The gel has only been tested on rabbits. Human clinical trials could begin in 2019.

When traumatic eye injury on the battlefield or in civilian life, any delay in treatment may lead to permanent vision loss. With medical facilities potentially far away and no existing tools to prevent deterioration, medics are in a high-stakes race against the clock.

The gel seals eye injuries. When the patient is ready for surgery to repair the injury, the seal can be removed by adding cool water, the researchers said.

* The gel seals the damaged eyeball like using bathroom caulking so it simple to use
* it takes about 5 minutes to apply
* it directly seals the eyeball