Nanoparticles May Improve Corneal Graft Success Rates, Study Finds

A recent study performed by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that nanoparticle technology may significantly boost corneal transplant success rates.

Phys.org tells us that corneal transplants are an important therapy option for people with eye disease. Over 80,000 of these procedures are performed in the United States each year, and over 184,000 are conducted worldwide.

On the other hand, poor patient compliance with the necessary medications can result in rejection rates of up to 10%, endangering the procedure's success.

How Nanoparticles Aid Corneal Transplants

The research is looking into a treatment for a complication that can arise following a corneal transplant. The standard treatment involves administering eye drops containing a corticosteroid, although this can produce problems such as high eye pressure and difficulty adhering to the treatment schedule.

The researchers devised a novel method of administering the corticosteroid by employing tiny particles known as nanoparticles. They tested this medication on rats having corneal transplants and discovered that it effectively prevented transplant rejection with no adverse effects or concerns with eye pressure.

The researchers used nanoparticles to encapsulate dexamethasone sodium phosphate, a common corticosteroid drug. The team was able to deliver an effective treatment that lasted six months without the need for frequent eye drop dosage by modulating the release of the medicine over time.

Researchers believe that this new medicine could be a viable option for individuals who need to prevent or treat corneal transplant rejection because it is easy to use and has fewer adverse effects.

Commenting on the study, Qingguo Xu, D.Phil., the principal investigator of the project, said, "To improve patient compliance and treatment efficacy, we developed a tiny nanoparticle (around 200 nanometers) that in animal studies enables the release of the drug up to six months after a single subconjunctival injection along the eyeball."

Tuo Meng, Ph.D., the project's first author and a doctoral student at VCU, noted, "In our preclinical corneal transplant rejection model, the single dosing of the nanoparticle successfully avoided corneal graft rejection for six months."

The researchers anticipate that this new strategy will be adopted in clinical practice, resulting in better outcomes for patients having corneal transplant surgeries.

Shocking Numbers About Corneal Donations

Data from the American Academy of Opthalmology reveals that over 185,000 corneal transplants are performed worldwide each year, with 55% of all corneas sourced in the United States and India. Fuchs dystrophy, keratoconus, and infectious keratitis sequelae are the most common reasons for corneal transplantation globally.

The United States, Lebanon, and Canada have the highest per capita number of corneal transplants, whereas the United States and Sri Lanka export the most donor corneas.

Despite the growing need for corneal transplants, 53% of the world's population still does not have access to this life-saving operation. Surprisingly, just one cornea is accessible for every 70 that are required.

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