Abstract: The present invention relates to porous polymers incorporating dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and the like and their production. The invention also relates to the use of polymers derived from dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and like compounds, in both porous and non-porous forms, as substrates for the attachment and growth of mammalian cells and tissue. The invention also relates to the use of polymers derived from dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates as components of medical devices and prostheses, including implanted devices.

Abstract: A corneal onlay or corneal implant is disclosed which is to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea, being a biocompatible, optically transparent, synthetic and biostable polymeric material, said material comprising a surface that supports the attachment and growth of tissue cells, and where the exterior surface of the implant onto which epithelial tissue is to be attracted and to become attached, or in the case of a corneal onlay the anterior surface of the onlay, has a topography comprising a plurality of surface indentations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous polymers incorporating dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and the like and their production. The invention also relates to the use of polymers derived from dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and like compounds, in both porous and non-porous forms, as substrates for the attachment and growth of mammalian cells and tissue. The invention also relates to the use of polymers derived from dihydroperfluoroalkyl acrylates and methacrylates as components of medical devices and prostheses, including implanted devices.

Abstract: A corneal onlay or corneal implant is disclosed which is to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea, being a biocompatible, optically transparent, synthetic and biostable polymeric material, said material comprising a surface that supports the attachment and growth of tissue cells, and where the exterior surface of the implant onto which epithelial tissue is to be attracted and to become attached, or in the case of a corneal onlay the anterior surface of the onlay, has a topography comprising a plurality of surface indentations.

Abstract: Cell growth substrate polymers are described which comprise a macromonomer of the formula (I): Q-(PFPE-L).sub.n-1 -PFPE-Q, wherein n is at least 1.0; each PFPE may be the same or different and is a perfluorinated polyether of the formula (II): --OCH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O (CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.x (CF.sub.2 O).sub.y CF.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--, wherein the CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O and CF.sub.2 O units may be randomly distributed or distributed as blocks throughout the chain and wherein x and y may be the same or different such that the molecular weight of the perfluoropolyether is in the range of from 242 to 4000, L is a difunctional linking group; and Q at each end of the macromonomer is the same or different and is a polymerizable group. The cell growth substrate polymers may be used in the production of comeal implants.

Abstract: Macromonomers of the formula I are described:Q-B(L-B).sub.n T (I)wherein n is at least 1.0;Q is a polymerizable group;B may be the same or different and is a difunctional block of molecular weight in the range of from 100 to 4000 and wherein at least one B is a perfluorinated polyether of formula II;--OCH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.x (CF.sub.2 O).sub.y CF.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- (II)wherein the CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O and CF.sub.2 O units may be randomly distributed or distributed as blocks throughout the chain and wherein x and y may be the same or different such that the molecular weight of the perfluorinated polyether is in the range of from 242 to 4,000;L is a difunctional linking group; andT is a terminal group.These macromonomers may be used in the production of contact lenses, corneal implants, cell growth substrate or medical implant.

Abstract: Corneal onlays for use in surgical implantation into or onto the cornea of a mammal are described. The corneal onlays according to the invention have an optical axis region with optical characteristics which provide visual acuity therethrough and are comprised of a non-biodegradable non-hydrogel ocularly biocompatible material, characterized in that the onlay has a porosity sufficient to allow passage therethrough of tissue fluid components having a molecular fluid weight greater than 10,000 daltons so as to provide for a flux of tissue fluid between cells anterior of the implanted onlay and cells posterior thereof. The porosity of the optical axis region is such that it allows the flux of tissue fluid components whilst excluding ingrowth of ocular tissue. The onlay is further characterized by being adapted for epithelial recolonization.