Keratoprosthesis and method of corneal replacement

Abstract

An improved keratoprosthesis, to be utilized to enhance a patient's vision, which includes an optical support segment structured to be disposed on an eyeball of the patient and containing an optical aperture, structured to be disposed in aligned, overlying relation to a corneal region of the eyeball of the patient, defined therein. Further, the optical support segment includes a disc like configuration and is constructed of hydroxyapatite which is structured and disposed to promote cell growth, increased vascularization and/or bone formation therein so as to substantially increase the optical support segment's long term assimilation with the eyeball of the patient, as well as its ability to combat infection and heal quickly. Disposed in the optical aperture of the optical support segment and effectively suspended in a vision enhancing position is an optical cylinder. The optical cylinder is preferably removable and provides for the transmittal of light into the eyeball.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.