CorNeat Vision an Israeli medi-tech startup has successfully conducted its 1st artificial cornea implant and regained sight of Jamal Furani a 78-year-old man. Jamal Furani is the first person implanted with CorNeat’s product, after the operation, he could read the text and recognize family members, stated startup.
The patient is a resident of Haifa, Israel was suffering from vision loss for 10 years due to edema and other background diseases that damaged his corneas, and became bilaterally blind. CorNeat’s synthetic cornea, the CorNeat KPro received permission for human implantation last year.
The artificial cornea, which fits into the eyewall, was implanted by Prof. Irit Bahar, director of the Ophthalmology Department at Rabin Medical Center in Israel. Upon removal of bandages, Furani was able to read the text and recognize family members.
CorNeat’s synthetic cornea, the CorNeat KPro is made out of 100% synthetic, non-degradable porous material. The process replaces scarred or deformed corneas and requires no donor tissue. To mimic the existing cell environment it uses cell technology and nanoscale chemical engineering. At the time of implantatiuon, the material integrates with the live tissue and stimulates cellular proliferation, leading to even more integration. The implant thus does not trigger an adverse immune system response.
“The moment we took off the bandages was an emotional and significant moment. Moments like these are the fulfillment of our calling as doctors. We are proud of being at the forefront of this exciting and meaningful project which will undoubtedly impact the lives of millions.”– Prof. Bahar.
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Dr. Gilad Litvin, the inventor of the CorNeat KPro and also the co-founder and chief medical officer of CorNeat said “After years of hard work, seeing a colleague implant the CorNeat KPro with ease and witnessing a fellow human being regain his sight the following day was electrifying and emotionally moving, there were a lot of tears in the room”.
