Method of producing a keratoprosthesis

US5458819A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Lions Eye Institute of Western Australia, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Traian Vasile Chirila · Joondalup, AU
• Ian Constable · Fremantle, AU
• Geoffrey Crawford · Perth, AU
• Albert V. Russo · Perth, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 1993
• Grant date: Oct 17, 1995
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S425/808
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

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.