After an acid attack that “melted” his left eye, Paul Laskey thought he would lose his sight entirely. Now, a series of amnion grafts from a donated placenta has saved his eye, stabilising it and preventing further damage.[1]
A long road to recovery
Mr Laskey, from Newcastle, had acid squirted over his face after confronting a mugger, in February 2023. After he was rushed to hospital, doctors found that the chemical burn had, in effect, “melted” his left eye. The inner and outer layers of his cornea both suffered severe damage; the burn had caused limbal stem cell failure and severe neurotrophic keratopathy. In other words, the eye couldn’t repair or regenerate the cells within the cornea. Furthermore, the eye nerves didn’t work correctly.[2]
Doctors feared Mr Laskey would lose his eye entirely. First, they began by cleaning the eye, removing any remnants of the acid that might have still been there.[3] Then, over the following eight months, Mr Laskey underwent several surgeries, including two cornea transplants.
He also received three amnion grafts to stabilise his eye and help it heal, stopping his sight from deteriorating further. The first graft was a week after the attack, and the last more than a year later, in June 2024.[4]
Amnion grafts and eye injury
Amnion grafts are made from placenta – more specifically, from the amniotic membrane, the thin membrane on the inner side of the placenta which forms the amniotic sac. The amnion has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties.[5]
Mothers who deliver via elective C-section at specific hospitals can choose to donate their placenta to NHS Blood & Transplant.[6] Scientists then use these to create specialised tissue grafts – between 50 and 100 from each donated placenta. These grafts are used to treat eye injuries, as well as burns and wounds.[3]
Ophthalmologist prof. Francisco Figueredo, who treated Mr Laskey, said that amnion grafts have been essential in helping the management of his severe eye burn.[3] Having saved his eye and preserved the vision he still has, doctors are now hoping to restore more of his eyesight through stem cell treatment.[1]
The future of placental therapy
Paul Laskey’s story unquestionably highlights the remarkable potential of the placenta and amnion. In addition to treatment for eye injuries, amnion grafts have also helped to save limbs from amputation and aided in facial reconstruction.
Although the regenerative properties of the amniotic membrane have been known for some time, research continues to explore the possible uses of the placenta and its components. Undoubtedly, only time will tell what other potentially life-saving treatments it could be used for.
Amnion patches, for instance, have been used to treat patients with inflammatory heart conditions[7]. Researchers have also used mesenchymal stem cells from the amniotic membrane to 3D print muscles, bone fragments, and even ears[8]. The placenta itself is also rich in mesenchymal stem cells, which are being studied to treat illnesses ranging from Crohn’s disease[9] to osteoarthritis[10].
To learn more about the potential uses of the placenta and other birth tissues, and how you could preserve them for your baby and family’s use in years to come, fill in the form below to receive your free guide.
References
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