Israeli researchers have pioneered nanotechnology-based eye drops aimed at correcting refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, potentially eliminating the need for glasses, contacts, or invasive surgery.
Unlike conventional options such as corrective lenses or laser procedures, these "nanodrops" involve a multi-step process: a smartphone app measures eye refraction, a low-energy laser etches a customized optical pattern onto the corneal surface, and the nanoparticle solution then activates this pattern to adjust light refraction.
Developed by a team from Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University's Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, the drops use synthetic protein nanoparticles. Preclinical tests on pigs demonstrated improvements in myopia and hyperopia, with the non-invasive approach offering a convenient, at-home-compatible alternative.
This breakthrough could especially aid those with common refractive issues, age-related presbyopia, or conditions previously requiring surgery, minimizing risks, costs, and downtime.
While human clinical trials were anticipated following promising animal results around 2018, researchers note the need for additional studies to verify long-term safety and effectiveness. By harnessing nanotechnology for precise corneal modulation, these drops represent a promising step toward simpler, more accessible vision correction in ophthalmology.