The newly developed gel has some unique
properties that make it ideal to be used for eye injuries:
. The syringe
has a cooling chamber containing crystals of calcium ammonium nitrate. When
water is added to the crystals, it cools the gel and converts it into a liquid
so that it is ready for use in 30 seconds, and remains so for around 10
minutes.
‘A temperature-sensitive glue for eye injuries has been developed, which could be especially useful in war zones and rural regions that lack specialized ophthalmology care.’
The scientists tested the gel on the eyes
of rabbits with open globe or full thickness injuries. They found that:
- The gel was easy
to use
- The pressure
within the eye improved, thereby reducing the chances of retinal
detachment. The retina is the light-sensitive inner layer of the eye
- There was a
statistically significant improvement in would sealing
- The gel appeared
to be safe with no signs of nerve damage or degradation of the retina
- The eyes did not
show any infection or inflammation for up to 4 weeks following the
application
The gel, once approved,
will be particularly useful to soldiers who often get
eye injuries in the war zones especially from shrapnel. These injuries require
specialized care, however they usually do not get immediate care.
This unique
gel could help in reducing disability post war. Further, it
could be useful in the rural or remote areas that lack adequate ophthalmologic
facilities, so that the eye is protected till the patient reaches a specialty
care hospital.
Currently, the gel has
yet to undergo clinical trials before it can be used for the purpose.
About
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are a
common problem. Injuries could be due to acids or other chemicals, solar damage
caused by excessive staring at the sun, or a physical trauma due to a blow or
the penetration of a sharp object. Fireworks lit without proper precautions are
also a common cause of eye damage. Lacerations of the cornea can be
particularly serious since they can interfere with vision. Full thickness
injuries to the eye could result in a drop of eye pressure and detachment of
the retina, which could result in blindness.
Reference :- Bayat N et al. A reversible thermoresponsive sealant for temporary closure of ocular trauma. Science Translational Medicine 2017: Vol. 9, Issue 419, eaan3879 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan3879
Source: Medindia