Biomedical subjects

Jean-Marie Parel

Publications and source records attributed to Jean-Marie Parel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Evaluation of an integrated orbital tissue expander in an anophthalmic feline model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical effects and tissue biocompatibility in a feline model of an integrated orbital tissue expander (OTE) designed to stimulate bone growth in an anophthalmic socket. DESIGN: An animal study was performed in cats to assess orbital bone growth with and without an OTE. METHODS: The OTE is an inflatable (0.5 to >6.0 cm(3)) polymeric globe sliding on a titanium T plate secured to the lateral orbital rim with screws. Eight cats had left eye enucleation at age two weeks, with five orbits receiving an OTE and the remaining three serving as nonimplanted controls. Serial transconjunctival implant inflation was performed by injecting normal saline solution into the OTE to a final volume of 3.5 ml. Serial computed tomographic scans were obtained to assess socket growth. All eight cats were euthanized at 18 weeks and dry skulls prepared. The effective orbital volume was measured by inflating an OTE in the orbit of a dry skull until it filled the cavity completely. RESULTS: Three cats periodically scratched open the tarsorrhaphy and conjunctiva to rupture the OTE, which resulted in implant exchanges. At 18 weeks, the OTE expanded orbital volume was approximately 18% smaller than the normal contralateral side. In the control animals, the anophthalmic orbital volume was approximately 66% smaller than the contralateral orbit. Histopathology of orbital tissues showed no evidence of foreign body reaction. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept pilot study demonstrated implant efficacy in cats, and no implant-related adverse effects were observed. OTE has the potential to stimulate bone growth in human anophthalmic orbits.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) protein expression in retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve glia of the cynomolgus monkey.

Wolfram syndrome (WFS1, OMIM 222300) is a rare genetic disorder associated with multiple organ abnormalities, most prominently optic nerve atrophy and diabetes. Mutations in the WFS1 gene coding for wolframin have been identified. The pathogenesis for optic nerve atrophy remains elusive. We here tested the hypothesis that wolframin is expressed in glial cells of the optic nerve and in retinal ganglion cells in the cynomolgus monkey. Paraffin sections through the retina and optic nerve were examined with immunohistochemistry using affinity-purified antibodies to wolframin. Retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve glial cells were found to be strongly labeled. Dual dysfunction of wolframin in optic nerve glial cells and retinal ganglion cells may explain the progressive optic nerve atrophy in Wolfram syndrome.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Biometry of primate lenses during immersion in preservation media.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the condition of human lenses (obtained from an eye bank) and of fresh monkey lenses, and to determine the effects of maintaining these lenses in various liquid preservation media. METHODS: Freshly excised human and monkey lenses were maintained for 5 h in one of four solutions (Balanced Saline Solution [BSS], Ringer's Solution, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with Ham's F-12 [DMEM/F-12/F-12], and Tissue Culture Medium 199 [TC-199]) using a custom-designed, temperature-regulated testing cell. A modified optical comparator and digital camera were used to photograph magnified lens profiles and measure lens diameter and thickness. Lens volume was then calculated assuming rotational symmetry about the optical axis. RESULTS: Seven of the 33 human lenses exhibited extensive swelling and separation of the capsule from the lens cell mass prior to the incubation. During incubation, for 12/22 of the remaining human and 27/27 of the monkey lenses, thickness increased by 1.0-1.8%, diameter decreased by 0.7-1.6% and the volume was essentially unchanged. Substantial swelling and capsular separation were observed in 10 of the 22 human lenses, 7/10 for those maintained in salt solutions, and 3/12 for those in tissue culture media. Lens volumes increased by an average of 6.8%, due to an 8.7% increase in the thickness, while the diameter decreased by 0.9%. These changes appeared to be independent of postmortem time and donor age. CONCLUSIONS: Culture media are more effective than simple salt solutions in maintaining lens physical integrity during short-term incubations. Substantial uptake of water, accompanied by separation of the capsule from the lens cell mass, occurs at various stages during storage and experimental manipulations in >60% of human lenses obtained from the eye bank. Data obtained with such lenses will not be representative of the true ex vivo state. It is recommended that lenses be assessed to determine if swelling has taken place before acceptance of data.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

A newly designed glaucoma drainage implant made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene): biocompatibility and function in normal rabbit eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical evaluation, flow patency, and histopathological findings of a novel glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) in rabbits. METHODS: In 16 normal eyes, the proximal end of the SIBS GDI was inserted into the anterior chamber while the distal end was placed in the subconjunctival space. A control group underwent implantation of a similarly designed silicone GDI. Slitlamp follow-up and intraocular pressure measurements were recorded. Flow patency was evaluated by injecting 0.01% fluorescein into the anterior chamber. Immunostaining against collagen IV, macrophages, and alpha smooth muscle actin was performed. RESULTS: Slitlamp examination suggested adequate biocompatibility. A low and diffuse bleb was observed in the SIBS group. All SIBS tubes were patent 6 months after insertion. Immunostaining demonstrated noncontinuous collagen deposition. No macrophages or myofibroblasts were visible around the SIBS tubes. In contrast, silicone induced collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. CONCLUSION: This new GDI is clinically biocompatible in the rabbit and maintained 100% patency at 6 months. A remarkable difference was the absence of myofibroblasts in the surrounding tissue in the SIBS group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel GDI made of SIBS would prevent the feared complication of hypotony and will decrease the amount of subconjunctival fibrosis.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

Ocular decompression devices: liquid mercury balloon vs the tungsten powder balloon.

PURPOSE: To determine if an intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing device containing tungsten powder decreases pressure comparably to the traditional mercury-containing apparatus. DESIGN: Prospective randomized, single-blind, controlled, phase I equivalence study. METHOD: At a tertiary care center, both eyes of 24 volunteers with normal IOP were treated with an ocular compression device containing either liquid mercury or tungsten powder. The IOP was measured at baseline and after 10 minutes of ocular compression. RESULTS: The mean reduction in IOP was 3.6 mm Hg +/- 2.0 with the mercury-containing device and 4.4 mm Hg +/- 2.1 with the tungsten-filled apparatus. An equivalence study analysis using a paired t-test and a sequential analysis protocol did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the IOP-lowering effects of the two devices. CONCLUSIONS: The IOP-lowering effect produced by a tungsten powder-filled balloon ocular decompression device compared with a traditional mercury-containing device was not statistically different.

Bandages↗

PubMed2006

Predicting the performance of accommodating intraocular lenses using ray tracing.

PURPOSE: To predict and compare the amount of accommodation achievable by pseudophakic accommodating intraocular lenses (IOLs) using optical ray-tracing analysis. SETTING: Computational laboratory. METHODS: Two-element IOLs (2E-IOL, with mobile front or back optical elements) were compared with single-element IOLs (1E-IOL). Modeling using computer-assisted ray tracing of both IOL types assumed lens elements were equiconvex/equiconcave. The 4 possible combinations of configurations representing a wide range of varying positive and negative power (up to +40 diopters [D]) of front and back optical elements were evaluated. RESULTS: The 1E-IOLs offered limited amplitude of accommodation with axial shift (approximately 1.2 D/mm). For 2E-IOLs, configurations with high positive-power front elements returned the best amplitude of accommodation (up to approximately 3.0 D/mm when the front element power was +40 D). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the maximum potential amounts of axial shifts available, 1E-IOLs were predicted to provide 1.0 D of accommodation or less and 2E-IOLs were predicted to provide up to 3.0 D to 4.0 D depending on design configuration and amount of axial shift achievable. Potential issues relating to accommodative aniseikonia and spherical aberration have been identified.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

PubMed2006

Assessment of the strength of minicapsulorhexes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of age, size, position, and species on the strength of minicapsulorhexes. SETTING: Surgical Suite and Laser Laboratory, Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. METHODS: Capsulorhexes 0.7 to 2.3 mm in diameter were made centrally or peripherally in 35 eye-bank eyes and 32 rabbit eyes. A custom-made instrument stretched the capsulorhexes until rupture. Load and stretch at rupture were recorded. RESULTS: Maximum load and stretch were 26.3 mN +/- 20.3 (SD) and 50% +/- 18% for central and 50.8 +/- 20.5 mN and 69% +/- 17% for peripheral capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes and 19.8 +/- 15.2 mN and 38% +/- 13% for central and 13.5 +/- 9.5 mN and 30% +/- 7% for peripheral capsulorhexes in rabbit eyes. Peripheral capsulorhexes were stronger and more elastic than central capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes, and maximum load and stretch increased statistically with the capsulorhexis diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral minicapsulorhexes were more resistant to rupture than central capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes, probably because of increased lens capsule thickness at the periphery. An increase in capsulorhexis diameter increased the resistance to rupture.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

In vitro dimensions and curvatures of human lenses.

The purpose of this study was to determine dimensions and curvatures of excised human lenses using the technique of shadowphotogrammetry. A modified optical comparator and digital camera were used to photograph magnified sagittal and coronal lens profiles. Equatorial diameter, anterior and posterior sagittal thickness, anterior and posterior curvatures, and shape factors were obtained from these images. The data were used to calculate lens volumes, which were compared with the lens weights. Measurements were made on 37 human lenses ranging in age from 20 to 99 years. These showed that lens dimensions and the anterior radius of curvature increase linearly throughout adult life while posterior curvature remains constant. The relative shape (or aspect ratio) of the posterior lens is unchanged through adult life since both equatorial diameter and posterior thickness increase at the same rate. The ratio of anterior thickness to posterior thickness is constant at 0.70. It is suggested that in vivo forces alter the apparent location of the lens equator, that the in vitro lens shape corresponds to the maximally accommodated shape in vivo and that the shapes of the accommodated and unaccommodated lens progressively converge toward each other due to lens growth with age, with a convergence point located near the age of total loss of accommodation (55-60 years). Together, these observations provide additional support for the Helmholtz theory of accommodation.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

PubMed2006

Experimental model for proliferative vitreoretinopathy by intravitreal dispase: limited by zonulolysis and cataract.

BACKGROUND: The intravitreal injection of dispase has been shown to be a valuable method for induction of experimental PVR. The goal of the present study was to gain additional information about potential side effects associated with this method. METHODS: Twenty-one pigmented rabbits received a single injection of dispase under topical anesthesia to one eye only, contralateral eyes served as untreated control. The animals were injected with doses from 0.045 to 0.065 units of dispase: 8 animals received 0.045 units, 9 animals 0.055 units and 4 animals 0.065 units. RESULTS: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 81% of the treated eyes. In 90% cataract formation was observed. Lens luxation was present in 47.3% of the cataract eyes. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of dispase resulted in the reproducible induction of PVR in addition to cataract formation and lens luxation. Whether these effects may all be associated with a toxic reaction or whether the proliferative changes are solely triggered by endogenous reactions similar to the pathomechanism of human PVR and whether the cataract formation and the lens luxation may be avoided by changing the method of injection require further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Preservation and expansion of the primate keratocyte phenotype by downregulating TGF-beta signaling in a low-calcium, serum-free medium.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate whether the original keratocyte phenotype is maintained with proliferative activity by suppressing TGF-beta signaling in rhesus monkey keratocytes expanded in a serum-free and low-[Ca2+] medium. METHODS: Rhesus monkey keratocytes were isolated from central corneal buttons by collagenase digestion for 16 hours, seeded on plastic in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing insulin-transferrin-sodium selenite (ITS) supplement (DMEM/ITS) or 10% fetal bovine serum (DMEM/10% FBS), or in a defined keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM). After confluence, cells in KSFM were continuously subcultured at a 1-to-3 split. Cellular proliferation was analyzed by immunostaining for Ki67 and the MTT assay. The cellular phenotype was determined by immunostaining for aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), keratocan, and CD34 and by the expression of keratocan promoter-driven enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP). The stability of the keratocyte phenotype was examined by switching KSFM to DMEM/ITS and DMEM/10% FBS. TGF-beta signaling was monitored by measuring the promoter activity of TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta RII after transient adenoviral transfection, and cytolocalization of Smad2 and Smad4. RESULTS: In KSFM, monkey keratocytes proliferated while maintaining the expression of keratocan, CD34, and ALDH proteins and keratocan promoter-driven ECFP for at least 15 passages. The nuclear accumulation of Smad2 and Smad4 and the promoter activities of TGF-beta1 and -beta RII were significantly downregulated in KSFM compared with DMEM/10% FBS. In KSFM, an increase of [Ca2+] to 1.8 mM and addition of 10% FBS synergistically downregulated the keratocan promoter activity, facilitated Smad2 and Smad4 nuclear translocation, and upregulated TGF-beta1 and -beta RII promoter activities. CONCLUSIONS: The normal monkey keratocyte phenotype can be maintained in a low-calcium, serum-free medium by downregulating Smad-mediated TGF-beta signaling.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2006

Iontophoretic delivery of carboplatin in a murine model of retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and dose-response of transcorneoscleral Coulomb controlled iontophoresis (CCI) of carboplatin in the treatment of retinal tumors of a murine model of retinoblastoma. METHODS: Thirty 6-week-old LHBETATAG mice underwent a total of six, serial iontophoretic treatments administered two times per week using a current density of 2.57 mA/cm2 for 5 minutes. Fourteen animals received carboplatin treatments at concentrations of 1.4, 7.0, 10.0, or 14.0 mg/mL without current. Ten control mice underwent treatment with balanced saline solution. RESULTS: A dose-dependent inhibition of intraocular tumor was observed after repetitive iontophoretic treatment. At carboplatin concentrations of 7 mg/mL, 50% of the treated eyes (4/8) exhibited tumor control. No corneal toxicity was observed in eyes treated at carboplatin concentrations under 10 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: CCI delivery of carboplatin safely and effectively controls intraocular tumors in a dose-dependent manner in this murine model of retinoblastoma. CCI is a noninvasive, painless option for the focal delivery of carboplatin. However, further clinical and laboratory research is needed before this method of drug delivery is available for children with retinoblastoma.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Evidence for posterior zonular fiber attachment on the anterior hyaloid membrane.

PURPOSE: To image the posterior zonular attachment site by using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). METHODS: A custom-made device was designed to mount human cadaveric lenses, with the zonule, ciliary body, and sclera attached, inside an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The mount was designed to allow radial stretching to enhance exposure of the accommodation apparatus. Seven fresh human eye bank eyes (age: 62-82 years; 24-48 hours after death) were dissected, mounted, and imaged in wet mode. The insertion site of the posterior zonule was examined. RESULTS: Detailed pictures of the accommodation apparatus were obtained in all eyes. A strong relation between the posterior zonule and the anterior hyaloid membrane was observed. Anterior view micrographs showed that posterior zonular fibers originate from the ciliary body and anchor in the hyaloid membrane. From the point of insertion, the fibers continue on their course toward the posterior lens capsule in the plane of the hyaloid membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the classic description, the majority of posterior zonular fibers are not attached directly to the posterior lens capsule, but are anchored to the anterior hyaloid membrane on their path from the ciliary body to the posterior capsule. This finding is in good agreement with several previous observations and models that suggest support of the posterior lens surface during accommodation.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

PubMed2006

Validation of the Barraquer tonometer for high intraocular pressure estimation.

PURPOSE: To compare the pneumatonometer and the Tono-Pen XL in a closed ex-vivo system in human eye bank eyes at high intraocular pressures (IOP) and evaluate the validity of high IOP measurements with the Barraquer tonometer. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was monitored by cannulation of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity in eight human cadaver eyes (mean donor age: 77.3 +/- 4.9 years, range: 72 to 84 years). Intraocular pressure measurements were taken at 50, 65, and 90 mmHg with the Tono-Pen XL and pneumatonometer. Intraocular pressure was raised to 110 mmHg and then the eyes were deflated slowly until they reached 50 mmHg. Pressure readings with the Barraquer tonometer were recorded when the corneal tonometer interface reached the inner and outer rings. RESULTS: The Tono-Pen XL underestimated IOP, a tendency that was more evident at higher IOP In contrast, the pneumatonometer was more accurate and reliable at IOP of 50 and 65 mmHg but its readings underestimated IOP at 90 mmHg. The Barraquer tonometer used in this experiment accurately estimated high IOP A variability of 5.9 mmHg and 5.8 mmHg were recorded for the inner and outer ring, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Tono-pen XL is an inadequate instrument to assess pressures normally encountered during LASIK flap creation in an ex vivo model using human cadaver eyes. The pneumatonometer and the Barraquer tonometer are accurate instruments at high IOP; however, the pneumatonometer underestimated pressures around 90 mmHg.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Complex neurodegeneration in retina following moderate ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in Wistar rats.

Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) produces moderate levels of ischemia in the retina of rats, which may simulate the inflow disturbances in severe carotid artery disease. ERG changes following acute BCCAO have been well described, but the effects of chronic BCCAO on the histopathology of the retina remain to be characterized in a reproducible model. Chronic BCCAO was induced in halothane-anaesthetized male Wistar rats and the retina fixed after 3, 6, or 24 hr, 1 week, and 2, 4, or 6 months. Cell counts and measurements of retinal layers were performed in H&E stained paraffin sections. Immunohistochemistry with a panel of fourteen antibodies served to examine the survival of different retinal cell class, astrocytic reactions and the expression of acute stress response proteins. A lectin method was used to label activated microglial cells. Microglial activation, heme oxygenase-1 upregulation and caspase-3 cleavage occurred during the first 24hr in the absence of overt cell death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Three waves of neurodegeneration followed. RGCs were affected after 1 week, followed by neurons in the inner nuclear layer at 2 months, and finally photoreceptors at 4 months. Immunomarkers indicated acute damage to horizontal cells and prolonged survival of amacrine cells. In conclusion, chronic BCCAO produced delayed neuronal death in the retina of adult male Wistar rats. The window of moderate changes of at least 1 day may facilitate molecular studies on retinal ganglion cell loss.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Ex vivo evaluation of Tono-Pen and pneumotonometry in cat eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity and intraobserver reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with both pneumotonometry and the Tono-Pen in a closed ex vivo system in cat eyes. METHODS: IOP was increased step by step in 5 enucleated cat eyes, while taking IOP measurements with the Tono-Pen and pneumotonometry. The outcomes were compared to readings of a digital manometer simultaneously measuring the actual pressure in the anterior chamber. RESULTS: Pneumotonometry overestimated IOP below 15 mm Hg and underestimated pressures above 20 mm Hg. Tono-Pen tonometry considerably underestimated IOP over the whole spectrum in all of the eyes tested. The pneumotonometer was identified as the more valid and reliable instrument for cat eyes. CONCLUSION: Both tonometers are clinically useful tools to assess IOP for glaucoma studies using a cat animal model. However, one has to consider underestimation of IOP in the upper ranges. A correction formula can be used to calculate the actual IOP.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Simultaneous measurement of electrocochleography and cochlear blood flow during cochlear hypoxia in rabbits.

In this study, a new monitoring system is developed to measure cochlear blood flow (CBF) and electrocochleography (ECochG) during transient ischemic episodes of the cochlea. A newly designed otic probe was used for the simultaneous recordings of laser-Doppler CBF and ECochG directly from the round window (RW). The probe enabled the recording of high amplitude compound action potentials (CAP) and cochlear microphonics (CM) with few averages. Experiments were conducted on rabbits to generate episodes of cochlear ischemia by using timed compressions of the internal auditory artery (IAA). The computer monitoring system extracted and measured CAP and CM components from ECochG in real-time. Results indicate that CM and CAP generally followed CBF during compressions and releases of IAA. Both CBF values and CAP amplitudes showed an overshoot following the reperfusion. CAP amplitude measures were found to be very sensitive to ischemia showing very rapid amplitude, latency and morphological changes. CM amplitude decreased more slowly than the CAP and CBF. Simultaneous recordings of CBF and ECochG using the otic probe provide a valuable neuromonitoring tool to investigate the dynamic behavior of the cochlea during ischemia.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMed2005

Amniotic membrane maintains the phenotype of rabbit retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture.

The success of surgical removal of choroidal neovascularisation followed by transplantation of autologous retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) may be limited by damage in Bruch's membrane. We investigated whether amniotic membrane (AM) might be used as an alternative basement membrane-containing matrix to support RPE growth and differentiation. Primary RPE plastic cultures were established from freshly enucleated Dutch belted rabbit eyes in DMEM/F12 containing 0.1 mM Ca(++) and 10% dialysed FBS. Upon subconfluence, cells were subcultured at 5000-9000 cells cm(-2) in the above-mentioned culture medium on intact AM (iAM), epithelially denuded AM (dAM) or plastic. After confluence, the Ca(++) concentration in the medium was increased to 1.8 mm for 4 weeks. Growth and morphology were monitored by phase contrast microscopy, and the phenotype by immunostaining with antibodies against cytokeratin 18, tight junction protein ZO-1, and RPE65 protein, and by transepithelial resistance (TER) measurement. Immunostaining to cytokeratin 18 confirmed the epithelial origin of isolated cells in both primary culture and subcultures. Compared to plastic cultures, RPE increased pigmentation within 24 hr after seeding on AM, with iAM being more pronounced than dAM. RPE adopted a hexagonal epithelial phenotype with more organised pigmentation, strong expression of ZO-1 and RPE65, and a significantly higher TER 4 weeks after Ca(++) switch on dAM. Our results indicate that AM may be used as a basement membrane-containing matrix to maintain RPE phenotype in vitro, and may facilitate subsequent transplantation to treat ARMD.

Amnion↗

PubMed2005

Biocompatibility of a nonpenetrating synthetic cornea in vascularized rabbit corneas.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess feasibility and biocompatibility of a lamellar, nonperforating supraDescemetic Synthetic Cornea (sDSC) implanted in rabbit eyes after a corneal injury. METHODS: Corneal vascularization and scarring was induced in the right eye of 15 rabbits by application of 1-heptanol and complete surgical removal of the limbus. An sDSC (7-mm diameter, 450-microm-thick optical zone, 100-microm-thick outer flange) was implanted after 45 +/- 5 days. The keratoprostheses were implanted with their central optic part positioned on a completely exposed Descemet's membrane (DM) while the outer flange was located in deep stroma. Three different materials were tested: hydrophobic PMMA (n = 5) and hydrophilic HEMA-MMA (n = 5) and HEMA-NVP (n = 5) with a water content of 34% and 75%, respectively. The corneal surface was covered with a conjunctiva-Tenon flap. Central flap trephination was performed after 63 +/- 7 days. DM vascularization and scarring was assessed and graded after flap opening and weekly thereafter. RESULTS: In all 15 consecutive cases implantation could be completed successfully without perforation of DM. Repair of the conjunctival flap had to be performed in five rabbits. Four months postoperatively, the flaps were opened. Four of five corneas (80%) with a PMMA implant and three of five (60%) with a HEMA-NVP75 implant had retained their original transparency. The others had developed significant neovascularization in the Descemet-sDSC optic interface. All corneas (100%) that received an sDSC made of HEMA-MMA34 displayed a completely clear DM without any vessels or scarring. DM was found firmly attached to the posterior surface of the optic. CONCLUSION: Implantation of a nonperforating synthetic cornea on top of an exposed DM is feasible. HEMA-MMA34 showed the most promising results. Because opening of the anterior chamber is not required, a lamellar supraDescemetic Synthetic Cornea would theoretically reduce some of the risks attributed to penetrating keratoprostheses.

Animals↗