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A completely natural method

A team of researchers from Laval University 1 Tissue
in Quebec City has manufactured a cornea samples
Scientists obtained 2 Preparation
composed entirely of naturally-occurring eye cells from an
The three layers of cells
agency that over-
eye cells. Artificial corneas are usually sees the harvesting Stroma that comprise the cornea
were separated.
and transplantation
made from synthetic materials, of corneas in
Quebec.
which can lead to inflammation
or rejection. The new
Endothelium Epithelium
technique holds promise Responsible Functions
3 Growth
for the regeneration Pupil
for maintaining
corneal transparency
as a protective
coating
The cells from the middle layer
(or stroma) were placed into a
culture medium containing
of tissues damaged serum and ascorbic acid.
by injury or illness.
Vitreous or
vitreous humor Stroma
Lens 90%
Iris of the thickness
of the cornea
Optic nerve
Cornea

Retina

4 Reconstruction
The cells were then
5 Multiplication grafted on either side of
epithelial and
New cells emerged and multiplied
6 Results directly on the stroma.
endothelial cells.
Tests on the new cornea
showed that each layer
performed its normal functions
and is highly transparent.

Today Future: Natural In vitro

Transplants
• Corneas come from cadavers.
• The number of available corneas is not
sufficient to meet the needs of people
who require a transplant.
Sources: Molecular Vision; Laval University; Canoe; Radio-Canada
Synthetic in vitro
• Corneas produced in vitro involve
material that’s foreign to the body,
representing a risk of inflammatory
reactions and rejection.
• More testing is required before the Laval University
corneas can be transplanted into humans.
• Researchers hope that with this new method,
they can produce corneas and transplant them
into patients.