A Novel Artificial Cornea with Surface Treatment for Epithelial Cell Attachment

World wide at least 10 million people suffer from bilateral corneal blindness. When the process proves to be irreversible, corneal transplantation is the treatment of choice. In severe corneal diseases, when a corneal transplant can not be attempted or has repeatedly failed, a keratoprosthesis (KPro) is the `last surgical resort` to regain a useful visual acuity. These `artificial corneas` substitute the cornea and are generally made up of an optical cylinder to focus the images on a functioning retina, integral with a supporting element which fixes the device to the eye. Severe complications, such as extrusion of the implant, are frequent in most types of Kpro`s implanted so far. In this project a new design of a supra-descemetic (non pentrating) KPro with different types of surface treatment will be tested in an animal model (New Zealand White Rabbits) and evaluated regarding their biocompatibility and integration. The concept of KPro integration using biocolonizable synthetic materials theoretically offers better fixation and a seal against epithelial cell downgrowth. Tissue adhesion and fibroblast ingrowth into the keratoprosthesis haptic have been shown to be important factors to ensure a permanent fixation of the prosthetic device and to withstand trauma. Testing of such a new type of keratoprosthesis in an animal model is mandatory prior to use in humans. The goal of the project is the development and improvement of a new type keratoprosthesis with fewer long-term complications for the benefit of patients that are blind from corneal diseases. Based on the experience obtained from previous studies and from this project the `ideal` polymer in connection with the `ideal` surface treatment should be developed in order to move one step further towards the final goal of an `ideal` keratoprosthesis.