Optical transmission of implantable ophthalmic biopolymers

Two centuries ago, Pellier de Quengsy suggested the implantation of a glass plate in the cornea, and the Chevalier de Tadini the replacement of the crystalline with a glass lens. This was the beginning of ophthalmic prostheses. Since, material sciences have made tremendous progress with respect to ocular implantation. As postoperative implant rejection and complications have to be minimized, several requirements on the materials to be selected can be given: In order to minimize stress locations and local tissue deformation, the physical properties of the implants should be similar to those of the replaced tissue. The material should remain stable in time and not degrade and, in some instance, they should be colonizable. The implants should not induce reactions to surrounding tissues, and therefore should be non-carcinogenic, non-allergenic and non-immunogenic.