SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF ARTIFICIAL CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL KERATOPLASTY IMPLANT
Published 2026 - 30th ESCRS Winter Meeting
Reference: PP01.06 | Type: Presented Poster & Poster | DOI: 10.82333/mkqj-7537
Authors: Mayank Nanavaty* 1 , Issac Levy 1 , Paria Akbari 1 , Martin Smith 2
1Sussex Eye Hospital,University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust,Brighton,United Kingdom, 2University of Brighton,Brighton,United Kingdom
Purpose
To characterize the surface morphology and edge profile of the artificial corneal endothelial device (EndoArt®) using environmental scanning electron microscopy.
Setting
University of Brighton, United Kingdom.
Methods
EndoArt® specimens underwent examination using an environmental scanning electron microscope (EVO LS15, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) with variable pressure chamber capabilities, enabling artifact-free examination of hydrophilic materials. Images were digitized at 2048 Å~ 1760 dpi resolution with 200-micrometer scale markers. Both inner (corneal) and outer (aqueous) surfaces were evaluated at magnifications ranging from 395X to 10.46KX, focusing on surface topography and edge profile characteristics.
Results
The EndoArt® device exhibited a dome-shaped configuration measuring 6.5 mm in diameter with uniform 50-micrometer thickness. Surface analysis revealed exceptionally smooth topographical characteristics on both surfaces with minimal variation. Both inner and outer surfaces demonstrated pristine, uniform appearance without visible manufacturing marks, scratches, or polymeric irregularities. Surface roughness measurements indicated values well below thresholds associated with cellular adhesion or protein deposition. The edge profile demonstrated optimal tapered design balancing stable tissue adhesion with minimal mechanical trauma. Mirror-like surface quality extended consistently across examined areas, superior to conventional hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses which typically exhibit surface irregularities and textural defects.
Conclusion
The exceptional surface smoothness and optimized tapered edge profile documented support the device's barrier function mechanism, correlating with clinical outcomes showing 18-37% corneal thickness reductions and representing significant advances in artificial endothelial replacement technology with EndoArt®.