A recent study published in Ophthalmology found that the risk of vision loss due to corneal infections among users of 30-day soft contact lenses is extremely low. The study, which involved 6,245 patients, reported an overall annual rate of evident corneal infection of 18 per 10,000.
Researchers at the University of Utah are developing a hydrogel that helps grow new tissue for repairing diseased organs. The gelatin-like substance, made from sugar chains, is essential for organ printing, which aims to print living, three-dimensional tissue for transplantation.
A study by the University of Manchester found that wearers who slept in hydrogel lenses were five times more likely to develop keratitis than those sleeping in silicone hydrogel lenses. Silicone hydrogels are now recommended as a safer option for extended wear.
A year-long study found that new generation silicone hydrogel lenses significantly reduce the risk of severe keratitis, a type of eye infection. Those wearing traditional hydrogel lenses were five times more likely to develop severe keratitis when sleeping in their lenses.
A new hydrogel sealant, made from biocompatible dendritic macromolecules and poly(ethylene glycol), seals corneal incisions more effectively than suturing or self-sealing, preventing infection and trauma.
A new hydrogel adhesive has shown promise in replacing sutures used for cataract surgery, demonstrating ease of use and reduced risk of complications. The transparent gel, similar to liquid bandages, could also be used to repair eye wounds associated with LASIK surgery and other conditions.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new biomaterial that can promote cell growth and differentiation, potentially aiding in the repair of human tissue. The self-assembling protein gel is made from genetically engineered modular proteins that can be mixed to create different types of hydrogels for specific applications.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a method to create complex patterns in photonic crystals using hydrogel nanoparticles. The technique uses a photo-patterning method combined with self-assembly, allowing for the creation of optically transparent materials with unique properties.
Researchers develop new gel-like material that mimics natural lens properties, potentially treating cataracts and presbyopia. The material could be injectable, eliminating stitches in surgery.
Researchers developed a 3D biochip with tiny chemical reactor chambers and microfluidic delivery systems for growing cells and delivering chemicals. This technology enables high-throughput screening of hundreds of thousands of molecules while minimizing toxicity testing on animal models.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new gel-like material that can be used as a drug-delivery system, potentially replacing multiple daily medications with a single dose. The superporous hydrogels expand rapidly in the stomach, allowing medications to be absorbed more efficiently by the body.
Researchers have created biodegradable hydrogels that can deliver medications, anchor biological tissues, and even serve as gene therapy carriers. The new materials have controlled release profiles and can be tailored to suit specific medication needs.
A new sulfoxide hydrogel polymer enhances water levels in the eye while minimizing protein buildup, leading to softer lenses that are more comfortable and breathable. Clinical trials have begun for these innovative contact lenses, which could become available as early as next year.