Research shows a novel eye drop can be used for sustained delivery of antifibrotic drugs in patients with fibrosis associated with bacterial keratitis, according to a study published in Nature’s Regenerative Medicine journal.

The aim of the collaborative study, overseen by the Universities of California, USA and Birmingham, UK, was to explore the use of a novel fluid gel to deliver human recombinant decorin to the ocular surface to reduce corneal opacity and scarring post-bacterial keratitis.

“We believe that this drug delivery system is an ideal non-invasive antifibrotic treatment for patients with microbial keratitis, potentially without recourse to surgery, saving the sight of many in the developing world, where corneal transplantation may not be available,” study authors wrote.

“Not only do the material properties of the eye drop enhance anti-scarring drug retention times, but the user-friendly nature of the drops would be welcomed by patients, providing a simple treatment to prevent the scarring pathology that is prevalent after corneal infection.”