A poly‐HEMA based aqueous humor draining device

Abstract

An aqueous humor draining device, with size comparable to that of the Krupin tube, was constructed by using poly-HEMA material. Deposits were found on the surface of poly-HEMA when contacted in vitro with the aqueous humor of the rabbit's eye. A fibrous structure, probably composed of proteins and other macromolecules, developed on poly-HEMA surface in 15 days after the draining device was implanted into the rabbit's eye. The draining device was still in function 250 days after its implantation. SEM analysis of the retrieved poly-HEMA draining device indicated that the poly-HEMA tube opening was not blocked by any substance. These results suggest that poly-HEMA could be used as a biomaterial for construction of the aqueous humor draining device to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma patients. Its long-term application awaits further investigation.