Light for sight

This project, a collaboration between Maastricht University and the biotech company ImPact Biotech, focuses on developing a novel treatment for high myopia, a severe form of near-sightedness that affects millions worldwide. Their aim tis o create a minimally invasive therapy that could stop the progression of high myopia and prevent blindness by strengthening the weakened sclera (the white part of the eye) with a photosensitive crosslinker and infrared light.

High myopia is a growing public health concern. By 2055, it is expected to impact nearly one billion people, with one-third suffering from severe visual impairments or blindness. In the Netherlands alone, high myopia could lead to 175,000 people with vision impairment and 65,000 blind individuals, placing significant strain on healthcare and the economy. The cost of vision-related impairments in the Dutch economy is already over €1 billion annually, and this could rise to €3.5 billion by 2055. Current treatments for high myopia are inadequate, and innovation is urgently needed to address this challenge.

The approach involves injecting a photosensitive compound into the eye's sclera and activating it with non-toxic near-infrared light to strengthen the eye's structure. This method is less invasive than surgery and offers precise, localized treatment. They have already demonstrated the approach's safety and efficacy in preclinical studies, and the next steps include optimizing the treatment for human application and understanding its biological effects.

The next phase of the project will focus on optimizing the treatment parameters for human tissue. Additionally, they will also study how the treatment strengthens the eye and its impact at a cellular level. If successful, this research could offer a life-changing solution for millions of people at risk of vision loss due to high myopia, providing a way to preserve their sight and improve their quality of life.