Synthetic eye prosthesis – phase I results of a succesfully developed biomaterial

Purpose Development of an biomimetic artificial cornea to provide a long term stable keratoprostesis for ultima ratio patients Methods A hydrophobic biomaterial was selectively modified by physical and chemical nanotechnological methods. The modified biomaterial was tested in cell culture experiments (primary epithelial cells, porc), implanted into rabbits eyes and finally into eyes of ultima ratio patients. Results After very successful in vitro evaluation, keratoprostheses were implanted to rabbit eyes (New Zealand white rabbit) and showed excellent in vivo performance in the animal experiment. After a follow-up of 2.5 years, the implanted keratoprosthesis into human eyes showed no significant sign of complication such as infection or protrusion. There was a substantial increase in vision. Conclusion We could develop a new keratoprosthesis for ultimo ratio patients which is well tolerated in human eyes.