Histopathology and clinical behavior of polysulfone intracorneal implants in the baboon model. Polysulfone lens implants.

The authors performed 13 myopic intracorneal polysulfone implants in a baboon model using two different implant designs. In the initial series, they used eight lenticules 5 to 6 mm in diameter with a central thickness greater than 0.15 mm. These failed 6 days to 6 months after surgery. The second series of five implants 4 to 5 mm in diameter with a thinner central thickness and improved edge design was better tolerated initially, but only two of five corneas remained clear 27 months after surgery. Clinical failure was associated with corneal neovascularization and opacification posterior to the implant or aseptic necrosis of the cornea overlying the implant. In most eyes, the anterior stroma was hypocellular anterior to the implant. Numerous vacuolated keratocytes and scattered eosinophils were detected posterior to the implant. In one case, lipid deposition was confirmed posterior to the lenticule. The authors conclude that solid polysulfone intrastromal implants are not biocompatible with the baboon cornea.