Crystal implants may help pandas see better
Source: Xinhua | February 28, 2009, Saturday | Print Edition
A CHINESE doctor yesterday said he may be able to use artificial crystal implants to help improve the eyesight of pandas, a technique that is used on humans with sight problems.
Meng Yongan, an eye surgeon, said a follow-up examination of an elderly giant panda called Xiaoming proved the cataract-removal surgery he performed on December 20 had been successful.
He did not implant artificial crystal into the panda during that surgery, but said he would try in the future.
Meng, a consultant for the World Cataract Foundation, has helped more than 30,000 patients regain their sight. He said it was the first time he had operated on a panda.
He said despite the successful cataract-removal process, his attempt to implant an artificial crystal in Xiaoming's eye failed. The procedure is commonly used to restore sight in humans, but needs to be refined for use on pandas.
"It seems pandas need an artificial crystal tailor-made for them," said Meng, head of the Xi'an Gucheng Eye Hospital. "We have contacted a foreign supplier to make the lens."
Xiaoming was the second giant panda to receive cataract surgery in China. Between 40 and 60 percent of wild pandas suffer from cataracts and other eye diseases.