title: A review of the development of a synthetic corneal onlay for refractive correction.
abstract: A synthetic corneal onlay, or implantable contact lens, could obviate the need for spectacles or conventional contact lenses in patients who seek convenient, reversible correction of refractive error. Several research groups have attempted to develop such a product in the past but much of the data from these studies remains unpublished due to commercial interests. This article reviews relevant papers and patents in the corneal implant field and discusses our efforts to develop a synthetic corneal onlay using a perfluoropolyether-based polymer.
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research antd Technology, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia. meg.evans@molsci.csiro.au
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Sweeney
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003315:Cornea; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D004987:Ethers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000639:trends; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004987:Ethers; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D011108:Polymers; C078113:perfluoropolyether