A synthetic corneal onlay, or implantable contact lens, could obviate the n
eed for spectacles or conventional contact lenses in patients who seek conv
enient, reversible correction of refractive error. Several research groups
have attempted to develop such a product in the past but much of the data f
rom these studies remains unpublished due to commercial interests. This art
icle reviews relevant papers and patents in the corneal implant field and d
iscusses our efforts to develop a synthetic corneal onlay using a perfluoro
polyether-based polymer. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
.