[Keratoprosthes made with soft plastic material--first experiments on animals (author's transl)].

To improve the nutrition of corneal tissue and decrease the extrusion rate in keratoprosthesis we developed implants made with HEMA (hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate) and inserted these models in rabbit eyes. This soft hydrophilic material seemed to be suitable for intraocular implantation because of its permeability to small molecules, necessary for the nutrition of cornea, and because of its flexibility. Keratoprosthesis with these implants was performed on 30 rabbits. During an observation period of 21 months we did not observe any typical extrusion of the implant. Furthermore it was favorably noted that after insertion of the dehydrated prosthesis the HEMA, enlarged by water absorbtion, developing a close contact to the surrounding corneal tissue. The risk of infection with HEMA keratoprostheses is probably not increased. Further investigations are being performed.