First U.S. canine corneal implant reported

AMES, Iowa, May 13 (UPI) -- Veterinarians from Iowa State University announced they have performed the first veterinary corneal implant procedure in the United States.

Iowa State Assistant Professor Dr. Sinisa Grozdanic performed the surgery that restored sight to "Dixie" -- a 7-year-old dog cared for by Brett Williams of Runnells, Iowa.

"We are excited for Dixie," said Grozdanic. "She was our patient for such a long time and nothing really worked. She was gradually going down visually and we were finally able to do something to definitely improve her quality of life."

Grozdanic cut into Dixie's eye to remove the cloudy cornea and inserted a permanent plastic cornea. He then covered the eye, including the plastic cornea, with Dixie's own tissue to help the eye heal. After several weeks, Grozdanic removed the bandages and cut a hole into the tissue to expose the new, plastic cornea, developed by a German company called Acrivet.

Grozdanic says that Dixie can see but has no peripheral vision.

"For Dixie, it's like looking through a peephole," said Grozdanic.

"She used to walk right behind me when we'd go for a walk. She couldn't see and was scared," said Williams. "Now she wants to run ahead."