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Bioengineered corneal substitutes show promise in corneal transplantation

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ROME — Bioengineered collagen-based corneal substitutes are fully compatible and promote regeneration of corneal cells in patients with degenerative corneal disorders or post-traumatic damage, according to a study.

At the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Per Fagerholm, MD, showed that these types of corneal substitutes were effectively used for transplantation in 10 patients, nine with keratoconus and one with corneal scar. A central 6 mm in diameter deep lamellar lenticule was excised and replaced by a 6.25 mm in diameter, 500 µm thick transplant. Six overlying sutures were used.

"At 9 months, all patients had stably epithelialized, and implants were anchored by keratocyte ingrowth. Visual outcomes were satisfactory, with six patients achieving BCVA of 20/40 or better. In vivo confocal microscopy revealed beginning ingrowth of corneal nerves," Dr. Fagerholm said.

Corneal substitutes could be an important breakthrough in corneal transplantation. The experiences from this study will contribute to further improvement of the biosynthetic material, he said.