[Tissue colonization of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in healthy cornea in the view of its use as a support in keratoprosthesis].

The biocompatibility of polytetrafluoroethylene (E. PTFE) keratoprosthetic skirts was studied for periods of observation from 4 to 14 weeks. In a first experimental study, the authors showed that E. PTFE was well tolerated but without fibrovascular ingrowth. In this study, eight perforating keratoplasties were performed and a disk of E. PTFE with a diameter of 4.5 mm was sutured in and covered with a conjunctival flap. The results show that E. PTFE allows fibrovascular ingrowth without a significant foreign body response or encapsulation. Coverage of E. PTFE with conjunctival was essential for fibrovascular ingrowth and to prevent extrusion and rejection.