World’s First 3D Printed Corneal Implant Restores Sight to Legally Blind Patient
HAIFA, Israel — In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at the Rambam Eye Institute have successfully restored sight to a legally blind patient using the world’s first fully 3D printed corneal implant grown entirely from cultured human cells. This historic surgery marks the first time a corneal implant that does not rely on donor tissue has been transplanted into a human eye, opening new frontiers in regenerative medicine and vision restoration.
The innovative procedure utilized a corneal implant created from a healthy deceased donor’s cornea, which was then multiplied in the laboratory to produce approximately 300 transparent implants using Precise Bio’s advanced regenerative platform. This technology builds a layered structure that mimics the natural cornea’s clarity, strength, and long-term functionality.
Corneal blindness affects millions worldwide, yet donor tissue shortages prevent many patients from receiving sight-saving transplants. While patients in developed countries may wait only days for a donor cornea, others face years-long waits due to limited availability. By transforming a single donor cornea into hundreds of implants, this breakthrough could dramatically increase access to treatment and reduce waiting times.
Professor Michael Mimouni, director of the Cornea Unit in the Department of Ophthalmology at Rambam, led the surgical team. He described the moment the implant restored sight as unforgettable, emphasizing the potential of the technology: “What this platform shows and proves is that in the lab, you can expand human cells, print them on any layer you need, and that tissue will be sustainable and work. We can hopefully reduce waiting times for all kinds of patients waiting for all kinds of transplants.”
The surgery is part of an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial assessing the safety and tolerability of the implant in patients with corneal endothelial disease. This milestone reflects years of coordinated effort among research laboratories, clinical teams, and industry partners to translate emerging science into real-world treatments.
The Rambam Eye Institute plans to house this pioneering work within its upcoming Helmsley Health Discovery Tower, a facility designed to consolidate patient care, training, and research. The new Eye Institute aims to accelerate the transition from scientific innovation to clinical application, benefiting patients across Northern Israel and beyond.
Beyond ophthalmology, Precise Bio envisions its 3D printing platform could eventually support the regeneration of other tissues, including cardiac muscle, liver, and kidney cells. While such applications will require extensive trials and validation, the successful corneal implant surgery marks a promising first step.
This breakthrough aligns with global efforts to harness regenerative medicine to address organ shortages and improve patient outcomes. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, corneal diseases are a leading cause of blindness worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions.
For patients and clinicians alike, the success at Rambam offers hope that lab-grown, 3D printed tissues may soon become a viable alternative to traditional donor transplants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing support for regenerative therapies, as detailed on their official site, highlights the growing acceptance of such cutting-edge technologies.
As the clinical trial progresses, the medical community will be watching closely. The potential to alleviate donor shortages and restore vision through bioprinted implants could revolutionize eye care worldwide. More information on corneal transplantation and regenerative medicine can be found at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vision health pages.
With this historic surgery, the future of sight restoration is brighter than ever.
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