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Terahertz Photons Promote Corneal Injury Repair via Epithelial Proliferation, Migration, and Inflammation Reduction
Hao Lin1,2, Hongwei Wu1, Chenjie Liu1,3
1Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 30, 2026
Summary
Terahertz (THz) photon therapy accelerates healing of alkali-burned corneas by promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation. This non-contact method enhances tissue repair and vision recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biophysics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Alkali burns cause severe corneal damage and vision loss.
- Current treatments for alkali burns struggle with rapid healing and tissue restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate terahertz (THz) photon therapy as a non-contact treatment for alkali-burned corneas.
- To investigate the effects of THz photons on corneal cells and tissue healing in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Assessed human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) proliferation and migration after THz treatment.
- Utilized RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression changes.
- Employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cellular structure analysis.
- Evaluated wound healing, edema, neovascularization, and inflammation in murine alkali-burn models.
Main Results:
- THz photon treatment significantly enhanced HCEC proliferation and migration.
- Gene expression analysis revealed THz modulation of energy metabolism, inflammation, and cell growth pathways.
- SEM showed improved cell structures supporting migration.
- In vivo studies demonstrated accelerated wound healing, reduced edema and neovascularization, and decreased inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Terahertz photon therapy is an effective, non-invasive, and biocompatible treatment for alkali-burned corneas.
- This approach shows promise for clinical translation to improve outcomes for ocular surface damage.
