Author: Foster, William Joseph

Source: Expert Review of Ophthalmology, Volume 3, Number 2, April 2008 , pp. 211-218(8)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Modern vitreoretinal surgery is a young science. While tremendous developments have occurred in instrument design and technique since Machemer first described vitrectomy surgery in 1973, the application of advanced materials concepts to the development of intraocular compounds is a particularly exciting area of research. To date, the development of vitreous substitutes has played a significant role in enabling the dramatic and progressive improvement in surgical outcome, but perhaps no other area of research has the potential to further improve the treatment of retinal detachment and other retinal disorders. While prior research has focused solely upon the ability of a compound to re-attach to the retina, future research should seek to enable the surgeon to inhibit the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and re-detachment, the integration of stem-cell therapies with surgical retina, long-term delivery of medications to the posterior segment, and the promotion of more rapid and complete visual rehabilitation.

Keywords: polymer; retina; retinal detachment; tissue engineering; vitrectomy; vitreous substitute

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17469899.3.2.211

Affiliations: 1: Department of Physics, The University of Houston, Houston, TX; and, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University at The Methodist Hospital, 617 Science & Research Building 1, Houston, TX 77204-5005, USA., Email: wfoster@uh.edu

Publication date: 2008-04-01

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