Pharmacologic refractive correction through biolistic particle delivery to the cornea

Researcher: Dennis Ko

In the United States, approximately 230 million individuals experience visual impairments due to refractive errors. Among these, 50% rely on glasses for correction, while a mere 0.2% opt for expensive surgical solutions like LASIK. This discrepancy often stems from the inherent barriers associated with LASIK, such as its high cost, invasiveness, and unsuitability for individuals with certain anatomical limitations, particularly those with thin corneas. Our research aims to bridge this gap by introducing a cost-effective, non-invasive, and universally applicable treatment for vision correction through spatially-controlled delivery of copper to the cornea. Copper supports an enzyme present within the cornea that creates crosslinks, which in turn strengthens and corrects the corneal shape. The gentle nature of our innovative approach mitigates the risks and limitations linked with LASIK and also allows for the possibility of repeated treatments, accommodating the natural progression of vision changes as individuals age. This treatment provides a viable, long-term alternative for patients reliant on spectacles and currently underserved by expensive surgical procedures.