At first glance, directing lasers into your eyes does not seem appealing or particularly helpful. Yet LASIK eye surgeries have been successful — and even prolific — for a number of years. They work by “carving” tissue away from the cornea, thus reshaping the eye and correcting vision. Sometimes there are complications like dry eyes, halos and weakened eye structure.
Still, there are those among us who would prefer to see better without such drastic measures. Researchers from Occidental College and the University of California, Irvine are testing out a means of vision modification that would be less invasive and could avoid many of LASIK’s potential side effects.
The method? Electromechanical reshaping, or EMR. Light, electrical pulses.
The technique was discovered by accident. While one scientist was tinkering with living tissue as a potentially moldable material, he discovered a means of chemical modification. The cornea is rich in collagen, held together by charged molecules, and rich in water. Applying a small electrical current can result in a change to pH levels, loosening the structure of the collagen and changing the shape of the eye. When the pH returns to normal, the “new” shape remains.
Importantly, this method does not result in any true surgery, or removal of tissue. This means it would allow the cornea to maintain its structural integrity.
Like most cures of tomorrow, this one has some ways to go before being tested in people. Glasses, traditional contact lenses and LASIK surgery are still going to be your quickest options for better vision.
But we’re excited to see what happens.