Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., a fellow at the
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, is
working on a method to regenerate corneal endothelial cells. These cells, which make up the cornea's
innermost layer, work to keep the cornea clear. When endothelial cells become diseased or damaged,
they die. Unlike some other cells in the body, corneal endothelial cells do not grow back; once
gone, they're gone. Some cell loss is considered a normal part of aging. However, when a person
loses too many corneal endothelial cells, their eyesight is affected.
These cells are generally not capable of regeneration is precisely why we're so excited about this
research. The standard treatment for diseases of the corneal endothelium is a corneal transplant.
Corneal transplants are safe and effective and are performed over 40,000 times per year in the U.S.
alone. However, a transplant is still a type of surgery, and Dr. Sabater's research means we're
moving toward a future in which surgery might not be necessary.
Using a unique combination of molecules, Dr. Sabater investigates ways of growing corneal
endothelial cells in the lab. His research explores several ways this breakthrough can help
patients. For example, one proposed use for this technology is medication, such as an eye drop.
Patients in the early stages of endothelial disease could use this eye drop to stimulate regrowth of
the damaged corneal cells, stopping cell loss in its tracks before it causes vision loss.
Beauty of Sight Foundation is honored to support the promising research of Dr. Sabater. We are
looking forward to this innovation improving patients'lives in the future.