Abstract: Synthetic surfaces such as surfaces of implantable prosthetic devices are modified to enhance their ability to support the growth, migration and attachment of epithelial cells. A surface modifier composition is covalently bound to the synthetic surface, and an epithelial cell-supporting coating is applied to the modified surface. The surface modifier composition may also include an epithelial cell-supporting material. The invention is particularly suited towards the modification of synthetic epikeratophakia lenses.

Abstract: A method for making a biosoluble collagen or gelatin ophthalmic shield, which optionally contains a pharmaceutically active agent, by casting collagen or gelatin in a mold; chilling the mold with the collagen or gelatin shield until the shield is strong enough to allow the mold to be opened without deforming the shield in one half of the mold; drying the collagen or gelatin shield while it is still in the mold; and then cross-linking the collagen or gelatin shield to achieve the desired solubility. The resulting shield can be worn comfortably in the eye and leaves no observable material after complete dissolution and drug release.