Abstract: A synthetic device for cornea augmentation and replacement that increases corneal epithelium cell adhesion and migration. Using tethered extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs), corneal growth factors, and other ligand-specific corneal enhancer species (e.g., laminin, fibronectin, substance P, fibronectin adhesion-promoting peptide sequence, FAP, and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) on the polymeric surface of an artificial cornea, the epithelial cell response can be significantly enhanced. Other proteins of interest include, but are not limited to, k-laminin, talin, integrin, kalinin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and TGF-&bgr;. By tethering a combination of corneal enhancer molecules, a more natural environment can be created.

Abstract: A synthetic device for cornea augmentation and replacement that increases corneal epithelium cell adhesion and migration. Using tethered extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs), corneal growth factors, and other ligand-specific corneal enhancer species (e.g., laminin, fibronectin, substance P, fibronectin adhesion-promoting peptide sequence, FAP, and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) on the polymeric surface of an artificial cornea, the epithelial cell response can be significantly enhanced. Other proteins of interest include, but are not limited to, k-laminin, talin, integrin, kalinin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and TGF-&bgr;. By tethering a combination of corneal enhancer molecules, a more natural environment can be created.

Abstract: An implantable ocular device to decrease intraocular pressure by draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into an extraocular space above the sclera and below the conjunctiva and Tenon's layers. The device includes a conduit attached to an episcleral drainage plate having a porous posterior surface for cellular ingrowth and attachment by the sclera. The distal end of the conduit is inserted into the anterior chamber and protrudes out of the limbal/scleral junction. A portion of the outer surface of the conduit adjacent to the plate has a porous ingrowth surface area to enhance anchoring of the conduit to the surrounding extraocular tissues. The plate has a smooth anterior surface and a porous posterior surface. This device uses porous surfaces to enhance cellular infiltration and ingrowth to increase apposition with surrounding tissues, decrease micromovement of the implant, and thereby decrease the fibrous capsule formation surrounding the episcleral plate.

Abstract: An orbital implant and conformer affords mobility and decreases the likelihood of implant extrusion and the "dropped socket" appearance. The implant device consists of a spherical implant whose circumference is dotted with a cellular ingrowth surface to which all the remaining ocular muscles can adhere and act upon. A shaft protrudes anteriorly from the implant through the conjunctival sheath into the front orbital space. The base of the shaft and the area of the implant encircling the shaft also have a cellular ingrowth surface into which the conjunctiva can grow forming a tight seal. The shaft fits into a corresponding small hole in the conformer. The shaft communicates the muscular movement of the implant directly to the conformer. Since the conformer sits on the shaft, its weight is more evenly distributed throughout the orbital socket and should not distend the eyelids.

Abstract: An intraocular prosthesis (56) for implanting in an annular void extending radially into the tissues of the eye. The prosthesis is a circular, transparent, elastomeric optical element (57) having a peripheral edge and a non-rigid or flexible porous skirt (68) which extends radially from the periphery of the element. The skirt encircles the element and is positioned to extend radially into the void. An annular, flexible porous portion (68) having a pore size in the range of about 15-90 microns, and preferably about 60 microns, is included with the skirt. The porous portion surrounds the element and is disposed in contact with the tissues of the eye surrounding the void to allow fibrous growth into the pores of the porous portion. A plurality, preferably, six, spoke-like, porous extension (54) may be included.