Researchers and entrepreneurs have developed an implant made of collagen protein from pig's skin, which resembles the human cornea. In a pilot study, the implant restored vision to 20 people with diseased corneas, most of whom were blind prior to.
Estimated 12.7 million people around the world are blind due to their corneas, which is the outermost transparent layer of the eye, being damaged or diseased.
Scientists in Sweden have successfully created a bioengineered cornea made from pig collagen that improves eyesight and restores vision to blind or impaired individuals. The implant aims to address the issue of lack of supply for the relatively high demand of corneas worldwide.
Researchers based in Sweden have used collagen harvested from pig skin to bioengineer cornea implants that have restored sight for nearly two dozen people.