Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed an intrastromal artificial cornea implant designed to enhance biointegration and effectively restore vision.
Background:
Corneal opacities are among the top five causes of blindness worldwide. For patients who are not candidates for conventional corneal transplantation, keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) serves as a last-resort option to restore vision. However, current keratoprosthesis designs carry significant risks, including infectious keratitis, endophthalmitis, glaucoma, corneal stromal necrosis, and eventual device extrusion. The most widely used artificial corneal devices today are full thickness keratoprosthesis models. As an alternative, intrastromal (non-penetrating) artificial corneal implants have been proposed to reduce complications associated with full-thickness designs while restoring vision in patients. This approach reduces the risk of implant rejection, enhances durability and longevity, and eliminates the need for full-thickness corneal penetration—thereby minimizing the likelihood of serious complications associated with traditional methods.. Nonetheless, the scarcity of long-term outcome data for intrastromal implants highlights a critical gap in evidence-based clinical care. Further, a key challenge across most existing keratoprosthesis designs is poor biointegration, which contributes to long-term complications such as injection or rejection. Fulfilling this unmet clinical demand necessitates next-generation artificial corneal implants designed for superior safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility with native tissue.
Innovation:
Researchers at the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology have developed an intrastromal artificial corneal implant designed to improve biointegration with native tissue while maintaining the benefits of traditional corneal implants and restoring vision in patients. The current prototype features a central optic diameter of 5 mm and an overall haptic diameter of 7 mm, specifically intended for placement within a stromal pocket. In a rabbit model study, the team assessed the short-term clinical outcomes of the device, demonstrating promising initial results. Looking ahead, the next stage of development will focus on enhancing the mechanical properties of the implant by incorporating copolymers into the material, as well as improving the surface characteristics through modification and bioactive coatings. These enhancements aim to promote superior tissue integration, reduce long-term complications, and ultimately improve the safety and effectiveness of the device for future clinical use. With continued clinical validation, the team aims to establish this technology as a viable and transformative alternative to traditional corneal transplantation, addressing critical patient needs more effectively.
Potential Applications:
• Treatment of corneal blindness in patients unsuitable for standard transplants
• Vision restoration for patients with severe corneal scarring or opacities
• Alternative to full thickness keratoprosthesis,
• Patients with high immunogenicity
• Drug-eluting or bioactive coatings in corneal applications
Advantages:
• Non-penetrating design reducing risks such as endophthalmitis and glaucoma
• Enhanced biointegration with lower changes of stromal necrosis and implant extrusion
• Improved mechanical properties offering better durability
• Potential for long-term stability with bioactive surface modifications promoting tissue integration
• Broad patient eligibility
State of Development:
The abstract for the outcomes of the prototype device was submitted on 12/2024 and accepted for presentation in the ARVO meeting on 5/2025.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2025-177
Lead Inventor:
Reza Ghaffari, UCLA ASC Physician Diplomate in the Department of Ophthalmology