Research On A Moderated Porous PHEMA Material For The Skirt Of One-Piece Keratoprosthesis

Purpose. To evaluate a porous PHEMA material in vivo for the use as the peripheral component of a one-piece keratoprosthetic device. The material has been moderated to have an enhanced mechanical property compared with pure PHEMA material.Methods. We took use of polymer swelling phenomenon, mass polymerization and PU, to enhance the tensile strength of PHEMA material. The porous discs of moderated PHEMA were implanted into interlamellar corneal pockets of rabbits and followed for up to one year to date. The corneal tissues were evaluated clinically, histologically and ultrastructurally.Results. The tear resistance of the moderated PHEMA skirt material increases 1920% compared with pure PHEMA material. All of the implants have been retained, now up to a period of one year, with no severe complications such as cataract, retrocorneal membrane formation, retinal detachment and any extrusion. By day 15 Keratocytes migration into the implants and deposition of a complex extracellular matrix in the pores of the discs were found. Then a subsequent remodeling of the surrounding connective tissue happened. All of that are events that occur during normal tissue repair. The keratocytes around and in the discs looked healthy and functionally active by TEM.Conclusion. The moderated PHEMA is a suitable and promising material as the peripheral component of a one-piece keratoprosthesis.