title: Current status of synthetic epikeratoplasty.
abstract: Many of the deficiencies with human tissue epikeratoplasty might be improved by the use of a suitable synthetic lenticule. Potential biomaterials for epikeratoplasty include collagen (types I, III, or IV), collagen-hydrogel copolymers, bioactive synthetics, and coated hydrogels. The biomaterial must be engineered to achieve strict specifications of optical clarity, support of epithelial migration and adhesion, permeability to solutes, and stability to corneal proteases. Attaching synthetic lenticules to the cornea without cutting Bowman's layer by adhesives, laser welding, or direct adhesion may also improve the efficacy of synthetic epikeratoplasty.
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Department of Ophthalmology, Atlanta, GA 30329.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hanna
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Waring
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gipson
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Gailitis
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnson-Wint
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008422:Materials Testing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003094:Collagen