Shark corneas are used in human eye surgery as they are similar to a human cornea

Shark Corneas in Human Eye Surgery

Did you know that shark corneas have been used in human eye surgery? It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true! Sharks’ eyes are incredibly unique and have some fascinating similarities to our own. These similarities have made their corneas a valuable resource in the field of ophthalmology.

The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina and contributing to clear vision. The cornea is made up of layers of specialized cells, collagen fibers, and a jelly-like substance called proteoglycan.

Sharks possess corneas that are remarkably similar to the human cornea in terms of structure and composition. This similarity has led researchers to explore the potential use of shark corneas in human eye surgeries, such as corneal transplants.

Corneal transplants, also known as corneal grafting, are surgical procedures in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy cornea from a donor. This procedure helps restore vision and alleviate various corneal conditions, such as corneal scarring, infections, or degeneration.

The availability of suitable corneas for transplantation is crucial for the success of these procedures. However, the supply of human corneas for transplants is often limited. This is where shark corneas come into the picture.

Due to the similarity in structure and composition between shark and human corneas, scientists have discovered that shark corneas can be used as an alternative to human corneas in some cases. Shark corneas have a high success rate when transplanted into human eyes, making them a viable option for patients in need of corneal transplants.

The utilization of shark corneas in human eye surgeries not only helps tackle the shortage of suitable human corneas but also offers remarkable advantages. Shark corneas are advantageous because they provide excellent mechanical stability, optical quality, and compatibility with human tissue. These factors contribute to higher success rates and improved visual outcomes for patients undergoing corneal transplants.

It’s important to note that the use of shark corneas in human eye surgery is not a common practice, and their application is limited to specific cases where human corneas are unavailable or unsuitable. Furthermore, the use of shark corneas raises ethical concerns, and alternative sources for corneal transplants, such as synthetic corneas or tissue engineering, are actively being researched.

In conclusion, shark corneas have proven to be a valuable resource in human eye surgery. Their similarity to human corneas allows for successful transplantation and improved visual outcomes in certain cases. However, their use is limited and raises ethical considerations. As medical science progresses, researchers continue to explore new alternatives and advancements in the field of corneal transplantation.

Source: Rendia.