Synthetic corneal inlays

Abstract

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.