‘Unbelievable’ operation regenerates eye’s lens

A pioneering procedure has successfully treated children with cataracts in China.

Over half of all cases of blindness are brought on by cataracts – the clouding of the lens of the eye.

An implanted lens is generally needed to bring back sight, but the functioning described activated stem cells in the eye to grow a fresh one.

The breakthrough is described by experts as truly one of the finest achievements in regenerative medicine.

The lens focuses on light to the retina and sits behind the pupil.

About 20 million individuals are blind because of cataracts, which become more common with age – although some children are born together.

Normal treatment uses ultrasound to soften and break up the lens, which is later flushed out.

This may result in complications, particularly in children, although an artificial intraocular lens must subsequently be implanted back in a person’s eye.