Millions of people depend on glasses or contact lenses, and for many, the idea of forgetting about them forever is a distant dream. Until now, LASIK surgery was the most common solution. But a new technique promises to change everything: Electromechanical Remodeling (REM).
A fast and revolutionary technique
Unlike LASIK, REM doesn't use lasers or make cuts in the cornea. Its method is surprisingly simple: a very light electric current combined with a special platinum lens reshapes the cornea in just one minute.
The procedure is virtually painless and more affordable than LASIK. No tissue is removed, which reduces risks and increases the number of people who could benefit. Essentially, the eye isn't "sculpted"; its tissue is molded in a natural and safe way.
How it works in the eye
The cornea is the first window of our eye; its curvature determines how light reaches the retina. A perfect cornea focuses light clearly. An incorrect curve causes nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
REM acts on the collagen in the cornea, making it temporarily malleable through chemical changes caused by the electric current. The platinum lens guides the correct shape, and after one minute, the tissue regains its natural stiffness, but with the proper curvature.
The result: corrected vision without cuts, without lasers, and without pain. A change that could free millions from dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Differences with LASIK and advantages
LASIK removes corneal tissue, which can't be recovered, and not all patients are candidates, especially those with thin corneas. REM doesn't destroy tissue, is less invasive, and can be applied to a greater number of people.
In addition, the procedure is faster, safer, and more affordable. Everything is done in one minute, with equipment that's simpler than LASIK's. What's more, it could be used in the future to treat chemically induced corneal opacities, expanding its usefulness beyond vision correction.
Current status and expectations
So far, REM has been successfully tested on ex vivo rabbit eyes. The next step will be to conduct tests on live animals, followed by clinical trials in humans. Finally, it will need to receive approval from organizations like the FDA before reaching clinics.
Although there's still a long way to go, the possibility of waking up and seeing perfectly without glasses has never been so close. In addition, many users not only seek to improve their vision, but also the comfort and aesthetics of not depending on external lenses.
If everything goes as planned, REM could mark the end of an era: the era of glasses and contact lenses. One minute could be enough to change the lives of millions of people forever.