Repairing corneal scars without stitches using a special gel
Corneal Scar Repair through SPAACKL: Sutureless, Pro-regenerative Anterior Additive Collagen gel KeratopLasty
This study is testing a new, gentle way to treat corneal scarring by using a special gel that helps heal the eye and improve vision without stitches, making it a great option for people at risk of vision loss or blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010339 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new technique called Sutureless, Pro-regenerative Anterior Additive Collagen gel Keratoplasty (SPAACKL) to treat corneal scarring, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. The approach involves removing damaged corneal tissue and replacing it with a transparent gel that contains therapeutic cells known as corneal mesenchymal stromal cells (c-MSCs). This gel not only restores the cornea's smooth surface for clear vision but also encourages rapid healing of the eye. The method uses a safe, innovative technology that allows the gel to bond without harming surrounding tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from corneal scarring due to injury or disease who are at risk of vision loss.
Not a fit: Patients with corneal conditions that do not involve scarring or those who have other underlying eye diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with corneal scarring, potentially restoring their vision without the need for donor tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar regenerative approaches in corneal repair, indicating potential for success with this novel technique.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myung, David — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Myung, David
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.