The iFixPen holds the promise of instant corneal repair out in the field, anywhere, anytime. When an eye suffers a surface injury, the corneal iFixPen will not only seal the wound but promote active healing of the wound site by reducing scarring and creating a biological barrier to ongoing damage. That barrier is iFixInk, which covers and protects the surface of the eye.
The case for funding
The Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation has adopted iFixPen as a significant project.
Funds raised will go to the next phase of testing iFixPen and improving the technology in the lab and out and about. There are so many potential uses, for injuries in industry, the military, after surgery, and in remote areas where follow-up can be difficult. Professor Gerard Sutton (pictured above), a Clinical Ophthalmologist is leading the research.
If somebody sustains an eye injury, iFixPen is used to drop iFixInk into the eye to protect and promote wound healing in the cornea.
We are on the verge of a breakthrough!
Donor impact
With this discovery, we can bring quick, simple treatment to thousands of Australians.
Eye injuries can happen in the home, in traffic accidents, anywhere. In Australia alone, some 50,000 cases are reported annually of corneal injuries ranging from abrasions and ulcers to corneal melting and laser surgery complications. Corneal surgery is the world’s most performed operation. We already know that iFixInk works wonders on some human cells. If this oversized “pen” filled with iFixInk can be perfected, it could be a real game changer.
The iFixPen and iFixInk are joint projects of the Sydney Eye Hospital, the Lions Eye Bank, Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong. Medical breakthroughs are built out of collaborations and those collaborators include people like you and your generosity.
“We are launching our appeal now, near the end of the financial year, full of hope and dreaming of future eyesight saved. With your help we can achieve this extraordinary dream.”
