Abstract
Purpose: :
To test biocompatibility of an Artificial Silicon Retina (ASR, Optobionics Inc.) using in vivo methods.
Methods: :
Subretinal implantation of the ASR was performed unilaterally in six healthy cats. Clinical methods of indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, bilateral full-field electroretinography (ERG), B-scan ultrasonography, and ocular coherence tomography (OCT) were used for outcome measurements up to 18 months after surgery.
Results: :
No decrements in ERG amplitudes were observed in the treated eyes. Funduscopic changes were minor, consisting of alterations in reflectance properties of the tapetal fundus as well as expected scarring surrounding the implant. OCTs showed segmental thinning and vacuolization of the overlying neuroretina in three of six eyes and subsequent implant dislocation in one eye. Ultrasonography allowed visualization and precise localization of the ASR throughout the study.
Conclusions: :
Excellent biocompatibility was observed with the implant. OCT, however, showed marked localized structural changes in the neuroretina overlying the ASR in 50% of the treated eyes. These results suggest that OCT is superior for in vivo post-operative evaluation and outcome measurement.
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retinal degenerations: hereditary