Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation developed the ECa Box, a device designed to preserve and revive donor eyeballs. The system delivers oxygenated fluid through the eye's artery, mimicking natural blood supply. This innovation addresses the critical challenge of rapid cellular degeneration that occurs once an eye is removed from the body, a major hurdle for past whole-eye transplant attempts.

Experiments using pig eyes demonstrated significant preservation compared to untreated organs. Eyes maintained in the ECa Box showed better cell viability and structural integrity over 24 hours. Notably, treated eyes regained light responsiveness, a capability lost almost immediately in untreated organs. This suggests a potential for restored vision if transplanted.

The team then tested the device on 12 human donor eyes. Those placed in the ECa Box retained healthier retinas than their untreated counterparts. While whole-eye transplants remain experimental, this device offers a new frontier for retina preservation and could potentially enable future sight-restoring transplant surgeries.