Ocular biomaterials and implants

The maintenance of vision is a key determinant of healthy ageing. This has been facilitated over recent decades by the development of a wide range of implants and biomedical devices to correct the functional deficiencies of d isease, age and ocular trauma. This brief overview provides an insight into the structure of this unique organ, the major physiological functions of t he component tissues and the present state of the art with respect to moder n ocular implants. The review focuses primarily on the existing limitations of existing ocular biomaterials used in the fabrication of contact lenses, intraocular lenses, glaucoma filtration implants, keratoprostheses, intrac orneal implants, scleral buckles and viscoelastic replacement agents. The c hallenge of improving ocular compatibility and ensuring the longevity of in dwelling ocular devices is addressed along with the need to improve the phy sicochemical and mechanical properties of existing ocular biomaterials. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.