Since a cure for dry eye is what we all want, recently I've been thinking about what I think a cure would look like. Here's my best idea so far:
Cochlear implants use an external source of electricity to simulate the cochlea in different areas, which the brain interprets as sound waves coming in. If we can figure out how to stimulate a sensory organ, then there must be some way to manually stimulate a gland. So my idea for a cure is a small implant with a very long-lasting battery that constantly stimulates the main or accessory lacrimal gland to secrete tears.
I also think that stem cells hold a lot of promise, and it really frustrates me that some politicians are allowing their own personal beliefs to slow progress in this realm. I don't want to start a political debate, but do you think Mr. Bush would be as opposed to stem cell research if he had chronic severe dry eye?
Anyone else have any ideas for a cure? Or comments on how far-fetched my idea is?
Cochlear implants use an external source of electricity to simulate the cochlea in different areas, which the brain interprets as sound waves coming in. If we can figure out how to stimulate a sensory organ, then there must be some way to manually stimulate a gland. So my idea for a cure is a small implant with a very long-lasting battery that constantly stimulates the main or accessory lacrimal gland to secrete tears.
I also think that stem cells hold a lot of promise, and it really frustrates me that some politicians are allowing their own personal beliefs to slow progress in this realm. I don't want to start a political debate, but do you think Mr. Bush would be as opposed to stem cell research if he had chronic severe dry eye?
Anyone else have any ideas for a cure? Or comments on how far-fetched my idea is?
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