – among other herbs, contains Calendula and Euphrasia that support corneal healing and help keep the cornea lubricated.

MSM Drops 1 oz (4% solution) – has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps soften tissue to allow better transport of nutrients.

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic) 60 vcaps (2-month supply)

Corneal Support Packages

Footnotes

  1. MedlinePlus.gov (2018) Retrieved Aug 17 2022 from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/fuchs-endothelial-dystrophy/#frequency.
  2.  NORD. (2019). Keratoconus. Retrieved Aug 17 2022 from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/keratoconus/.
  3. Lakhundi S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA. (2017).  Pathogenesis of microbial keratitis. Microb Pathog. Mar;104:97-109.
  4. Rafat M, Jabbarvand M, Sharma N. et al. (2022). Bioengineered corneal tissue for minimally invasive vision restoration in advanced keratoconus in two clinical cohorts. Nat Biotechnol. Aug 11.
  5. NYU Lagone Health. (2021). Cornea: Pioneering Fuchs Dystrophy Treatment Combines Surgery & Therapeutic to Regenerate Tissue. Feb 4. Retrieved Aug 17 2022 from https://nyulangone.org/news/cornea-pioneering-fuchs-dystrophy-treatment-combines-surgery-therapeutic-regenerate-tissue.
  6. Kinoshita S, Colby, KA, Kruse FE, et al. (2021). A Close Look at the Clinical Efficacy of Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Cornea. Oct: 40(10)1225-1228.