The Lions Eye Institute of Western Australia, Inc.

Traian V Chirila

Ian J Constable

Geoffrey J Crawford

Celia R Hicks

Albert V Russo

Janet Fitton

Anthony Clayton

Richard L Cooper

Disclosed is a method of insertion of keratoprostheses, and in particular, a method of surgical insertion and placement of a soft hydrogel prosthetic corneal device into the host cornea. The method of the invention provides a greatly improved rate of success for the implantation and retention of the device.

Method of insertion of keratoprostheses

The invention provides an ocular socket prosthesis comprising a hydrogel consisting essentially of a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer onto which tissues can be directly sutured. Preferably the prosthesis comprises the polymer both in its homogeneous gel form and in its sponge form, and the two forms are chemically joined at their interface via an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). However, it is also contemplated that the prosthesis of the invention may be made predominantly or entirely from the sponge form of the polymer. Methods of production of the prosthesis of the invention and of surgical implantation are also disclosed and claimed.

Ocular socket prosthesis

A composite device which may be implanted in the cornea of the human eye to replace damaged or diseased portions, and a method of manufacturing the said device, are disclosed. The device consists of a transparent central portion intimately attached to an opaque spongy rim. Both portions are made of hydrogel materials produced in different conditions of polymerization during a two-stage process performed in a specific moulding unit. The spongy rim promotes and maintains cellular invasion from the host corneal tissue, thus providing a tight union between implant and recipient cornea which prevents the postoperative extrusion of the implant.

Method of producing a keratoprosthesis

Keratoprosthesis

A method of making pigmented hydrophilic polymers in such a manner that the resulting polymers absorb ultraviolet and visible radiation, and that no migration, separation or leaching of the pigment can take place, is disclosed. The polymer compositions comprise blends of hydrophilic polymers with melanin pigments, the latter being synthesized on the hydrophilic polymer matrix. The disclosed polymer compositions are useful in the manufacture of ocular devices, particularly intraocular lenses and aphakic contact lenses capable of absorbing ultraviolet and visible radiation, at wavelengths between 300 and 700 nanometers, to the same extent as the natural crystalline lens of the eye. The disclosed method is also useful to impart photoprotective properties to the already made said ocular devices.

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Hillarys, Australia

Traian V Chirila