Synthetic corneal inlays.
This review is based on the activities of the Vision Cooperative Research Centre (previously Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology) Corneal Implant team from 1991 to 2007. The development of a synthetic polymer of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), meeting essential physical and biological requirements, for use as a corneal inlay is presented. Each inlay was placed in a corneal flap created with a microkeratome and monitored over a two-year period in a rabbit model. The results indicate that the PFPE implant shows excellent biocompatibility and biostability. As a result, a Phase 1 clinical trial is being conducted. Three years post-implantation, the PFPE inlays are exhibiting continued excellent biocompatibility. Corneal inlays made from PFPE are biocompatible with corneal tissue in the long term and offer a safe and biologically-acceptable alternative to other forms of refractive surgery.
Vision Cooperative Research Centre, Sydney, Australia. d.sweeney@ier.org.au
Deborah F
DF
Sweeney
Antti
A
Vannas
Timothy C
TC
Hughes
Margaret Dm
MD
Evans
Keith M
KM
McLean
Ruo Zhong
RZ
Xie
V K
VK
Pravin
Ruby Kala
RK
Prakasam
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials