BIOMATERIALS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY: A GENERALIST'S OVERVIEW.

For the biomaterials scientist, the eye presents unique problems, principally because the maintenance of optical function is paramount. This paper concentrates on some current challenges in the development of devices to be placed in the optical path: from air to tear film, cornea, aqueous humour, pupil, lens, vitreous humour, and finally to the retina. The associated questions of photodegradation of materials and protection of the optical tissues from phototoxicity are critical in the eye. Laser surgery is also uniquely valuable in ophthalmology since many procedures can be performed without invasive access. Finally, intraocular lenses can also incur protein adsorption, cellular adhesion, and opacification of the lens capsule which compromise optical performance.