Fig. 3.

RHCIII-MPC and CLP-PEG corneal implants and their performance in mini-pigs. Examples of optically clear RHCIII-MPC and CLP-PEG hydrogel implants (a). After 12 months of implantation in corneas of mini-pigs, the implants remain clear like the unoperated cornea. Arrows indicate the boundaries of the implants. In vivo confocal microscopy shows that both RHCIII-MPC and CLP-PEG implanted corneas have regenerated their epithelium (b), stroma (c) and sub-epithelial nerve plexus (d) to resemble their counterparts in the normal, healthy cornea. Scale bars, 150 µm. Aesthesiometry measures the pressure needed to obtain a blink reaction, i.e. touch sensitivity, which is correlated to nerve function. Pre-operatively, all healthy corneas showed a response to light touch. At 5 weeks post-operation, the implanted corneas were non-responsive, even with maximal pressure exerted. At 3 months, touch sensitivity is returning so less pressure was needed for a response. By 6 months, sensitivity was back to normal levels. ^* – p < .05 as compared to un-operated eyes (Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni post hoc test).