Transplanting a human eye remains a complex challenge, primarily due to the difficulties involved in the surgical procedure and the rapid degeneration of the eye once removed from the body. Past attempts at eye transplants faced significant setbacks, with newly transplanted eyes failing to restore vision. However, a groundbreaking device designed to maintain and revive freshly excised eyeballs could pave the way for more successful eye transplant procedures in the future.
The innovative device, known as the Eye-in-a-Care-Box (ECaBox), employs a technique called perfusion, which supplies surgically removed organs with essential oxygen and nutrients, similar to what they would receive inside a living body. This process helps to slow down degradation, preserving the eye’s ability to transmit electrical signals and potentially see. Developed by researchers led by Pia Cosma at the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, the ECaBox delivers an oxygen-rich fluid through the eye’s blood supply artery while ensuring proper temperature and pressure within a sealed environment. A clear window allows for real-time imaging and analysis of the eye during the perfusion process.
Initial experiments using pig eyes—chosen for their anatomical similarity to human eyes—demonstrated promising results. While untreated pig eyes rapidly degenerated at room temperature, those housed in the ECaBox exhibited significantly better viability after 24 hours. Remarkably, the perfused eyes showed the ability to respond to light, indicating that they could potentially restore vision if successfully transplanted. Following these encouraging findings, researchers extended their studies to human eyes, comparing pairs from deceased donors. The results mirrored those seen with pig eyes, with the perfused specimens exhibiting better retinal preservation. The researchers aim to refine the ECaBox design for future applications in both research and potential transplantation, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the field of ocular medicine.
Source: A device that revives eyeballs from dead donors could make eye transplants possible via MIT Technology Review