A team of surgeon and chemist has unveiled a surgery-free alternative to vision correction that reshapes the cornea with electric potentials. The method, termed electromechanical reshaping, was tested on rabbit eyeballs and showed the ability to adjust focusing power in approximately one minute, presenting a potentially safer and less invasive alternative to LASIK.
The procedure employs a platinum contact-lens electrode designed to impose a specific curvature on the cornea. When submerged in a tear-like saline bath, a controlled electric potential is applied. This potential creates a transient local acidification that softens collagen bonds, allowing the tissue to be reshaped. Once physiological pH is restored, the altered corneal form stabilizes.
In 12 rabbit eyeballs subjected to the technique, 10 were treated to simulate correction for myopia. All 10 achieved focusing adjustments matching the intended specification. The corneal cells maintained viability. This outcome is credited to precise management of the pH environment during the procedure. The rapidity of the process rivals existing laser-based corrective surgeries.
Note that the particular technique draws upon previous demonstrations of electromechanical reshaping applied to other collagen-based tissues. Previous work successfully reshaped cartilage in rabbit ears and modified scar tissue in pigs. These findings suggest that the structural responsiveness of collagen to electric potentials is consistent across tissue types.
LASIK remains the popular corrective procedure. It involves the removal of corneal tissue and carries risks including dry eye, glare, and weakening of biomechanical structure. The new approach aims to eliminate such concerns by avoiding tissue ablation. Electromechanical reshaping presents a safer, less disruptive alternative for patients seeking vision correction.
Researchers emphasize accessibility and affordability. LASIK requires advanced laser equipment and costly facilities. Electromechanical reshaping relies on comparatively simple and inexpensive devices. This could expand the availability of corrective treatments worldwide and in regions where access to laser-based surgery is limited by economic and technological constraints.
The technique also demonstrated an ability to clear chemically induced corneal haze. This clouds sight and is usually treated with corneal transplantation. If validated through additional studies, this application could reduce reliance on donor tissues, which remain in limited supply. The approach could thereby address broader categories of ophthalmic conditions.
Results remain preliminary. Tests were conducted exclusively on excised rabbit eyeballs and not on living animals. Researchers acknowledged that significant work remains to establish safety, precision, durability, and reversibility in live models. Determining the extent to which different refractive errors can be corrected requires comprehensive exploration.
The project is spearheaded by Michael Hill of Occidental College, with collaboration from Brian Wong at the University of California, Irvine. Findings were presented at the American Chemical Society Fall 2025 meeting. The work received funding support from the United States National Eye Institute and the John Stauffer Charitable Trust.