Synthetic Corneal Prosthesis Developed by Fraunhofer

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research in Potsdam-Golm, Germany, have developed a corneal prosthesis made of plastic. Currently, the only option to replace a damaged or diseased cornea is by corneal transplantation, however there is a shortage of donor corneas. The development of a synthetic prosthesis is challenging because it should be incorporated by surrounding tissue, but the optical region should stay clear. Also the material should moisten by tear fluid in order to reduce friction. To reach these goals, the researchers used a hydrophobic polymer material, and they coated the edge with special polymers and growth factor. The first prosthesis was successfully implanted in 2009. Once it will enter the market, the prosthesis will be competing with other synthetic prostheses already on the market such as the Boston Keratoprosthesis and the AlphaCor.
Press release: Synthetic eye prosthesis…