Promising EMR eye surgery shown in animal tests

A laboratory technique uses electric currents to reshape the cornea as a possible alternative to LASIK, in early rabbit studies.

Electromechanical Eye Surgery Aims to Replace LASIK

Researchers are testing electromechanical reshaping EMR as a way to reshape the cornea without cutting tissue. They placed platinum contact lenses over rabbit eyes in saline to act as electrodes and create precise pH changes. After about a minute the cornea bent to match a molded template. In 12 rabbit eyeballs, 10 treated eyes ended with focused power appropriate to corrected myopia, and the cells stayed alive under controlled conditions. The work shows EMR can alter corneal shape without incisions and hints at possible reduction of equipment needs for vision correction.

Next steps include testing on living rabbits, mapping which vision errors EMR can treat such as near and far sightedness and astigmatism, and confirming safety and reversibility. The team notes funding uncertainties that slow progress, and they stress the long road to clinic. If successful the method could be cheaper and widely applicable, with potential reversibility.

EMR promises to shake up a field that has long depended on lasers and incisions. A cheaper setup and fewer steps could widen access and reduce risks tied to cutting the cornea. But this is still early stage and animal work, not human data.

Even if EMR proves safe, the path to clinics is long and costly. Regulators will demand rigorous data and long term outcomes. The funding uncertainty highlights a broader problem for early stage medical tech that could benefit patients.

Highlights

The coming years will show whether EMR's promise can move from bench to bedside.