Biomaterials are used in many medical applications and in making products such as blood bags, heart valves and contact lenses. Dr. Sheardown is using her knowledge of polymers to restore sight in people with cornea blindness, which affects millions of people worldwide.

“While artificial corneas are currently not in dire need in Ontario, with the advent of laser surgery and the aging population, our need for this tissue is increasing and waiting lists for what used to be a relatively simple and uncomplicated procedure are growing.”

She expects that what we learn about the cornea will also be applied to designing other soft tissues, from the use of polymers as vascular grafts to repair damaged blood vessels to development of a temporary artificial liver system.

< BACK TO FACES OF INNOVATION