Innovative Eye Care The Role of Silk Technology in Modern Eye Treatments

1. Innovative Eye Care: The Role of Silk Technology in Modern Eye Treatments Do you wear glasses? Most of our answers are yes, if not you might come across many people around having spectacles or using other vision techniques. World Health Organisation has shown that at least there are 2.2 billion (till August 2023) across the globe who have near or distance vision problems. In the modern treatment of vision correction, different technologies have emerged in the past few decades. Vision correction technologies include methods that can improve or restore eyesight, such as LASIK, implantable lenses, SMILE Pro, glasses, advanced imaging, and many more. In this healthcare innovation, silk technology is emerging as a new technique in eye care. It also offers an alternative to traditional surgical methods. In this article, we delve into the advancements in silk technology, its applications in eye care, and its potential in eye care. Do visit The Healthcare Insights for more health tech information. What is Silk Technology? SILK stands for Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis. Silk technology involves the use of silk proteins, primarily fibroin and sericin. These proteins are processed to create biocompatible materials that can be used in various medical applications. It replaces the cornea with the use of lenticular extraction, which is a flapless procedure used to correct common refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. The Unique Properties of Silk Biocompatibility: One of the most critical properties of silk in medical applications is its biocompatibility. Silk proteins, primarily fibroin and sericin, are well-tolerated by the human body, reducing the risk of immune reactions and rejection when used in implants or as drug delivery systems. Strength and Flexibility: Silk fibers are strong and flexible. These characteristics are particularly advantageous in eye care, where materials need to be durable yet delicate enough to interact safely with sensitive eye tissues. Low inflammation: Clinical trials have shown that there will be low inflammation when silk fibroin is used in eye surgery and is key for reducing postoperative complications.

2. Biodegradability: Silk is naturally biodegradable, meaning it can break down within the body at a controlled rate. This property is beneficial for temporary implants or drug delivery systems that need to provide support or medication over a specific period before safely degrading. Applications in Modern Eye Treatments Corneal Implants: Corneal damage, which can result from injury, infection, or diseases, often requires transplantation. The use of silk implants minimizes the risk of immune rejection compared to donor tissues. It also helps in cellular growth and tissue regeneration resulting in better healing outcomes. Drug Delivery Systems: Silk is being used to develop advanced drug delivery systems for the eye. These systems can deliver medications directly to the affected area, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments. It ensures that medications reach the specific area of the eye that needs treatment, enhancing efficacy. Localized drug delivery minimizes systemic exposure, reducing the risk of side effects. Tissue Engineering and Regeneration: Silk scaffolds are used in tissue engineering to repair and regenerate damaged eye tissues. They provide a structure for cells to grow and form new tissues. Scaffolds can be customized to meet the specific needs of different eye conditions and patients. It is versatile and can be applicable in different parts of the eye like cornea, retina, and optic nerve. Conclusion To conclude, Silk technology is set to transform the field of eye care. It offers innovative solutions for corneal implants, drug delivery, and tissue regeneration. Its properties, combined with recent research and development, make it a key player in the future of ophthalmology. There are also several factors like biocompatibility, low inflammation, lower compilation rates, etc that contribute to the safety of silk eye surgery.