Corneal Blindness

Reduced Rejection Risk

Unlike traditional donor corneas, rHCT3-I is a bioengineered implant that closely mimics the natural corneal stroma, significantly reducing the risk of tissue rejection.

Bioengineered Precision

The rHCT3-I implant is crafted from recombinant collagen, replicating the natural collagen-rich structure of the cornea. This precision design ensures better integration and function, providing a more effective solution for corneal repair.

Enhanced Safety

The advanced design of rHCT3-I offers a safer option for patients by avoiding complications associated with donor tissue, such as transmission of diseases and compatibility issues.

Improved Accessibility

As a bioengineered solution, rHCT3-I can be produced on-demand, increasing accessibility for patients who need corneal replacements and potentially alleviating the global shortage of donor corneas.

UNDERSTANDING CORNEAL BLINDNESS

Corneal blindness is a condition characterized by vision loss due to damage or disease affecting the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. The cornea handles very well with minor injuries or abrasions, but deeper scratches or infections to the cornea require a longer healing process, at times resulting in a haze on the cornea that can greatly impair vision leading to blindness. Cornea is a vital structure that plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, enabling clear vision. When the cornea confronts damage, it triggers a range of distressing symptoms including pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, redness, and extreme sensitivity to light. Furthermore, corneal damage can result in scarring, exacerbating visual impairment. It can result from various factors, including injuries, infections, genetic conditions, and degenerative diseases, all of which compromise the cornea’s transparency and functionality leading to significant visual impairment or even total blindness

"5.1% of the population globally suffer from Corneal Blindness."

4th leading cause for blindness.

Corneal blindness is the 4th leading cause of vision loss around the world.

>350,000 kids each year.

Are born or develop infections at a young age, which cause corneal blindness

Complications of Corneal Blindness

In children

Corneal blindness can lead to numerous complications that severely impact a person’s overall well-being and ability to function independently. Severe vision impairment in young children can lead to developmental delays and lifelong challenges, while school-age children may achieve lower educational levels.

In adults

In older adults, vision impairment can result in social isolation, mobility issues, and a higher risk of falls. Additionally, individuals may suffer from chronic pain and discomfort, heightened sensitivity to light, and difficulties with daily activities, all contributing to a reduced quality of life.

OUR ONGOING RESEARCH

Corneal blindness is a significant global issue, with only one cornea available for every 70 needed. Even when donor corneas are available, there is always a risk of tissue rejection, necessitating at least a year of immunosuppressive medication post-transplant. To address this, we are developing rHCT3-I, a recombinant collagen film/implant designed to replace damaged or lost corneal stroma. This bioengineered cornea mimics the natural cornea’s collagen-rich structure without containing impurities, human cells, or cellular material, significantly reducing the risk of rejection compared to donated corneas. This offers a promising solution for those affected by corneal blindness, providing a safer and more accessible alternative to traditional corneal transplants.

References

1. Tidke SC, Tidake P. A Review of Corneal Blindness: Causes and Management. Cureus. 2022 Oct 9;14(10):e30097. 2. Burton MJ. Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Community Eye Health. 2009 Dec;22(71):33-5. 3. Corneal blindness. Available at: https://www.seeintl.org/cornealblindness/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20World%20Health,and%20age%2Drelated%20macular%20degeneration. Last accessed on: 13 May 2024. 4. Blindness and vision impairment. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual impairment#:~:text=Impact%20of%20vision%20impairment&text=Vision%20impairment%20severely%20impacts%20quality,rates%20of%20depression%20and%20anxiety. Last accessed on: 16 May 2024. 5. Corneal blindness. Available at: https://www.seeintl.org/corneal-blindness/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20each%20year%2C%20more%20than,Read%20more%20on%20childhood%20blindness. Last accessed on: 16 May 2024 . 6. Data on file . 7. Oliva MS, Schottman T, Gulati M. Turning the tide of corneal blindness. Indian journal of ophthalmology. 2012 Sep 1;60(5):423-7