A new study analyzed the genetic mechanisms behind the ocular regenerative ability of the golden apple snail to see if a similar technique could be used in human eyes. Although separated by hundreds of millions of years of evolution, human eyes and apple snail eyes retain remarkable similarities, both physically and genetically. Talk to most freshwater biologists, and you likely won’t find much love for the golden apple snail. An apple snail’s ocular regeneration process takes a month from start to finish. Related Story A Modern-Day Gold Rush Is Unfolding in WyomingThe idea of regenerating human eyes isn’t new.