Corneal Transplantation Using Lab-Grown Corneas

A cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of each of your eyes. The cornea helps keep debris, germs, and other particles out. It also plays a critical role in filtering UV rays. The cornea has 6 layers (Epithelium, Bowman’s layer, Stroma, Pre-Descemet’s layer, Descemet’s layer, and the Endothelium. Each layer has a specific job, but the cornea’s true strength comes from how the layers work together. Damage to the cornea can lead to significant blurred vision, eye pain, discharge, and even complete blindness. Therefore, it is very important to protect the cornea from injury and seek immediate medical attention if damage occurs.

Corneal transplantation has been a widely used medical procedure that aims to restore corneal damage and vision loss. Corneal transplantation is an operation that replaces part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. This procedure can restore vision, reduce pain, and improve the appearance of the damaged cornea. However, its benefits come with some drawbacks. This procedure can lead to increased risks of eye infections, bleeding, retinal problems, rejection of the donor cornea, etc.

However, a technique that has been developing is using lab-grown corneas to provide a more accessible alternative to traditional donor transplants. A recent historical milestone was when scientists from Precise Bio completed the first human corneal transplant using 3D-printed, lab-grown tissue. The lab-grown implant, known as PB-001, “marks a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology,” as stated by Precise Bio’s co-founder and CEO, Aryeh Batt. The implant was manufactured from cultured human corneal cells, rather than direct donor tissue. It was previously tested in animal models, and PB-001 is designed to match the optical clarity, transparency, and biomechanical properties of a native cornea. The company stated that the procedure was completed on October 29, 2024, on a patient who was considered legally blind. Michael Mimouni, who performed the procedure in Haifa, Israel, stated that it was an unforgettable moment—a glimpse into a future where no one will have to live in darkness because of a shortage of donor tissue. This is just one example of how biotechnology is changing the medical field, giving hope to patients who have a seemingly incurable condition.

As the medical field continues to rapidly advance, breakthroughs like lab-grown corneas are becoming more common, and it is important to continue supporting research that revolves around these techniques and ensure that these treatments are safe and accessible to those who need them the most.

Written by Henry Tran at Incisionary

References

A Breakthrough in Vision Care — First-Ever 3D-Printed Cornea Restores Sight. (2018). Ntoaeye.com. https://www.ntoaeye.com/blog/a-breakthrough-in-vision-care-first-ever-3d-printed-cornea-restores-sight.html 

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Cornea: What It Is, Common Disorders & Preventing Injury. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21562-cornea 

Corneal Disease: Keratitis, Eye Herpes, & More. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8586-corneal-disease 

Hale, C. (2025, November 19). Precise Bio completes 1st human cornea transplant using 3D-printed, lab-grown tissue. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/precise-bio-completes-first-human-cornea-transplant-using-3d-printed-lab-grown-tissue 

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Cornea transplant - Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cornea-transplant/about/pac-20385285