Treatment to improve adhesive properties of corneal implant
Inventors
Daphna, Ofer • Ferera, Nahum • Dubson, Dmitry
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11026839-B2
Publication Date
2021-06-08
Expiration Date
2038-01-08
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Abstract
A method is described of improving adhesion of an ocular implant to corneal tissue by forming an implant adhesive layer on the ocular implant, the implant adhesive layer having greater adhesive strength than a rest of the implant or by forming a corneal adhesive layer on a posterior surface of a posterior portion of the corneal tissue, the corneal adhesive layer having greater adhesive strength than a rest of the corneal tissue.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods for improving the adhesion of an ocular implant to corneal tissue by creating an adhesive layer either on the implant or on the corneal tissue. This adhesive layer possesses greater adhesive strength compared to the rest of the implant or corneal tissue, thereby enhancing the bond between the implant and the cornea without the use of sutures or mechanical fasteners.
The method involves treating the surfaces of the implant and/or corneal tissue through various physical or chemical processes such as laser treatment, chemical treatment, thermal treatment, plasma treatment, corona treatment, or flame treatment. These treatments create a thin adhesive layer with enhanced adhesive properties by inducing chemical or physical changes that promote electrostatic, specific, or chemical adhesion between the implant and corneal tissue.
One embodiment includes forming an adhesive layer on the anterior surface of a dome-shaped, hydrophobic pseudo-endothelial implant made from biologically compatible materials like PMMA, silicone, hydrogels, or their combinations, designed to serve as a water barrier to treat edematous corneas. Another embodiment includes forming an adhesive layer on the posterior surface of the corneal tissue where the implant will adhere. A combination of both implant and corneal adhesive layers is also described to improve bonding strength.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims focusing on methods to enhance adhesion between a corneal implant and the posterior surface of the cornea through surface treatments of the implant or both the implant and cornea.
Improving adhesion of corneal implant via surface treatment
A method of preparing a corneal copolymer implant comprising exposing at least the anterior surface to treatments such as chemicals, heat, laser energy, flame, plasma, or electric discharge to improve adhesion between the implant and the cornea.
Use of laser energy on implant surface
Applying laser energy, including from Nd:YAG or Yb:YAG lasers, to the anterior surface of a dome-shaped implant made of materials such as PMMA or polyHEMA to enhance adhesion for attachment to the posterior corneal surface.
Creating chemically modified adhesive layer on implant surface
Making chemical changes to the external surface of a polymeric ocular implant that create specific bonds such as hydrogen bonds, improving adhesion to the cornea. The polymer materials include methacrylic polymers and hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
Improving adhesion without external adhesives
Forming an adhesive layer exhibiting greater adhesive strength either on the implant or on the posterior surface of the corneal tissue to enable secure attachment without sutures or foreign adhesive substances.
The independent claims collectively cover methods of treating at least one surface of a corneal implant to enhance adhesion to the cornea via various physical and chemical treatments, including laser and plasma applications, and relate to preparing implants made of biocompatible polymers that serve as water barriers for treating corneal edema.
Stated Advantages
Improved adhesion of the ocular implant to corneal tissue without the need for sutures or mechanical fasteners.
Creation of a durable adhesive bond that resists degradation in the ocular environment over time.
Enhanced biocompatibility of adhesion by using surface treatments that create chemical or physical bonds rather than relying solely on external adhesives.
Documented Applications
The method is applicable to bonding hydrophobic pseudo-endothelial implants to the posterior cornea in eye surgeries such as DSEK (Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty).
Use of the ocular implant as a water barrier to enable dehydration treatment of edematous corneas.
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