EFFECTS OF SURFACE-TOPOGRAPHY ON CORNEAL EPITHELIALIZATION IN-VIVO - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Purpose: In this study we investigated the relationship between surfac e topography and initial epithelialization of synthetic lenticules in vivo. Methods: Millipore ultrafiltration membranes of three different pore sizes were used as model lenticule materials.The nominal membrane pore sizes were 0.1 mu m, 0.45 mu m, and 3 mu m; the surface roughnes s increased in the same order: The membranes were coated with a thin l ayer of collagen I and implanted in a circular pocket of the anterior cornea of adult cats, and were clinically evaluated for the extent of epithelialization and the persistence of epithelial attachment. Result s/Conclusions: It was demonstrated that a smooth surface appears more attractive for initial epithelialization than a rough surface in vivo.