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Keratoprostheses: advancing toward a true artificial cornea
C R Hicks1, J H Fitton, T V Chirila
1Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|November 5, 1997
Summary
Keratoprosthesis (KPro) devices offer an alternative to donor tissue for corneal repair, but challenges remain. Future research aims to improve KPro integration and epithelialization for better long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Keratoprosthesis (KPro) surgery is limited by complex techniques and high complication rates.
- The scarcity of donor tissue drives innovation in artificial cornea development.
- Existing KPros face challenges in long-term fixation and epithelial integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and current limitations of keratoprostheses.
- To discuss the design specifications for an ideal artificial cornea.
- To highlight recent advancements and persistent challenges in KPro technology.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of keratoprosthesis evolution.
- Analysis of current KPro designs and their drawbacks.
- Discussion of biomaterial advancements, particularly porous polymers for skirt components.
Main Results:
- Porous polymers show promise for improved biological integration in core-and-skirt KPros.
- Biomaterials advancements are making artificial corneas more feasible.
- Key challenges include achieving secure long-term fixation and a fully epithelialized surface.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to ensure secure, trauma-resistant fixation for full-thickness artificial corneas.
- Developing an epithelialized surface for artificial corneas in "wet eye" conditions remains a critical unmet need.
- Advancements in biomaterials and KPro design are crucial for overcoming current limitations.