Seeking a remedy for blindness, a US pharma start-up plans to manufacture artificial retinas in space.
US Pharmaceutical Start-Up Plans to Manufacture Artificial Retina in Space
Go to source). The company LambdaVision will use the microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS) to develop a synthetic retinal implant that will restore sight to humans with degenerative eye diseases.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment needs to be treated as soon as possible for good visual recovery. Its surgery involves sealing of the hole or tear responsible for the detachment.
Retinal detachment needs to be treated as soon as possible for good visual recovery. Its surgery involves sealing of the hole or tear responsible for the detachment.
‘US pharmaceutical start-up is using microgravity in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to produce artificial retinas, striving to find a cure for blindness on Earth.
#retina, #artificialretina, #microgravity, #blindness, #space
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“LambdaVision is designing and developing an innovative, protein-based artificial retina that utilizes a light-activated protein, bacteriorhodopsin, to restore functional sight to those who would otherwise be blind due to retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP),” said the company on its website. No cure exists for these diseases, and currently available treatments only slow their progression.
Space Odyssey of Artificial Retina
The company will use microgravity to improve upon layer-by-layer deposition to produce the first protein-based artificial retina.The layer-by-layer assembly methodology -- a process traditionally done on Earth -- is believed to be more beneficial when done in a LEO environment where reduced gravity improves homogeneity, stability, and performance of thin films like the protein-based artificial retina, the company said.
Retinal Migraine / Ocular Migraine
Ocular migraine consists of brief periods of visual loss in one eye, which is accompanied or preceded by a headache. Flashing and zigzag lights are symptoms.
Ocular migraine consists of brief periods of visual loss in one eye, which is accompanied or preceded by a headache. Flashing and zigzag lights are symptoms.
“The goal is to be one of the first products manufactured in space that would be used here on Earth,” he added.
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Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is a disease of the elderly, wherein the macula or the central part of the retina gets affected, leading to loss of vision.
Age related macular degeneration is a disease of the elderly, wherein the macula or the central part of the retina gets affected, leading to loss of vision.
The company has also met the goal of manufacturing multiple 200-layer artificial retina thin films in microgravity. It will undertake its 9th mission to the ISS in 2024 and aims to start human testing in three to four years.
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Orbital Fractures
Orbital fractures are caused by traumatic eye injury that fractures the bones of the orbit. Orbital fractures are of three types, including orbital rim fractures, blowout fractures, and orbital floor fractures.
Orbital fractures are caused by traumatic eye injury that fractures the bones of the orbit. Orbital fractures are of three types, including orbital rim fractures, blowout fractures, and orbital floor fractures.
- US Pharmaceutical Start-Up Plans to Manufacture Artificial Retina in Space - (https://thenewsmen.co.in/science/us-pharmaceutical-startup-plans-to-manufacture-artificial-retina-in-space/122861)
Source-IANS
