Israel's world's first artificial corneal implants restore sight to the blind

Many patients who could benefit from corneal transplants are left without treatment due to the shortage of donor tissue. Artificial corneas could address this challenge. [iStockphoto]

After years of blindness, a 78-year-old man in Israel regained his sight through a ground-breaking artificial corneal transplant.

The surgery, performed by Professor Irit Bahar, the Director of the Ophthalmology Department at the Rabin Medical Centre, offers hope to millions suffering from corneal blindness worldwide.

 “Corneal blindness remains one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, with millions affected by conditions that can be treated with appropriate care,” said Almog Aley-Raz, Chief Executive Officer of CorNeat Vision.

 “Unveiling this first implanted eye and being in that room, in that moment, was surreal. This is an extremely important milestone for CorNeat Vision,” noted Dr Gilad Litvin, Chief Medical Officer of CorNeat Vision, who invented the CorNeat KPro.

“The surgical procedure was straightforward and the result exceeded our expectations. We are proud of being at the forefront of this exciting and meaningful project which will undoubtedly impact the lives of millions,” said Prof Bahar.

Recently, a team of researchers in Israel developed a synthetic cornea made from bioengineered collagen. The elderly man who underwent this procedure had lost his sight due to corneal scarring, but after the implant, his vision was restored.

The CorNeat KPro, an advanced artificial cornea, recently underwent its first human implantation as part of a multi-national clinical trial.

 “The CorNeat KPro’s first-in-human implantation is just the first step in a multi-national clinical trial, geared towards attaining CE Mark, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Clearance, and China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval,” said Dr Aley-Raz.

“Our trial includes blind patients who are not suitable candidates for– or have failed– one or more corneal transplantations. Given the exceptional visual performance of our device, the expected healing time, and retention, we plan to initiate a second study later this year with broader indications to approve our artificial cornea as a first-line treatment.”

Corneal blindness is particularly significant in developing countries like Kenya. Many patients who could benefit from corneal transplants are left without treatment due to the shortage of donor tissue. Artificial corneas could address this challenge.

The introduction of artificial corneas in Kenya could revolutionise eye care and provide hope to countless patients suffering from corneal diseases.

 “Investing in new technologies like artificial corneas can significantly improve the outlook for patients suffering from corneal diseases, allowing them to regain their independence and quality of life,” said Dr Aley-Raz.

Educational campaigns promoting eye health and early treatment are essential. By raising awareness, healthcare providers in Kenya can encourage individuals to seek help earlier, preventing irreversible damage and improving their chances of recovery. Organisations focused on eye care in Kenya can also play a crucial role in supporting the introduction of innovative technologies like artificial corneal transplants.

The elderly man’s successful surgery in Israel is a testament to the power of medical innovation. “The successful restoration of sight demonstrates the potential for innovation to change lives and enhance quality of care for those with visual impairments,” said Dr Aley-Raz.

As artificial corneas become more widely available, they hold the promise of transforming eye care, not just in Israel but globally.

In Kenya, corneal diseases remain a significant public health challenge affecting millions.

According to the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), as of 2022, 7.5 million people suffer from vision problems, with only 1.6 million having access to effective eye care services.