| abstract |
Methods for forming implantable composite keratoprostheses are provided. The methods provide keratoprostheses designed to provide a suitable substrate for corneal epithelial cell growth while maintaining the desirable characteristics of hydrogels, i.e., clarity, flexibility and the ability to allow diffusive flow of nutrients. In a preferred embodiment the method includes placing corneal tissue in a mold having a corneal implant shape and crosslinking a polymeric solution to chemically bond a biocompatible hydrogel having a thickness between approximately 50 and 100 microns to the corneal tissue to form the keratoprosthesis. Upon implantation, the corneal tissue abuts epithelial cells surrounding the keratoprosthesis. In another preferred embodiment, a polymer solution is placed between the corneal tissue and a pre-formed hydrogel and then polymerized so that the polymer solution couples to both the hydrogel and the corneal tissue. |