Claims
- 1. A corneal implant, comprising:a) a body formed of an optically clear, biocompatible material having inner and outer surfaces and an index of refraction substantially the same as that of corneal tissue; b) the body being solid and formed of a microporous hydrogel having irregular passageways for nutrient transport, the microporous hydrogel having micropores ranging in diameter from 50 Angstroms to 10 microns.
- 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the body is shaped to correct for hyperopia.
- 3. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the body is shaped to correct for myopia.
- 4. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is shaped to correct for astigmatism.
- 5. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is shaped to correct for presbyopia.
- 6. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the microporous hydrogel has a water content greater than 40% and up to approximately 90%.
- 7. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the microporous hydrogel is formed from at least one hydrophilic monomer which is cross-linked with at least one multi- or di-olefinic cross-linking agent.
- 8. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the micropores are formed to permit nutrient and fluid transfer to prevent tissue necrosis, and the micropores are sized to act as a barrier against tissue in growth.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/385,103, filed Aug. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,560, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/219,594, filed Dec. 23, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,946.
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Continuation in Parts (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09/219594 |
Dec 1998 |
US |
Child |
09/385103 |
|
US |