Purpose: Corneal opacity is a leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. An electronic corneal prosthesis, or intraocular projector, could potentially restore high-quality vision without need for corneal clarity.
Materials and methods: Four intraocular projection systems were constructed from commercially available electronic components and encased in biocompatible plastic housing. They were tested for optical properties, biocompatibility, heat dissipation, waterproofing, and accelerated wear. A surgical implantation technique was developed.
Results: Intraocular projectors were produced of a size that can fit within the eye. Their optics produce better than 20/200 equivalent visual acuity. MTT assay demonstrated no cytotoxicity of devices in vitro. Temperature testing demonstrated less than 2°C increase in temperature after 1 h. Three devices lasted over 12 weeks under accelerated wear conditions. Implantation surgery was demonstrated via corneal trephination insertion in a cadaver eye.
Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate and characterize fully functional intraocular projection systems. This technology has the potential to be an important new tool in the treatment of intractable corneal blindness.
Keywords: Alpha IMS; Argus; Corneal blindness; cornea transplantation; keratoprosthesis; microdisplay; projector; retinal prosthesis.